[Perchant]

There are worse things than death. Pain can be a severe motivator, but not as severe as your own self-respect.

Why do you believe it is "self-respectful" for one to allow himself to be used as a mouthpiece for enemy propagandists when he has the option to freely return to the US instead?

People call McCain a "hero" because they have learned it by rote.

[Yosemitest]

Had he opted for freedom as a special consideration, he would forever have been considered a traitor for taking special favors above his other fellow POWs.

Have you any military experience?