The flag fracas, McCain the POW, and plaid shirts

Most of you who pay attention to this space on a regular basis already know that I don't spin many political stories. I figure you have your reasons for supporting one candidate or another, and that's good enough for me.

But recent events compel me to abandon my hands-off policy regarding politics. Here goes:

First, the "flag at half-staff" flap.

When U.S. Sen. John McCain died last Saturday, flags all over Washington and throughout the nation were lowered to half-staff. This is one way we show respect for the deceased, and there always is a bit of sadness when you see a lowered flag.

Then someone noticed that the flag flying over the White House, which had been lowered on Saturday, was raised to full-staff on Sunday. A made-up storm raced like a wildfire through political circles across the country.

This inane political tornado was fueled and fanned by the news media, many of which continue to be stymied by their unending efforts to make President Trump look bad. So much effort goes into vilifying Trump that crucial reporting about serious matters falls by the wayside. Under the old rules, the news media's unending bombardment, criticizing everything from the president's hair to the size of his hands to his alleged extramarital activities, might have been enough to deliver a political knockout blow.

But Trump doesn't play by the rules, does he? He told his supporters his administration wouldn't be more business as usual. And, by gum, it's not. The media can't stand it.

Trump and McCain had their differences, no doubt about that. And many media reports attempted to make the White House flag into a major political "gotcha" moment.

I don't know if raising the flag on Sunday was motivated by spite or not. Typically, flags remain at half-staff until the deceased honoree is buried. But you don't know, either. The news media has found something to grind their molars over, leaving coverage of real news for another day.

As President Trump might tweet: So sad.

Next, some thoughts about John McCain.

As someone who entered adulthood during the Vietnam War and who was called up for two, one in Kansas City and another in Dallas, pre-induction physicals, McCain was one of my heroes.

But let me quickly add that there were hundreds of such heroes. Unlike previous wars when most POWs were enlisted men, the Vietnam-era POWs were mostly officers, mostly pilots.

I can't think or say anything about John McCain without drawing attention to his five and a half years as a POW who spent part of that time in Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi, the infamous Hanoi Hilton.

Most accounts of McCain's military career talk about the torture he and so many other endured. Fortunately for those of us who are squeamish about pain, we don't get many details.

Suffice to say that anyone who was a POW in any war is, by default, a hero. At the risk of committing a "Trumpism," let me say there are stories North Vietnamese prisoners could tell about their experiences as well. And who can forget the extreme torture techniques used more recently by the U.S. government involving terrorists?

John McCain more than deserves the honors being bestowed upon him this week. It can only be hoped that this week of memorials and accolades will serve as a reminder to all -- including the current occupants of the White House -- of who we can be when duty calls.

Finally, a quick word about political advertising.

The season of mudslinging and crass accusations is upon us. God save us.

It's happening everywhere, but let me use the gubernatorial race in Illinois as an example.

Incumbent Republican Bruce Rauner is being challenged by Democrat J.B. Pritzker. For the past several days there has been a TV ad that attacks Rauner's achievements -- or lack thereof -- and mocks the many colorful shirts he wears.

Really? Is that the best shot Pritzker supporters can muster?

If the fate of Illinois politics rests on plaid shirts, we are in really big trouble.

Joe Sullivan is the retired editor of the Southeast Missourian.