An Open Letter to Khizr Khan July 31, 2016
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: Army, DNC, Humayan, Kahn, Khizr, Muslims, Navy, Trump, USMC
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Please read “An Apology to Mr. Khan, Mrs. Smith & Gold Star Families”
Dear Mr. Khan,
I want to preface this letter by stating that I respect your son’s sacrifice for this great nation. By all accounts, he is a true hero that sacrificed himself in service to our country. For that I am thankful.
As a veteran, I watched your comments at the Democratic National Convention with a mixture of sadness, and anger. The United States has a military comprised of volunteers. Every single member has made the conscious choice to join the military and serve. There is not a single service member who has been forced into service. It is important for all service members (and apparently, their families) to understand that service to this great nation does not imbue one with special privileges or rights. I found your comments troubling when you said: “Have you ever been to Arlington cemetery? Go look at the graves of brave patriots who died defending the United States of America. You will see all faiths, genders and ethnicities. You have sacrificed nothing and no one.”
Does it matter whether Mr. Trump has sacrificed “…nothing and no one?”…has Ms. Clinton “..sacrificed” for this nation? How about Mr. Obama? Your comment stating that Mr. Trump “…has sacrifice no one” is alarming. Are you intimating that YOU sacrificed? Sir, your son willingly sacrificed himself. As a father I cannot imagine the pain you must feel but his sacrifice is his own. He was not forced to serve.
I am troubled that you would allow a party that has little more than contempt for the US Service Member to parade you into the DNC to denounce Donald Trump. Did you watch when protesters at the DNC booed and heckled Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Florent Groberg? Did you notice your party interrupting the moment of silence for slain police officers? Your own hypocrisy in not denouncing these acts and instead using the DNC as a platform to make a political point is disgraceful. The simple fact is that whether one served or sacrificed does not give greater power to their statements. One vote is as valuable as another. That sir, is why our Country is great. Your condemnation of one person for a statement while standing idly as your party disparages veterans and police officers is the height of hypocrisy.
To conflate the need to prevent potential terrorists from entering our country with the belief that ‘all Muslims’ should be banned is simply wrong and disingenuous. As a reminder, Mr. Trump said: ” “Until we are able to determine and understand this problem and the dangerous threat it poses, our country cannot be the victims of horrendous attacks by people that believe only in Jihad, and have no sense of reason or respect for human life,” The irony of your son’s own death at the hands of these very people in Iraq should not be ignored. I have little doubt that your son would have recognized the need to protect our country from these very people. In fact, he held is own troops back so that he could check on a suspicious car. Your son understood sacrifice and how to protect “his people”…’his soldiers’….’his fellow Americans’…
As you continue to make the media circuit and bask in the glow of affection cast upon you by a party that has little regard for your son’s own sacrifice, and veterans in general, I would ask you to consider your comments and your position more closely.
Respectfully,
Chris Mark
US Marine and Navy Veteran.
Global Security, Privacy, & Risk Management 
your post starts out respectful; to this amazing father. unfortunately you turn an appalling screed aboiut the Democratic Party. Shame on you. Mary Tulloch
Shame on Mr. Khan Ms. Tulloch…what makes you think he is an ‘amazing father’? You watched him on the DNC stage? If that is your basis for fatherhood then my screed was on point.
If that is the basis for a great father then I guess I’m a horrible father since I don’t get to be paraded around for political gain. Very well said Chris Mark and Semper Fidelis brother
A lot of mothers and fathers have lost sons and daughters to war and violence. I feel for them; however, that is not an excuse to say whatever you want and disparage whomever you want…and think you don’t ever have to get challenged on your comments. Losing a loved one isn’t a free pass to pull on everyone’s heartstrings then spew out a bunch of nonsense that no one is allowed to challenge.
Stop lying.. you don’t feel for the mothers or fathers of fallen soldier…. you have no idea.
not lying…
Shame on them for politicizing their sons death and sacrifice at the ALTAR OF CLINTON….
Oh, you mean like the RNC politicized the death of Patricia Smith’s son to put on the Trump alter? Time to get off the high horse.
TYPICAL TRAITORS SUCH AS CLINTON AND HER PARTNERS N CRIME. HRC IS NASTY, MEAN, WOULD USE ANYONE FOR HER PERSONEL ROTTEN GREEDY GAIN. HC LOVES LIES ABOVE TRUTH.
He said nothing to be ashamed of. It’s people like you who need to take a look at how you treat our military and police officers and be ashamed! The democratic party is not your grandfather’s democratic party. It has been taken over by fascists and communist that want nothing more than to destroy this country. You would understand this if you would take off your rose colored glasses and take a good hard look at that they have done to this country.
Proud Mother of a U.S. Marine
Former Democrat. I have seen the light.
Joyce Wilder: well said. I, too, was a democrat as were my entire family. But, this Democratic Party is not the same one I grew up with. Instead of building on the good works of the party it’s been destroyed to a socialistic ideology. Last great president was Harry S Truman, aka, the buck/bull stops here.
Yes you sir are indeed right it is volunteer but sir it’s not the same thing you are not a Muslim now are you ,,, you missed the whole point of them coming forward. Trump wants to deport them, now he has said it time and time again hasn’t he…
No Mr. Eames, he did not say that. You are simply repeating the Dem party talking points. He said we should look at immigration more closely as in properly vetting every immigrant to ensure they are in fact not sleeper agents coming here to shoot you because you do not believe in their God or they are not carrying drugs into our country. Funny all these politicians from other countries criticizing Mr. Trump for wanting better Boarder security all have walls bordering their countries (Try looking up Mexico’s southern border wall). Also did you know Mr Kahn’s Law firm is directly tied to The Clinton foundation? Do your homework before you eat that shoe sandwich.
You cannot even listen to what someone says, without misstating what was said. Donald Trump did NOT say what you suggest he said. Listen tov what he said.
That’s absolutely not true. Trump has not said he will deport all Muslims.
He has only talked of deporting those who have entered illegally. Do you have a problem with that? I certainly do not. People can come from any country in the world but they must accept our sovereignty and enter according to our laws or be deported. Regardless of how long they have been here or if they have family here who are here legally. As criminals, they do not have the protection of our constitution and our laws regarding illegal entry must be applied.
Deport them? I must have missed that in what I’ve watched and read. Please provide a link to back up this assertion.
You don’t get it, at all, in simple terms Mr. Khizar got played!
Mary you are part of the problem
thumbs up
With all due respect Ms Tulloch, Mr Mark is right on target in regards to the democratic party. While I too appreciate the sacrifice our servicemen and women have made and while I feel the do deserve respect and recognition for that sacrifice it’s despicable that the DNC used his parents to attack a political opponent.
And you feel the same contempt for Patricia Smith politicizing her son’s death at the RNC.
And the repubs haven’t used the families of the Benghazi attack in the same manner? I’m pretty sure one of the wives spoke at the RNC.
Like the republicans who have repeatedly used the families of victims from the Benghazi attack? I’m pretty sure one of the wives spoke at the RNC
One of the guest speaker at the Republican Party Convention was the Mother of victims who was killed at our Consulate in Benghazi, Lybia. Was she “had” by the GOP?
Mary Tulloch, I understand that you wrote this comment because you absolutely have no understanding of what it means to be a member of the military, nor do you care about any members of the military.
Thanks you, well said. He also fails to recognize that the only reason this poor grieving family was at the convention, is because Donald Trump has gone after Muslims, discriminating them and calling them all terrorists.
Mary-I’ll think you’ll find overwhelming support for Chris’s brilliant letter! Very well written. Thank you for your words that ring so true, Chris,…and for your service!
I agree Mary, God Bless
I agree Mary . God Bless
God Bless this family, They do deserve our respect and I thank them for sharing their story.
Mary ,find your father ,tell him you are sorry for being a democrat.
I guess your another democrat who just hears what you want to hear. The writer of this article is spot on with his comments. Start hearing the truth instead of the lies you want to hear.
Wow, I’m terribly saddened by your comments. You missed his point. He was talking fresh with no prepared speech and you nit picked it apart. The rhetoric that Trump speaks, the people around him and a lot of his followers are what this father was emotionally talking about.
To say, You were angered by his comments on Arlington National Cemetery because he was making a comment that we are united as one and shouldn’t be divided like Trump speaks. You get mad cause he was making it political but in your response you’re obviously political with your remarks.
Please watch it again, with out your hate for the DNC. It was a great speech.
Love bro, you know how to reach me.
It is curious how when people disagree I am always the one who ‘missed the point’. My ability to comprehend comments is not in doubt. I made a coherent argument and quoted Mr. Khan directly. He has chosen to politicize his son’s sacrifice. If he does not want criticism he should keep his son’s death as a private issue.
He was stating that as a Muslim, his son still served and sacrificed and if Trump had his way this would have never happened because of his comments about Muslims.
Trump’s response to sacrificing is redirecting to the guys wife being silent and that he created thousands of jobs as if he was answering an economics question.
I won’t be voting for nor am I a fan of Hillary but the people who jump 5o Trump’s side no matter the comments are sickening even more so when they are from veteran’s. No matter what you think about McCain or whether or not he attacked Trump or his supporters a response shouldn’t have been to trivialize his status as POW but veteran’s came to his aid saying, well he shouldn’t have said bad things about Trump… When did we allow our own to be attacked in such a way, regardless of politics. Are we suddenly going to talk trash to a MoH winner because he’s a Democrat?
We’re veteran’s and we should be able to acknowledge this Father’s pain and loss and why he would feel that people are constantly saying Muslims are horrible while he’s mourning the loss of his child who sacrificed his life for our country. We should be able to separate these facts and emotions from the political bull crap surrounding us without having to prove why they’re wrong and they’re party is crap.
You are right Chris,.He has been dead 12 yrs,the way he talked it was like he had died last week.This was a set up to try to bring Trump down and make him out to be a bad person which he is not.Wonder how much he got paid to do that. Thank you for your Service s to our Country Sir.
Then pick the father apart for stating that trump hasn’t sacrificed anything. To take his sons sacrifice and claim it for the Democrats benefit when Clinton or obummer haven’t is disrespectful to all who have served and gave their life..
His name is President Obama.
In defense of Mr. Mark. Hillary voted FOR the war, Trump didn’t.
That’s because Trump has done nothing in the arena of public service. Nothing from nothing leaves nothing.
Trump supported the war and it is on video. He could nit have voted for it because he was not a senator or a reoresentative , you are an imbecile
The only divider in this entire scenario are the DNC. Obama and Hillary. Along with the BLM movement……….
once again you failed to understand what he said Trump does not want to divide this country as Hillary would want you to thin but unite it as a whole but in a manor to OUR country’s safety miss . please take the blinders off and see what there doing here you have to be blind not to see its all been a set up from the beginning. no flags on stage . BLM moms taking up to avenge there cruel children and not to mention she zero respect for our laws so PLEASE TAKE THE BLINDERS OFF and see it thru
Thank you for your service, sir. You propagate the false, right-wing belief that Democrats are anti-military. You’re free to promote your beliefs, even when they’re a lie. I don’t care to.attempt to change your opinions. But to everyone else reading here, I’ll point out that the writer presents no evidence for his false assertion, and he rambles from subject to subject, likely due to the anger that he mentioned he’s feeling. The writer also jumps through hoops to defend Donald’s Trump’s unconstitutional, and racist, suggestion to ban Muslims, and the French, and the Germans from entering our country. Inform yourselves.
My comments were directed toward Mr. Khan. I did indeed provide ‘evidence’. Notice the ‘quote’s and various links. Reading can be difficult..but please try. Please read again…closely.
Chris, did you then read about Trump’s response, by saying he has sacrificed by being successful? Being a soldier and signing the entrance documents is a sacrifice. Dying for your country is the ultimate sacrifice. The appointment as Commander and Chief of this Nation and our Armed Forces is a job that I do not want in the hands of someone who has no clue what these sacrifices mean, and the value of them. I am glad this father spoke to remind us of these facts. No offense to you and your service, which I thank you and respect you for!
You are an idiot, the Democrats have proven disdain for the military and its leaders for years. Just look at how Clinton decimated the military after the gulf war, leaving us vulnerable to the place we are today.
And look at how democrat Hillary Clinton left our men in Benghazi vulnerable despite repeated, unending requests for backup.
Donald Trump himself said our military is a disaster. Sounds like he is a supporter right?
It’s NOT a false belief, he merely stated a fact. Look at the demise of strength in the last 8 years of our military, at the hands of the Democrats that are (So Called Supporters) of our military, that YOU voted for. Most of us would say that’s proof enough. Try pulling one of your two left feet out of your mouth and explain Trumps racism again to us. He never said ALL Muslims, or ALL Mexicans, or ALL anyone…You sir, are really full of it, just like your phony DNC filled with your “White noise machines” and seat fillers, and blocking out anyone from your own party, with legitimate concerns, from even getting back in to the center….Mr Kahn should be ashamed of himself, because of his sons death, he was bought and paid for… Were you bitching as hard when Jimmy Carter actually did what you’re accusing Trump of wanting to do? What hypocrites.
http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/article/2016/jun/08/donald-trumps-racial-comments-about-judge-trump-un/
I believe this article shows Mr. Trumps racism first hand
Read the United States Code, Title 50 (WAR AND NATIONAL DEFENSE), CHAPTER 3 (ALIEN ENEMIES), Sec. 21 (Restraint, regulation, and removal). You’ll be surprised to find that the US President does have the ability to ban nationalities from our country during times of war. It is far from unconstitutional and several President have exorcised such in the past. FDR did regarding Germans, Japanese, and Italians during WWII; why not now?
Yo CB just like the rest of your Lefties … you always have a double standard and talk out of both sides of your mouth.. where was all the outrage when that worthless puppet Jimmy Carter BANNED ALL MUSLIMS !! not just suggested it, He actually did it ! He also DEPORTED Thousands of Muslims from the USA.. You spineless sheep thought that was a GREAT Idea to protect the USA.. Why is it so so so wrong now to only SUGGEST that we Temporarily Halt letting in Refugees until we (USA) not Trump, can get a better handle on how this process is conducted.. Do you not read the internet or watch the new as to what is going on in Europe, Netherlands and others? These INVADERS are committing horrible acts of violence and making ridiculous demands on the countries that we SOFT Enough and Dumb enough to let them in by the 100’s of Thousands…
Please offer up your daughters and wife to be rapped and killed so they will leave mine alone Sir.
false…Carter banned Iranians from coming to the US as well as removed 14,768 Iranians from the country under the executive orders #12172 and 12206 ,had NOTHING to do with their religious beliefs
First of all, the clintons DESPISE the military. I know, because I served under them. Their hatred of the military is well known.
Secondly, A ban is NOT unconstitutional. AS a matter of fact, there is a FEDERAL LAW that states that people associated with organizations/groups who seek to overthrow the US government are NOT ALLOWED in the US. We are a sovereign nation and are fully capable of deciding who we will allow in our country. If we feel that some might be a danger to our country, then we are fully within our rights to deny them entrance.
Thirdly, this BS that some spout “that’s not who we are” is not only false, it’s how we got into this predicament in the first place.
And Lastly, Mr. Khan asks if Trump has read the Constitution. I think a better question is, has Mr. Khan read the Constitution (regardless if he has a pocket copy). In his speech, which was a very powerful speech btw, he made it sound like the Constitution gave him some special privileges. If Mr. Khan going to invoke the Constitution, maybe he should make sure he reads and fully understands it.
CB–I think you need to inform YOURSELF. Trump wants to vet them and then have them go through the process of becoming citizens. So you are the one that is NOT informed. You hate Trump so much that you don’t even hear what he has stated time after time.
I have YET to hear #Trump say ANYTHING ABOUT DEPORTING AMERICAN CITIZENS of ANY race,nationality, religious persuasion. EVERY SINGLE TIME he mentioned the wall,or deportation it was ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, people that first off have NO RIGHT to be here in the first place, HAVE NO CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION since they ARE NOT CITIZENS, and a TEMPORARY BAN on Muslims coming from CERTAIN AREAS until they can be properly vetted, something that has been done in the past and is in FULL ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONSTITUTION. Perhaps Mr. Kahn would have shown himself LESS A FOOL if he had ACTUALLY READ that copy he showed instead of reading the SCRIPTED SPEECH given him by the DNC.
CB…what is racist about what Trump said? To be racist, you have to say something about another race. Arabs are caucasian, just as Trump is. Please inform me as to where in the Constitution it says that the United States of America has to let foreigners into this country.
Agree
What do you feel about Trump insulting General John Allen by calling him a “failed general”? While we can all argue until we are blue in the face about Mr, Khan, your argument would be much stronger if you had addressed Trump’s disrespect of the military as well. There is nothing wrong with balance. Let’s be honest, neither Democrats nor Republicans have done much to support our military personnel.
Allen was a failed general, most Marines do not like him at all… How about shame on the father who uses his dead son to further a political agenda…
You mean John Allen, the disgraced General and former NATO commander in Afghanistan (2011-2013), who somehow found time to send thousands of e-mails, some of them clearly “inappropriate” for a married man to be sending to another woman, that was forcibly retired? That John Allen? Undoubtedly you have no idea of exactly what kind of General John Allen was and what kind of disgrace he is. You might do two seconds of research on him and Jill Kelly and the thousands of emails he sent back and forth with this woman who was not his wife.
General Allen was under investigation for allegedly sending emails to a high priced socialite. Similar to General Petraeus situation. Oh, and these little tidbit might shed some interesting light on General Allen;
His investigation was at the same time as General Petraeus, but wasn’t a friend of Clinton like Allen is- and we all know what happened to General Petraeus! So as far as I’m concerned General Allen can kiss my Marine Corp E5 ass.
Curious how Republicans love and defend Patraeus despite HIS extra-marital affair and deliberate sharing of classified material with the woman he was having an affair with yet vilify Allen. I guess Allen’s true sin was supporting a democratic candidate.
Read my own blog post on Patreaus. I can assure you I don’t support him. You are wrong.
The DNC used you sir and your son’s sacrifice…you see Hillary Clinton and Obama doesnt care about how many lives are sacrificed. They are fake. There are no tears for our soldiers. If they cared so much what about the soldiers of BENGAZI? And what they had to tell those soldiers parents. Clinton called them liars…how disrespectful! So what makes your sons life anymore valuable than the soldiers of Bengazi? It wasn’t, your story is just to help the DNP further their agenda
Thank You. I also question the appearance of these parents. They did not sacrifice anything. Their son willing chose to join the military and the sacrifice is HIS and HIS ALONE. They lost a child, as have many other parents. This does not give credence to the political agenda they held forth.
Us usual, Dead nuts on. Semper Fi.
Great letter Chris and my deep thanks for your service to our country! God bless you and your family my fellow America!!
Well said from both perspectives. I two am grateful for your son’s sacrifice but also believe that your pain and suffering from that loss has allowed you to be high jacked by the Democrats and at the very least you were used not for your pain and loss but for Clinton and Clinton only. She needs to put a spin on her disastrous carrier in order to get elected. She should and is unqualified to be President of the United States.
This doesn’t mean I indorse Trump either much concerns for the minipulation from the DNC and Clinton clan, and when her own husband couldn’t even stay awake during her speach that should be a red flag and send you running!
As the mom of a former Marine who did 2 deployments to Iraq, please hear me when I say that yes, military parents do sacrifice. Military spouses do sacrifice. As parents, when our kids join, we are in effect drafted.
Thank you for your son’s service.
Unbelievable That you Chris Mark would even address Mr. Khan with the attitude that you display. Trump supporters add nothing but contempt for this nation, it’s Government and it’s people. I doubt that you even drew a weapon let alone defend the Constitution. Trump will be defeated in this election but it won’t be Hilary that will do it. It will be the people that look through this candidate you have chosen to back and see just how inept he is. Just today he had no idea that Russia had invaded the Ukraine, 2 years ago. Continue to bash us that will vote against this Mr. Trump as you will continue to fan the flames against him.
Dan…do your homework and read my bio. Then…learn some grammar. Do not propose to lecture me on ‘Trump’ supporters. Your comments belie your ignorance.
I agree Chris
Dan Kennedy….As a Vietnam Vet, I served at Di An and Vinh Long in an Air Cavalry helicopter unit, I strongly take offence that you accuse me of not being loyal to my country, my government and people. I was shot at, thankfully missed, and shot back. I am a Trump supporter. Where did you serve?
I’m sorry these people lost their son, but when PUT their sons death into politics – especially when it does NOT FIT.. especially the democratic narrative. These people would have done well to stay home.
I am an honorably discharged perm dis (service connected) Military Veteran.
Totally missed the point. It was Trumps ban of Muslims. This family deserved to be there….to show this bigoted candidate and his bigots and racists followers that a Muslim American can make the ultimate sacrifice.
Chrs Semper Fi and well said…
You sir are a true American ! Thank you and God bless this great nation!🇺🇸
Wonder how the DNC picked these people after they had been in the USA for 38 years and it has been 12 years since their son died. Now they are the media darlings, dropping everything to be celebrity guests on the TV shows circuit and claiming Trump did nothing? Something about their demeanor and attack on Trump doesn’t fit the backstory.
For me the numbers are not adding up. Kahn’s DOB was September 1976 and in 1996 at age 20 he finally graduated high school? (The bio says he was 2 YOA when the family came to America.) Then he went to college in Virginia but wanted to get into the military to cover future law school. To be at a Captain’s rank he would have to acquired the 4-year degree and gone from a second lieutenant (average 18-24 months), to first lieutenant (average 24-28 months), and then a captain in record time. The Arlington Cemetery write up says he was in Iraq 3 months and he was overdue to leave the month before. I have not heard of two month tours but maybe I’m wrong. He may have nearly completed the 3rd year of the 4 required for first enlistment.
I’m glad the Republican party doesn’t resort to such low tactics as using a parent of a fallen soldier as a prop to further their agenda. Disgusting! I mean imagine if the RNC brought a mother of a hero to speak on behalf of trump.
I get your sarcasm…having the mother of a Benghazi victim at the RNC was blasted by the DNC…Let’s not forget Hillary voted for the very war that allowed Mr. Khan’s son to be killed..she is responsible for the debacle in Libya.
This idiot chris never served. I could not find his bio in the service. Just another wanba be.
Hey genius..my DD214 is posted online..use “The Google” and find it. Why would it matter if I served anyhow? is a “wanba be”?
If you have lost a son, daughter, spouse, parent and received that Knock on the Door due to war, then by all means, cast your stone and your opinions. If you haven’t please go by the old adage,,,nothing nice to say, then don’t. The pain after the knock is life long. To attack shows little respect for their pain. I am sure the fallen would truly appreciate your opinion and will welcome you with open arms at the pearly gate after attacking their families who are left behind.
If Mr. Khan would not use his deceased son as a political ploy I would not comment. I have certainly known my fair share of death. I respect what you are saying but Mr. Khan politicized this issue.
Janet Jones – wonderfully well said. Chris – IMO, all Mr Khan really wants is for Americans to understand that just like any other group, some muslims are bad while others are great Americans just like his son. This really is just like any other group be it race, religion, profession, etc. There are good eggs and some really bad eggs in every group. I think the Khans are just truly angry because Mr. Trump’s behavior makes many people feel that ALL muslims are bad – which just isn’t the case and fosters damaging hate. They are using the freedom that you have defended to say what they feel in the way that they could be best heard. I really feel for this man and his wife. Furthermore, I’m glad that finally someone is speaking for those of the 3.3 million muslims in the nation that are in fact good people. They have for way too long now needed their version of MLK to let people know that they have a religion that is based on peace just like many of us do as Christians.
Thank you so much, Curt! That was beautifully and perfectly stated!
Chris, thank you for your service and for putting Mr. Khan’s comments in perspective. I too am a veteran, 37 years on active duty with the US Army. I didn’t listen to the final day of the DNC showcasing Hillary, I’m just sick and tired of listening to Hollywood follies and a soap opera that has removed itself so far from reality. But this mr. Khan dishonored his son’s sacrifice by politicizing it and asking trump what has he ever sacrificed? So I guess if you’ve never served in the Armed Forces you have no notion of the word sacrifice and therefore never sacrificed anything – not as a parent, not as a fellow human being, not as a teacher, cop, priest or a doctor or a nurse. What did he sacrifice? It was his son who sacrificed his life for his country not him! To politicize it was just shameful and dishonorable. By the way, he was from the UAE, a friend and ally. Why is it that halfway intelligent human beings cannot understand that the Muslims Trump refers to are the enemies that would seek to destroy this country and the way of life that Mr. Khan enjoys. Isis that has territory in Syria or countries like Iran that harbor Terrorists that he is referring to. But the Democrats would rather have open borders, and risk a huge Trojan horse scenario as has been evident all throughout Europe recently with the influx of Syrian refugees. And then what will be their excuse? Probably blamed on Bush I’m sure. There are far too many people who claim “facts” because they are too lazy to do the hard independent research, and prefer to believe media opinions. And 4 star retired generals like Allen need to stay out of politics and gracefully fade away – like Schwarzkopf, MacArthur, Bell and so many others did. General Dempsey said it best. Allen is not a Soldier’s general but rather a bureaucrat, politiian and a failed military strategist for Obama and Clinton. We live in very dangerous times. We need wolves, not sheep, and people thick skinned enough to remove political correctness from their vocabulary and make the tough decisions to keep our nation safe and prosperous. But for the weak it’s easier to live in shangrila and la la land. I will not waste my time arguing with sheep who make deflection an art form, and that do not have the moral fiber and courage to protect our great country. Quite frankly, I’m all about going back to America First – temporarily for now until we get this country’s mess fixed. Out.
I think the lesson to be learned is that Mr. Khan is one of these shameless muslims who will endlessly lie & deceive to promote a pro-muslim agenda.
Isn’t it ironic that they have a muslim speaker at the convention for a woman president candidate, its like noone there has any clue what muslims actually believe.
Gotta wonder how much money Hillary was paid to have this guy speaking at the DNC. Gotta wonder how much HE was paid.
Very well said Mr.Gibson, I too am an Army vet of 11 1/2 years of service.. and I could not agree with you more.
I to am a veteran and I agree with what Mark just said. It is very sad that Mr and Mrs. Kane lost there son, but this is what we as Veterans have all faced. Mr. Trump has lost nothing and the Clinton’s of have lost nothing, but at least Mr Trump see the problems that this great country faces and is willing to do something about it. In my opinion this government is corrupt and the Clitons are right at the top. That is why most of Americans who are out here working everyday want this change do you really think that Mrs Clinton wants any changes when she and her husband are making millions. I again want to say I fell very sorry for you and family and I also want to say I am very sorry for all of the other Americans that have lost love ones and especially to those that have come home with lost limbs mental problems. I am very proud to be and American and I want America great again. God bless us all.
Sempre- Fi my friend, love yr coment.
Lest you forget Jimmy Carter DID shut down Muslim immigration as Mr. Trump has proposed until proper vetting is done. There were no complaints best I remember. Now the DNC is berating the RNC and the nominee for merely suggesting something they have already done.
Do not repeat this lie. Carter stopped allowing entry only from Iran as part of the cessation of diplomatic relations. It had nothing to do with Islam. It didn’t matter if the Iranian was Muslim, Christian or Bahai. I recommend you research before you post.
Thank you Mr Mark for your service to this great country! And thank you for calling out the despicable way the DNC have manipulated these still grieving muslim american parents of a fallen solider. The DNC has fallen to a new low
Thank you Chris Mark for voicing what millions of Americans were thinking. If Americans REALLY knew Donald Trump there would be no question as to who they would vote for. He is a compassionate caring man and gives more to this country than anyone really knows.
All they would have to do is take the time to learn about him instead of listening to disparaging comments with no research to ascertain their origin and their validity. Once again thank you!
If moderate Muslims would get as offended with radical Islam as they are with Trump maybe we wouldn’t have to stop the flow of refugees that are fleeing Syria. Trump did not kill that mans son. A radicalized Muslim did that.
This article misses the whole point. Clinton is not speaking out against Muslims and threatening to ban them, Trump is..Mr Khan is angry because Trump paints a whole group with a single brush, including .his son, a war hero.
I think, perhaps, it is you who are missing the point. Trump has not spoken out against Muslims, as you claim. Trump spoke out against Islamic Terrorists, and has recommended a ban on Muslim Refugees coming from known terrorist locations. In other words, Trump has spoken out against allowing hundreds of thousands of Muslims to enter our country, unchecked and unvetted. That is what Trump is talking about. This article, really, has nothing to do with that, however. What this article is talking about is a man using his son’s death to push a corrupt political agenda. It is dishonoring his son’s memory. Mr Kahn either doesn’t understand the issues, or he is purposely misaligning the facts. Either way, nobody (including Trump) has ever said a word against Kahn’s son or his service.
Chris Mark, just another opinion. Trump no good for American Veterans. I applaud Mr. Khan.
M. Haviik
2nd AD (Fwd)
US Army
I can’t wait to read your open letter to Mr. Trump for his remarks on Mr Khan’s speech! Write on brother we are all listening to your fair treatment of both sides. Because ultimately that’s what a rational writer does. Sticks to facts and doesn’t let bias feelings let you take one side over the other.
That’s an interesting thought as Chris did such a brilliant job with this open letter and he has our attention! Let’s hear it!
Do you mean the part where Trump said Khan’s son was a “hero” who should be “honored.”? Or the part where he say’s that “the real problem here are the radical Islamic terrorists who killed him, and the efforts of these radicals to enter our country to do us further harm.”
Or maybe you are talking about the earlier statements he made, in defence of Kahn’s saying he never made a sacrifice? I think Chris already covered that, in his well thought out post.
Or, perhaps the remarks you are referring to are about Khan’s wife? He said, “I saw him, he was very emotional and probably looked like a nice guy to me. His wife … if you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say.”
“She probably, maybe she wasn’t allowed to have anything to say, you tell me,” Trump continued. “But a plenty of people have written that. She was extremely quiet and it looked like she had nothing to say. A lot of people have said that.”
Seems a reasonable thing to say, given the circumstances, so perhaps this isn’t the remarks you are speaking of… how are we to know? Perhaps you can be clearer on what you would like to see Mr. Mark discussing in regards to Trumps remarks?
The DNC has contempt for our service members??
Are u kidding. They’re the only ones who try to fund the VA. Trump wants it privatized. No one is forced to join you say??? Unless maybe that’s the only way one can go to college…..
And no, neither Clinton nor Obama has served in the military but last I checked they weren’t the ones running around like some pea brained drunk spewing nonsense and making threats with nothing to back it up except “believe me”
The true irony and hypocrisy is that the self proclaimed party of “God” which is “prolife” never seen a war that they didn’t like and can’t wait to send someone else’s son or daughter to die for our “freedoom” . You see for the gop fear=power and war =$$$$$ So clutch your bible and your gun and and keep watching Fox news and vote for that turd trump then maybe all u God fearing gun toting conservatives will get your dream of another war so you can wave your flag and wear your patriotic ribons and t shirts which were probably made in China. 🙂
WOWll “clutch your Bible and your gun”? You certainly are an open minded, tolerant democrat, aren’t you…You sir, are an idiot of the 1st degree and represent your party I anticipated..
I too want it privatized…the VA Dr. killed my husband. He put him on meds that needed a blood test once a week, which we were NOT told…NO blood tests were done, and 8 weeks later my husband was dead.
My daughter got her college degrees, BA and MPA, and SHE is paying for it, so you do NOT have to serve to go to college.
Thank you Chris Mark for your well written comments and putting into perspective the entire issue. So many people are afraid to speak up for what is right these days. I thank you for your service and for doing the right thing.
You are one sick individual! A disgrace! How dare you sit in judgement of a father who lost his son serving our country because he is not on your side with your views. You disgust me.
Learn to read and understand issues. Mr. Khan politicized his son’s death. Simply being a father who has lost a son or daughter in combat does not entitle one to spew nonsense without account. Go home to your cats.
He was call Trump out for his ugly remarks about military members, veterans and Muslims but showing that HIS son, was Muslim and loved the US, served and died for his country like any other brave and noble military member. Not military member should ever be degraded or made fun of. Trump disrespected publicly our own John McCain a war veteran, and continues to disrespect a new group every day. Muslims being one. He is an uneducated, bigot and will never know which end is up if he gets in the White House.
Me too.
Thank you Sir!! Well said, you are spot on and it’s about time that someone who personally KNOWS what real sacrifice is, speaks out about the verbal attacks on Trump. The entire DNC convention was a dog and pony show focused to lead viewers by the nose so they look in every direction except to look at the reality of who, what and where is Hillary Clinton. She left Americans that she ordered into harms way even when they requested assistance multiple times. She was a key contributor is the phony “lead from behind” (whatever the heck that means) debacle that led to additional chaos and the fall of Libya and she was also involved in the stupid policy of removing ALL US military from Iraq. The policy that led to the birth of ISIS. Unsecured Classified information including Top Secret, emails, lies… Shall we go on?
Sir,
The only fault I find in your letter is the fact you forgot to mention Bill Clinton was a noted draft dodger.
The only reason I point that out is that the DNC would also forget to mention that.
Very well said. I salute you soldier and all that have served the the DMV could cut thier lay, retirement, and can medical services.
HooAH! Well said, Marine
Doesn’t really matter what Religion you are WE ARE ALL AMERICANS…..As a vet and being about the same age of this gentlemen , I know his disdain for what happen. I almost lost my son in 2011 to an IED. I don’t blame no one for what happen but the enemy were fighting. Mr.Marks hit the nail on the head. Mr Khan Im sorry for you loss but, your son save his men and to me that’s a hero, never forget that. from one dad to another think what he did and not what people poison our thoughts with because its all a political gisse.
I read all this comments and it shows the small view and poor judgment of most of the writers here . I serve my country for 13 years in the Army so I earned the right to talk about this issue. The only thing Donald Trump has shown to the people of the USA and world is that racism and ignorance is alive and well in the USA. The same country that was build by immigrants. Donald Trump is a shame for the US Soldier and those who serve because he took Daddy’s money paid off the Doctors to have him skip the Vietnam Draft, When ask about his feet, the illness that kept from joining the Army, the Donald couldn’t remember which feet. My respect goes out to those who sacrifice everything for your freedom and mine. And for those couple of puppets that where in Benghazi station as CIA Military techs, not as regular grunts, Go cry a river to another person whit that BS story. The republicans had 5 ex military personnel talked on the Convention ….the Democrats place one Vet that gets Trump look like an asshole or just like democrats say….Just the way he looks always…….Why I don’t hear Republicans talking the request Trump made to Russia.regarding the emails of Hilary. They should Burn Donald Alive.
YES
You are actually sitting there condemning “all this comments” and “poor judgement of most of the writers here.” and then you spew out a proliferance of incorrect rhetoric that actually addresses nothing, but only shows an immense amount of ignorance on your part. Indeed, you may (or may not) have “serve your country”, but that doesn’t give you the right to post ignorant remarks that have little to no bearing in reality, or even have any bearing on the topic at hand.
If you took the time to read better the main topic of the conversation is the discrimination of Muslims and other races by Republicans and Trump, The son of this Muslim couple died defending your freedom and then what happens? all Trump fanatics start writing nonsense everywhere they even displayed the Benghazi survivors which worked for the CIA and Ex Military personnel, But the Democrats present the Parents of a fallen soldier and all the Trump air heads followers start talking that it was wrong for the parents of the fallen soldier to talk against Trump and that they made it a Political comment…..If defending a fallen son and defending your rights as an American Muslin is Politics then your IQ is below 70….Is incredible how Trump indirectly called all his followers ignorant and stupid when he said that he Can shoot someone on the Street and his followers would still follow him….Hahaha!!…..
Lopez Javy, it’s ashamed that in your 13 years you didn’t learn how to write correctly, and NO, your supposed service does not give you the right to comment. You get that right because you are in this country, the right to state your beliefs is constitutional, not whether you were in the service.
The funny part Michael that I may have misspelled a couple of words but on the other side I speak and write fully 4 languages…you??….Since you never served and it shows….Let me school you a little ..I get the right to speak my mind in this country and in other 88 countries which are equally free like the USA or even better. The problem with you Trump fanatics is that maybe the USA was the country to follow or to admired, but that was 30 years ago. Now other countries like Canada have better Medical service than the USA and way less racism than the USA. Until our country doesn’t learn to look pass the color of the people, respect peoples believes, sexual orientation and economical status of people we as a Nation will keep been divided. This country is made 99% of immigrants and yet you fill out a document at the county, Federal Buildings and other places asking if you are White, Black, Hispanic,Asian,Native Indian. But if you go to other countries such as Germany they don’t ask you those questions. We are all Americans but our Government mind set is still running with the 1940’s to the 1970’s. This election is the first one I have ever seen so much hatred, fights, separation an insults between our own. Like I said before I prefer to vote for a candidate that represents what America stands for than voting for a racist, liar, childish, womanizer, and with not respect what so ever on what the USA stands for.
Hillarys Husband is a a draft Dodger
Chris, first let me thank you for your service. I respect any and all who serve. Secondly, let me thank you for your willingness to stand by your convictions. I don’t think your letter shows your undying support for Trump, I think it is directed at exposing emotions; grief verses sensationalism. It seems many take pleasure in putting their own spin on whatever Donald Trump says. I find it quite compelling how well it is done by the media and by the Democratic party. It is as obvious as any nose on any face that the media always tends to side with the liberals. As far as Mr. Khan, I did not see him as a grieving father, I saw him more as an angry man on a mission. Who led his mission, we may never know? I believe it all boils down to distraction…As soon as the water gets too hot for Hillary, or for Obama, there has always been a distraction, and WE, the American people tend to always fall for it. Again, thank you for your letter and the courage to post it.
His son died protecting the constitution of the United Stated. Trump wants to abrogate the constitutions and his son’s sacrifice will go in vein. You do not have common sense. SHAME ON YOU!
There is only 1 CONSTITUTION…and..it is vain….vein is the thing in your arm through which blood flows.
Come on, man. That’s the second time you’ve played grammar cop. It’s a petty tactic. Style conventions would also dictate that “one” is spelled out and that elipses not be used to connect sentences. If they are used, there should be at least three (GPO style would be four), with a space after the last period. Good job on awkwardly bending around ending a sentence with a preposition, though. It’s too bad that’s not really a rule.
Further, there are certainly more than one constitutions. I’m sure you’re aware that each State has a constitutiion. Yes, the complete document title should be capitalized, but the statement was correct as written.
Going to your letter, I noticed several errors:
– There should not be a comma after “mixture of sadness.
– “Every single” and “conscious choice” are redundant.
– In formal correspondence—such as an open letter—you should only use one form of emphasis—caps or italics—and use them sparingly. Otherwise, they lose meaning and you sound like a comic book.
– “Country” is not capitalized in the middle of a sentence.
Of course, none of this has any bearing on the validity of your argument. The difference between you and the previous poster is that the poster does not present himself as a writer, nor does he use that position to, I presume, lend ethos to his statement or take it away from others.
As both a liberal (too tired to play the Red vs. Blue game any more, though) and a veteran, I was intrigued by the content of your message. Seeing you bully people in the comments section for challenging you, though, really dissuades me from lending much credence to what appears to be a narrow, fragile world view.
Touche. On that note, if you notice I reserve ‘playing grammar’ cop or using acerbic commentary for those who personally insult me. There are literally hundreds of comments. I will not waste time on those who simply call names.
Please, do explain how trump wants to abrogate the constitution? The man’s son sacrificed his life in the service of this country. Trump has not denied this, nobody is denying this. He is a hero, who should be applauded, but not used as a political gambit to attempt to slander Trump. Now, please explain how Trump wants to “abrogate the constitution”.
I wonder if the father actually cracked open that pocket Constitution he was waving around. Because I have repeatedly for years, and I have yet to see a Constitutional right to immigrate, or have protections under it if you’re a noncitizen. We have closed our borders many times in the past, usually by DEMOCRATS! We closed them to the Germans and Japanese, we closed them from Iran and other nations under Carter, and I can go on.
Having actually served over there during multiple tours as an Infantryman I think people confuse Muslims who have been here since they fled their homelands during the religious revolutions in those nations back in the 70s and 80s…the guy at the 7-11, gas station or Doctor…and these people who are residing presently in the Middle East and are adherents of Sharia fully indoctrinated by the religious revolution under the penalty of death.
The very same people who smiled in to my face, took my assistance, and money during the day…were the very same ones implanting IEDs or taking shots and firing mortars at our COP at night. Also, read the foreign press and see what is going on in Europe since the flood of “refugees” entered their countries, the majority of whom are fighting aged males, not women and children…and then get back to me.
As a Gold Star Mom (one who has lost her son in battle for this nation) – I applaud this letter! I too was dismayed to see these parents parade their son’s sacrifice out on the stage of the DNC for a cause that is contrary to what their son fought for. I do not believe he would have stood with his parents were he still living, as he swore to defend the Constitution (and it’s laws – including those that defend our borders). My son is also in Arlington, and it disgusted me that this father desecrated that holy burial ground by dragging it onto a political platform with a candidate that not only hates the military, but actually helped to kill my son – literally. Mr Trump is sacrificing plenty. He has my support, in memory of my son (who also liked him).
Sir, in your style of writing, I write my comment.
Thank you for your service to our great country. However, your open letter is coming from a closed mind.
I believe you totally missed the point that Mr. Khan was trying to get across. Maybe it was your anger or maybe it was your closed mind in not hearing objectively what he was trying to say, either way it is apparent that you missed the point.
It saddens me that these people are being attacked, mocked and made to be the bad guy because they wanted to share their story.
I watched as many people at the RNC ripped Clinton apart but I didn’t see her making comments against them. In fact, it was far more harsh and mean spirited.
This is sad and inexcuseable that a nominee and his supporters would come after these people in such a way, shameful!
Again, some may say my comment towards you are harsh but it had to be said. As a Democrat and a parent of someone proudly serving I am thankful and appreciative of “all” that serve. “All” means no matter your race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, political party and even if you support Trump!
Again..anytime someone disagrees with me…I am given the “you missed the point”…forgive me..I feel confident I understood and understand his point.
@ Chris Mack…If multiple people are saying the same thing, “you don’t get the point”, just maybe it is not all those people, just maybe it’s……You!!
After posting my comment, I read many of the comments posted and geesh is it hard to view things from a different prospective. To say he used his son for political reasons is jumping to conclusions as you elude to in your not so open, open letter. Like so many other parents that have loss a child and have become advocates for their cause, this just may be the case for the Khans. Furthermore, Mr. Khan expressed that not “all” Muslims are radical or have that propensity no matter where they come from and being American does not make you patriotic or non-terroristic (or not radical). I would like to add that being Republican does not make you respectful and grateful for those serving in the military. Republicans haven’t cornered the market on patriotism towards those that serve.
Mark…Chris Mark…you are wrong..have a nice night
yes ..a great sacrifice…..but i think the fathers questions should be posed to all his fellow “peaceful Muslims”…where is their support and gratitude for one of their fallen ones…the silence is deafening and their absence all to conspicuous.
Thanks for your service, Chris, I am also a 30 year veteran of the Army, have done 90 plus months in combat, came close to being killed at least twice, and spent most of my life in Special Operations. I also served a brief sting as a BNR with 3rd Marines in Afghanistan, trying to help them solve some problems. As various people have pointed out, the current Democratic Party has shown no appreciation for the military, far from it, they have actually made every effort to use it as a social experiment and immaculate combat arms units. There was once a time a while back when there were Blue Dog Democrats who were strong on defense but that time has long passed. Mr. Trump actually is more akin to that Blue Dog Democrat than any of the current democratic party. I am personally a fiscal conservative and social moderate and don’t believe you can regulate morality any more than you should try to modify the 2nd Amendment.
The singular difference between the parent of a slain Benghazi SfuAL, or Ambassador Stevens is that Hillary is directly responsible for those failures of the State Department institution, and should be held accountable. What the Democrats just shamefully tried to do was to link his policy on Muslim Immigration to a deceased soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice, and that is where the entire approach goes wrong, especially given the fact that Clinton voted for the war. It’s a stretch, but I will observe that most reasonable Americans have had such a negative reaction to this, that in fact, it has once again pointed out the difference between the two approaches, At every turn these retards shoot themselves in the foot,
Sua Sponte
RLTW!
Oorah!
Well stated.
This is a horseshit blog. “Bask in the glow of affection..” What the hell is wrong with you, man? I’m not supporting either of the scumbags running for president right now. Regardless, any person who willingly writes disparaging bullshit like this to/about the parents of a deceased service member needs, in my opinion, a swift kick to the dick. Reassess your priorities man.
Sincerely,
OIF Veteran
2-14 INF 10th Mountain Division
Hey dumbass…why don’t you try to 1) learn to read and 2) give me that ‘swift kick in the dick’? Yeah…we know why. You are an “internet hero”…now….”get your shinebox”
Chris, firstly thank you for your service.
You say: “To conflate the need to prevent potential terrorists from entering our country with the belief that ‘all Muslims’ should be banned is simply wrong and disingenuous.”
Sir, all due respect, but please have a read of his campaign press release announcing this proposed ban on Muslims, from his website. The first line reads: “Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what is going on.”
Link here: https://www.donaldjtrump.com/press-releases/donald-j.-trump-statement-on-preventing-muslim-immigration
From a perspective of objectivity, it’s wrong and disingenuous to imply Trump hasn’t called for the banning of ‘all Muslims.” He’s been eminently clear on this position.
I appreciate your well thought out commentary. While we may not all agree, your comments are appropriate, respectful and on point. Thank you.
First, thanks for your service. I am also a 30 year veteran myself with over 90 months of combat in multiple places. To the Democrats who have come on here and criticized this man for voicing his opinion, when you yourself probably haven’t served or even helped a veteran out, I would question your motivation and purpose for even coming on here. I am going to make a very rudimentary and quick attempt to explain this to you, though I feel no compulsion to do so, because you exist by the very sacrifice of the people like Chris and myself who protect your freedom and ask no thanks or accolades, we do it because it was a calling.
First and foremost, the difference between Benghazi and this is that Clinton, who has never done a damn thing for veterans or the military and has a documented record of personally treating military members like crap, WAS DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR BENGHAZI. Read that again, it was her organization that allowed that to occur for either failure to provide the resources when AMB Stevens asked for an interagency retention of the SF Team that was attached as his PSD, on 13 Aug that was denied, lost or pigeonholed. Once the attack started, she went to sleep. That is cowardice in the face of adversity. Then she had the unmitigated shame to lie directly to the American people, and the families of the deceased that this was caused by some video when she knew that had nothing to do with it. What is wrong with you people? Do you not see the self serving witch for who she is? So you know what, the Benghazi issue is directly related to her competence as a leader when she threw her people under the bus. To add insult to injury in this discussion, you people have no class to use a fallen soldier to attempt to link Donald Trump to something he had absolutely nothing to do with. He didn’t vote for the Iraq war, Clinton did, …..so if any blame exists it’s on her side. So what were the Dems really doing? They were attempting to link some Captains death inappropriately to a concept of constitutionality by making an inference that his stance on Muslim Immigration is unconstitutional. Only an uneducated retard comes to that conclusion when he has clearly stated that we need to stop letting in unvetted Muslims from areas where ISIS is because it is a security issue, and guess what sports fans, it is a security issue. That’s madness, and Clinton wants to bring in 5 x the amount. That’s stupid and risky. So Chris’s criticism, actually doesn’t go far enough, I would have been a hell of a lot more critical because anyone who has served over there knows this is all a bunch of hogwash. Hell I almost got myself killed a couple of times.
The democratic party used to be for the common man, it has long since departed that concept. Mr. Trump is actually closer to the old Blue Dog Dems who were strong on defense than this sham of a political party today.
Chris Mark I have to say it but you missed your marked by a mile Grunt….1st You have never experience in the USA to feeling of racism or been looked differently because of your race or color like other people has. The point here is that even though Republicans and Donald Trump has talked BS regarding other races or ethnic background as Muslins here you have a father of a fallen Officer who gave his live defending our Constitution, Our liberty of speech, to be treated equally in the USA,…and what happens we get people like Trump who stands for Hate, Bullying and Communism <–Praises Vladimir Puttin) to Talk about Muslins, Hispanics and Black people like if he ever experience what is to be a minority…..I don't like Trump and that's it…I wouldn't vote for a guy who thinks that he has the world in his hands and that directly calls his followers morons or people without principle when he makes comments that he could KILL SOMEONE ON THE STREET AND HIS FOLLWERS WOULD STILL BE THERE!!
what sacrifice’s did Hillary make? – I can think of 4 unnecessary ones in Benghazi.
You’re one sick & hateful piece of shit, pal…
stay classy champ
Well stated. Thank you for your service. 🇺🇸