There is no argument about this; he does receive the money. As the L.A. Times reports, "when McCain released his tax return for 2007 on Friday, he separately disclosed that he received a pension of $58,358 that was not listed as income on his return."
And I'm not questioning whether this disqualifies him for the presidency. As recent officeholders have repeatedly demonstrated physican and mental impairments do not preclude holding the office as long as the president has adequate staff to think and act for him.
And I'm not questioning whether it was granted inappropriately; he undoubtedly returned from the Vietnam P.O.W. camp with physical impairments.
The questions are 1) is he still impaired and disabled? In defending his run for the Presidency, he has repeatedly bragged about his robust health and has claimed he is strong enough to hike the Grand Canyon. So is he still disabled???
And, secondly - should he still receive financial benefits? My 90-year-old mother will have her Social Security income reduced if she receives earned income from other sources. If the McCains have 8 houses and multiple millions in assets and income, should the government still be paying him benefits?
Perhaps these questions will be addressed during the real presidential campaign. Maybe my blogging it will help get the question circulating.
(Credit to J-Walk)
1. Yes, he's still disabled. His impairment is in his arms and shoulders, and severely limits his range of motion.
ReplyDelete2. No, he should bloody not be receiving those payments now that he has his ownership-class trophy wife to handle his bills. It's exactly the kind of welfare-queen opportunism his party has been bleating about the Left opening doors for as long as I've been politically aware. Project much, GOP?