At a recent forum, McCain was asked what being a Christian meant to him. He related a story about being a POW and how a guard drew a cross in the dirt with his sandal, then rubbed it out; for just a moment it was two Christians worshipping together.

How moving. But research proved that the same story was recounted by Alexander Solzhenitsyn from his times in the Soviet Gulags. And, what makes it even more interesting, with all of McCain's writings, the story remained untold until coincidentially he made his first bid for the White House in 1999. Seems pretty interesting that the cross story does not appear in any writings or interviews, which McCain has since described as a life-altering incident. Just never came up? Or is it made up in an effort to sway evangelical voters?

Sounds like out and out plagiarism to me.

From the Dallas News

"At this past weekend's Saddleback forum, John McCain retold his story about a Christian North Vietnamese prison guard sharing a surreptitious Christmas moment when McCain was a POW. In the days afterward, some people pointed out that McCain's tale was a lot like one told by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn and said that McCain might have swiped the story. I posted about it, suggesting it was an unfair shot without some proof.

From the National Review's blog "The Corner" here's a nugget from a former POW who was in North Vietnam with John McCain:


"I recall John telling that story when we first got together in 1971, when were talking about every conceivable thing that had ever happened to us when we were in prison" Swindle told me a few minutes ago. "

So unless there's someone who has a basis for challenging that account, let's leave this one alone, yes?


NEXT POINT...you say in your post that "But research proved that the same story was recounted by Alexander Solzhenitsyn from his times in the Soviet Gulags." All the other bloggers etc who wanted to insinuate a lie said "hauntingly like" OR "very similiar" That might be called taking license

I dont know if it is true...neither do you...if it was a lie, he is a bum.

You are accusing me of being anti Sen Obama and such things...I am anti Sen Obama...but never have posted any of the questionable stuff that is going around about this guy. I did post an article from the Chicago paper but did not quote it..asked for someone to perhaps validate it. I did not show the quote in the thread however figuring it was inflammable.

By the way, you two can post all the stuff you want that are internet rumors about anyone you want...I dont play that way....consider it to be slanderous thus I will not be trying to post more about Sen Obama than you two can post about McCain, but if that is what pleases you have a go...it is always better to discuss issues however, perhaps not as stimulating but more on point than this kind of stuff

Enjoy

Originally Posted by Lil Dancer

At a recent forum, McCain was asked what being a Christian meant to him. He related a story about being a POW and how a guard drew a cross in the dirt with his sandal, then rubbed it out; for just a moment it was two Christians worshipping together.

How moving. But research proved that the same story was recounted by Alexander Solzhenitsyn from his times in the Soviet Gulags. And, what makes it even more interesting, with all of McCain's writings, the story remained untold until coincidentially he made his first bid for the White House in 1999. Seems pretty interesting that the cross story does not appear in any writings or interviews, which McCain has since described as a life-altering incident. Just never came up? Or is it made up in an effort to sway evangelical voters?

A man spends over FIVE YEARS as a prisoner of war, in a situation of constant pain - physical and psychological - where the purpose of the incarceration is to break your spirit and mind, to distort reality so much that you doubt your being, and to cause a feeling of utter abandonment.

If in the man's mind the event happened, then it did happen to him. That is his truth and what his mind believes is the truth.

For all of my experiences I cannot visualize what being a POW for that long, with the torture and terror involved, could possibly be like. Trying to survive that long, and keep your sanity, where it's you versus many in a war for your mind and spirit, is amazing. The "happy NVA" which gave Jane Fonda infamy brought torture and mayhem to levels which made the Aztecs look like flower children - and to have the NVA as jailors is something even Stephen King couldn't describe with appropriate terror.

If that's what the man remembers, then that's one of many things which kept him alive and sane.

For as long as he lives, Sen. McCain - and all who endured the hell of being a POW - will never be recompensed adequately by this nation for their service. If the tendency is to write off their envisionments of what occurred during confinement - envisionments which kept them from coming back so psychologically damaged as to never enjoy life again - then this nation has indeed sunk to very low depths.

Personally, I don't care if any former POW says he remembers dancing with the Rockettes or singing with Elvis while being held. If those are his memories and they helped to bring him back in fewer pieces, thanks for the memories and WELCOME HOME!

Originally Posted by SteveZ

A man spends over FIVE YEARS as a prisoner of war, in a situation of constant pain - physical and psychological - where the purpose of the incarceration is to break your spirit and mind, to distort reality so much that you doubt your being, and to cause a feeling of utter abandonment.
For as long as he lives, Sen. McCain - and all who endured the hell of being a POW - will never be recompensed adequately by this nation for their service.

I believe that any person who has spent time as a prisoner of war while defending our country deserves our humble thanks and respect.

I for one an very weary of the ongoing he said...he didn't say...he did...he didn't....tit for tat pot shots by the candidates....the 24/7 media... on this forum....and others

How about a discussion of an individuals merits/accomplishments with no name calling or disparaging. Just simple, good old fashioned evaluation and let the best man win.

I do so look forward to when (or should I say if) both parties and their candidates spend more time and money about themselves instead of opponent bashing.....it fails to influence the thinking members of their respective constituency.

BTK

I believe that any person who has spent time as a prisoner of war while defending our country deserves our humble thanks and respect.

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I would agree. However, just because he was a prisoner of war doesn't mean he is owed our vote.

Not voting for McCain or Obama. Voting NO instead.