Three Reasons To Vote For John McCain In 2008

Beginning Friday, October 3, and continuing through Friday, October 24, I intend to be positive, and provide three reasons to vote for each of the four best known candidates for President. Friday the 3rd: Independent candidate Ralph Nader. Friday the 10th: Libertarian candidate Bob Barr. Friday the 17th: Republican candidate John McCain. Friday the 24th: Democratic candidate Barack Obama.

John McCain, Republican

John McCain was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982 from Arizona. In 1986 he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he has served to this day. In 2004, he was re-elected to the Senate with 77% of the Arizona vote. He is a decorated Vietnam War veteran, who spent 5 1/2 years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. The McCain-Palin website states that, "His naval honors include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross." click here to read more

Based strictly on data from that site, the following are three reasons to vote for McCain on November 4:

#1. Iraq War surge strategy. Whether you agree with our involvement in the Iraq War or not, you have to admire McCain for recognizing that the Bush-Rumsfeld strategy was not working, and for pushing for an additional troop deployment (surge). McCain took a lot of political heat from Republicans for his action. But the surge has been a success, vindicating McCain's position.

#2. The environment. I quote two bullet items from his website that I feel are most important, and speak for themselves:
(a) Climate Policy Should Be Built On Scientifically-Sound, Mandatory Emission Reduction Targets And Timetables.
(b) Climate Policy Must Facilitate International Efforts To Solve The Problem.

Considering (a), I like the "scientifically-sound" phrase, but would have appreciated a definition of the term. For (b), it is obvious that the USA is not the only polluter on the globe. A world-wide effort is required.

#3. Renewing America's civic purpose. This initiative's concept is described and specifics defined:

"John McCain will create a Service to America initiative to strengthen the teaching and understanding of American history, culture and core ideas, and to inspire Americans to serve causes greater than their own self interest. Civic participation by citizens over a lifetime, working in neighborhoods and communities, and service of all kinds - military and civilian; full-time or part-time; and national or international - can renew America's civic purpose and heal our fractured patriotism."

"Bolster volunteerism with an energetic and comprehensive national service initiative designed to increase opportunities for people willing to serve their communities and their country."

"Convene "Volunteerism Summits" so people can share with others the best ideas and most effective programs currently underway in their own communities." I found this idea particularly attractive. Sharing what works and what doesn't will add efficiency to programs (ALL federal programs, not just this civic initiative), and in so doing, curtail the 'reinventing the wheel' time and money wasting drag upon projects that exists in both the governmental and private sectors.

"Coordinate a network of private sector "venture capital" funds matched with government grants to support job retraining or vocational training efforts in high schools and targeted communities where job loss persists." This targeted approach to areas of specific needs sounds both promising and cost effective.


Next Friday: Democratic Party candidate Barack Obama.