I want to offer you, my American friends, my deepest condolences for the lost of Senator John McCain. He made a difference for his country and the world. Whether we agreed with him or not, the world knew John McCain and respected him. We would see him in Halifax almost every year, along with people he mentored. Along with serving his country with devotion, he mentored many people, democrats and republicans. History will remember him as a great American hero who made a difference in many poeple's lives, who spent his life serving his country with honor and dignity. Following Prime Minister Trudeau's tweet over 30 000 people responded in different ways with sympathy.
"Senator John McCain was an American patriot and hero whose sacrifices for his country, and lifetime of public service, were an inspiration to millions. Canadians join Americans tonight in celebrating his life and mourning his passing."
BTW: 30 000 is a lot in Canadian!
Sophie, thank you for your beautiful words. They mean a great deal.
Yes indeed! Sophie that was not only beautifully expressed but perfectly mirrored how I feel and why is death has affected so many of us Americans who treasured the man in spite of not always agreeing with some of his views or his pick of a running mate.
A good and decent man You shared some new reasons to appreciate him and your heartfelt condolences mean so much!
Thank you so much.
Thank you, Sophie. We are all grieving the loss of John McCain, one of our Greats. In comparison, the Orangeman looks incredibly petty and small. Very, very small and his days are numbered. I can’t help but be amused that McCain out shadows him, even in death. Truly, when you look at McCain’s life, his bravery and courage and endurance are examples for us all. Godspeed, John McCain. You are sorely missed and will always be remembered.
Yes, many condolences. Despite the sadness of his passing I feel that his passing offers some light in the darkness because of how he wanted his services to be carried out, who he asked to speak at them (and who not), and of course in the legacy of the example he set during his lifetime. I am not a US citizen, and I don't support the Republican ideals - yet I have the greatest respect for John McCain and am sadden by his passing. He had an extraordinary life, and appears to have lived it with dignity, morals, and truth to the values he believed in.
Why I say it offers some light in the darkness is because of the stark contrast of his words and actions compared to those in power now. At this troubled time, with all the shananegans going on with the Presidency and the division this is causing, his words and legacy of his actions and the many many tributes from those from both parties and those who knew him well, the appalling behaviour of Trump and those around him has been magnified. Although he may be gone, McCain's example of how to behave in a dignified honest way lives on, and that is sorely needed at this time. I think at this time that is something very precious to leave behind - I think it will make people stop and think when they hear the tributes and find out more about his life through the coverage on TV, and see the contrast with Trump et. al.
I actually feel quite emotional watching the coverage on TV. When Trump passes I doubt very much the words that have been spoken from the heart about McCain will be uttered about Trump....
And I reckon Trump is feeling really galled by the coverage and respects paid to him. He will never get that kind of respect and ceromony and turnout to his service. You can't demand or just expect that kind of response, it's earned. And John McCain earned it.
Hi I’m new here, and spent most of the day debating with myself on whether to post this or not. While watching the McCain funeral today I kept seeing Sophie’s prediction for 2019. “Obama will try to bring light back to the country. Bush will assist him. Clinton will be along for the ride.” It feels that McCain has set this into motion today, with the way he planned his funeral. From the seating arrangements, to the music, to who he choose to speak. I could picture him pushing white light throughout the cathedral.
I didn't see that prediction but it's amazingly spot-on!
Yesterday while I was watching the funeral, and Bush and Obama's eulogies in particular, I not only felt nostalgic for more normal days, but I kept getting this picture in my head of an iceberg breaking. I think the funeral, so dignified and such a reminder of what we can be as a country, might also serve as something the just breaks through to the national sentiment and causes a real change. It was such a stark reminder how badly the national discourse has degenerated. I feel it will have long lasting impact. Did anyone get the same feeling?
Welcome Robin! Blue, I think Trump was steaming yesterday.
*Something* definitely appeared to happen in connection to John McCain's funeral, but I wasn't able to sense clearly what. It had something of the feeling of an iceberg breaking, also like a phoenix rising from the ashes. But it was more like an opportunity for these things to happen, rather than it actually happening. Something like, the Republican party has been given a chance to fix some of the things they did wrong in the past, but it's up to them whether to take this opportunity or not.