December 09, 2005
A Marine Dad responds to Representative Jack Murtha
Marine Corps Moms

I've heard from a number of Marines and Marine parents who were outraged at Representative John Murtha's challenge to President Bush. The following was recently sent to Rep. Murtha by a proud Marine Dad who put those feelings into this eloquent letter:
Representative Murtha:

During the dark days of the American Revolution the Commanding General, George Washington, seemed unable to win any victories. There were wholesale desertions, troops were starving, the fledgling government was sporadic with money, food and ammunition in short supply. Out of this darkness emerged a genuine American Hero. This officer brilliantly led his troops in combat and though seriously, and almost mortally wounded, won victory after victory for the desperate and beleaguered American Continental Army.

After helping to turn the tide of war in the favor of the Americans, this officer's fame grew as did his prestige, but his prowess on the battlefield, his courage under fire and indeed all of his life, is forgotten because of one act. His name is now synonymous with "traitor" in the dictionary. General Benedict Arnold, like you, had a brilliant military career of courage, honor, and sacrifice. Like you, in my opinion, he was a traitor to his country and to his oath as an American soldier. It is indeed fitting that you are member of the same political party as another traitor and seditionist, former Lieutenant John Kerry USN, who betrayed his country, not only on the very floor of the House of Representatives that you now serve, but also, secretly, in the presence of our enemies in Paris, France.

Unlike you, he is a self proclaimed warrior and you earned your decorations, but the pair of you forgot one important thing. The United States of America and indeed the world are at war. We are at war with an implacable enemy. An enemy of racist, bigoted, fanatics whose sole goal in life is to destroy the people of the United States of America, their culture and their religion. More American civilians have died on U.S. soil in this war than died on our shores in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, and Dessert Storm put together.

We are at war, Murtha, and your actions and conduct give aid and comfort to our enemies. Just in case you have forgotten the definition of treason and sedition, I have attached Webster's definition as Tabs A and B to this letter.

A wise man once said, "There are no former Marines, only dead Marines." He was wrong. You are not a Marine. You have lost the right to use that title. You have dishonored all of those who have fought and died up to the day you stood on the floor of the House of Representatives and demanded that we withdraw immediately. You lied to the press, when you said you did not make that statement. I watched you make that statement. Albeit your Bill, submitted, which I have also read, added a caveat, "as soon as practicable." That is pure horse**** and you know it.

Yes, Representative Murtha, you have given aid and comfort to our enemies in a time of war. You have given them hope, which they have fast been losing, due to all of the victories and sacrifice by our sons and daughters on the field of battle in Iraq and Afghanistan. You have been honored by our enemies on the front page of Al Jazeera. Kerry has a hallowed spot in the Hall of Heroes in the Museum of the Revolution in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

No, you are no longer a Marine. Your soul is dead. Your honor is dead, and without a soul or honor, you are nothing.

Be advised, my son is a Marine Officer. He has commanded men in battle through two (2) tours and he is due to return to Iraq on a third tour. If he should be harmed in any way as a result of your actions on the floor of the House this week, I will do everything in my power to see to it that you are driven from office and that you are charged and tried for treason and sedition.

The Marine Officer whose message was read on the House Floor by fellow member of Congress, Jean Schmidt, was right. You are a coward. Marines do not cut and run.

Fortunately, your obesity prevents you from wearing your Marine Uniform with even a semblance of pride, but I know your face. If I am in a room when you arrive, you will not enter. If you are in a room, when I arrive, you will leave. It is as simple as that.

OUT.

LTC Christopher J. Stark IN USAR

When my son was home recently over Thanksgiving, he heard several opinions from well meaning people regarding our troops' presence in Iraq. I've heard those same opinions myself a number of times. In contrast to those who feel our troops should be brought home, my Marine absolutely believes in this mission. And, he has the moral standing to make that statement since he has been over there twice and will return next year for his third deployment.

Listen to the troops. They know what is going on. They can see the progress that is not being reported by major media . . . both in winning hearts and minds of the Iraqi people, and the training up of the Iraqi Army. It's significant. And it's too bad that Rep. Murtha refuses to acknowledge the incredible achievements made by our troops. Parents whose sons and daughters have made the ultimate sacrifice and who continue to support the not only the troops who are still there but their mission. More on that later this week, but Representative Murtha does not represent the views of the Stark family, or the Conrad family, or so many other families who have far more to lose than the Murtha family.

I applaud Murtha for his service during VietNam, but given that experience, he should know better. Shame on him.

Ellie