Of course everyone, or at least most people, will know that Sen John McCain passed today. It is safe to say that I did not always agree with his policies or political views, but he was a decent man. During the 2008 election he gained a great deal of respect from me when he shot down questions about President Obama’s nationality. He always showed himself to be a true man of honor, and a man of service. With his passing it reminds me of something that James Otis stated in his speech before the government regarding the Writs of Assistance in 1761. He says of public conduct:

“The only principles of public conduct that are worthy of a gentleman or a man are to sacrifice estate, ease, health, and applause, and even life, to the sacred calls of his country”.

Sen McCain showed himself to sacrifice his comfort for the American people, for the body politic as a whole. He stood up for the American service member with care, and the American people with the same.

We have few true leaders that remain in the federal government. The moral character of the White House is in tatters as the GOP follows lock step with it. Sen McCain was a symbol of truth that has now passed. He should be missed by all.