For all the "strum and drang" about Sarah Palin and her qualifications, for all the semantic dispute about whether insight into Russian motives and behavior in Georgia equates to having Russia in sight of the Alaskan shore line, for all the second guessing about whether the Israeli tail should wag the American dog on such minor issues as an Israeli nuclear strike on Iran, we are missing a more important point. The important point is that these are not very important points unless John McCain's chances for a natural death in office are significant. They are.

Senator McCain, as he is more and more wont to remind us as a way of avoiding any uncomfortable question, spent 5 and a half years as a prisoner of war (POW) in Vietnam. He suffered severe injuries and can still not raise his arms above his shoulders. He was malnourished and lacked medical attention. As a fellow Naval Academy graduate and fellow prisoner of war testifies those who have endured this experience have a shorter life expectancy than the general population.

Then there is the fact of Senator McCain's bout with a severe case of skin cancer. No matter how this is now in remission, the chances of a swift recurrence cannot be ruled out.

Another concern is Senator McCain's legendary temper. This is documented by several vignettes, perhaps none so telling as that told by the sister of a POW upperclassman of mine from the Air Force Academy who was shot down, seen in prison but never accounted for. Senator McCain seems to have a particularly short fuse when it comes to veterans' issues. At a town hall meeting in Denver, he got upset when pressed on why he had not supported the new GI Bill of Rights and why Veteran Service Organizations rated his voting record so poorly. He blustered and said that he had been endorsed by all major veteran organizations. This is demonstrably false since only the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) has an independent political action committee (PAC) that can endorse. The rest, the American Legion, Blinded Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, AMVETS, Paralyzed Veterans and others are tax exempt and cannot endorse.

There are too many reports of similar behavior to dismiss them. And along with these tendencies, whether they are acted out or repressed, comes increased chances of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. And his behavior raises concerns that he may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many of my fellow Vietnam veterans believe that he is. This is not conducive to long life or rational management of the office of the presidency.

I am not a medical professional or a mental health expert but the above speculation about the elephant in the room that is not being discussed needs to be addressed. The easiest way to address this critical issue is for Senator John McCain to release his complete medical records, including those from his prisoner of war debriefing and evaluation. In addition, the would-be president should reveal whether he has attended anger management classes or is on any related medication.

Sarah Palin's selection certainly raises questions about Senator McCain's judgment and his decision-making process. But that misjudgment will be of little consequence unless she ascends to the presidency. The selection of Gov. Palin has shaken up the campaign but it should also step up the discussion of Senator McCain's health. The electorate needs to have a much better understanding of the odds of a Palin presidency.

Let's talk about that elephant.

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