Greg,
Thanks for your heartfelt comments and wishes. John McCain at his best was a voice of honor, example, patriotism but never xenophobic extremism.
I didn't agree with him on his backing by the NRA, but this was a Faustian bargain that allowed him to place his voice on the national stage. Sources of funding support are a thorn in the flesh of democracy, but he still rose above his fellows for justice and the rights and dignity of all irrespective of origin and creed.
It is hard to think that his pal, Lindsay Graham would be on his current extraordinary right-wing track if the good voice of his dear friend, John McCaine has been still in his ear. We need such voices as we are still bound by our tribal and selfish inclinations. We can best remember McCaine's service by supporting those who speak fearlessly without creating divisions, holding up our for value of the American Dream for all in our bountiful lands.
My prayer is that there are more young McCaine, young men and women, in incubation in the halls of colleges and factories, farms and offices who will take on his mantle. Our future is not in nationalism but in nurturing the individual and so strengthen the core of the nation from the people, for the people, by the people, as the US Constitution wisely declared.
Your attention to McCaine's legacy is opportune! It is nothing to do with tribal politics or fame and fortune, but all to do with principal of honor, law, equality, respect for citizens and treasuring each other's children as our own.
Asher