Musings
By Spencer Lehmann, RHU

Senator John McCain, Candidate for President, or a Nursing Home?


I've just been listening to MSNBC. They have been reporting, and adding commentary on the General Petraeus Hearings in the Senate that took place today.

Much can be discussed and opined about the General's testimony before the three Senatorial Candidates; Senator John McCain, Senator Hillary Clinton, and Senator Barak Obama.

I wish to discuss only one "facet" of today's "show". That facet is the mental ability of Senator John McCain to answer that "3:00 AM" phone call.

First, I think that "3:00 AM" phone call was a ridiculous campaign scheme begun by the, at this point, equally ridiculous Clinton Campaign (My opinion).

Second, certainly any one of us can "screw up", forget an important distinction between who is "screwing" whom.

Four times? Three in the "Field", and one before the Nation, in a Senate Hearing?

McCain did it again (and again, and again, and again). He confused the Shi'as and Sunnis. In public, before the nation, in a Senate Hearing.

I spent my career working with the Elderly. Those among us who are 65 and older, primarily those over 70 years of age.

John McCain is 71 years old and will soon be 72. No problem with that, at all. I venerate the elderly as being our Elder Statesmen.

However, and this is a major, big "However", when someone over the age of 70 needs to be corrected regarding Foreign Affairs, and be constantly reminded about who is fighting whom, I become concerned.

In my not so uneducated opinion (32 years developing and marketing Long Term Care insurance) when an individual who is running for President of the United States, consistently forgets important data, such as the difference between a Shi'a and a Sunni, in a War Zone where those distinctions are critical to split second timing and judgment, four times forgetting gives me pause.

Yes, McCain corrected himself immediately. Not good enough. Not good enough for the man who may have the "Red Phone" on his desk. Not good enough for the "Commander in Chief". Not good enough for the comfort of the American people who need to be certain, as certain as is possible, that the most powerful head of any country in the world has all of his mental faculties in order.

Many "excuses" can be, and will be offered, as to McCain's, once again, lapse of memory. In my opinion, they no longer matter.

Senator McCain served this country with honor, both in Vietnam and in the US Senate.

It seems to me that Senator McCain's time of serving this country should be relegated to the History Books. He has had several weeks to memorize, study, memorize, study, and know who we are fighting and where. He has not done that.

Americans should be willing to settle for nothing less than a President who is sharp, aware, fully conscience, and, in this case, who knows the difference between a Shi'a and a Sunni. Clearly, John McCain does not.

Do I really think that John McCain should be in a Skilled Nursing Home? Of course not.

Do I think that John McCain is qualified to be President? Of course not.

Do I think that John McCain may be qualified for an Assisted Living Facility, or an Adult Family Home, sometime in the near future. Very possibly.

And anyone who may be facing that eventuality in the near future is not a person who should be our next "Commander in Chief".



Spencer A. Lehmann, RHU is a Registered Health Underwriter with many years of experience in working with Insurance companies to help develop and market Long Term Care insurance products. He also has many years of experience in working with the Federal Congress and State Legislatures in developing consumer protection oriented rules and regulations.

A very insightful column! I think that you make some excellent points that should be the concern of every voting age American.

I have study the religion of Islam, read the Qur'an several times and can expalin the theological differences bewtween a Sunni and a Shiite Muslim but I still get them confused from time to time. Most Americans don't know, or care about, the difference between the two Muslims denominations. In fact I would be surprised if a lot of Americans could tell the difference between a Baptist and a Southern Baptist. Sen. McCain's problem of knowing the difference between a Sunni or Shiite Muslim is not due to his age. It is due to a lack of knowledge, one that most Americans share, about the religion of Islam.

quote:

Originally posted by Senator Hatrack:

I have study the religion of Islam, read the Qur'an several times and can expalin the theological differences bewtween a Sunni and a Shiite Muslim but I still get them confused from time to time. Most Americans don't know, or care about, the difference between the two Muslims denominations. In fact I would be surprised if a lot of Americans could tell the difference between a Baptist and a Southern Baptist. Sen. McCain's problem of knowing the difference between a Sunni or Shiite Muslim is not due to his age. It is due to a lack of knowledge, one that most Americans share, about the religion of Islam.

I must respectfully, heartily disagree, Senator.

You are not running for President. It makes no difference what you may remember or not remember.

Senator John McCain is running for President, and wants us all to believe that he is mentally ready.

Clearly, he is not. He doesn't get the luxury of "forgetting", as might you and I. We elect and pay our President to remember, not forget.

Anyone running for President in 2008 had better damn well know the difference between who is fighting whom. Thinking otherwise is just plain foolish! Further, this man has had several weeks after already "forgetting" three times, when "over there". As he hasn't memorized it by now, and cannot read his teleprompter and get it right, he never will.

It is high time to stop making excuses for mediocrity.

And I, for one, do not want John McCain answering the phone at 3:00 PM, let alone at 3:00 AM.

Originally posted by Spencer Lehmann~

quote:

And I, for one, do not want John McCain answering the phone at 3:00 PM, let alone at 3:00 AM.

Either McCain doesn't know Shi'as from Shinola, he's senile, he is deluded, or he is simply repeating a lie that he wishes to perpetuate, that being perpetuating the current administration propaganda point about Iran.

Senator, McCain is not being asked to explain the theological differences between Shi'a and Sunni, he is being asked to keep the major players in Iraq straight. This is supposed to be his area of expertise. If he can not keep the facts in mind about the area that he claims he is the resident expert then he certainly won't be able to answer that 3 AM phone call, or even find the phone.

By now, anyone in the House, Senate, White House, or the Pentagon should know the difference between the major factions in Iraq. The subtleties of religious beliefs and practices aren't so important as knowing who's fighting whom and why, and who's on our side or not.

I have been growing increasingly uneasy with Senator McCain's speech and demeanor for at least the last couple of years. To put it in layman's terms, he seems to be "losing it" slowly but surely. I have seen and worked with more elderly dementia patients than I can count, and my wife deals with them every day at the hospital. We both believe we see some of the signs in the presumptive Republican candidate for the Presidency. That's downright scary.

quote:

Anyone running for President in 2008 had better damn well know the difference between who is fighting whom. Thinking otherwise is just plain foolish! Further, this man has had several weeks after already "forgetting" three times, when "over there". As he hasn't memorized it by now, and cannot read his teleprompter and get it right, he never will.

Quite often Sunni and Shiite Muslims are not fighting each other. If they are not fighting each other how important is it to remember which is which? What is important is to help them learn to peacefully live together. Stressing their differences does not help them learn to live together.

quote:

Senator, McCain is not being asked to explain the theological differences between Shi'a and Sunni, he is being asked to keep the major players in Iraq straight.

It is the theological differences between the Sunni and Shiite Muslims that makes the two denominations the major players in Iraq. Knowing the theological differences can help in knowing who is a Sunni and who is a Shiite. That knowledge helps keep the major players straight.

Senator~

I don't have to know the subtleties of religion know that there Baptists, Jews, Catholics, Hindus, Buddhists and Rastafarians. I know that these are different religious groups and that even these have several factions within themselves.

I also don't know the exact differences between Hamas, the PLO and/or Hezbollah, but I can keep the names straight. That Senator McCain cannot, is troubling, especially since the Shi'ites and Sunnis seem to take insult at the drop of a thagiyah.

quote:

Either McCain doesn't know Shi'as from Shinola, he's senile, he is deluded, or he is simply repeating a lie that he wishes to perpetuate, that being perpetuating the current administration propaganda point about Iran.

Senility and delusion are medical conditions that require a doctor's diagnosis to determine. Could you please provide a doctor's diagnosis on Sen. McCain's medical condition? Or if he is "perpetuating the current administration propaganda point about Iran" could you provide a link that shows how McCain and Pres. Bush are lying about Iran. Please provide a better source than the one you tried to use to prove that Bush lied. One that has not come to a conclusion and then written a report to prove what it believes.

quote:

Originally posted by Senator Hatrack:

quote:

Anyone running for President in 2008 had better damn well know the difference between who is fighting whom. Thinking otherwise is just plain foolish! Further, this man has had several weeks after already "forgetting" three times, when "over there". As he hasn't memorized it by now, and cannot read his teleprompter and get it right, he never will.

Quite often Sunni and Shiite Muslims are not fighting each other. If they are not fighting each other how important is it to remember which is which? What is important is to help them learn to peacefully live together. Stressing their differences does not help them learn to live together.

At this moment, Senator, it is essential that anyone leading the USA know the differences and what delineates those differences.

Segueing off-topic into a philosophical discussion about bringing the two sects together does nothing to further the intent of this thread.

Stay on topic, and please. no more ambiguous segues off.

We are discussing McCain's ability to remember who the players are in Iraq, and who is fighting whom. I hope that refreshes your memory.

quote:

Originally posted by Senator Hatrack:

quote:

Senator, McCain is not being asked to explain the theological differences between Shi'a and Sunni, he is being asked to keep the major players in Iraq straight.

It is the theological differences between the Sunni and Shiite Muslims that makes the two denominations the major players in Iraq. Knowing the theological differences can help in knowing who is a Sunni and who is a Shiite. That knowledge helps keep the major players straight.

Commented on, by you, Senator, and response given. Read post above.

Oh, and for the record, our troops can tell who is whom. We ask little in requesting that McCain remember who is whom.

quote:

Originally posted by Senator Hatrack:

quote:

Either McCain doesn't know Shi'as from Shinola, he's senile, he is deluded, or he is simply repeating a lie that he wishes to perpetuate, that being perpetuating the current administration propaganda point about Iran.

Senility and delusion are medical conditions that require a doctor's diagnosis to determine. Could you please provide a doctor's diagnosis on Sen. McCain's medical condition? Or if he is "perpetuating the current administration propaganda point about Iran" could you provide a link that shows how McCain and Pres. Bush are lying about Iran. Please provide a better source than the one you tried to use to prove that Bush lied. One that has not come to a conclusion and then written a report to prove what it believes.

Your request is ludicrous. This is an opinion piece.

Nonetheless, Joe Sexton, as a Counselor to the Elderly, has many years of experience in seeing mental decline in the elderly.

I have over 32 years in giving mini-mental exams to those over 70 years of age to help determine mental acuity. I am licensed to do so. I have many clients, 5,000 + approximately. Of that number I have seen many of my clients suffer mental acuity deterioration.

When a candidate for President can't remember facts as he should, four times, with a colleague, Joe Lieberman, reminding him three times in a week, and reading a teleprompter in front of a Senate Hearing on the fourth try, he is, in my educated opinion, suffering from mental acuity deterioration. It may not be too serious yet. It could become very serious within the next couple of years.

Frank Darbe said:

quote:

Senator, McCain is not being asked to explain the theological differences between Shi'a and Sunni, he is being asked to keep the major players in Iraq straight. This is supposed to be his area of expertise. If he can not keep the facts in mind about the area that he claims he is the resident expert then he certainly won't be able to answer that 3 AM phone call, or even find the phone.

Joe Sexton said:

quote:

By now, anyone in the House, Senate, White House, or the Pentagon should know the difference between the major factions in Iraq. The subtleties of religious beliefs and practices aren't so important as knowing who's fighting whom and why, and who's on our side or not.

I have been growing increasingly uneasy with Senator McCain's speech and demeanor for at least the last couple of years. To put it in layman's terms, he seems to be "losing it" slowly but surely. I have seen and worked with more elderly dementia patients than I can count, and my wife deals with them every day at the hospital. We both believe we see some of the signs in the presumptive Republican candidate for the Presidency. That's downright scary.

Donna Gayler said:

quote:

I don't have to know the subtleties of religion know that there Baptists, Jews, Catholics, Hindus, Buddhists and Rastafarians. I know that these are different religious groups and that even these have several factions within themselves.

I also don't know the exact differences between Hamas, the PLO and/or Hezbollah, but I can keep the names straight. That Senator McCain cannot, is troubling, especially since the Shi'ites and Sunnis seem to take insult at the drop of a thagiyah.

I said:

quote:

It seems to me that Senator McCain's time of serving this country should be relegated to the History Books. He has had several weeks to memorize, study, memorize, study, and know who we are fighting and where. He has not done that.

Americans should be willing to settle for nothing less than a President who is sharp, aware, fully conscience, and, in this case, who knows the difference between a Shi'a and a Sunni. Clearly, John McCain does not.

<SNIP>

It is high time to stop making excuses for mediocrity.

And I, for one, do not want John McCain answering the phone at 3:00 PM, let alone at 3:00 AM.

John McCain is not a man who should be running this country.

Please, stick with the Topic at hand, and do not segue from the Topic which can have the effect of throwing those reading this Topic, Off.

Thank you in advance.

A reminder: We are discussing whether or not John McCain is "Mentally Capable" of running this country. We have demonstrated and provided solid evidence, reasoning, why he should not. Several of us are schooled in problems involving mental acuity, and its deterioration. We know whereof we speak.

You can accept that reasoning, based upon educated experience, or not.

Either way, please do not stray off topic.

The Topic is not a discussion of the ideological or philosophical differences between the Shi'as and Sunnis.

The Topic is a discussion of why a man who would like to be President does not know the differences after having so many opportunities to learn those differences, and if that should disqualify him as being ready for a 3:00 PM phone call let alone a 3:00 AM phone call regarding actions in a War Zone in which we have many thousands of our troops stationed.

It is the consensus thus far, of four of those posting to this Topic, that John McCain is not qualified to lead this country, in part because it appears that his mental acuity is deteriorating.

It has been your consensus that McCain's mental acuity should not matter (as best I can tell).

Among those of us who think that McCain is suffering from mental deterioration, several of us are schooled in these issues.

Why do you think that John McCain's ability to remember or not remember who is doing what to whom, and who is whom in Iraq, is of no consequence? Is this really the "Mark of a Man" that you would choose to lead this country?

Senator, you are welcome to provide your own opinion here. Mine are based on definitons of words in English.

quote:

deluded 1: to mislead the mind or judgment of : deceive, trick.

To say he is deluded is not a medical diagnosis. It is an observation that simply believes something that is not true.

quote:

Senile Of, relating to, or characteristic of old age.
Relating to or exhibiting memory loss or mental impairment associated with aging.

These words have perfect everyday uses. But to be specific.

To say John McCain is deluded I am saying that he believes something that is provably false. That self delusion is possibly attributable to the loss of mental agility due to old age.