May I add something to the discussion involving Donald Trump’s comment regarding John McCain?
I’ve read the full transcript of what Trump said. I think the outrage being expressed is a form of political correctness.
The PC rule goes something like this: “One must never act, speak or do anything regarding those in uniform which demonstrates anything but honor and respect for their service.”
Even applying this PC rule, I’m not sure Trump breached it.
What Trump questioned was whether John McCain deserved to be called a war “hero” based solely on the fact that he was captured and made a prisoner.
Clearly McCain served with honor. Clearly McCain endured inhuman treatment. Clearly McCain exhibited bravery. But if we apply the PC rule above, with the exception of his torture, can’t we attribute honor and bravery to all of our military men and women?
So what then sets one person apart from all the others such as to deserve the special honor of being called a “hero”?
That’s what Trump was questioning.
You might disagree, but it seems to me that in the 21st century we’ve gone from idolizing the rare demonstration of heroics immortalized by men like Audie Murphy, to throwing the title of “hero” around so loosely that its over-use is more of an insult to real heroes than anything Donald Trump said. Hell, they are calling Bruce Jenner a hero for getting a boob job and dressing like a woman for cripes sake!
Trump questioned whether John McCain is called a hero solely because he was a prisoner of war. Trump asked why being caught, imprisoned and tortured is enough to be forever entitled to what should be (and once was) the rare and exceptional honor of being called a hero.
Now, before you come running at me with your fist up, I’m not questioning McCain’s service, his performance under duress, his selflessness while a prisoner or his survival under extreme conditions. He deserves great credit and appreciation for all that he did while on active duty. But what did he do that makes him a “hero”? That’s what Trump was saying.
We assign the title of “hero” too quickly sometimes and then declare all knighted as heroes “off limits” to any questions about their right to that honor.
And the fact that McCain admitted in his memoirs that he “broke under torture” and the fact that he gave up militarily important information to the enemy doesn’t diminish what he went through, or detract from the service he rendered or the risks he took for our country.
But since when did a uniform become an impenetrable barrier to any question about whether someone deserves the title of “hero”? Does a uniform have magical powers that transforms every person who wears one into a hero automatically? Or should we reserve the honor of being called a true hero for only the most exceptional, awe inspiring acts of courage to save others at risk to self?
I fully support our men and women of the military, police and firemen. In some sense I too consider them heroes. And I’m not saying any of this in support of Trump the candidate.
I’m saying this in support reserving the term “hero” for traditional heroes in order that their unique distinction does not become diluted by politicians or my fellow countrymen who so quickly rush to censor and punish anyone who in the exercise of free speech, says something that isn’t politically correct.
Some things just need to be sacred. Some standards just need to be exceptionally high. Some honors just need to be rare.
Marcus Carey is a Northern Kentucky lawyer. He is also a farmer, talk radio host and public speaker who loves history and politics. He grew up in Erlanger and now lives with wife, Harriet, on their Steepleview Farm in Poplar Grove where they have a Farmer’s Market.