I Cogitate

Yep, I'm a Democrat. Been one all my life. Don't see that changing But even in today's partisan-before-all-else political savagry, I want to take the time to acknowledge a few Republicans who have managed to retain their respective integrity despite the obvious dangers of doing so in today's D.C.

I salute United States Senators Chuck Hegel, Lindsay Graham and John McCain.

I certainly have major disagreements with a number of the political beliefs of each but I have noticed that these three (and others I'm sure) have many times put what they believe is best for their country above what's best for their particular political party.

Advancement of our country over political gain--what a concept!

It would have been absolutely easy for Senator Hegel to not speak out on his lack of confidence in the abilities of Don Rumsfled or for him not to tell Condi Rice that what our country needs to do now is "convincing the next generation of the world that America's purpose is not defined solely by our power. It is to work with our friends and allies to help build a better world for all people."

But he chose to say what felt, believing that was more important than any political fall-out.

A reserve Air Force attorney (JAG), Senator Lindsay Graham could have propitiously remained silent or even crowed about how we are at war and poo-pooed that things just sometimes happen, as other Republican Senators did regarding the torture of prisoners at Abu Ghraib.

But he didn't. He recognized retaining standards and ethics are what separates good from evil and risked the wrath of Karl by doing so.

Senator John McCain, despite campaigning for and with President George Bush in 2004, continues to display his independence by challenging the same Abu Ghraib abuses, the competence of Donald Rumsfeld, the lack of pre-planning for post-war Iraq, pushing for campaign finance reform, among other issues.

Although I found it amazing that McCain could push for Bush despite the deeply offensive personal attacks against him, his wife and adopted child in the Republican presidential primaries of 2000, McCain continues to stand up for his core beliefs, sometimes to his detriment down the road in 2008. A number of Republicans have already announced that they will shun him in the upcoming presidential primaries because he isn't in complete, absolute lock-step with President Bush  and (oh, the horror, the horror) actually criticizes him at times.

Count these individuals as true patriots, with a perspective beyond what is in front of their noses.

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