http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=1249369&mesg_id=1249369Tomorrow, Congressman John Murtha, the first Vietnam veteran elected to Congress, will be honored with the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. In an announcement made in early March, Caroline Kennedy, President of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation described why this years recipients were chosen.
"Congressman John Murtha and Alberto Mora exemplify the kind of courage my father admired most. …When others were unwilling to do so, each man recognized a moral obligation to speak out against policies he believed were misguided and contrary to our national interest. Their courage has inspired others to follow their example, and our government is fortunate to have public servants with such integrity." What the announcement doesn’t explain is that Congressman Murtha’s courage in public service also incited unconscionable and unfounded attacks from Republicans on his character and military service. During the 2004 presidential race, the Bush administration used their Swift-Vet flunkies to try to ruin the reputation of Senator John Kerry. Then last year, the republicans turned their attack dogs on John Murtha, a decorated veteran who represents Pennsylvania's 12th District.
Lets thank, and protect, all our elected war heroes by signing a petition that insists the RNC stop their baseless attacks on honorable veterans who run for office.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/681546983?ltl=1148068956#body We’re all aware of the recent attacks on Rep. John P. Murtha’s (D-PA) war record. Band of Brothers has been chartered on the very principle that’s under siege here: that veterans who served this country diligently should not have their war records questioned and attacked by partisan entities through the press without a watchdog ready to bite them back when they’re out of line. Thanks to a transparently opinionated and politically motivated attack, a lot of American viewers, readers, and voters now believe that John Murtha, a man who put his life in harm’s way in defense of our country, did not get wounded enough to deserve the purple hearts he was awarded. Help us put an end to this garbage-campaign and send the RNC a message.
Swift-Boat Response
Mr. Mehlman:
We ask that you and your minions please honor our veterans and that you immediately denounce and retract the recent attacks made on Rep. Murtha. We have over 50 veterans running for office in 2006 with millions of supporters and we will not allow ANY veteran to be persecuted by the Republican attack machine.
Regards,
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