After reading some of the comments in response to the news that John McCain has cancer, I think I understand the reason Democrats lose big in rural areas. Trying to use John McCain as an example of GOP hypocrisy on health care is a horrible idea. I am frankly ashamed of some of the comments. John McCain earned his health care in a jail cell in Vietnam. He is an American hero and his military service is part of the reason he has health care coverage
Rural Americans make up a disproportionate percentage of people in the US military. It is also worth noting that people of color make up a large portion of the military as well. For many rural people it is their ticket out of poverty. Many rural Americans have laid down their lives in defense of this country. Many have suffered grave injury. The friends, relatives and neighbors of these rural military members value their service. When we on the left fail to honor the service and sacrifice of military personnel; rural Americans get upset. When people on this site use John McCain’s cancer as a political issue, it appears as if they don’t appreciate the sacrifice he made as a POW.
During the 2016 presidential election I did phone banking for the Clinton campaign. One night I called Colorado. I spoke with a gentleman who was leaning Trump. I gave all the reasons I felt Hillary was a better choice including debt free college. His response was “if people want debt free college, let them join the military.” In other words, earn it. That phone conversation is an example of the difference in values between many on the left and rural Americans.
Some on this site argue that he is fair game because the GOP health care plan is awful, and will result in suffering and even death for many Americans. I agree that their health care plans are completely immoral, but his is NOT the time to score points. I don’t care if the GOP has no moral compass and would gladly use anything as a chance to score political points. The Scalise shooting is a perfect example of their moral corruption. We are not the GOP, we are better than that. If WE lose our moral compass all is lost