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Jack Murtha's "Fake" Purple Hearts, An Open Letter
Strange Military.com ^ | Jan 12, 2006 | Kelly Anne & Don Bailey

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


TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: 109th; fraud; marines; murhtaspastishere; murtha; murthamedals; murthawatch; purplehearts; usmc; veterans
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To: armydawg1

Murtha is a shameless human being. Him and john kerry are two of the radical phonies in Washington, DC. He is not a fellow Marine in my book.

Semper Fi'
Jarhead


321 posted on 01/17/2006 4:43:16 AM PST by Buffettfan
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To: usmcobra

>>>>believe it or not, Senators and Congressmen are some what immune from most ordinary civil cases directly related to their work in Congress.

Looks like they may not even be immune to civil charges from todays news:


http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1559331/posts?page=13#13

Two leading civil rights groups plan to file lawsuits Tuesday against the Bush administration over its domestic spying program to determine whether the operation was used to monitor 10 defense lawyers, journalists, scholars, political activists and other Americans with ties to the Middle East.

(snip)


322 posted on 01/17/2006 5:29:06 AM PST by Calpernia (Breederville.com)
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To: Calpernia

Are they planning to sue Congressmen or Senators

or just the Governement?

The difference is crucial.


323 posted on 01/17/2006 5:37:14 AM PST by usmcobra (Liberal=progressive...Conservative="Retro?" That's way cooler than being just a Neo-con!)
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To: usmcobra

Oh that I have no idea.


324 posted on 01/17/2006 5:37:52 AM PST by Calpernia (Breederville.com)
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To: Peach
Also point me to the evidence that Murtha´s medals were not earned.



As far as I know the Purple Heart is not like other awards where the commander has to submit them once someone recommends them. The doctors or medics make the entry and submit the paperwork. You get the Purple Heart for wounds received during combat action and it doesn't say how much blood you lose or how severe the wounds have to be to receive the award.

I took grenade shrapnel in my left shoulder, didn't hardly bleed and it is still in there. I was asked if I wanted a PH and I said no, some of my men were really badly wounded in the same action, one lost a leg, and it didn't seem right.

I know people that got the Purple heart for almost nothing. A 1st sergeant got one for smashing his big toe on his desk during a mortar attack. I also know men who refused them. Depends on the man and his character.
325 posted on 01/17/2006 5:48:56 AM PST by Americanexpat (A strong democracy through citizen oversight.)
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To: Calpernia

If you really want to push this issue you'll have find a lawyer that will be willing to sue the government for failing to indite Kerry for those crimes he commited against the Constitution as well as for failing to remove him from office as per the applicable statues of the Constitution.

Failing to protect the public from threats to the nation seems to a reasonable reason to sue the government.

Or at least it is equal in concept to the tactics used by liberals to shut down NSA monitoring of Overseas telecommunications meant to protect us.


326 posted on 01/17/2006 5:49:52 AM PST by usmcobra (Liberal=progressive...Conservative="Retro?" That's way cooler than being just a Neo-con!)
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To: Calpernia

Basically what I am saying is to sue the governemnt for failing to uphold the constitution in regards to Kerry's actions that were treasonous as described by the Constitution.

It may get nothing done, however it would expose Kerry's actions and their illegality to the mainstream of America, and bring the heat.


327 posted on 01/17/2006 6:05:03 AM PST by usmcobra (Liberal=progressive...Conservative="Retro?" That's way cooler than being just a Neo-con!)
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To: Americanexpat

Thanks for your assessment of how Purple Hearts can be obtained. And thank you for your service.


328 posted on 01/17/2006 6:35:26 AM PST by Peach
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Murtha doesn't just make Aljazeera

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1558539/posts
“Vast majority of U.S. troops forced to leave Iraq” (Murtha gets his mug in Aljazeera)

Murtha makes Marxist Lenin Today!

 WELCOME TO MARXISM-LENINISM TODAY

Why Marxism-Leninism Today?

John Murtha's Transcript to the Democratic Caucus:
http://www.mltoday.com/Pages/Commentary/Murtha-Iraq.html


329 posted on 01/17/2006 6:38:26 AM PST by Calpernia (Breederville.com)
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To: usmcobra

But I did give you the link. Last night. Just further proof you can't read. Sad.


330 posted on 01/17/2006 6:38:57 AM PST by Peach
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To: usmcobra

>>>>Basically what I am saying is to sue the governemnt for failing to uphold the constitution in regards to Kerry's actions that were treasonous as described by the Constitution.

Trust me, after the guidelines El Gato pointed out last night, I was able to narrow my searches to find what I needed.

I have pages of stuff opened and I'm reading.

I'm getting more disheartened by what I'm learning.

I'm learning that this is a process that is known to those that are in these fields.

I'm learning that peons are kept busy keeping their families heads above water so this isn't common knowledge.

I'm learning that neither Pary is interested in fixing what is broken because they are a Yin and Yang. Both want the other for a fund raising opportunity.

I wonder how many of these assholes have had to have a 6 year old on their lap while you tried to explain how daddy fit in the shoe box after jumping from an inflamed building.

Who cares, that isn't a photo opt. Not a fund raising interest.

But that is where all these fund raising interests have led.

Little girls and boys mommies and daddies not coming home.

But hey, we can just rename the words to lobbying, and make it ok.


331 posted on 01/17/2006 6:47:09 AM PST by Calpernia (Breederville.com)
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To: Peach

Did you by chance complain to a Mod that I broke thatrule?

And just how does that rule apply to these DU trolls banned are they also to be pinged as well even though they no longer have accounts here?

You crying about the rules doesn't evade the fact that you were reading everything I posted on this thread weather t was to you are not, you responed to almost everything I have said.

for someone that hides behind a quote on doing nothing you sure go out of your way to ensure that others do nothing.


332 posted on 01/17/2006 7:24:17 AM PST by usmcobra (Liberal=progressive...Conservative="Retro?" That's way cooler than being just a Neo-con!)
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To: usmcobra

Just like a leftist - ignore the rules set out by the owner of the forum.

And just like a child - pretend you weren't given information on the rules.

When you can't debate, you pretend you didn't get the information you requested and then just make stuff up. Sad.


333 posted on 01/17/2006 7:30:06 AM PST by Peach
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To: usmcobra; Calpernia

That would certainly grab some bal attention!


334 posted on 01/17/2006 9:47:57 AM PST by freema (Proud Marine Mom, Aunt, Sister, Friend, Wife, Daughter, Niece)
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To: Calpernia

www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1538990/posts


335 posted on 01/17/2006 9:53:12 AM PST by freema (Proud Marine Mom, Aunt, Sister, Friend, Wife, Daughter, Niece)
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To: Calpernia
>>>>Basically what I am saying is to sue the governemnt for failing to uphold the constitution in regards to Kerry's actions that were treasonous as described by the Constitution. Trust me, after the guidelines El Gato pointed out last night, I was able to narrow my searches to find what I needed.

What cobra is suggesting is somewhat different than filing a criminal complaint, he's suggesting a civil lawsuit, not a criminal one, for failure to do their job. I think that would be a writ (or order) of mandamus. Here's what Wikipedia has to say about those:

A writ of mandamus or simply mandamus, which means "we order" in Latin, is the name of one of the prerogative writs in the common law, and is a court order directing someone, most frequently a government official, to perform a specified act. Traditionally, the act to be compelled must be one that is "ministerial" rather than "discretionary," which means it must not involve any qualitative judgment to tell whether it has been done (or done right or completely): Signing a document or handing one over to someone is ministerial; providing some service is discretionary, whether it is painting a portrait or removing a gall bladder or cutting hair or typing a letter. (In that sense, "ministerial" has a "binary" meaning—the act is either done or not done).



Mandamus in the United States

In general

In the administrative law context in the United States, the requirement that mandamus can be used only to compel a ministerial act has largely been abandoned. By statute or by judicial expansion of the writ of mandamus in most of the U.S. states, acts of administrative agencies are now subject to judicial review for abuse of discretion. Judicial review of agencies of the United States federal government for abuse of discretion is authorized by the Administrative Procedure Act.

Here's their link to the Administrative Procedures Act

336 posted on 01/17/2006 9:57:51 AM PST by El Gato (The Second Amendment is the Reset Button of the U.S. Constitution)
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To: freema

I have seen and signed that. That is a petition. I'm exploring felony charges. Thanks for the link.


337 posted on 01/17/2006 10:00:20 AM PST by Calpernia (Breederville.com)
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To: El Gato

I am exploring criminal complaints. Not civil suits. Thanks for the link.


338 posted on 01/17/2006 10:02:23 AM PST by Calpernia (Breederville.com)
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To: Peach

Why is anyone defending Murtha Focker?
He is a fraud in the mold of John Scary who tries to demean our troops any chance he gets, whether he was one or not.


339 posted on 01/17/2006 10:05:28 AM PST by JerseyDvl ("Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel"-Samuel Johnson to the Dems of today.)
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To: armydawg1

Yikes!!
BUMP!!!


340 posted on 01/17/2006 10:09:24 AM PST by Lancey Howard
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