When I was in my late teens/early 20's...

[LeftyFingerPop]

I had a friend who had a father who was a former POW in the Korean war.

I cannot remember how long he was a POW, but I believe it was years.

My friend told me that they occasionally kept him in some kind of box. He was beaten. He got TB. He had all kinds of scars, and would wear a shirt to cover them while swimming.

He would RARELY talk about the experience. Even after having a few too many drinks, he would change the subject if asked to talk about it.

He was the salt of the earth...a quiet, kind and proud man.

I respect what John McCain went through. I do not respect the fact that he is exploiting the experience.

Fuck John McCain, sideways. What he is doing is diminishing the experience of every other POW.

[boilerbabe]

1. You are right on target with this post.

I have many friends that are Vietnam vets (though not POWs), and if they talk about it at all, they avoid the heavy stuff and only discuss certain things, if that.

I had a neighbor that took rolls and rolls of film in Vietnam and never developed them.

My brain is not working, so I guess I will have to close this post, though I had something to say, whatever it was!! Duh

[elshiva]

2. Yes. My grandfather was a SeaBee during WWII.

He didn't get captured or anything, but just saying... He is the salt of the earth, too. He is also a Democrat and I am positive he is voting for Obama.
Grandfather has talked about how he hates the Iraq War and does not think it's right.
I don't think that military service qualifies or disqualifies a person to become president. That said it is important to a person's character, whether they served with honor or not...

I'm not sure how I feel about the whole use of the POW in his campaign. How does it compare with Kerry's use of his service? Just askin...

:hug: