Every military man, except John McCain, understands that it is a prisoner of war’s duty to free him- or herself from captivity.

The hero not only frees himself, but returns to free others. To refuse release as John McCain did, because others were not to be released, was not heroic, but arrogantly stupid. He himself must have realized the stupidity of his refusal, because on two occasions, he had to be prevented from committing suicide. So much for heroism, responsibility and the sanctity of life.

Later in life — right up to this very moment, he has hypocritically surrounded himself with corrupt and corrupting lobbyists and businessmen. Just last week, he removed from his staff lobbyists for the military dictatorship of Myanmar.

McCain, even at this stage in his life, appears to need to prove himself and to prove things to himself.

When I was a kid, no one liked a punk with a chip on his shoulders. Who was to know that those qualities would elect one president, and maybe one to succeed him?

–Raphael O’Suna, Haiku