President George H. W. Bush Endorses John McCain

At a press conference in Houston today, former President George H.W. Bush endorsed John McCain for president. President Bush made the following statement on his endorsement:

"Today we are living in a time of war, a new and vastly more complex time of war. We also have more important challenges at home, chief among them, we clearly need to address those parts of our economy that demand attention. And at this critical time in history, the key point I want to make is the United States of America cannot be permitted to falter. Part of our Republican creed is a prevailing sense of duty. In the coming election, we do not have the luxury of taking a pass on our unique role and responsibilities in the world. And the indisputable fact that unites the greatest number of Republicans, most independents and many good Democrats is the fact that no one is better prepared to lead our nation at these trying times than Senator John McCain.

"As someone who also helped lead our great Party at the RNC and later as President, I believe now is the right time for me to help John in his effort to start building the broad-based coalition it will take for our conservative values to carry the White House this fall. His character was forged in the crucible of war. His commitment to America is beyond any doubt. But most importantly, he has the right values and experience to guide our nation forward at this historic moment. So I am very proud to endorse John McCain for the presidency for the United States of America. Few men walking among us have sacrificed so much in the cause of human freedom, and I am happy to help this remarkable patriot carry our Party's banner forward."

McCain Shows His Heart

Senator McCain speaks with heart and compassion to a fellow veteran who is struggling with life...

Disabled vet to McCain: 'I don't see point' in living
From the Portsmouth Herald/Seacoastonline.com
PORTSMOUTH — "What good is it for me to be here alive?"

Greg Major struggled as he slowly uttered the question to Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain. Major, a Navy veteran, has a traumatic brain disorder caused by a motorcycle accident 22 years ago. He stood with a crutch and the arm of SteppingStones caregiver Ronnie Tomanio, and his words were monotone, poignant and powerful.

"I'm taking up valuable space and worthy subsidies to keep me alive. So why don't I just pass it off to someone else and just exterminate my life?"

"Greg, all I can say to you is thank you. Thank you for your family, thank you for your comment," said the senior senator from Arizona. "I believe every life is precious, and I believe all of us are God's children. And I will not lose hope that we will develop cures that will relieve the burden that you have ... I hope you will never give up your hope and your faith."

The touching exchange changed the tone of the environmental policy discussion to a conversation about life and death. Major remained in his seat and took back the microphone.

"But I think, wouldn't it be better to set me aside and let others consume?" said Major. "I just don't see any point continuing because it's difficult for everyone else to support me. It's pointless to sit here and use the resources when they can go to someone else and do much better."

Tomanio took the microphone from Major and asked the crowd of 125, some wiping away tears, whether anyone felt Major uses too many resources. The audience shouted "no" in unison.

"None of us believe that," added McCain. "It's not what America is about. That's not what our faith is about. All I can tell you is there are loving family members and loving neighbors and friends, who want to do all they can to help you live as long and as beautiful a life as possible. We value you and we cherish you."

Major, who served three years on the USS Spartanburg County LST 1192, received the injury in 1985 and was in a coma for five months. Doctors told his parents, Larry and Sally, they were either going to have to take him off life support or place him in a nursing home the rest of his life. If he lived, they said, he would never walk again. Two years later, the family visited Yugoslavia and Greg climbed a mountain on crutches.

After the forum, Tomanio said persuading Major to continue living is a daily struggle. But they do so by showing how he contributes to society, like the column Major and Tomanio write for the Portsmouth Herald Go & Do section in which they interview veterans.

"I didn't know he was going to say that ... but it's not just him saying that," said Tomanio. "If he's thinking that as a disabled veteran, don't you think there's hundreds of thousands of other disabled veterans thinking the same damn thing? And they're never going to get a chance to talk to somebody of that stature."

http://seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071207/NEWS/712070406