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 
Rationalize the depraved character of the rather unscrupulous candidate you support all you want! Does not change his spots! Also, did not see this support for the opposite candidate. Where is the acknowledged comment “Every single member has made the conscious choice…. …not a single service member (who) has been forced to serve…
…all service members (and apparently , their families )to understand …does not imbue one with special privileges or rights.” I too find your comments troubling chris mark as one did.not see this same open letter to another lady who spoke at a national convention and who was not demeaned by the rival candidate! Politics as usual and it is so dispicable. Marco should be careful!
Chris, I will try to hold my tongue. Have Obama and Hillary sacrificed? Bloody right they have. You must be joking, right? There is a freakin reason why holding public office is called “serving your country” wtf? Every single President who has done the 8 years comes out battered and grey. Like it or not he IS STILL your commander in chief. Hillar has been a senator and secretary of state. Many you right wingers love to act as though you are the only ones who live this country.
Your letter to this man was about as patronizing as I have ever seen. You hold back your disdain just long enough to cough out a thank you for this family ultimate sacrifice. But then you follow with a dress down, telling them that they don’t have any special privileges. What have they asked for? Nothing. They spoke at the Dem convention and not the Republican convention because they probably would have been killed by the right wing white power fascists that were at the Trump event. They wanted to remind a swath of Americans who constantly parrot the evil that is Islam, that Muslim are not real Americans. This population needs to be reminded that we have Muslim in the armed forces who fight along side folks like you.
Trump hasn’t served this country in any way shape or form. Sacrifice doesn’t just mean losing a child, it also means giving of yourself for your country.
You wouldnt have even thought about writing this insult of a letter if it had been a white, Christian family up there at the convention. You might not have liked it being done by the democrats bit you still would have been filled with emotions, given you served. Internally you would have expressed gratitude to the parents speaking. Unfortunately, this family is brown and Muslim.
You should be ashamed.
He is NOT my commander in chief. I left the military years ago. He is our country’s president. Shame on you for assuming I wrote this only because of race. You sir are the problem with this type of discourse. 1) I am NOT Christian 2) I have indeed written more scathing letters to Sarah Palin and others. Do not propose to lecture me on my motivations.
Very well written Chris Mark. Do not back down.
I applaud you for your works.
Thank you for your service to this country!! 💖
I found this letter to be heartfelt – Bravo to you for saying what most are thinking!
Well said, Sir and thank you for your service! I agree 110%!
I think you letter was right on point . I don’t respect Obama , I think his entire administration is the most corrupt ever !
Thank you for your service, sir! Also, thank you for saying what needed to be said.
Very well said Chris. I commend you Thank you for seeing what other Americans do not.
Mark, It is confirmed that this SLEAZEBALL “grieving” father has extensive ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and that he did this DNC THING with the full intention of trying to malign and disgrace Donald Trump’s character! Walid Shoebat has revealed a boatload of his connections to terrorist organisations on the CreepingSharia.com website. God bless you, Mark! You’re a hero in my book! Keep up the good work! rlmyerson2@comcast.net
Chris – your political opinions differ from the Khan’s. They’re not being used and the Democrat party doesn’t despise our military or law officers. Your opinions are just that – and they’re no more valid than mine or the Khan’s. If you don’t see Trump as an unbalanced, irrational, dangerous egomaniac that’s your problem but electing him President would make his OUR problem.
You Patrick are an idiot and should be ashamed for doing exactly what you accuse Trump of doing. You Chris Mark, are a Patriot and role model. Thank you for your SACRIFICE AND SERVICE!
Good job Chris Mark for a well written letter and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! You are so correct about the US Military being 100% volunteer. My father died in 1965 while serving in the Air Force, my husband served 21 years in the Army, my son has served two tours to Afghanistan, I currently have 2 nephews in the US Military doing their part to protect this wonderful nation. Trump’s decision to ban all Muslims from coming to this nation from nations that have had issues with ISIS UNTIL they can be properly vetted. Once that is done he & the rest of the nation will welcome them with open arms while they process through the steps to citizenship. Why is it Hillary can ignore service members and law enforcement families while she embraces the BLM & New Black Panthers movements (who have proven they are a domestic terrorist groups) and an angry misinformed Muslim family of a dead soldier. Yet, no matter what Trump says or does he is roasted on a spit. Trump is only voicing everything that participating listeners of US talk radio, which is comprised of the ‘AVERAGE’ Joe/Jane of America, are saying. Hillary has no interest in making the American citizen independent & strong again through jobs, trade, being able to achieve the American dream of success & a home. She has no interest in keeping us safe from terrorist. She & the democratic party want to keep American’s dependent upon the government for their daily bread, another words welfare. As for Terrorism … she accepts $$$ from the very governments that support & protect ISIS even if it is by their silence and lack of action that signals their complicity. When given a choice of following a woman of such shallow character & could not tell the truth if it bit her ass or to follow a man who only wants America to be healed & strong again … I VOTE TRUMP!
FORVER TRUMP STRONG!
Do you block everyone who picks apart your arguments or just the ones you feel especially threatened by?
Ben,,,,There are about 1000 comments sitting in the queue. I have set a filter to send those who use profanity to spam. Trying to moderate. I don’t feel threatened by anything I have read. Nobody has been blocked but all comments have to be moderated or we have people (probably like you) threatening others lives and things like that. Now..sit down and shut up and wait your turn.
Ben, I’m pretty sure Chris doesn’t get threatened by anyone. Anyone he would take seriously, unlike yourself.
Mr. Mark, I am a veteran, and, although I never served in combat, as a Regular Army volunteer I was fully aware that I had agreed to be the sharp end of the stick if it came to that. It never did. So, yeah, I sacrificed three years of my life in service to my country, a year of that on an Honest John missile base just south of the DMZ. Despite all that I believe my parents’ sacrifice was the greater. Their fear of the loss of a child (my brother and I were in the service at the same time) had to have been constant and severe. I preface my comments with this information to establish my bona fides to challenge your patronizing, insulting letter to Mr. Kahn.
When you so callously disrespect a gold star family, all but spit in Mr. Khan’s face, and make great business of making sure everyone knows you’re a veteran, you paint us all with that brush. When you belittle and demean him as you did in your last paragraph, we are all a part of it if we do not call you on it.
In one particular, you are utterly and completely (and I believe deliberately) mistaken as to Mr’ Khan’s responsibilities. You would have him call out the entire convention for the actions of a small percentage of the attendees. Essentially you dismiss his entire purpose for being there, that is, to teach Mr. Trump that his bigoted approach to the people of Islamic faith is not America’s way, because he doesn’t address all the faults you see in Democrats. Anyone who spoke on any matter could have done that, but you put it on Mr. Khan.
And that final paragraph… So much bile, so belittling, so dismissive of Mr. Khan, his purpose and his grief. You’re a bully, Mr. Mark, a self-righteous, sanctimonious bully. I’m proud of my status as a veteran, but I am ashamed I share that honor with you.
well pogs think differently. good luck
You are the one that should be ashamed of yourself – during Hillarys time as Secretary of State , what she did was capitalize on her ownbest interests , using her position to get huge donations for her crooked Clinton Foundation . She received hundreds of millions of dollars by ensuring that Russia would own 20% of any uranium that the United States owns – well known fact ! She should be arrested for treason . She is an evil , greedy, self serving monster . Your vote for her will ensure the demise of this country !
YOU should be ashamed. Risking your life for your country has no comparison to “being battered and grey” – that comes with age! As a side note, having been wounded twice while serving my country, I cannot imagine having a commander-in-chief with the lack of respect shown by Obama or Clinton. Neither has a clue what it means to love and serve your country.
I believe what Chis is saying that neither Bill (who at one time “loathed the military”), Obama, Michelle, Hillary, Donald Trump, Mike Pence or Tim Kaine ever wore the uniform.
that’s my take
Very well said Chris Mark, thank you for your clarity and truth! The only ones who should be ashamed are those who attack you.
Signed; mom of an Army son.
Patrick,
Oh please enlighten me as to how you can confirm how or why this man “would have been killed” if he had been invited to speak at the RNC. I’d love to hear this one !!! While you’re at it, what- exactly – makes someone a “right-wing white power fascist” that you can so easily identify them? Give me a sec, while I get some popcorn. This should be quite entertaining. You ASSume waaaay too much. I’m sure, if you have a response, I’m everything you assume as well.
Wow, 2. Patrick it is of my option like all others we have one. but I think maybe you need to do a lot of research to stand by your printed words. I will not talk of the MIC at 1600, but as for the Clintons, they have stolen lots not only the White House and our USA but all of the world, and yes there are facts to back that up. You may want to speak with some of the old Clinton staff members for some of it and don’t forget Billy Bob was impeached. or are you old enough to remember that. So before you try and start a war on words with some many be good and go do some homework but remember to stay out of the “Cool-aid
He is complaining that Trump is disparaging his religion. I don’t blame him. If my Son lost his life in battle and someone was saying that all Catholics should no be allowed in this country..I would be more than pissed..I don’t see your problem with him complaining about it.
If we had a worldwide problem with Catholics beheading people, throwing people from rooftops, burning people in cages, shooting up folks in nightclubs, blowing up cafes, or running people over with trucks, your argument *might* have some validity. (Catholics would probably speak out against that kind of violence – THAT’S where the validity would happen.)
Unfortunately for your argument, the Muslim community has NOT spoken out against this. Many have spoken out IN FAVOR of this level of violence. Thus, you have no argument.
Are you that short sighted to buy into all the Liberal rhetoric? No one, repeat, no one has made a blanket statement about not letting Muslims emigrate to this country. Republicans (Trump included) have simply stated that they need to be properly and thoroughly vetted. Folks who come from European countries have to sit on a waiting list to immigrate while their backgrounds are checked. Perhaps you don’t remember the massive invasion of Cuban criminals that were released and sent with those regular Cubans fleeing a brutalistic regime.Back before the PC police took control of all the weak minds you probably would have been in with most Americans that were aghast that Cuban criminals snuck in to our country. A politician serving his country is not sacrificing anything, almost always they come out of the White House and Congress much richer than when they entered. The ones truly making sacrifices are the men and women that serve in our military and Law Enforcement, yet these are the very same people that the current adminisration and the Democratic nominee choose to denigrate and villify until they find a way to boost their position by using them politically. I would suggest that if you are so thrilled to have terrorists flowing into this country unchecked and unverified that you open your house up and allow them to live with you.
I eagerly await your open letter to Patricia Smith. I believe your comments “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.” would apply to her as well. By your comments the fact she stood up their blaming Hilary Clinton for her son’s death should rile you up as well. The RNC trotted her out and I would argue their contempt for service members is even more obvious in that they have no problem to vote to send service members to war but repeatedly votes against VA benefits. If you don’t feel the same about Patricia Smith it’s a little hard to believe this open letter is little more than Republican party propaganda.
Did you see the media’s response to Ms. Smith? Horrible. On that note..here son was killed under the watch of the presidential nominee. Capt. Khan was killed in 2004 in a war endorsed by the same nominee…no Rodney..this is a different animal all together.
Difference is, Mrs. Smith’s son was sacrificed on the altar of political point-scoring by Killary and Obama. He did not have to die. He was wasted.
Mr. Kahn’s son was killed doing his duty, same as Mrs. Smith’s son.
But only one of them had the support of their bosses.
I agree with Chris on this one. Pat Smith was lambasted by Chris Matthews on CNN saying “who cares about her emotions they are hers and hers alone, etc. I would say that each party’s conventions were in the wrong for trying to politicize Gold Star families. There was one thing, however, about both their stories…Hillary Clinton. Capt. Khan was killed in a war in which then Senator Clinton voted for and Pat Smith’s son died during Hillary’s watch as Secretary of State. Let us not forget her famous words when learning about the Death of Gaddafi “We came, We saw, He died!” Sounds more like school yard taunting. Given her indignity in that regards and when testifying before the Senate about Benghazi saying, “Was it because of a protest or was it because of guys out for a walk one night and decided they’d go kill some Americans. What difference – at this point, what difference does it make?” shows her general lack of compassion for DoD or other Federal Government employees who sacrificed their lives for this country. Oh, I forgot, it is only Bad when a Republican says something much less offensive than that. You should read Trump’s letter he issued after his pre-recorded interview with snuffalopogas, or whatever his name is, but before it aired. I’m sure you can find a copy of it in most newspapers, or partial transcriptions on most “news,” shows and sites. If not, it again goes to show the bias of the media, because on that same day Hillary lied to Chris Wallace during an interview when she said “[FBI Director James Comey] said my answers were truthful, and what I’ve said is consistent with what I have told the American people…,” So now she is lying about her lies. When does it stop…..
Wow Mark, I am literally ashamed to see some of the childish and emotional responses to your very well constructed and absolutely correct writing, It is apparent to most well educated and unbiased people that this “man” was being nothing but a shill for the DP and for their candidate. These liberal people have not learned a thing in their upbringing or schooling. Most are selfish to the core. They wouldn’t understand sacrifice if it slapped then upside the head. Basically they are crybabies that need Government to hold their hand for them, coddle them, and provide for them, while they foolishly seek journalism or arts degrees that are totally useless and needlessly expensive. It is obvious to even the most casual observer that they have not actually “listened” to Mr. Trump with an understanding ear and open unbiased mindset. These people do not seek the truth, but rather hide from it. They do not seek to become better citizens or make a better, safer and more prosperous country, one which is free of massive debt, with industry and meaningful jobs. They would rather condemn the people that are actually doing that hard work and all they seem to do is wrongly cast blame and shift all responsibility away from themselves. They don’t know what a hard days work is. They do not know what the Constitution stands for because they have not studied it like you and I have. These liberals would rather be entertained all day long and put down men and women who are sacrificing every day for their country. Shameful. Liberalism IS a mental disorder and it is confirmed every time one of them opens their mouth.These liberals do not read and understand things like United Nations Agenda 21 and it’s effects on the world and here at home. They watch the alphabet soup liberal news broadcasts and believe everything they hear and see. It is really sad to see what emanates from their mouths. Many cannot spell simple everyday words. And the ones that can are mostly in academia and are hard core liberal alynski fans, bent of dismantling the US Constitution just like their heros in the DP. I salute you sir, for having the courage to stand up and be counted and to say what is on your mind. It is on many of our minds and makes us all sick to our stomachs. I salute you as a fellow patriot and serviceman, for all you have done for our country and it’s citizens, even that ones that condemn us. God Bless you.
Amen brother !
Jay you took the words right out of my mouth!
Thank you both and God bless!
Day 1 Bubba Trump leaked US secrets from the National Security briefing. As for the Khans you haven’t lived in their skin where everyday they are persecuted and mocked for their religion or color. And now your favorite man child questions their religion and sorrow for loss.. There were plenty of mothers of police officers in the “glow of affection” used by the RNC at their convention.
Stop. Your first comment is a lie. After that what you say means even less.
You are assuming that Mr. Mark hasn’t encountered prejudices because of his religion or color. He stated in another response that he is not a Christian. I am white, but I am not a Christian either. I know full well the persecution that can be leveled towards another IN THIS COUNTRY, when one is not a “Christian”.
You also assume that the writer is Pro-Trump, just because of his words. I do not support Dump or Clinton, but I agree fully with what was written. And I know MANY Veterans that aren’t supporting either Dump or HC as well.
BULL!!!!! It’s been the REPUBLICAN MEMBERS who time after time af0ter time have DENIED FUNDING to help our veterans. And there WAS compete silence during the moment the female officer asked for a moment of slence to honor fallen law enforcement. I applaud the Khan family. It was very brave. And I think ALL families of fallen soldiers, officers, firefighters, etc sacrifice something, & I respect that. Thankfully, I have lost NO family but HAVE lost friends to war.
So you go ahead & vote (apparrently) for trump. I’ll pray for your safety that he is NEVER in control of “that button” starting a war as I wouldn’t want YOUR family to sacrifice your life for an egotistical buffoon who thinks he knows it all.
Do some online research about the history of Bill and Hillary Clinton since the 80’s. I counted as many as 104 individuals somehow connected to either who died suspiciously – mostly called “suicides”! The Clintons will do anything to get where THEY want to go and/or be; and you think they sacrifice? I think they sacrifice OTHERS! You decide. My opinion…I am “entitled” to it.
Suzi, I’m not sure what convention you were watching, but during the “silence”, “Black Live Matter” was being shouted.
OK now I’m throwing the BS flag. Every time that veterans benefits come up for a vote your beloved democratic party trys to add last minute welfare spending that has nothing to do with veterans. So next time try and do a little homework before you say something that’s not true.
Chris,
Your letter was expressed well. Thank you for your service to our country. God Bless this fallen Soldier for his sacrifice to not only this country but also his comrades. Prayers for his family.
First off I would like to thank Chris for his service. I am grateful for what you and others have done to protect Freedom.
Next, my question is for all of those criticizing Mr. Khan for politicizing his son’s death, did you feel the same way when the family members of the Benghazi victims spoke at the RNC? If not, then you are being hypocritical. And for the record, I am voting for the Libertarian Gary Johnson in November. Trump and Clinton are both flawed.
Different animal all together..
How, exactly? I think you are a hypocrite, period.
Also, Trump was a draft dodger (as was Clinton), many a poor boy was not so lucky, many did not volunteer to go to war, but went all the same, so get your facts straight bub.
You are wrong…bub(ette?)
Agreed.
Mr. Mark is as entitled to his opinion as anyone else, but he is still a dick. Leave the family alone!
Classy reply and what I have come to expect.
Lisa, you embarrass the human race with your idiocy.
I think its the disrespect that donald tramp puts out there he has numerous comment about veterans and servicemen in general trump is the one bringing religion into this election look what he said about mccain all of our service men and womsn are heros in my book and Thank you sir for serving i dont think one serviceman is more important then the next they should all be treated with the respect they desserve but until trump walks in these people shoes he should keep his mouth shut non of his sons or dsughters have served in the military the clintons only have one child and hopefully she will serve this great nation we live in in a different way that will benefit us all
Thank you very much for your service and this letter which I truly understand
Sir,
I respect you for respecting Mr Khan, but you have totally missed his point!
And let’s not forget You have also completely voluntarily chosen to serve in the military, just as well as the Muslim son of Mr. Khan. And that is because we live in a democratic country, which is not run by the military and by bullies. This country is run by The Constitution and by the rule of law.
Mr. Khan’s point is that generalizing and subjecting all Muslims, or any other large groups of people to retribution because of one person or a small number of persons terrorising the whole world, is not only MORALLY WRONG, it’s DANGEROUS! We have history to teach us that.
It’s not a contest of who sacrificed more – Trump or Clinton. It’s a contest of who cares about people and who doesn’t. And all actions and words of Trump have proven that he does not care about anybody else but himself.
So please do the honorable thing and stop defending him and justifying his blatant ignorance and grandomania.
And fact check your statements of how each Party treats veterans, other than what Fox News feeds you.
It’s one thing when protesters boo a service member, it’s totally different when the candidate for POTUS mocks a veteran in his public statements. Think about THAT and then tell me what conclusion we should draw from that.
Sincerely,
An American Citizen who has read and was sworn on the US Constitution.
As a firmer Captain in the US Army, a progressive Democrat, a politican, a Christain I am distrubed by this post. The Obama administration has dine more for military famlies than the Bush administration ever did. Tje GOP controlled Congress repeatedly bloxk funding for our veterans. How dare you belittle the Khan family or in any way infer that Trump is fit to be Commander in Chief.
Please read more closely. I did not belittle them. I was polite, professional and direct. I acknowledged their loss and their son’s sacrifice.
Yes, polite, professional, direct. Good shooting, soldier. But please don’t pretend you weren’t going for a kill.
How, exactly, was it polite of you to insinuate that they didn’t “sacrifice” by the loss of their child? That is definitely a sacrifice for any parent and for you to belittle their loss is unspeakable, particularly from another volunteer service man!
You may disagree with the message but I delivered politely and professionally. I believe Mr. Khan could have made his point without dragging his son into the situation.
Wow, talked about a confused individual. A veteran that believes in progressive democratic views (socialism) and a Christian that supports abortions (I’m assuming here because of all of the above).
Then you start off with “How dare you…” You’re assuming that Chris believes in your political correctness and no, he didn’t belittle anyone. He stated his opinion, which you find offensive because it’s counter to your views, so you attack. Lastly, you through in that “how dare you…infer that Trump is fit to be CIC?” Sorry Angela, that’s not for you or your progressive ilk to decide. Unfortunately for you and your beliefs, We The People get to decide, unless, your Queen Killary gets into office.
right… tell that bunch of BS to the families of the murdered Americans in benghazi you people are a bunch of hypocrites
“How dare you…infer that Trump is fit to be commander in chief”. Really? So now it is an insult to support a different candidate than you? That is an amazingly stupid opinion and if you had any reading comprehension, you would have recognize that he didn’t “belittle” the Khan family, but simply points out and asked about the hypocrisy of what was said. But again, from someone that like you do….I guess that’s to be expected
How many times has Obama golfed more than Bush?? I remember the MSM having a fit over W golfing while Obama gets a pass
I stand down Chris. You are much more qualified to speak on this subject.
Well done.
Nailed It Chris, not to mention Hillarys total disregard for the lives of those involved in the Benghazi attack. For him to stand in her behalf is a travesty to his sons sacrifice. Thanks you Sir for your service to our country.
Dear Chris, besides thanking you for your service, I would love for you to talk to Mr. Khan. I am sure you misunderstood some of his words. As he and you have said and shown this is the greatest country on earth and its because of men like you that come together and resolve your differences. Thanks again.
The Khan family are friends of Obama since 2009 as a published picture can attest. Mrs Khan was not wearing Hijab on that picture by the way. Using the death of an American hero to promote a political personal goal (for Hillary) is very regrettable and sad. This courageous letter by Chris Mark says it very well.
I agree and very nicely written with compassion and understanding.
Amen!
Well said.
Thank you for your service.
No offense to your service, but Trump does not care about you. He cares about power. You may not like MRS Clinton, but she has sacrificed 40 years to public service. I am not saying she is the best choice and she has made mistakes. But….she has more empathy and compassion for vets and their families than Mr. Trump. She has more knowledge of the military and its needs than he does. As far as the Obama’s go, they have done a great deal, perhaps you should do some research. America will become a police state with Trump, he said so. He has no clue about the branches of government and how they work. He knows nothing of the constitution or how it works either. He wants only judges that agree with him and wants to repeal abortion and gay marriage and a woman’s right to choose. He is a horrible person and it saddens me that one would think that his buildings were a sacrifice for America.
People really need to listen and understand what he says. He’s not kidding, he’s hiding the truth.
Blessed be.
Exactly why we do not want Hillary. More of Obama’s moral decay, killing babies, glorifying gay marriage and telling women it is okay to kill their babies if it is not convenient for them. Lying at every turn of event, making up stories.
And Hillary does NOT care about Power??? That’s a laugher right there.
Hillary has never sacrificed a thing.,,.all speaking engagements were charged and paid for…..she had 8 yrs free residency in the WH….than as senator, than as sec of state….growing up as a democrat and voting as one for many yrs, I have seen the change of being for the good of this country to being what I can get out of this country for myself…and as far as Trump wanting to close the borders, well Deocratic President Jimmy Carter did it so where was the outrage than???
Chris Mark…you did a fine job…thank you for your service and your sacrifices…keep up the good work…God Bless you
And before anyone says I am a Trump supporter…haven’t made up my mind….but I definitely don’t want HC in office running this country and from what I have read on Johnson well he thinks HC is awesome and agrees with a lot of her views….maybe he is a plant for the Democrats…..who knows….anything is possible in this day and age!!
Mr. Mark, thank you for your service. On behalf of middle America (yeah, I do speak for them!), middle aged/middle income, average Joe, I apologize for the moronic, idiotic, downright stupid comments you have to put up with. You sir are spot on.
While I am empathetic to Mr. Khan, he is wrong to use his son to promote the liberal agenda. I wonder if his son would agree with his father.
To the people like NoFear who comment: What world are you living in? and please finish high school! If you’re going to respond, do it respectfully and stay on point with the conversation. I believe there is medication for being a pantomath.
And to Tom: bringing up high school? Chris was a marine and navy seal, I’m positive his high school is pretty proud of those accomplishments. What’d you do?
And Mike: no the democrats do not have more respect for the military. You are wrong. You opined, I’ve written a fact.
And Roy: I don’t fear Trump’s non politically correct rhetoric and middle America is all for it. Trump seems to be saying exactly what we middle Americans are thinking. But the middle has no say anymore.
While I don’t agree with everything Trump is saying, I agree that Radical Islamic Terrorism is a tremendous problem in the world and it needs to be eradicated at any cost.
I would stand with you Chris, if it ever comes to that in our country, right next to you defending our homeland. I’m sure that Mr. Khan’s son would have to.
Chris Mark missed the point and does not understand the difference between Islam and terrorist. This one sentence speaks volumes of Mark’s misunderstanding, “The irony of your son’s own death at the hands of these very people in Iraq should not be ignored.”
Irony: A situation that is strange or funny because things happen in a way that seems to be the opposite of what you expected.
Shame on you Chris Mark for using Khan’s death by minimizing his death and his beliefs are less than Christian’s making the same sacrifice.
where did you get that? i am not christian..wow..i certainly more about terrorism than most. please read my bio…
Hmmm…let me see. I have conducted anti-terrorism operations…been through anti-terror training and am NOT a Christian. Your argument is facile, at best.
I agree. This father used the DNC plaform for his own agenda. THE DNC does not give one hoot about him or his son…they were just using him. I agree with the soldier…..look at the DNC…snubbed the and booed the soldier on stage, and booed at the police! You, the father, are on the wrong side! Go Trump!!!!
BRAVO. Chris Mark. U.S. Marine and Navy Veteran.!!!!!
BRAVO !!!! Chris Mark.
Very well said ! Trump 2016 🇺🇸
I agree and you maybe right that Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama may or may not have sacrificed, but what they dont do is to smear and divide this nation based on Religion, colour and social status i.e Immigrants and Native Amercians! though there is No Native American in the USA but migrants ( some have migrated genrations ago and some of them years ago).
Unfortunately the point he made is missed by peoples like you , which was “Vote the Healer and not rhe Divider”
if the word “don’t” was removed from your comment, it would stand as accurate.
Thanks Chris…this needed to be said, and you stood up to the plate. Thank you for your service, and you are still defending our country. Once a Marine always a Marine. Too many people in this country, have no clue. I truly appreciate you.
Chris Mark, you are so right. Can you imagine if an American solder lost his life (which many have) defending Iraq and his parents took the opportunity to get on national TV in Iraq during their election and attack one of Iraq’s citizens (nominee) for what he said during his election?! OMG!! there would have been a firing squad in action slaughtering American parents on stage of an American solder. This bastard should “not” have been allowed on the stage, much less attack an American citizen and our nominee, regardless if the nominee is a republican or democrat running for president.
Democrats must learn that this type of strategy will only push voters away.
Not sure your analogy works. Mr. Khan is an American, so was his son. Mr. Khan’s son died defending America. Regardless, You say Mr. Khan attacked an American citizen? Um….Mr. Khan is also an American citizen. Calling Mr. Khan a bastard because he “attacked” an American citizen? Isn’t that want each party does to each other.
An interesting perspective, and I thank you for it. As a veteran of Gulf 1 and 2, I remember telling my family, if I die, “Please, never berate my sacrifice or those who gave the order(s) that led to it.”
I served with soldiers/airmen/seamen of all religious denominations , race, and color. None of that made a difference to us in uniform: we all had red blood, believed in freedom, knew what could happen if we did not stand up to terrorism, and believed that what we were doing needed to be done. I do not recall any of those soldiers saying “If I die, I hope my parents stand up and make a mockery of my sacrifice.”
We left Iraq too early, and, as a result, are having to go back to a country that is worse off than when we were present. Post WW 2, we are still in Germany, and gave the country a chance to make a democracy that is still enjoyed today. We should have stayed for at least one generation of Iraqi’s children to have a chance to live and breathe freedom rather than oppression. Freedom, once established, is hard to uproot.
I do not begrudge those who are anti-war or wish the health of all soldiers; these voices need to be heard, as the loss of any soldiers life (whether in training exercises or actual combat) is one loss to many. But, these voices HAVE to be balanced with history and the needs of the country currently, and in the future. When war becomes necessary, support the soldiers, their sacrifices, and the sacrifices of those who love them. Please, do not call them “baby killers”, youthful and exuberant liberals did this to me several times during my career as a soldier…..nothing was further from the truth.
I will part with one observation. Look at the veterans who are supporting Hillary, and look at the veterans who are supporting Trump. Also, look at how each candidate supports veterans. I took time to watch complete speeches and events for both candidates. Trump showed more care and concern for the vets of this country than his counterpart…..so much so that he took down names and called the VA on their behalf to help assist their case. He honestly cared and expressed ideas on how to change/help the VA to better help the veterans of the United States.
You can vote for a candidate who has committed felonies and has yet to be charged for those actions (and probably never will), or you can vote for someone who is honest about what he sees and understands at that time…..though I would wish he could learn to be more cautious with these rants. Patton’s comments were honest….but not always necessary. Presidentially, Trump does remind me a bit of Andrew Jackson (at this stage in time). What do you think?
Cheers,
Jay
Mr Mark 🙂
Thank you for your service.
One point I believe you missed is, that when Mr Trump had the opportunity to step forward and serve his country during a Wartime situation and decided to take a pass per bone spurs to serious to allow him to serve. But not serious enough to prevent his sports career.
His support of Vets is in serious question. He claims millions given to Vets groups, but his tax returns, those that have been viewed shoe only thousands in contributions.
As a party the Republican Party has repeatedly voted to deny Vets benifits.
Let’s hope that situation changes.
Sincerely
Gary Harklroad
Very valid points. thanks
Chris has points and his opinion ! 1st Amendment ! At the same time, to say Trump hasn’t served…I would argue. How many jobs does Trump provide for his employees !? How many of his employees are retired military or reservists an his payroll !? Trump serves his employees and customers by providing jobs and a service or product ! Soooo to say Trump has no value means you’re narrow minded and lack respect for what Trump is ! Trump, fueled by ego, greed or plain good hearted mess, provides for thousands of people evry 2 weeks with a pay check because of his ability to run a business !
Thank you Chris Mark for your Service! And I could not have said it better, this man has his heart & priorities in the wrong place. I agree with you no one is forced into the service it is all voluntary just like it was when I went in! Anyone who does not respect the veterans or the police officers or any of our first responders should not be in this country! It’s amazing to me how all these people live here and have no problem using this country for every thing they can but have no respect for it.. I took an oath when I joined the Army and I will uphold that until the day I die!! I say be an American if you want to stay in this country or get out!
Mr. Kahn’s statements were correct. Sad you’re not willing to see that fact.
I honestly have to say as a wife, daughter, sister-in-law, niece, cousin, and friend to numerous veterans and current active duty; As well as police officers, I applaud you. It is with a saddened heart that I see all the division that has transpired of the last 8 years. I for one watched both conventions and left utterly dumb founded by the DNC’s total hippocracy. I must first preface in no way do I personally like Trump, but for someone to come out and say that what Hillary and Obama have done is called “service” is a slap in the face to all military and law enforcement. They have served their own elitist wallets and not the true will of the people. I, a Hispanic female, for one do not feel that Trump’s demand for closed borders is somehow racist. A temporary ban on Muslim immigrants is fine with me. If you are not educated enough to know that not all Hispanics are illegal (and just from Mexico) and that Middle Eastern countries do not keep records on their citizens, then you are the problem. Please educate yourselves by not relying on what news media outlets and social media tell you. Use your brain. RESEARCH. I will never support Hillary or any Democratic candidate with their current agendas. They only benefit the Elitist plan. We need to verify who comes into this country. As for Mr. Kahn, I understand he maybe upset at what he perceives as Mr. Trumps disdain for Muslim,s but it is totally unfounded. A ban on Muslims coming into this country from those places that harbor and breed jihadist only helps to protect our citizens currently here. I am not saying that Muslim people are bad. I am just saying there has to be a way to avoid letting them in to our country with out being properly vetted. Unless, what has happened in France, Germany and Great Britain is fine with you. Just my thoughts.
The idea that a father who immigrated here for a better life and using his son’s brave death at the hand of the very people Trump wants to keep out of America is disgusting. Do you realize the irony? Do you really think that Hillary or the DNC care about you or your son? You were a puppet.
OBama cut the military funding. Hillary and Obama are the reason ISIS has become so powerful. Firstly by pulling out and secondly by refusing to acknowledge them as a threat. Funny Bill did the same thing with Bin Laden.
Trump wants to keep out the radical jihadits who want us all to turn to their sharia law or ennilate us all. Don’t believe me look at Germany and France who opened their hearts, arms and borders to these refugees. Obama has issued an executive order allowing them in and look at what’s starting to happen.
As far the vet bill the Republicans voted down, the bill was so full of Democratic pork. Put forth a straight bill without adding issues to please your backers.
Hillary is only for Hillary and her ego. Yeah you can say the same thing about Trump but I believe he will try to make changes rather than continue another 8 years of this past miserable administration.
And hows closing Gitmo going? 2/3 of those released are back on the battlefield. That Sir is how much the DNC cares about the sacrifice of your son.
First of all, thank you, Chris, for your service to our country, and I am saddened to read all the attacks written by many who probably cannot begin to comprehend what true sacrifice is all about. Their disrespect knows no bounds.
I just listened to Mr. Khan’s full speech for a second time before writing this post. The first 5 minutes were spent talking about his love of our country and honoring his son. It was touching and beautiful. There is no doubt that his son is a hero.
He then turned on-a-dime and began blasting Donald Trump to the cheers of a now, fully-charged, emotional crowd and within 4 remaining minutes, he complete disparaged the memory of his own son. Donald Trump had nothing to do with his son’s death, yet, Mr. Khan allowed the DNC and Clinton campaigns to use his family’s tragic loss for their own gain. The misdirected rage and hatred emanating from Mr. Khan’s speech sickens me.
The only winners are Hillary Clinton and the DNC. They got what they wanted and, apparently, this story is going to stick around until ……..some other tragedy occurs.
God bless you, Chris! Keep on, keepin’ on…
Would it make a difference to any of you liberals if this man had ties to the brotherhood, also a law firm he worked for has ties to the Clinton foundation
Well said Chris. Thank you.
I agree with you completely Chris. Well thought out and well written. Most if not all comments against you are from those who hide their ridiculous liberal unrealistic views behind the freedom that people like you, myself, and so many others have volunteered to protect. They don’t understand you cannot protect freedom by being really good on a keyboard. Thanks for this Chris.
Excellent & very poignant letter Mr. Mark. Thank for your service.
Dr. Scot Sorum
I think it is entertaining for so many people to think that Hillary has sacrificed “for her 40 years in public service”. Obviously she has received nothing for it, it is just luck that allows her to be in the financial position to give her daughter a 900k per year job to run the Foundation.
You can’t say anything anymore to a democrat about your opinion as they just commence personal attacks against you. Look at all of the first hand accounts of Hillary’s interaction with uniformed service people and law enforcement, and tell me she supports them.
I commend Khan and thank him for his service and sacrifice. As I do all service members and those that support them. Unfortunately, his parents are political pawns and if they think the party cares about them, and all of the other grieving families out there, they are sorely mistaken. The Commander In Chief obviously doesn’t even care about the lack of care our veterans are receiving in the VA. Maybe it is better off that Khan was KIA because if he was injured and came home he would not receive the care he needed and deserved by our failing system.
Dear Mr and Mrs. Khan. I too, like so many others, am sorry for the loss of your son. That said, nearly all of the replies, whether they be in response to the soldier’s letter, to someone else’s comments or whatever, I have a question and I don’t think it matters whether I am republican or democrat or independent. It matters only that I am an American. You ask for, even demand, respect for Muslim people. I get that. But for us to give you that respect; we need help. You can look up the facts. Every single tragic terrorist attack for a long, long time has been carried out by Muslims. All of them. World Wide. So here’s the question. How are we supposed to tell the difference between yourselves who probably deserve our respect and a terrorist who aligns himself with the Muslim faith and would not hesitate to kill me and my family? You cannot deny there are people like that out there. How am I to tell the difference? Do you think you simply saying you are not a threat to us should be enough? What are you and other Muslim people who probably DO deserve our respect doing to help us identify those that would do us harm? In the absence of this help, how are we to know who to suspect? And since 100% of these attacks have been orchestrated by Muslims, I for one am always going to be much more suspicious of Muslims than anyone else. So please do something besides trying to make a political gain out of this and tell us how we are to know the difference.
Mr. Mark….thank you for your service and for the sacrifices you made/make for your country. I am a registered democrat as my beliefs tend to align more with that party….I do not have contempt for our military. I do not know any democrats who have contempt for our military. As we all are American citizens, we have nothing but respect for the job our soldiers have chosen and its impact to our everyday life. I realize with the election coming, this country divides itself across very distinct lines but supporting our military is a national feeling shared by many. May God hold you in the palm of his hands and keep you safe.
Thanks for you service Chris Mark, and I’m sorry that so many people feel they have to choose sides in this.
ThankYou Chris Mark . Great read and true ..
Chris Mark you couldn’t be more on point! I thank you for your choice to enlist and defend this great nation. This country and it’s citizens owe you and all our enlist service men and women the best possible health care and retirement for all the sacrifices which were made to protect us here in the Great USA.
Thank you for all your service.
Chris Mark, I am impressed by your commentary and had not looked at some of the points you make that are absolutely spot on. I can think of nothing more disgusting than the manipulation of a family bearing the incredible grief over the loss of their son into the the disgraceful spectacle we have all been a party to. To see the hostile rhetoric and personal attacks lambasted at you because you chose to offer a clear and professional perspective on this travesty is extremely disturbing. Disturbing but not unanticipated. Great treatise! Thank you.
Many of you saw Khizr and Ghazala Khan, parents of a slain American soldier, take the stage at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday. Mr. Khan told of the heroism and sacrifice of his son Army Captain Humayun S. M. Khan. Khizr and Ghazala were interviewed on The Last Word With Lawrence O’Donnell on MSNBC. Mr. Khan told of eyewitness reports including that of the commanding officer. I copied the quote word for word.
“He saved hundreds of American Soldiers that were on the other side of the wall and hundreds of Muslims. Approximately, we are told, the number of the people that were outside was about 300 local Muslims that were about to enter the gate.”
I personally have reviewed many Medal of Honor Citations in the book “Medal of Honor Recipients and Their Official Citations” (Highland House II) and in my humble opinion believe Captain Khan should receive our nations highest military award. Capt Khan was awarded, posthumously, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. I think he deserves more. His brave family deserves more.
It is to this end I call on you to share and sign my “We The People” White House petition.
“Posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Captain Humayun S. M. Khan – KIA June 8, 2004, in Baquabah, Iraq”
Here is a link to the petition – https://wh.gov/iFQza along with a new website for this effort http://www.captkhan.com
SIGN SIGN SIGN – SHARE SHARE SHARE. We have 30 days from now to get 100K signatures for the President to take action.
Thanks Vic Vreeland E9 Retired USAFR
First I want to thank Chris for his service to America. God Bless him. Next, your letter was dead on. Obama and Hillary have done nothing for this country except open our borders to people that want nothing more than kill us. Made us a laughing stock of the world and destroyed any respect other nations had for us. They made themselves richer and our citizens poorer. They have , however, brought the biggest racial divide not seen in the US for centuries. Those that see these two ( and plenty more) as patriots are as sick as they are.