tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23701539.post-72028285165746282482008-04-23T15:21:00.003-04:002008-04-23T15:32:33.421-04:00I can't imagine it being a big issue in the fall, because I don't think his opponent would ever raise it. But the Los Angeles Times today wrote an article questioning the validity of John McCain <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/politics/la-na-pension22apr22,1,2872446.story">receiving $58,000 in disability benefits</a> tax-free from the Navy.<br /><br />McCain was injured in combat and tortured in a Vietnamese POW camp. He was held prisoner at Hoa Loa prison, known as the "Hanoi Hilton," for over five years. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCV7SJuqrnw">He turned down an offer</a> early in his imprisonment that would have allowed him to come home. His decision to defy the Vietnamese and stay brought years of brutal torture and isolation.<br /><br />Because of the extent of his injuries, McCain receives his disability pension tax-free. McCain spent about 20 years in the Navy, commanding an air squadron in Florida and working on Capitol Hill after returning from the war.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">On Monday, McCain's staff identified the retirement benefit as a "disability pension" and said that McCain "was retired as disabled because of his limited body movements due to injuries as a POW."</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> McCain campaign strategist Mark Salter said Monday night that McCain was technically disabled. "Tortured for his country -- that is how he acquired his disability," Salter said.</span><br /><br /><br />Disability may play some role in the fall election. But it will be policy related - not personal. I can't see Senator Clinton or Senator Obama going near this one.CoralandOpalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351985847303007612noreply@blogger.com