By Douglas V. Gibbs
Author, Speaker, Instructor, Radio Host
The White House flag is at half-staff due to the fact that The Maverick, known as such due to his tendency to sometimes vote against the Republican Party, has passed away. Shortly after announcing he was no longer going to be receiving treatments for his brain cancer, U.S. Senator John McCain has died. He was the GOP nominee for President of the United States in 2008, and has been a U.S. Senator since 1986 after four years in the House of Representatives. He replaced Barry Goldwater when he was first elected to the Senate.
The 81-year old was also a Vietnam War veteran who was captured, and survived five years as a prisoner of war. He went to Vietnam in 1958 after graduating from the Naval Academy. In 1967 his attack aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air missile over Hanoi. His injuries included a restricted movement of his arms apparent to those around him for the rest of his life.
McCain was diagnosed with brain cancer in July of 2017, of which doctors discovered while removing a blood clot from above his left eye. A large scar above his eye remained visible after the procedure. While he outlived expectations in seemingly defiance of the affliction, the progress of the disease and the advancement of his age added up to the reality that the end was near.
Prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
— Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary