DFL Party to John Kline: Denounce Comments of Cindy McCain on PTSD

DFL Party to John Kline: Denounce Comments of Cindy McCain on PTSD
Christian Church
October 22, 2008
Cindy McCain´s comments sets back fight for veterans´ rights 30 years.

St. Paul — In a recent interview with Marie Claire magazine, Cindy McCain trivialized the ongoing struggle to recognize Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a significant combat injury. Her comments gained national attention just as Senator John McCain is visiting Representative John Kline´s hometown of Lakeville in Minnesota´s Second Congressional District.

In her comments, McCain stated that her husband did not experience cold sweats in the middle of the night because he "was trained to do what he was doing." McCain continued, "The guys who had the trouble were the 18-year-olds who were drafted. He was trained, he went to the Naval Academy, he was a trained United States naval officer, and so he knew what he was doing." [Marie Claire, 10/7/08]

Second District Republican Representative John Kline, a veteran himself, has a mixed record on the issue of mental-health parity for veterans, especially regarding the recognition of PTSD as a combat injury.

Minnesota DFL Veterans Caucus Chair Jim Bootz released the following statement:

"Cindy McCain´s callous comments regarding PTSD single-handedly set back discussions regarding the mental health of veterans nearly 30 years. Veterans returning home from combat with mental-health concerns such as PTSD need to know that their illness will be treated quickly and seriously, not belittled or dismissed. As Senator McCain travels to the Second District today, I call on Representative John Kline to denounce the comments made by Mrs. McCain.
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