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He served his country. Honorably.
That is how Senator John McCain wanted to be remembered. As a Canadian, this is how I remember a a man whom many have declared to be a Great American Hero. His influence and legacy extend beyond borders, and he exemplifies how I would like to live my life, and how I would like to teach my children. I love my nation, and all the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy. But for me, the USA represents what patriotism, leadership and commitment can achieve – well beyond just a strong and fearless neighbour next door. The time has never been more right to remember this man and his convictions, to ensure we all recognize that he served something far bigger than his own purpose and ego. Because the world needs these qualities more than ever.
When I think of all I love about America, it is embodied in this man. He served his country with true conviction, suffering incredible torture and choosing to remain with his men when he could have been released. He was grateful, truly grateful for the life he had lived, for the people he knew, and for the support and help he had received. He loved and fully appreciated the rugged majesty of the American landscape as an active outdoorsman.
He was not a politician but a man aware of his own failings who went into politics to serve his country. He was candid about his mistakes and regrets, which is not a quality of politicians but is of great leaders and those who inspire. He was also candid about his beliefs, which often were not those of his party. John McCain was not afraid to say what he meant, and he meant what he said. His honesty and candour, his willingness to own the consequences of his actions, are what set him apart.
Courage of conviction. These were words Senator McCain lived by. He stood up for what was right, spoke out against what he knew to be wrong. Defended those he saw being maligned. In the moment, there are few who will risk reputation and approval to take action. John McCain did not hesitate.
Freedom of the press. He knew and worked with the press in a tremendous relationship that grew over decades. He was open, honest and accessible believing in the importance of freedom of speech and the role it played in this powerful nation. He led by example, shared his insights, and nurtured some of the very best political commentators we have today. And those countries who lack the freedoms we take for granted smother this transparency and openness, then misrepresent their “truths” at large. Senator McCain saw the danger in deceptions playing out, and called out questionable leadership practices, notably with Putin in Helsinki, as he watched the current president shut down these essential channels, effectively shutting down his accountability by shutting out the people.
Senator McCain understood the need to work together and found the way to do that. He valued people, and learned from them, letting their differences help him grow. He requested both ex-presidents Barack Obama and George Bush deliver his eulogy, because he learned from them through their differences, and the respect was mutual. You can read his memoir to see a man who made mistakes and learned from them, who actively made the effort to try and learn what he did no know. There have been astute observations made that he surrounded himself with very capable, well-chosen people. Good leaders enable and equip their people to do what they do best, to encourage success by empowerment and respect. There is no “I” in team, and John McCain worked to build up those around him to ensure the whole was greater than the sum of its parts.
He knew what he was facing when given his diagnosis a year ago, and was open and upfront about the prognosis. He accepted what was to come with grace and dignity, but most importantly with candor and gratitude. There is tremendous courage in his openness at a time of great vulnerability, and again, powerful lessons for all.
We have lost the man but we must not lose his belief in what we can do better, what we can carry forward. Thank you, John McCain, for lighting this torch and leading the way.
Issues and Intersections 