NYTimes.com - John McCain responded to attacks on the relevance of his military service as Barack Obama addressed persistent rumors about his loyalties to the country.

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The Netmix point of view:

I usually don’t comment on this kind of politico stuff, but I thought it was interesting enough to blog about.

Funny how the Republican’s get offended when someone questions their favorite son’s military service, but they think it’s okay to attack Senator Kerry’s “swiftboat” service. Can anyone say the word “double standard”?

No doubt about John McCain’s war record, but why is that off limits when the Republican fear machine conjur up images of terrorism by using Barack Obama’s middle name, “Hussein.” As far as I know, Barack’s heritage is about as close to the Middle East and Persia as mine is to China and or Russia.

There should be no reason why McCain shouldn’t be scrutinized and vetted just like Kerry was questioned 4-years ago.  Yes, Kerry didn’t spend 5 self-imposed years in an enemy prison. That’s a huge difference and it should absolutely be respected.

But former Gen. Wesley Clark raises an interesting question: How does John McCain’s military service equate to his ability to govern the nation? Just because someone spent 5 long, hard years in the hands of the enemy doesn’t make him an automatic shoo-in for prez. It’s not that simple, or Barack would be easing his way into the White House with little effort.

We know what McCain stood for when he turned down his own release. That shows guts and fortitude and is certainly relevant to his character as a soldier and man, but it has little to do with governing the country. What’s wrong with asking the question? Are you less of a Patriot because you raise questions? That’s what the right wing in this country would have you think.