This is in response to Kevin Smith's Sept. 14 letter, which included a lengthy tribute to John McCain's honorable military service, before launching into a criticism of McCain's dishonorable presidential campaign.

It seems that anyone who levels a criticism at McCain feels compelled to preface the remarks with an obligatory refrain paying homage to McCain's service and time as a POW.

But when a critique is preceded by praise, the critique loses its import. McCain's advisers know this well, and they use his service record to insulate him from any criticism.

The most recent use of this tactic was the ridiculous assertion that McCain can't use e-mail because of the injuries he sustained while being tortured. This was a response to an Obama ad claiming McCain is computer-illiterate. It makes the mind reel.

There was a time when I had great admiration for McCain, but he's gotten in with the wrong crowd. His cynical and hypocritical choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate is disappointing and another indication that he is willing to sacrifice his principles in order to win an election.

The war hero and maverick I once held in high regard has morphed into the typical politician who will do and say whatever it takes, no matter how cynical or dishonest, to win.

I am an Army veteran who saw combat during the first Gulf War, and it saddens me to say that not only has McCain lost my vote, he has lost my respect.

Kevin Scotti

Aberdeen