Let's Skip the Patriotism and Religious Talk About McCain and Obama and Move On to Substantive Issues

The silly argument over which presidential candidate loves his country the most is clear evidence of a hot summer of political posturing. Not much of the country is paying attention anyway and won't until around Labor Day.

No one doubts the patriotism of GOP Sen. John McCain. He paid his dues after serving more than five years as a prisoner in the Hanoi Hilton. He is a patriot—no questions asked.

Retired Gen. Wesley Clark ruined any chance of getting on the ticket with Democratic Sen. Barack Obama. He said foolishly that McCain's being shot down over Hanoi was not a qualification to be president. Obama quickly disavowed his words, but some damage was done.

Still, the charge that Obama lacks some degree of patriotic fervor is wrongheaded. How many times does Obama have to express a love for his country? Do we have to remind that Vice President Cheney had five deferments during the conflict in Vietnam?

Since Obama has praised McCain's patriotism, perhaps the presumptive GOP nominee could return the favor.

Meanwhile, the rumor that Obama is a Muslim has continued to penetrate the Internet and in a whispering campaign. There is no absolutely no truth in this. Since McCain is forthright on his many chats with reporters on his Straight Talk Express, he should say that both candidates are Christians. End of story.

There are many important issues that divide these two candidates—the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, taxes, medical care costs, energy policy, and trade, to mention a few.

It would be a welcome sign if voters could hear less about patriotic fervor and false religious charges and more about really important matters.