Is John McCain Insane? Torture, Suicide Attempt and PTSD
Posted: Friday, July 25, 2008
by Mark Parsec
Wordcasters
If Barack Obama had attempted suicide it would be all over the front pages of every newspaper across our country. Never mind that John McCain attempted suicide while being held as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.
As a POW John McCain's suicide attempt was justified. Right? Well, maybe so. How many people could have endured such horrific torture year after year? But, that is not necessarily the problem. The problem is the long term psychological effects that torture has upon its victims. This condition is most commonly referred to as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
This is a serious concern for anyone that may be inclined to endorse Senator McCain as the next President of the
PTSD can cause distorted thoughts and feelings, obsession with the traumatic stressor, increased startle reactions, rage, outbursts, nightmares, irritability and a general impairment of overall functioning. Such individuals are prone to sudden irrational behavior. In essence, we have a walking time bomb just waiting to go off.
Sidney Blumenthal, one time senior presidential advisor has noted that John McCain's political colleagues have described him as, "a volatile man with a hair-trigger temper, who shouted at Sen. Ted Kennedy on the Senate floor to 'shut up,' called his fellow Republican senators 'shithead,' 'f******* jerk,' 'a**hole,' and joked in 1998 at a Republican fundraiser about the teenage daughter of President Clinton, 'Do you know why Chelsea Clinton is so ugly? Because Janet Reno is her father.'" (http://www.usvetdsp.com/dec07/mccain_suicide_ptsd.htm)
Does this sound like presidential behavior?
When asked how he managed to endure years of torture as a POW John McCain indicated that he went into a fantasy world of his own. A fantasy world? If any common American said that he or she lived in a fantasy world we would call them delusional, lock them up, and throw away the key.
Please, thoughtfully consider the dangerous instability of John McCain before you deem him qualified for the position of President of the United States
© 2008 Mark Parsec
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Normally my comment would be positive, but this article borders on slander. There has never been any proof that McCain had or has ever had PTSD. My two uncles served under severe WWII combat and horrors, and they came back as they left, only wiser to the Hitler deception of Nazism. This is surprising that anyone who did not have proof of such a medical condition would make such an accusation. Never in my wildest thoughts would I malign Obama or McCain with false information to benefit the other politically.If there is proof, then please present it, otherwise you have stooped too low.KiiThank you for your comment, Kii. Unfortunately it doesn't appear that you understand the rating system at SearchWarp or the nature of PTSD. Further input on your comprehensive understanding of PTSD would reinforce your argument. Incidentally, the evidence that you said was missing was referenced in the article and is straight from the U.S. Verteran Dispatch. You may want to click on the link to ascertain the facts for yourself.Yes, I read the article, but found it to be more opinion than fact. You and I both know that McCain released his medical records. You see, as a former Criminal Justice Instructor at a local community college, this was addressed under mental illnesses for criminals, and taught by me years ago. It is covered briefly in James A. Inciardi Textbooks like CRIMINAL JUSTICE Seventh Edition, and other texts that had more detail.Neither candidate is in agreement with my political beliefs, but there is a place we should not go. Neither Obama nor McCain is mentally ill, which is the category of PTSD. Both are able to be in public, do speeches and interact normally with others. True PTSD sufferers avoid public interaction unless necessary, and are not always suicidal. PTSD does not always show up its total strength immediately, but would have been obvious usually within three years of the events that caused it.McCains stressful campaign has proven him to be normal so far, if he freaks out maybe you can say this. Slander is nothing more than an unestablished truth, that maligns someone unfairly. In Crime, The McNaughten Rule (similar to Durham Rule) says the accused did not know right from wrong at the time of the crime, and is therefore not responsible for their actions. The PTSD defense is similar, and has helped many Vietnam Vets in defense of their violent actions.Anxiety at what those people were saying at those hearings probably caused McCain to act what looked like irrational. Obviously he felt there were lies being told, and I wasn't there so it would be ignorant of me to judge either side. The ultimate sacrifice of one's life to keep other Americans free should not be taken lightly. Jesus was angry enough to 'turn over the tables of the moneychangers in the temple', and he wasn't PTSD. All of us get angry at injustice, and statements or actions that offend us.It is possible that I don't understand the rating system, and will look that up. However, facts are not articles by other vets, only a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose and treat PTSD. We have categorized and labeled everyone unitl it has made many of us wonder what is being taught in the colleges today. Many wonderful doctors are treating those who have become victims of war, and to them kudos for their hard work. If I offended you, my apologies.Kii, I appreciate you taking the time to elaborate upon your point of view on this controversial opinion. You may note that I never said that John McCain was diagnosed with PTSD. I only alluded to the fact that he very well could have PTSD.I have never worked in the Criminal Justice System. However, I do not think this is a question of criminal justice. I have worked as a Veterans Service Representative, however, and assisted veterans in the process of determining their eligibility for PTSD and have seen their conditions time and again. I find it highly unlikely that anyone, let alone John McCain, could have endured such torture without there being some long term detrimental effects to his mental health.Regarding his anxiety about what individuals were saying in reference to the MIAs, that may not be a very good excuse. As President of the United States I can guarantee that he would experience much more intense situations.No offense taken at the content of your comments. I believe people should freely express their opinions and be able to debate in a civil manner. How else shall we learn? I was, however, disappointed in the rating because the rating has nothing to do with opinion, but with grammar, format, content, etc. But, no harm done.I respect your point of view and appreciate your comments. God bless you.Who are YOU? You call yourself Christian at that, shame on you. McCain may have put himself in the public arena but are wrong to discredit him due to his torturuous experience in Vietnam. It is a danger and a menance to our government that present leadership has so little knowledge and experience about the military and war. What better commander in chief than one who knows just how horrid it gets and lives and recovers (no one is the same after setting foot in that arena). Have you ever been injured, beat up, had everything taken away from you, DENIED treatment for your injuries for signing up to be one of the "good guys"? I am politically independent, private, but you are a disgrace to the discussion. Too bad its not a separate position. I wonder what it is you bring to the table. Who are you again and how are you somehow better than all the rest of the talking heads? Christian? Isn't it nice to live in a free country that you can say such things? In some countries, you would disappear the next day for utterring the wrong word to whomever the favored flavor of the day is. Using this right to freedom of speech, I will close with this, what you have said here digusts me and I am sure many others. You have no idea tof he sacrifices people have made and if it ever knocks at your door, perhaps you will see government, the military, war, leadership, the world and even humanity through that different lens. Since he's above ground and flourishing at that, he deserves just as much respect as Elie Wiesel. They are survivors where most of us would not be.I'm a little surprised at your attack, for I had nothing harsh to say about McCain. As for the article, it's three years old...attacking someone now is sort of irrelevant.
If you feel the need to attack Christians hold on, there's an election coming and you'll get your chance to bash someone.
Freedom of Speech is just that, the right for all to express all the stupidity or truth in their heart.
I'm a former Reservist, and I have respect for all who served this country....so why attack someone who isn't attacking anyone?Michelle,
Thank you for your comments. To answer your questions, I am a veteran of both the US Air Force and the US Army. I also served as a County Veterans Service Representative. And yes... I am familiar with PTSD, both personally as well as working with veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD.
The article focused upon the disabling aspects of PTSD with the presidential candidate and how they could adversely effect his decision making abilities.
As far as my Christian faith is concerned, I do not see how it is pertinent in this discussion regarding political candidates... I do not bash somebody's faith because they do not agree with my political viewpoints.
In response... who are YOU? What is your experience with the military or with PTSD or with public service? What do you bring to the table?
Other than that I do not have the time nor energy to address your emotionally scathing remarks.
God bless you.
Thank you for the link Mark! I do not see where you have slandered any party. Thank you for the link regarding McCain's diagnosis on PTSD. I am sorry that the person above missed it. Blesings
In answer to: "However, I do not think this is a question of criminal justice."Let me respond one last time to the above comment. It is important to understand that all Criminal Justice majors must take several Psychology classes equating to almost a minor in Psychology, as a requirement. The reason is that many criminals have a mental problem or personality disorder, as is the case with many Vietnam Vets with PTSD. Murder and Assault are the most obvious, so understanding all of the mental illnesses, and disorders are a requirement. Therefore, when teaching CJ, it is part of the curriculum. My explanation went to the core of your original comment that "my comprehensive understanding needed more input".to show my understanding of PTSD. All areas of crime are affected by psychology, so it is very relevant. Blessings to you also.My apologies if you felt I was slighting you. That was not my intention. What I was suggesting is that the article is not related to a criminal justice matter. I am not inferring in the article, nor in my comments, that anyone has broken the law here.This does leave me with the impression that perhaps our different backgrounds reflect our different ways of looking at the same condition.But, you know, I was reflecting upon your reference to Jesus turning the money changers' tables. You are right, there is such a thing as righteous indignation. However, I do not believe that is the case with John McCain.Incidentally, there has not been a "full" disclosure on John McCain's medical records to the best of my knowledge. Although, a partial disclosure was made to the public recently.Having worked with veterans that have been diagnosed with PTSD, I am fully aware that there are many cases that remain undiagnosed for years, even decades, before the trigger causes them to snap. One of my biggest concerns pertaining to McCain is his period of "fantasies" which he described during his terrible torture. This is classic disassociative behavior and is clearly linked with PTSD.I would imagine that if my Father was a famous Admiral in the Navy that my medical records would look pretty squeeky clean if he had any political ambitions for me.I am curious, have you worked with people who have PTSD?
Mark - I believe that most people of whatever part or political views would not judge rumored thoughts or efforts of any candidate or party. Senator McCain's service record stands. Most of his political opponents agree that under extreme and severe hardship and suffering, Senator McCain went far far beyond anything most people on the earth can begin to imagine, much less bear.
What you have heard or read sounds like wolfish rumors dressed in sheepish clothing referring to events over 20 years ago under unimaginable suffering.Jane, I am not discrediting the honorable service that John McCain has demonstrated and I absolutely agree that his suffering must have been unimaginable. However, as a veteran who has worked with many veterans of many wars and seen first hand the effects of PTSD upon POWs and others, I believe it is imperative that we do not turn a blind eye to the possible consequences of this trauma upon the psyche of those we place in positions of trust.This issue becomes even more of a concern when one considers the long-term side effects of torture and programming of the human mind. Deep seated psychological suggestions may have been implanted that could be triggered by key phrases or events. It is possible that most anyone experiencing the intense programming that Senator McCain endured would be subject not only to unexpected mental breakdowns but could also be easily manipulated psychologically (even after this many years) by a foreign entity who is privy to the art of mind control.Can we afford to take that chance?
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