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
Guess I don't belong to the 'republican party'.
>>>I don't recall where I'd seen it but Murtha's Purple Hearts were requested by Murtha himself. This is not the proper protocol. This in itself is suspect.
You are correct. I have that clipped.
If you don't know the difference between a Republican, who belongs to the party, and The Republican Party, I can't possibly explain it to you due to time constraints. Maybe try google or the dictionary.
I just entered the keyword Murtha in the search engine on FR and saw an article that Murtha claims he did not ask for the medals.
People like Peach (if peach is an actual republican) that lack the intestinal fortitude to actually challenge liberals are why the republican party is still acting like the minority in the Congress.
They allow the liberals to walk all over our ideas because they are basically afraid to challenge the liberals straight up and in their face.
Peach has no plan to deal with Muthra other then to avoid the issue altogether and to let him speak while telling everyone here that will listen to avoid confronting him.
Honestly who wins the most by that sort of tactic?
The Liberals!!!
We need to challenge them and to let them know we are in charge and that they can't say whatever they want unopposed.
In time they will respect that, but first they have to learn that they no longer make the rules.
And we no longer follow them...
I should have provided the link as well:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1557630/posts
The difference is irrelevant to me. From your posts, you are obviously someone official in this Republican Pary. From your posts, it is obviously something I never want to be part of.
I know it's late and you're not at your best right now, but you do know it's not considered good FR etiquette to mention a freeper without pinging them, don't you?
And it's so interesting to see that your world famous "logic" that you've touted is such that you can't answer my post #276.
Maybe when I've logged on in the morning, I'll find a little response from you that makes sense and shows a minimal level of reading comprehension.
I thought you were part of the Republican party? Which is it? Do you want to be part of it or not?
Your posts have made increasingly less and less sense as the evening has worn on. Perhaps by morning you will have composed something that actually makes sense. For now, maybe you should rest.
Composed to you? Not anymore. You have entered 'ignore'.
Muthra claims he didn't ask for the medals? Funny I read a simliar article that said he recieved a letter from the Commandant of the Marine Corps acknowledging his request for those medals.
That's good news, That Muthra now has to claim he didn't request Purple Hearts means that he is worried about the effect this might have on his standing as The Front Man on The Democrat's War on The War on Terror.
Ever notice that not one democrat with any real standing is willing to celebrate our victories in Afghanistan and Iraq?
Ever wonder why or how it would hurt them?
That's probably for the best. It's frustrating to debate with someone who doesn't know the difference between a republican and the Republican party.
I didn't ping you, oh well I pick my nose as well and belch and fart in mixed company.
Seriously I've never heard of such a rule.
You've been here since 2000 and you haven't heard of such a rule? Well, there is one.
But then, I thought it was best that you wait until morning when you are more refreshed before posting too and I see from the grossness of your post that I had good judgment.
Do you really think Peach is some sort of Party Poobah?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1557630/posts
Murtha's War Hero Status Called Into Question
>>>>World War II Navy veteran Harry M. Fox, previously indicated that Murtha in 1968 personally asked Fox's boss, then-U.S. Rep. John Saylor (R-Pa.), for assistance in obtaining the Purple Hearts, but was turned down because Saylor's office determined that Murtha lacked sufficient evidence of wounds. Murtha later challenged Saylor for his House seat in 1968 and lost. Fox said he personally viewed Murtha's military records in 1968 as Saylor's aide.
(snip)
On Friday, Jan. 13, Murtha's congressional communications director provided Cybercast News Service with a copy of a letter from the commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, citing Murtha's request of Sept. 26, 1967, seeking Purple Hearts. Cybercast News Service did not authenticate the letter.
"The records of this Headquarters show that you are entitled to the Purple Heart and a Gold Star in lieu of a second Purple Heart for wounds received in action against insurgent Communist Guerrilla forces on 22 March and 7 May 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam," according to the letter signed by an individual identified only as A. Gardoni. Gardoni's title is not listed on the letter.
(snip)
Who? I prefer apples.
There is such a rule?
Link please?
You tried making this point in post 24 of this thread.
It was ignored then.
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