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
This story needs to be ignored. Any attempt to expose him will simply gain him sympathy and defelect from what a moron he is.
Ok. Well said. I support that. Thank you.
>>>Compared to the overall security and defence of this country, Muthra's records and awards mean nothing!
>>>Compared to Kerry, Murtha's use of medals means nothing.
I think it would mean something to the Pennsylvania National Guard. They just rotated back from Afghanistan. Murtha claimed the moral of the troops was in the
toilet. According to their Sgt, it wasn't true. Murtha never came to see them depart, he never sent any letters to them and did not show up to see the unit return.
"How come you call me an idiot, delusional and ridiculous
BUT refuse to say anything negative about hanoi kerry or murtha ?"
Still waiting for your answer
That could be considered a reason to "investigate" his medals, but mostly it says that he's a liar and people gradually realize it. The problem with bringing up the medals for investigation is that the media will do their own "investigation" and then declare it to be a "copy-cat smear campaign". Like I said at the beginning, that kind of ammo doesn't need to spent on Murtha since his recent actions are sufficient to discredit him.
I second the motion.
Yuck, I'm translating that to stand down because the enemy might fight back. That is a terrible thought of reason. Don't fight for what is right?
I think the ammo does need to be spent, properly.
I agree totally that I don't want to see any damage to Swift Vets, don't want their message or actions diluted.
And I'd bet it all that's exactly what the left is hoping will happen.
But I'd like to see it done with one shot while fully engaged over his and Pelosi's political corruption.
Marine Sniper sayings:
No place to hide.
You can run, you'll only die tired.
Have you followed all my threads? Then you have no clue what I've called Kerry, do you? You really need to buy a clue, Tonk. I'm starting to feel sorry for you.
"Tonk. I'm starting to feel sorry for you."
Don't, I make history, you sit by and watch.
You make history? LOLOL. Okaaaaay.
"You make history? LOLOL. Okaaaaay."
http://www.freerepublic.com/~6869tonkingulfyachtc/
Read the whole page.
I agree with that, and it appears (from what I've read at CNS) that it a one-shot kill is going to take a stronger case. I don't doubt their sincerity or denigrate their research skills, but I don't see the kill-shot in what they've published so far. The risk, as you know, is that that the MSM will quickly "debunk" the story and then dismiss the real revelations as old news. Or some variation on that technique.
My own gut feeling is that Murtha would slowly disappear like Sheehan as the MSM slowly realizes that he's nuts. And, with all due respect, people like yourself and the vietnam vets here have a strong emotional reaction to his attempts to demoralize the troops and may be more willing to take the shot than they should be.
I'm sure you're a terrific human being and patriot. To call people who don't agree with you MoveOn.Org people is idiotic.
I'll bet you don't agree with me about taxes. I'll just start calling you sKerry. See how that works?
"You make history? LOLOL. Okaaaaay."
Nov 2002
FReeper makes Coast Guard /
Coast Guard Auxiliary History
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/798008/posts
"To call people who don't agree with you MoveOn.Org people is idiotic."
MoveOn.Org : Show me where I said they were MoveOn.Org people.
At least MoveOn.Org people say upfront what they believe in.
That's different from "Move On FReepers"
"Move On FReepers" "swore" klintoon, hitlery, hanoi kerry, sanbdi ber(bur)glar, al bore, jane beno,
would be prosecuted for
pardongate, chinagate, the bribes in upstate NY in the 2000 NY Senate race, waco, etc, etc,
"when" the "time was right".
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