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
Hi Cal!
*HUG*
I have 8 1/2 acres here..
It's lovely...
Ms.B
I'm jealous!
But you set a goal for me :)
I still dream of the state park we hiked through and stood out on the cliff watching the seals on the rocks.
::sighs::
We are about 10 miles from the coast..
Still, it is lovely!
20 minutes and we're at the ocean..
Not Bad!
Weather can be brutal, though!
Ms.B
>>>Weather can be brutal, though!
I do remember that. Weather can be brutal here too though. But Maine is prettier :)
Have a great night Ms. B!
You too, Lady!
Goodnight!
MS.B
I remember my first suspension from Fr.com.
It lasted about 10 minutes. 5 January 2004!
It really upset me though, and so I understand that you'd be pissed about your first time.
I should have been suspended a bunch of times in truth, but never for the reasons that I actually was.
*HUG*
Ms.B
Thanks you.
Only have to zot certain lines....LOL
Murtha needs to have this medal stuff nailed to his forehead.
He is using the medals for credibility as he endangers Americans in harms way right now.
Duh red...
Thank you...nots thanks...sorry, blushing.
"I'd crawl through a river of crap for my fellow Marines..." -usmcobra
"I took a vow..." - 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
___________________________________________________________
The night my son left home I killed an alqaeda who was dodging in and out of buildings trying to kill my marines, in my sleep. My only weapon was my high heels. It was quite gruesome. I lived. He didn't. My own moans woke me. I'd crawl through a river of crap for my Marines.
I took a vow to the Brothers and Sisters, the Sons and Daughters in service when hanoi kerry LOST the election.
I VOW to the Brothers and Sisters, who never came home and to those who died at home from injuries and from broken hearts that the same fate would not befall the Sons and Daughters.
I will do everything I LEGALLY can
to expose Hanoi Kerry and his descendants once and for all.
I will not tire, I will not falter,
and I will not fail.
Peace and Freedom will Prevail.
I solemnly vow to do all I can to restore the brothers and sisters honor and keep the sons and daughters honor until I give my last breath on earth.
-freema
What makes you even say such a bizarre thing? This I have GOT to hear.
Jack Murtha has plenty of problems.
Back in June'05 his ties to the lobbying firm of KSA Consulting (his brother Kit is a senior partner, along with Carmen V. Scialabba, who worked 27 years for Rep. Murtha) prompted criticism from Keith Ashdown of Taxpayers for Common Sense.
An article titled "Lobbyist's Brother Guilded House Bill" was printed in the LA Times. It stated that KSA received $20.8 million from the bill that Murtha pushed thru the House.
Funny how Rep. Murtha just happened to start bashing Bush and the war, about the same time. Maybe he wanted to divert attention away from his curious action with the lobbyist group........he can now say that any investigation is payback.
I say lets clean house.....get rid of all the crooks!
bttt!
Thanks for adding that!
Murtha gets in a bind and as an out, works for military defeat. What scum and vermin he must be.
That's how I see it.
And thats why the whole lobbyist thing with his ex-aide and brother has been dropped.
$20.8 million is alot of money......wonder if any of that reached the coffers of Jack?
BTTT...
Murtha's hads are as dirty as they can be......its not reasonable to believe he just suddenly turned on the military with no reason whatsoever. Unless you add in his dementia.
Dear Freerepublic,
When I heard from my friends at Code Pink what you had done, why I almost spit out my strawberry similac. This is what I am talking about…about our boys…um….It’s just like Vietnam. We didn’t have body armor there either, cause it was hot. It was so hot that..I told Bush.. President Bush that we’ve got to get the boys home now and let the Iraq people do what they should…um…Well, anyways. Ah, oh yes, Code Pink. Code Pink. Um. Well, hell’s bells, I’ve been to Iraq. Was there for half a day, so that makes me an expert, and when you take four corners, it’s just like what we did in ‘Nam, I mean Iraq. There’s no room. If there’s no room then all the room is not there, it’s it’s, um, it’s where you took it. And. That. Is. Not. Right.
So let me just finish up here and say that there needs to be an investigation, who’s behind this? When did Rove know, and when did he know it?
Thank you,
Congressperson, Jack “Did you know I was in Vietnam” Murtha.
222 posted on 01/20/2006 7:08:35 PM PST by Leisler ("For English, please press two.")
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1561943/posts?page=222#222
Did you notice in the video that when that Sergeant spoke up in the town hall meeting Murtha attended, to defend his soldiers and the war effort, Murtha sat stone silent. He didnt say a word of thank you, not a word of well done, not a word of how is your medical recovery, not welcome home, NOTHING!
And this is a guy who trumpets his visits to the military hospitals???????
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