It cannot surprise anyone that a White House aide in the Trump administration could casually dismiss a dying senator's opinion with neither consequence nor condemnation from this president.

Mere months ago, Huntsville, Alabama hosted one of these bizarre rallies at which the Cult of Trump gathers to revel in its mob mentality. There, as on previous occasions, the target offered up for their collective contempt was Senator John McCain. With just the mention of that name, Donald Trump elicited exactly the response he was trolling for: his followers erupted with lusty booing, disgraceful behavior that passes for normal at these events.

McCain is an American who served his country honorably in wartime, suffered unimaginable torture during years of imprisonment, nobly refusing an early release offered him as the son of an admiral because it was not extended to other prisoners. He continued his service in peacetime, steadfastly conducting himself with dignity and integrity.

It is morally reprehensible that a president would not only allow this contemptuous behavior to go unchallenged, but actually incite and revel in it.

Contrast that with presidential candidate McCain's response to a supporter who attacked Barack Obama's trustworthiness by asserting he was an Arab. McCain politely but firmly corrected her, "No, ma'am. He's a decent family man, a citizen, that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues."

That is how an honorable man conducts himself.

Donna Johnston

Groton