Posted on 01/15/2006 4:00:20 PM PST by armydawg1
Jack Murtha's 'Fake' Purple Hearts - An Open Letter
May 5, 2002
Dear Jack,
I’m writing on matters of joint concern. A number of weeks ago I was talking with someone who is a mutual acquaintance and your name came up. It was an unusually frank discussion and I considered it private. I did relate some opinions about you and shared some recollections about experiences with you in Congress. I was, to be honest, critical about how you misled me about ABSCAM where you convinced me you had voluntarily told federal agents about the offer of money to you and I learned later, after I had successfully defeated the ethics charges against you, that you had merely manipulated the system to cooperate with federal agents to avoid prosecution.
I also shared my recollection of when you admitted, back in our corner, that you didn’t earn your purple hearts (you indicated you had small scratch on your cheek that wasn’t even directly related to an APC that ran over a small anti personnel mine that was behind you). The other purple heart you even declined to explain.
At the time you were feeling particularly vulnerable, because it wasn’t too long after you had called me crying and sobbing, thanking me for “saving your life” before the ethics committee. There was no doubt in my mind that you were expressing to me that you did not believe you did anything sufficient to earn the purple heart, and that you didn’t want to be active in my efforts to laud Vietnam Veterans that served with us.
Given what I know about the brave men who served in the Marine Corp., I did not criticize you, but to be honest, I was shocked and disappointed in you personally. We both knew what was at issue, and we both know what happened and that you wanted to avoid the limelight. Later, we ended up having to run for the same seat. It was a good clean race and I admit I knew I couldn’t win, simply on the basis of voter turn out alone. During that time some people came to me with documents indicating you had used influence, after the fact, or had embellished your purple heart awards. I did not respond, and I said nothing. In doing so I may have betrayed my comrades in arms because I knew then what you had told me in the corner of the house - but I had told no one about that and I stood mute. But a few weeks ago my conversation was private and I was not seeking to do you any harm, though it would be ridiculous for me to infer that I have any respect for what you’ve done.
Regardless, shortly thereafter a reporter called me and I was put in a very different position. I could either deny what I said in private conversation, and thus lie, or I could fess up to the truth, or, I could take the cowards way out and stand mute. If I say something, I should either have the courage to back it up, or I shouldn’t open my mouth. Regardless it was too late, and I did not choose to lie. So I admitted to what I had said. However, I later received two calls from two different aides of yours, and later I was called a liar in the press. I am not a liar and I want an apology for the remarks you authorized that I didn’t tell the truth about our conversation. I don’t know how you got yourself awarded the purple hearts, but I know you indicated you didn’t earn them.
By the way. I’m not an ingrate. I deeply appreciate the help you gave me for the last governor’s primary. In fact, out of respect for you, when I realized that the race was going no where, I didn’t even cash the check you sent, (which I kept). Being grateful for your help, I have not sought to hurt you - but I will not betray or exploit the young men who died while fighting, with me, for this country. Never coming forward is one thing - I never have. Lying is another. Coincidentally I just settled an 11-year old law suit with Barbara Hafer where she apologized in writing for campaign defamation and admitted that federal agents (Thornburgh’s political friends) lied to her. I will not accept your falsehoods now. Enough is enough.
You clearly indicated to me in a moment of weakness, that you hadn’t deserved the purple hearts and there was no confusion on that. You may deny that all you wish - but you and I know that that conversation took place. Please apologize now. You may fool a few reporters into believing that merely because you got some perfunctory paperwork made out by a friend, that that means you earned the purple hearts. But even if you were awarded the medals later, there should be affidavits from witnesses. These things should be easy to get - where are they? I bet they don’t exist Jack because you are the one who’s lying. Luckily there’s one easy way to settle all this. Call a press conference. Explain where you were and what you were doing when you got the purple hearts. Explain who was with you and treated your wounds, but most important Jack describe your wounds or the lack thereof, as you did for me, years ago. I am absolutely certain that you won’t do that - because, though you may have manipulated some paperwork that says you were awarded the medals (for political purposes) you can’t produce the witnesses or documents to show any wounds or circumstances under which they occurred.Unless the Marine Corps gives out medals for unsubstantiated non -combat related telltale scratches, procured for use in political campaign - then show me the money Jack - because there should at least be evidence by affidavit, or record of the scratches, that’s what getting a purple heart requires - show me.
You may be able to take advantage of a few Washington reporters who don’t have sufficient experience to understand - but you can’t fool combat veterans of the Vietnam war by hiding behind “Unit” losses - we’re used to those stories. I have my orders describing my combat awards Jack - to back up my DD-214. Where’s your’s? And Jack - don’t ever call me a liar.
Sincerely,
Don Bailey
Submitted by Kelly Anne
Good. I am interested in what you do believe. My father did serve in Korea, and Viet Nam. I do remember what Kerry and Fonda did. I did study ABSCAM, and Murtha was implicated. Are you stating that John Murtha is above and beyond reproach by virtue of his service and commendations? If you are, I do understand. My opinion is that John Murtha is a lowly form of human defecation worthy of ridicule, scorn, and derision. Even if he WAS a United States Marine.
Go with it!
Go with it? What does that mean?
That means out Murtha for the traitor that he is. It is unpopular, and the RA and USMC folks will look down upon us. I am a proud contractor. These people covering for a worthless traitor may feel good about it. They are no better than the enemy.
Who is covering for him?
EXCUSE ME?
Are YOU telling me to stay out of FR? And just WHO are YOU, sir?
Fine - but go slow and be careful. If he's a fake, then he'll be a fake next week, he'll be a fake next month and he'll be a fake next year.
I'd suggest you be patient with this, and don't go off half-cocked.
Thanks for the ping.
And my post here: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1558666/posts?page=137#137
States why your comment makes me suspicious.
You and I would fall into the "not anyone else" category. I still have not received a response from the insiders. I contend that they are covering for a traitor.
And my post here:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1558666/posts?page=53#53
States why 'not anyone else' should.
I have no agenda other than to expose Murtha for the POS that he is. Feel free to check my posting history. I called bullshit to Mike from Iraq. With no reply.
What agenda did I imply?
Murtha has been trotted out by the party hacks to do their dirty work. He's being played for the fool if anybody is, if you'd like to talk set ups. If HE had any smarts, he'd sit down and STFU! But nooooo, he jumps up in front of the cameras like a newbie rep carrying the party's water. He should know better, and probably does. So what is his motivation for acting the fool?
If he wants to dance, he's gonna have to pay the fiddler, and take the heat for HIS lapse in judgement.
Fire at will Tonk.
Crap. I said 'Nam. Crap, crap, crap. I think I meant to type Korea?????????????????
But you might have some good points anyway!! Except I can't read them till I get this posted!!!
Crap. I said 'Nam. Crap, crap, crap. I think I meant to type Korea?????????????????
But you might have some good points anyway!! Except I can't read them till I get this posted!!!
"My opinion is that John Murtha is a lowly form of human defecation worthy of ridicule, scorn, and derision. Even if he WAS a United States Marine."
I lost all respect I had for murtha when he aligned with code pink
At that point he was no longer a United States Marine
Thanks for the ping!
*Now, we are seeing Murtha acting like he is senile.
*He is publicly misspeaking about points on his record that he should not have wrong.
*Was Murtha used? Do some final transaction take place (the Code Pink thing) and then they were going to retire him?
*Was he suppose to bring down the credibility of the Swift Vets with him???
*(hence, only the Swift Vets should attack)
I think you've got some very good points here, especially your point about bringing down the credibility of the Swift Vets. I feel pretty safe in saying SV won't take any action here. So, they will remain silent....
And is that what is exactly and precisely intended...'No one would DARE..." There is one difference between the Marine Corps and any other branch, and that's the brotherhood issue. If there is an issue to be settled, I feel I can easily say whoever set Murtha up is counting on the fact that Marines won't take on one of their own because of the brotherhood issue and that might be one big reason he was the front man. Throw in a little senility, and no one would dare touch him.
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