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
What are you - the thread police? If I don't agree with your position, I'm not supposed to be on YOUR thread or something? Get off it, Calpernia and grow a spine or something.
And if you can't get the simple point that I and many other freepers made at the beginning of this thread, maybe you should ask yourself why you are here discussing something when you can't follow the discussion.
I posted why I'm here.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1558666/posts?page=44#44
I've read that already. And commented on it. If you're saying that we can't have fair elections here because some congressmen are corrupt, that's just nutty, imo.
That would mean we haven't ever had fair elections in this country because we've always had some people in Congress who are corrupt and always will.
I disagree! Every leftist weinie who opens his/her mouth in the interest of socialism ought to be exposed for what they are to the American people. Murtha included......
NJ and PA have a history with each other with corruption.
NJ and PA have voter fraud times 10.
The billboard reference was why McGreevey made his I'm a Gay American announcement. It was a media distraction.
PA and NJ launder money to each other by buying billboard ads.
It is our congressmen that are suppose to keep our voting rights in check.
Since PA and NJ have a corruption history, Murtha brings NJ one step closer to have scandals uncovered.
Go after Murtha for the hypocrisy of his actions now. There's nothing wrong with that.
But have you actually seen evidence that shows you that Murtha did not earn his medals? I sure haven't and I've asked several times now on this and another thread.
Now that Peach has quit for the evening, why is it a dream?
Because that's politics...
Or rather the lack of balls on Politicians.
The reason it won't happen is that, let's say Kerry was brought up on charges, and I'll be unspecific, the democrats will feel the need to respond in kind. They will find something on someone and make it a national issue, not only because they can but because they have available targets already.
The only way to really shift the balance of power is at the ballot box and that is the way to get rid of Kerry. Last time he was elected he used the Swift Boat Veterans (yeah the same ones that prevented him from being president) to keep his office. This time around they won't be behind him, and I predict the next time he runs for the senate it will be from Pennsylvania as John Heinz.
When it comes to Kerry's treason the tools to charge him are there for the congress and the justice department, to date the only reason they haven't been used is a lack of balls and the threat of a responce in kind from the other side.
And yes I don't like it one bit.
Are you so into yourself that you haven't realised that the vets on this board are almost all republican?
That's a rhetorical, a responce from you is not required.
As I see it Mr Murtha currently has a huge problem with the truth. Am I to believe that his current problems with honesty do not conflict with his past record? Maybe Mr Murtha needs to sign a Form 180 like his buddy Mr Kerry?
LOL. Maybe he does. Anyway, I've yet to see any evidence that Murtha's medals weren't earned. Not that I expect that to stop some people.
Is that famous "logic" if yours so faulty that you don't understand the difference between the Republican party and veterans? Ooops. I asked that already and you can't answer it.
We can do it.
That son of a bitch is there because of his lies, and God knows that the truth will always prevail.
>>>why is it a dream?
>>>Because that's politics...
>>>Or rather the lack of balls on Politicians.
That was my point. The politicians won't do it, so why don't we?
Oh I understand it, I just didn't think I had to explain it to you.
Like I said before anyone that tells me that protecting The party is all important above all other things, and you suggest that in a number of your comments, reeks of liberalism.
Two perfect examples: Clinton and Nixon
Clinton made himself the party and all the little democrats did whatever they had to to keep him in office at any costs.
Nixon knew when the republican party couldn't help him any longer and resigned so that conservative ideas would no suffer from his disgrace.
As for your proof you ask for, The word of a former congressman and decorated Viet Nam Veteran that served in congress with him isn't enough to at least ask for some sort of proof from Muthra?
You raise the bar like a liberal as well.
#1. So you're saying that the effort to discredit Murtha can't go forward without the Republican party?
That's horsepoo. The effort against Kerry went forward without the help of direct help of the Republican party.
#2. I've asked for proof on this thread and others that Murtha's medals weren't fairly earned. Where is it? Link, please.
The word of a congressman may be interesting, but you do realize it doesn't represent proof, don't you?
There was lots of proof with Kerry didn't earn his medals. So much, an entire book was written about it.
#3. Who said that protecting party was more important than anything else? You're just making stuff up again.
>>>The effort against Kerry went forward without the help of direct help of the Republican party.
Republicans didn't support the Swift Vets????
Are half the people on this thread tonight on drugs?
Can you not read?
Which party of "Republican Party" did you confuse with Republicans?
party s/b part.
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