As the nation said its final farewell to Senator John McCain this morning, the realization of an America without one of its heroes and leaders sets in.
Meghan McCain, the late Senator’s daughter, eulogized her father and offered a pointed rebuttal to Donald Trump in saying, “The America of John McCain has no need to be made great again because America was always great.” Trump, of course, was absent from memorial services after John McCain made it clear that he was not welcome. White House staff were in attendance, however, along with Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner.
Meghan’s eulogy highlighted who John McCain was as a man. One who experienced extreme struggle and sacrifice for his nation, but never stopped working to ease hardship for others and to represent the greatest ideals of American society and government. His life, values, and experiences were in stark contrast to what Washington, D.C. and the state of politics are today. While John McCain couldn’t have left us at a worse time, in a sea of bitter partisanship, it has also become a time that he shouldn’t have had to grapple with in his final years.
Post-McCain America, as it stands, is not a place of hope or greatness. It is antithetical to the values and history of the United States of America of our past.
Senator McCain was far from perfect and he made many mistakes. He supported the United States’ invasion and expansion into the Middle East following September 11th, 2001, taking a lead role in the Senate. He also showed a lack of judgment when selecting Sarah Palin to be his running mate in 2008, which would elevate Palin to the national stage and pave a way forward for the Tea Party in 2010.
But McCain was also transparent. He was honest. He was respectful and civil. 
His presidential campaigns were open and he made himself available to the press, just as he had done throughout his Congressional career. If arguments broke out on the Senate floor, or behind closed doors, he wouldn’t hold grudges and would instead move past them. John was well-known for reaching across the aisle and forging personal relationships with not just members of his party, but those he disagreed with on policy.
John McCain was a loyal Republican and a very conservative policymaker. But he understood that efficient government was one that worked together. Having more people like John McCain in government would make it a better place. Exemplifying the character and qualities of McCain, while maintaining political differences, would be a great thing.
In a post-McCain America, transparency and openness seem nonexistent. Honesty is hard to come by when people try to win political games. Respect for differences and civility in discourse are skills people have forgotten about.
The United States is weaker and lost in the world without John McCain, who gained international respect and dignity for his sacrifices and continued service. While he may have been too eager to resort to war, McCain was still a diplomat and made it a point to travel broadly to learn about the world. He connected with other leaders and created long-lasting friendships beyond our borders.
Senator McCain’s absence will be felt for a long time, but we can do better to emulate the kind of man he was.
Patrick Holman is the founder and managing editor of Salt Lake Film Review. As an avid film viewer, he created SLFR in order to create a place for discussion and to explore the qualities of movies. When he isn’t watching a movie, or writing about them, Patrick works as an OST professional in Salt Lake County, Utah.