Replies

JOE43270 writes: He flew the missions and spent the time as a POW. As a U.S. Air Force veteran, I won't forget any of that.

Yes, McCain served his country. No one can take that from him. But let's face it. Benedict Arnold served his country too. Indeed, Arnold's military record was far more impressive than McCain's.

Benedict Arnold led the Continental Army to many victories; he exhausted his personal fortune to pay his troops; he received serious wounds that crippled him for life.

But, in the end, he turned traitor.

You should read all of what I wrote so people including you won't be taking me out of context. I also said I wish he wasn't in congress. I've not been thrilled with him at all.

Yes. But we can't set Benedict Arnold's pre-betrayal record up as a standard of military service. He was really a great soldier, albeit one with bad luck. He made an incredible effort in the Canadian campaign (Montreal?) against not only stronger enemy forces but horrible cold. He lost that battle through no fault of his own.

Then, although he held no command in the battle, he grabbed some troops who were standing around in the battle of Saratoga and led them into the battle at the critical time, winning the battle. Some military historians consider Saratoga to be the "decisive" battle of the Revolutionary War. I don't agree, but it seems important.

In fact, it was this tremendous drive, energy, and sacrifice, combined with little recognition and being treated like a failure, that led him to betray his country. Not that these things (or anything) justify such a heinous act---they do not.

It just seems ironic to me that setting (the pre-traitorous) Benedict Arnold as a standard for a soldier would be a high standard indeed.