Dear Mr RingKnocker Senator McCain
70Dear Mr. RingKnocker (RingKnocker is NOT a compliment!) Senator McCain, Sir, not everyone knows a Navy Academy Midshipman at Annapolis is privileged from the get-go. He/she must be academically astute and brilliant, and, earn that "Cannon Ball" privilege being recommended by two high-ranking politicians from one's state of residence, then, sanctioned by the Vice President of the United States of America. Did you earn that privilege and sanction, or, did you ride in on your daddy's and granddaddy's coat tails?
Being you were fifth (5th) from the bottom of your Annapolis class of almost nine hundred (900), would indicate you did a coat tail ride -- which could be considered by some as cheating, or, at the least, privileged from the back door.
Being you were fifth (5th) from the bottom of your Annapolis class, and you crashed five (5) jet fighters, could indicate you have an affinity for the number five (5). Charles Elwood Yeager crashed five (5) planes in World War Two, but those five (5) fannies Yeager waxed were the enemies' and made Yeager an ACE. Perhaps, being fifth from the bottom of your Annapolis class, you got the ACE idea backwards by assuming crashing five (5) jet fighters, each of which you were the throttle jockey, made you an ACE, too. Sorry, it doesn't work that way.
Rumor has it you neglected to turn on your MAS (missile alert system) when you were booking air over Vietnam. Sheesh! Ya think that might be the reason you were shot down?
And, rumor has it, you weren't a POW for very long (like, four (4) days) before you "confessed" so you could get better medical treatment. If this rumor is true, I must ask if you had thought of those who had been POWs for long-term before you arrived at the Hanoi Hilton, and, how you sold THEIR souls to make things more comfy for you?
Please, quit riding on your record as a Vietnam POW -- that was then, this is now. You cannot even recall how many houses you have. You cannot speak publicly without stuttering, stalling, and delivering your stupid "My Friend" tag. You do not know how to use a computer. I am assuming you wear loafers or sneakers with the Velcro, because, I am having serious doubts as to your knowing how to tie your own shoes without assistance.
"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go. Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own. And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind." ~~ Major Michael Davis O'Donnell, 1 January 1970, Dak To, Vietnam, Listed as KIA February 7, 1978. And, I can see you shrug your shoulders at this and go, "Eh! Doesn't affect me."
Mr. McCain, get a grip on reality or pack up your tent and head on back to Arizona where not even Barry Goldwater liked you. I don't want you for my Prez, really, I don't. You have no clue what the real world is like. And, take your wife, Cindy, with you. She's the last person I would want as First Lady ... she has less of a clue than you what the real world is really like, and I don't think her stealing drugs from those organizations she implemented is a good role model for our country's youth.
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CommentsLoading...
My navy brother says it's hardly told, but McCain damn near sunk the ship from somekind of firing he did when he was in his plane and still on the deck...not sure of the details...I'll see if I can get him to write about it.
wow, you have been greatly touched by the Military and our governments decisions. I admire your strength.
I respect McCain's service, but I believe his tenacity borders and maybe crosses over "sane" boundaries. He seems to carry an urgency for revenge and looks for a fight. At least that's my observation of him as he speaks -- and as I examine even a little of his history. I am more worried about his service -- than see it as an asset. He freaks me out a little.
Thanks for your hub about service to our country. =)
Thanks for the comments, MJDakota and mariesuewrites. I see anger in McCain's face everytime I see him speak. I don't blame him for that anger, if he has it, I'd be quite miffed, too, if I went through what he did as a POW -- but that was decades ago and long past the time he left that behind. I've also been told McCain crashed 5 jetfighters, it's unsubstantiated, but if true, does that mean he's an ACE like Chuck Yeager?
mariesuewrites, McCain was assigned to USS Forrestol, did he start the fire? My first husband's Uncle Robert Bushy was lost in the fire on that same bird farm. I find it interesting McCain retired from the Navy with an O6 paygrade (Captain), yet he never captained a vessel. Guess that's how it works when one is a privileged elitist, eh? Last I knew for fact, McCain was an O2/O3 Lieutenant, Junior Grade/Lieutenant. So, he jumped 4 or 3 paygrades? Highest paygrade a Naval officer can earn without being assigned to captain a vessel is O5 - Commander.
my boo-boo, he was promoted to O5 - Commander. sorry.
good to see yu...where you been?? i sent you an email....=))
I'm listening to him now on MSNBC i just can't stand the way he doesn't tell the truth....surely we won't elect this man!!!
A moving tribute to the fallen, NJ. As the grandaughter and daughter of career Navy men and as someone who grew up in a military family I honor all who give their lives in battle. Your friends have my deep gratitude and respect.
As for Senator McCain, it is true he is the son and grandson of very important Admirals and even though he was at the bottom of his class at Annapolis, and indeed, almost got thrown out and was ,I am told, a big party boy and womanizer, he had quite a good career-- RHIP as you well know:-) Actually, his time as a POW in Viet nam probably saved his Naval career in some ways. Certainly, it launched his political career.
Though I don't agree with him at all politically, I think he is sincere and well-meaning but just has the very black and white, over-simplified view of the world that being efficient in the millitary demands. When the Captain gives an order, the only appropriate answer is "aye-aye,sir". Debating the nuances is not an option LOL. The military mind is exceedingly concrete and needs to be to do its job...military men make lousy presidents for that reason IMHO. ( Think Ullyses S. Grant)
John McCain will not get my vote, but he does get my respect for his service to his country,ringknocker or no.
I was just sick that he sounded so good last night on the religious forum. I don't trust this man, and I hope others are not fooled by him. Come on Obama!! He normally speaks better, don't know what was wrong, but he can't afford to make mistakes. grrrr.
Hi robie2, I agree, his POW experience gives him a political nod. perhaps his memory is weak on purpose...his own record seems to fade in his recall... He's far too quick to "fight" and that seems dangerously short-sighted. There needs to be some "give" to our next leader. Come on, Obama! I'm hoping he can and will do it.
I just heard reason McCain was shot down over Vietnam is he "forgot" to turn on his missile alert system. But, what else can ya expect from a RingKnocker who graduated 4th from bottom of his class, eh?
Hi marysue-- I saw that faith and belief thing last night too and I thought both McCain and Obama were great. Obama was more nuanced and intellectual in his responses and McCain a bit more scripted--but I expected that. I thought Pastor Rick did a great job and I am so glad to see out of the gutter, above the belt campaigning that focuses on substantive issues of who each candidate is. I thought this was really a step in the right direction. I thought McCain did fine but I am still an Obama Mama 'cause Obama is the man with a plan I agree with not Mc Cain:-)
And NJoG I bet there are a lot of people reading this who don't know what a Ring Knocker is LOL Just for the record, it is a graduate of Annapolis,West Point, or the Air Force Academy who thinks he's a big deal--refers to using the class ring to get people to quiet down by tapping it on the table. It's not a flattering term:-)
robie2, LOL you got it! most of them (those ringknockers) can be quite the schmucks, eh? and for those who get into Annapolis when their daddy and grand-daddy are not O-7 (admiral of lower fleet), O-8 (admiral of upper fleet), or O-9 (rear), they must be sanctioned by no less than 2 local politicians and then the vice president -- for 600 who qualify, 20 get sanctioned completely and accepted.
it's those ringknockers so full of themselves who give the good ones a bad name -- they have no clue what humble and grateful could possibly be. there's a yiddish term for that -- "chooch".
Well, NJ, I have to admit here that I come from a long line of Annapolis grads:-) Hope you will forgive me for that. My grandfather was a mustang-- a Norweigian sailor who was shipwrecked here, joined the American Navy and was commissioned in the field during the Spanish American War. He vowed that his five sons would all go to Annapolis and become "officers and gentlemen" and they all did. My father wore his Annapolis ring until the day he died but he was no ring-knocker LOL. He had command of a submarine during World War II and was awarded two Silver Stars. He retired as a Captain but two of his brothers made Admiral.
I spent my childhood on navy bases and even today, they feel like home to me--although I have lived most of my life far far away from the military and all that it represents. That's why, though I don't agree with McCain, I understand how he thinks and I respect him as a man of honor and a soldier. I don't really think he is what my father used to call a "shallow water sailor" -- I think he us just misguided. Perhaps for sentimetnal reasons I want to give him the benefit of the doubt:-) His father and my father were friends and I knew the family when I was a kid.
oh, robie2, how wonderful, the military history of your life thus far! i, most assuredly, do forgive you for coming from a long line of annapolis grads! i guess i just got on a rip with article and my comments, eh? and, i guess, i got on a rip RE: McCain. his naval career has been so priviliged, retiring as O6 when he never skippered. it takes away from all those who have graduated, served, skippered with honor.
i loved being a navy wife, i loved the air stations i lived on, and i still love the navy, despite the fact i knew how to pack a sea bag for inspection better than my husband at the time knew how to do.
and, i have great respect and admiration for those who have earned their ranks and paygrades, and those who given the ultimate are always tucked under my heart. i'm so grateful to all who do and have keep/kept me free.
i agree with your earlier comment RE: military men tend to think in black and white, therefore, do not always make the best choice for president. (those in the military have no choice but to go where they are sent and do as they are told.)
I know what you mean NJ-- It's hard to watch some people get handed stuff on a silver platter while others work so hard-- and the silver platter crowd usually doesn't even realize that it is priviledged. Thus it is and thus it has always been in both Navy and Civilian life:-)
Glad you liked being a Navy wife--not sure I can say the same about being a Navy Junior. That moving and changing schools every two years took its toll, but also gave me something I guess--like an early understanding of cultural and regional differences and how to fit in when I was forever the new kid on the block LOL.
I really do think this country has an unfortunate habit of rewarding its war heroes with the Presidency. Military men have to think in very simple black and white terms. As you say ,they have to do as they are told. Thus the art of questioning and looking at things from different angles is bred out of them. Law and politics require a very different mindset. You could really see that difference the other night in McCain's straightforward simple answers vs. Obama's nuanced and more intellectual replies. Perhaps in battle things are black and white, but in the world of politics almost everything is shades of gray which is why I think Obama is the better choice. Also, I think McCain is being led around by the nose by the neo-con crowd and that scares me.
But like you, I have a great affection for the professional military. I haven't been part of it for many years, but I will always respect the work that it does and the people who serve with honor.
Hey love this discussion!! My dad was a navy man and so was my brother. my brother worked on nuclear reactors and lots of other stuff....that could blow up.
I am in great agreement that Obama will be the candidate of the two that can bring about some needed change within our borders and without!
McCain, from what I read, almost blew up the carrier when he took off -- fired a missile I believe but was found "not responsible." uh huh.
anyway he's not going to be different than what we've had and may be worse. Elections are an exciting thing...yes? come on Obama!!!
marisue! It's always a wonderful joy to see you out here! Nothing like those Navy mud movers, eh? My first husband's Uncle Bobby was lost in the fire on the USS Forestol. So many have been lost, so many have returned not the same as when they left -- and not just Navy. It's my neverending hope that those who have no connections with the military could only realize what our warrors go through on our behalf. But, then, that is why our warriors go throgh what they go through, so those who are not connected with the military do not have to give it thought, let alone, realization.
~Nan
InkSlings.Com
yes...I don't think our military get half the things they need, including respect. I think medical and income should be way up up up!! housing too..encourage more to join...tho' i WISH it were not necessary the the world more peaceful. The campaign is about to get even more interesting!! =) lets hub about it!
Marisue, just what I was thinking - this campaign is about to go ballistic, maybe, and, yes, we should "hub" about it.
Now that Biden is on Obama's ticket as the V.P., I can only imagine how nervous McCain may be. If McCain's campaign staff even hints about Biden's plagiarism charge thang back his college days? That opens the door wide for McCain and the Keating 5 (which was Enron 101).
This is going to get exciting. And, not to mention, a very historical event. I'm fortunate enough to be here at this time to observe the upcoming events.
I need to re-work this article a wee bit, I have some inaccuracies to clean up, and some new things to add.
~NJOG
InkSlings.Com
I just wanted to add my voice here. I am tired of McCain poking at Obama's elitism. It is just that he is smart. He played by the rules. Worked hard and got ahead and ended up at Harvard and editor of the Law Review. McCain got legacied into Annapolis and as you all have said graduated 5th from the bottom of his class. Who is the elitist?
My dad is a navy man. He fought in WWII. He was on a mineweeper. Scary job; a little boat going before the big ones to make sure that the water is safe.
SusaBonfiglio, thanks for your comment, Sweetie! You are spot on, Sweet Gal! Navy wouldn't even trust McCain with any ship for his O6 captain paygrade but a mothballed hulk heading for a museum. (LOL, gotta earn that "bird" somehow, eh?)
and what military duty did Bill and Hillary Clinton do and the now President Obama. and now he scares the crap out of your neighbors with Air Force One and a Jet Fighter for photos that could have be done digitally without even being there.
Good choice on your part. Go Jersey..
NJog
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
USNA Class 2012
MIDN 3/C P.D. Jones
I love how you all pretend to be such strong supporters of our Armed Forces and the men and women who fight for your freedom, yet badmouth McCain and other military men so much. Disagree with his politics, that's fine. But do not discredit his service and generalize that military men make bad Presidents. Washington, Kennedy, Eisenhower, Lincoln, and Jefferson, to name a few. Only 12 of our 44 Presidents have had zero military experience.
And I don't want to hear about your opinions of McCain's service. The USS Forrestal Fire was not his fault, it was caused by an unusual surge in electricity due to faulty equipment, not human error. I am sorry to hear that your husband's uncle was lost in that fire, but do not try and blame it on McCain.
You accuse him of "confessing" after four days of captivity to receive better treatment? First off, the "Hanoi Hilton" had terrible conditions and this was a nickname given to the POW camp by its prisoners, a little something called sarcasm. Secondly, McCain was given preferential treatment and offered early release because his father was named commander of all American forces in Vietnam and the Vietnamese wanted to appear merciful for propaganda reasons.
You talk of McCain's entitlement due to his family's legacy at the academy? He refused this offer of early release unless every prisoner captured before him was released as well, following the United States' Code of Conduct for POW's. The Vietnamese then proceeded to torture Mr. McCain, subjecting him to beatings every two hours for four days. He was a POW for a total of five and a half years, two of which were spent in solitary confinement. I would hardly call that preferential treatment.
I would also like to point out that McCain volunteered for a combat assignment on the USS Oriskany, the aircraft carrier that McCain took off from on the day he was shot down and captured. Before you badmouth him, I would like to see you volunteer to put your life on the line for something greater than yourself. As a former naval officer and President of the United States (and clearly a terrible one at that) once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."
As for McCain's rank of Captain, he was promoted to that rank before retiring when he served as the Navy's liaison officer to the Senate. While it is true that most Captains have commanded a ship, it is not a requirement for that rank. I go to the United States Military Academy and probably know less than you do about the Navy since a few of your family members were in it, yet I was able to find this out within five minutes, just by doing some simple research.
In your profile you say you hope to do some writing? Learn how to do research and check your facts first. You also say that you only work about 21 hours per day, leaving you free to do other things. That is perfectly alright, but before you speak ill of Mr. McCain, consider this video. Not about John McCain, but another Officer and Senator: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4JieM0zYMI.
Being a USMA cadet I cannot honestly say that I am one of the Navy's biggest fans, but I will not sit idly by while you attack a true American hero.
![American Military Intervention in Iran and/or Syria - To Do, or Not To Do, That is the Question [126*-14/6]](http://s4.hubimg.com/u/6289559_50.jpg "American Military Intervention in Iran and/or Syria - To Do, or Not To Do, That is the Question [126*-14/6]")
MJ Dakota 3 years ago
I'm having a hard time with this election myself. I feel both popular candidates are not worth a vote, let alone my trust. I'm actually looking for a third choice.
Your hub is very heart touching. Thank you for introducing me to your friends.
MJ