Vietnam was a war in which the draft/lottery motivated involvement, not particularly patriotism.
I would have avoided Army service except for a low Lottery number towards the end of the Vietnam war. So, I entered the Reserves and managed to stay Stateside as things had winded down by then...otherwise I'd have likely served in Vietnam.
But that would not have made me a patriot even if I had gotten a purple heart for whatever.
Murtha, like Kerry, like any "veteran" needs to be judge on the here & now, not judged by whatever claims they make about a war that ended 30+ years ago.
"But that would not have made me a patriot even if I had gotten a purple heart for whatever."
I was a draftee and did my duty by answering the call. Murtha is determined to undermine our war effort in Iraq with no regard to the perilous consequences that our country will suffer as a result.
His citing his military record, as a measure of his patriotism, is nothing more than an attempt to deflect criticism.
He should be called to account for his record, and if he is what he says he is, his cooperation should be forthcoming.
I would, too, think we should leave their records alone, but they are using them to gain something. If their medals are fake and unearned, it's their own fault for calling attention to them. No one would have gone after their service had they themselves not been using it to "prove" that they know what they are talking about. And no -- I have not ever served in the military.