Stop Fawning Over John McCain.

Real heroes don’t fuck with people’s lives just for show.

Pictured: A man who’d serve us all well by staying in bed while he battles cancer, who instead emerged to help drag the country through a political sideshow just for funsies or whatever.

Today is a really great day, and every person who called, wrote, rallied, sat-in, and otherwise made their voices heard in defense of affordable health care should be very proud.

You know who shouldn’t be proud? Arizona Senator John McCain.

John McCain has long pretended to be a “maverick,” only to side with many of the cruelest decisions his party makes at nearly every opportunity. This week, McCain had the chance to shut down his party’s effort to steal health care from millions of people by either staying home or voting no. Hell, he’s had the chance to do that all year long, and has declined all but once. Instead, he dragged the entire country through a long night of needless political drama — what he literally, actually referred to as a “show” when talking to reporters — all for headlines and attention.

Yes, he eventually voted the right way in the end. But for the millions of people who’ve been on pins and needles watching this fight, worried sick that they might lose the Medicaid benefits they depend on to live with dignity outside of institutions or that their children depend on to be accommodated at school; for the families worried that their NICU babies might exceed their lifetime benefits before they reach toddlerhood; for everyone worried that they would soon be unable to afford their cancer treatment, or maternity care, or so many other life-sustaining things; for all who worry that because of the hand they got dealt in life they might once again be uninsurable, this has been a week (and especially a night) of sheer terror.

John McCain chose to subject them to that. For headlines.

If you want to praise anyone, praise Senator Hirono, who’s also battling cancer, and who did the right thing regardless of what attention she did or didn’t get. Praise the Democrats who held the line this whole time. Hell, even praise Murkowski and Collins, who have been swing votes nearly this whole time.

Celebrate today. Praise each other for digging in and refusing to let them do this without a fight. Stay vigilant and ready to act, ‘cause Mitch McConnell is a shady you-know-what who can’t be trusted, and because even if this health care fight doesn’t resume, there’s just as much at stake in the upcoming fights over tax policy and the budget.

But save the breath you held last night for someone who deserves it. That person ain’t John McCain.

Sabrina Joy Stevens

Written by

That Person. Writer & maker of good trouble. Used to teach 4th grade. Now teach (& learn from!) folks of all ages interested in healing ourselves & society.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade