George Washington repeatedly referred to Prisoners of War (POWs) as people whom "the fortune of War" had thrown into their enemy's hands. Captivity was not a moral judgment on the prisoners.
In a March 1777 letter to British military commander Sir William Howe, for instance, Washington wrote of "my wish that every reasonable indulgence and act of Humanity should be done to those whom the fortune of War has or may put into our hands."
Unfortunately, 2016 Republican presidential candidate Donald J. Trump spoke of military captivity as a mark of failure in a soldier, sailor or airman. Especially unfortunate is the fact that Trump's remarks came at the expense of Senator John McCain (Republican-Arizona).
Born in 1936, McCain represents a generation of Americans with a marked aversion to torture.
In a March 1777 letter to British military commander Sir William Howe, for instance, Washington wrote of "my wish that every reasonable indulgence and act of Humanity should be done to those whom the fortune of War has or may put into our hands."
Unfortunately, 2016 Republican presidential candidate Donald J. Trump spoke of military captivity as a mark of failure in a soldier, sailor or airman. Especially unfortunate is the fact that Trump's remarks came at the expense of Senator John McCain (Republican-Arizona).
Born in 1936, McCain represents a generation of Americans with a marked aversion to torture.
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