Stewart MacMillan's attack on John McCain was quite a rambling letter. What was his point? We can all debate the concept of war heroes and role models til the cows come home. It is well documented that McCain served as a pilot during the Vietnam War and that he was imprisoned for 5-plus years.

I have also read that he was offered early release due to the rank of his father and that he turned it down to stay with fellow prisoners. If true, this is an honorable decision.

The debate should not be if McCain was a classic war hero, the debate should be: Does his military service, his Senate years and his total life experience make him a qualified candidate for the presidency?

Unfortunately the Vietnam War and its repercussions soured most of the following generations in their enthusiam to serve this country in the military for a short time or a 20-year career. Those who have served and their families gain a huge respect for the U.S. military and the informal role military families serve worldwide as ambassadors of the United States.

I have no idea in what capacity Mr. MacMillan served in the military, but it is a shame that he delights in minimizing John McCain's contributions and imprisonment during a very unpopular war.

Susan Guy

Watertown