John McCain is a disgrace

John McCain went to Iraq for a photo op. The US forces did a security sweep of a market right outside the Green Zone, and he takes 100 soldiers, six helicopters, his flack jacket, and god knows what all else so he can go into a market and talk about how it's SAFER NOW. That just completely pisses me off. How many people were put at risk so he could have this lying photo op? He used military resources to stage propaganda. And this proves the media isn't showing an accurate picture of Iraq? Is he nuts, or does he think we're that stupid?

Or maybe it's safer in the markets now that someone seems to be getting more accurate with the rockets they're firing toward the US Embassy.

Gawd. I'm disgusted.

In all fairness, McCain isn't there alone. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Reps. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) and Rick Renzi (R-Ariz.) were with him...but I suppose it bugs me more from McCain since he wants to be president, and he claims to be such a straight talker.

Larry Johnson at TPM Cafe sums it up:

If the "true" picutre of Iraq was simply a matter of getting the news cameras pointed in the right direction then why did he need a security detail? If the peace and prosperity the Iraqi people are celebrating in safe neighborhoods is genuine then why wear body armor?

In the interest of full disclosure, I do know people where are there...right there....and the thought of them being at risk so politicians can posture makes me feel ill.