4 Lines From John McCain's Farewell Letter to America

Before he died, John McCain wrote a farewell letter to Americans in which he expressed thanks for the privilege of serving and said the nation's "present difficulties" would pass. See the full text at the Atlantic. Here are four excerpts:

• "I've tried to serve our country honorably. I’ve made mistakes but I hope my love for America will be weighed favorably against them. I've often observed that I am the luckiest person on earth. I feel that way even now, as I prepare for the end of my life. I’ve loved my life, all of it."
• "We weaken our greatness when we confuse our patriotism with tribal rivalries that have sown resentment, and hatred and violence in all the corners of the globe. We weaken it when we hide behind walls, rather than tear them down ..."

• Our public debates can be nasty, but "we have always had so much more in common with each other than in disagreement. If only we remember that and give each other the benefit of the presumption that we all love our country, we will get through these challenging times."
• "Do not despair of our present difficulties. We believe always in the promise and greatness of America because nothing is inevitable here. Americans never quit, we never surrender, we never hide from history. We make history. Farewell fellow Americans, God bless you, and God bless America."

(More John McCain stories.)