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
trackback
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 
Mr. Chris Mark,
I have carefully read your letter, the posts submitted and each of your replies to those posts. I have concluded that your letter and replies are to be commended. Like you, I am a Veteran. Coincidentally enough, a former Marine both active and reservist as well as the Army Reserves and finally, the Alabama National Guard. Yes, I hold four honorable discharges, so I believe this gives me a little leverage in writing my reply.
As I see it, there are a number of points to be made here. First of all, you and I, as well as the respondents all agree and share the grief of Mr. & Mrs. Khan. To his credit, their son volunteered for military duty knowing full well that his life could be at risk. As soldiers, we know this as an all too real possibility when we volunteered for enlistment in the military. Secondly, I firmly believe the DNC achieved an all time low by exploiting the grief of Mr. & Mrs. Khan for mere political gain purposes. If anything, the DNC and Hillary Clinton should be harshly condemned for this selfish and incomprehensible act. With all that has been revealed regarding the DNC and their emails along with the unforgivable lies and corruption of Hillary Clinton to date and with indications there will be additional facts forthcoming, I am totally appalled.
Finally, I could not begin to express all of my thoughts here on this subject nearly as well as you did Chris along with a Blue Star Mom of a son who is currently serving and Purple Heart recipient in the military. The mother wrote a letter that you and your readers may or may not have read yet. I would like to post it here although, I will be adding significantly to the length of my letter/post, but worth it.
To the Muslim Gold Star father that spoke at the DNC…..
“I have some thoughts on your comments. I am a Blue Star mother. My deepest condolences on the loss of your son. No family should have to endure such a loss. That being said….while your son is a hero, you Sir, are NOT. My son has served three tours of combat in the countries you and your family came from. Iraq and Afghanistan were his introduction to adulthood and service to something bigger than our individual selves. He was blown up by an IED set by your countrymen. His Purple Heart is a testament to his love of America and our freedoms.”
“I have suffered through his multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan….never knowing from moment to moment if he would return home in a flag draped coffin. It is torture when a mother wakes up to this day after day and sees the atrocities happening over there on the news and being helpless to change a thing. My comments to you will probably offend you. I do not apologize. These things need to be said.”
“Unlike you, I could NEVER use my son’s death as a pawn piece in support of a woman that left “America’s treasure” (Hillary’s words) to die unaided in Benghazi. The same woman that says vile things to her military details there to protect her. You, Sir, are supposed to be a witness to your son’s bravery and sacrifice. Instead you stood on a stage and promoted the woman that upholds the very people that killed your son. You became a political PAWN that promotes pandering to our enemy. You desecrated your son’s memory by your words. You did not utter one word of outrage at anyone but Donald Trump. Are you forgetting that Trump did not kill your son. He had nothing whatsoever to do with these wars. His memory should mean more to you than five minutes of fame on the stage of the party that voted to send your son to war. The same party that for eight years has denied and cheated our veterans out of their deserved medical care. Who for the last three years has cut our veterans pay.”
“Of note…your wife stood SILENT. She stood with her head covered, never uttering a word about her loss. She submitted to you being her voice in front of the country. She abdicated her free voice to you…..as would any good Sharia wife and mother. Let me say, this was not lost on the other American military moms….myself included. Had it been my son being “used” as a political PROP, no one could have silenced me. I would be voicing my grief, my pride, my love of him to the world. A man cannot speak to a mothers loss. No man knows her heart at the loss of a child. She did her heroic son a disservice by her silence. She should have uncovered her head and her heart to be the American mother you claim.”
“And last if all….you dared to flash your picket Constitution and ask if Trump has read it. I dare to ask you, Sir….HAVE YOU READ IT? If you say yes, then I dare ask you HOW you could represent that party? HOW can you support this woman? How can you affiliate your family with a party and candidate that cannot even call the radicals that killed your son what they are? How can you support a current administration that diminishes your son’s death by denying he had an enemy? And if you have read our Constitution, how could you cover your soulmate in colorful submissive sheets and have the audacity to speak FOR her? Your son died for that Constitution you so carelessly waved around on national TV in support of the very party that exists to destroy it. As a soldier’s mother….NO ONE could ever speak for me. I find your outrage artificial. I find your party affiliation offensive. I find your wife’s silence atrocious and offensive. I find YOU a political FOOL. I find your son to have been your greatest accomplishment, and you, Sir, have dishonored him.”
“I hope you memorize that picket constitution so you will understand what it means to be a REAL American and hero. You are not one. You were USED. Your son WOULD NOT be proud of you. My only hope is that when MY son goes a fourth time to combat radical Islamic terrorist’s, ( and he WILL) he will know that his mother never stood submissively SILENT about an American hero. Yes, your son was a hero that could not be manipulated but, you, Sir, are a weak minded FOOL. I would love to hear your thoughts this morning about the 1500 American soldiers on the air base in Turkey being held as basic hostages as I type. Not a word from this president or party you adore…or the media that so thoroughly manipulated and used you and your wife. So…what say you Sir??? What will you say to a Blue and Gold Star family if these heroes die? In my opinion, you will say NOTHING.”
Thank you.
Marvin McCartney – Veteran Thank you for sharing this, please let this precious Blue Star Mother that Mr, Khan was paid by the Clinton Foundation.
Well said. THANK YOU!
So amazingly well said. Thank you!
“My son has served three tours of combat in the countries you and your family came from” The Khans are from Pakistan you freakin bigoted moron.
Doesn’t matter. Where was Bin Laden hiding out? You’re the moron if you don’t understand what that mother is saying. Khan has a huge involvement with the Clintons and Saudis.
From a wounded Marine: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/an-open-letter-to-donald-trump-from-a-wounded-marine_us_5759df51e4b0b6c496007949
Another letter of rambling foolishness.
YES! A beacon of common sense, hard-hitting passion that thoroughly debunks Mr. Kahn’s subversive, Machiavellian rhetoric (what else would you expect out of a dem promoted event?).
You speak with a political tongue vs a man of character. John McCain and the VFW have eloquently pointed out how we should respect these citizens. Stand up and be a man, not some sheep following an agenda to sell a less than stellar politician.
I respect them and am not selling Trump. Did you read my commentary on Sarah Palin? I am an equal opportunity offender.
This is why I like your post. You favor NO ONE.
Thank YOU as well for your service.
What does your commentary on Palin have to do with Trump? That’s your proof that you’re unbiased? In the science world, that sample size would be laughed at.
You’re an idiot for even standing up for trump . Bloody closet racist
Where did I stand up for Trump? There is the real idea…if you don’t pull for the left you are a racist..if you don’t admit it you are a closeted racist.
Sir, rather than attacking others, I suggest you do a little investigation of the one you seem to adore, Senator John McCain. This little, arrogant man suffering a Napoleon complex is no hero by ANY measure. He acquired the nickname “Songbird” from his North Vietnamese captors. Why, do you think? And just how has he supported those POWs we KNOW were left behind in North Viet Nam when we left? Again, do a little investigating rather than simply following the crowd. Especially where Sen McCain is concerned. God willing, this will be his LAST term as a senator and he will be replaced by Dr Kelli Ward, a TRUE conservative.
Very well stated. Thank you for your comments and your service!
This letter disgusts me. The fact that the Donald singles out muslims and other ethnicities is what it was about. Too bad that Marine was too stupid to understand the speach.
“That Marine”? I can assure you I understood the speech. Muslim is capitalized…just saying.
Spoken as someone who never served, Mr. Gordan? Or just another sheep following their party’s view and calling them your own? The point that all Muslims are not bad is completely understood. Obviously you need to understand what Trump was saying…until we figure out who is who we should not allow a free flow of potential terrorist combatants into America. Would that make sense?
Did you miss that he didn’t single out Hillary for not losing anyone or sacrificing anything? Or Obama? This was bought by them for the express purpose of degrading Trump. Shame on him for using his son’s death for that.
You do yourself a disservice by referring to anyone who has served their country to fight for YOUR right to say ignorant things, as stupid. Go away, just disappear back into the black hole you came from.
I would also like to point out to those who criticize Mr. Khan for “politicizing his son’s death” that no one seemed to be this outraged by Patricia Smith’s speech and appearance at the RNC. Somehow this is fine and NOT politicizing. Your hypocrisy saddens me.
Once again…did you see how she was treated by the press? She was there..here son was killed under the watch of Hillary Clinton,,,Capt Khan was killed in Iraq 12 years prior in a war AUTHORIZED by Hillary Clinton. The objective was to show Hillary Clinton in her true light..that of allowing men to die in Libya. If you cannot comprehend the difference then there is little I can do.
Apples and oranges. If you don’t have the mental integrity to see the difference then I am sorry for you.
Awesome. Said with Respect. I only hope is reads it over and over until it sinks in . Thank you Sir for your Service to this Great Nation.
I applaud Chris and his willingness to write a letter. I am sure he knew there would be those who would criticize. I am not sure he knew it would be charged with such venom from some. It is simply amazing that the default these days is personal attack. Whenever someone expresses an opinion that differs from our own, the immediate reaction is often to besmirch their character or otherwise launch personal insulting attacks. Why is it that we hear so much about being accepting of others but are unwilling to engage in dialogue with those who have a differing opinion. We the public, exhibit the same childish behavior exhibited by Congress. Personal agendas trump all no matter the expense to the nation.
I am at the point where I have lost faith that we as a nation will ever see true leadership again. When I say true, I mean leadership that puts the interests of the nation and the entire citizenry ahead of personal interest and the interest of particular groups. Be it the Dems , the GOP or whatever, it is clear that pandering and playing on the fears of groups is now the acceptable way to secure power. The pandering for votes on all sides is ridiculous.
Very well said marine…..thank you for your service…..
You should stop pretending to care for a Mother and Father in the beginning of your piece when you say later that they haven’t sacrificed anything. You can’t have it both ways.
James Gillies
U.S. Army
25th Inf. Div.
Vietnam 67 – 68
Sorry, Mr. Marks was a soldier more recently than you so his opinion counts more than yours.
Why not 1967-2016? Are you a coward?
Thanks for permission to post this Chris!
Mr. Gillies
I feel your reply to Chris is unfair.
He/we can understand their grief, and express sympathy. They lost a child, which is incredibly tragic.
However, Chris expressed that *they* did not sacrifice. And he is correct. Please read his statement again. In no way did he try to take away from their personal loss.
Here’s a very simple definition: “A sacrifice is a loss or something you give up, usually for the sake of a better cause. Parents sacrifice time and sleep to take care of their children, while kids might sacrifice TV time to hang out with mom and dad.” – vocabulary.com
The Khans’ son sacrificed everything in order to protect the United States. And to protect the same people who do NOT respect the very military in which YOU also served. His parents are suffering a loss, but by definition, not a sacrifice. And you should know that. THEY are not war heroes. HE is. And YOU are. He chose to join our military, and subsequently fight in the Middle East. You both sacrificed a great deal.
I respectfully thank you for your service during the Vietnam Conflict, James.
Sometimes, you can have it both ways.
The definition you provided of sacrifice says that “sacrifice is a loss”. Then you say “His parents are suffering a loss, but by definition, not a sacrifice”. What? If sacrifice is a loss, and they are suffering a loss, then they have sacrificed.
First Chris, I thank you for your service. I was only a reservist in the Air Force in the mid 70s and make no claims of heroism or sacrifice, I made myself available if it was needed during peace time. My family immigrated to the New World in the 1640s, we have lost blood in almost every conflict since my 4th Great Grandfather William Black fought along side of a young George Washington in the Indian Wars in the 1750s to WWII, I visit my father Sgt. George Black’s resting place on the mound at Golden Gate National Cemetery. I know what a citizen is, I know what a hero is, I know what it means to the parents and children of those who sacrificed their lives. To suggest that those left behind made no sacrifice is simply an error in judgment Chris, but what I find is unfortunate, that a veteran like yourself would berate the parents of a fellow fallen solder to bloviate politics is disgraceful. I am speaking about you Chris, not the DNC or the RNC or anyone else. You came home Chris, he didn’t, the way I was raised, if I were you I would defend these parents regardless of the venue regardless of their politics. I have no interest in trying to convince you of anything, nor do I care how you receive this comment. In time Chris you may come to realize what is truly important in this world on your own.
You have missed the point entirely. Cpt Kahn made his own sacrifice. His parent’s did not make that choice for him. Unless they forced him to join the military. Are you suggesting that they forced their son to join? Having many friends and brothers who have been killed in action, I understand the feeling of losing loved ones in combat. Although I don’t know the feeling of losing a son, and I pray that I never do, the sacrifice was on the soldier, not the family.
Please define the word sacrifice, what it means and what motivates one to make a sacrifice. It’s clear that no one is forced to join the military but only patriots that can take such willingness to protect the lives of others with theirs, as such I don’t see any sense in people writing an open letter to a family of a falling soldier who feels that expressing his dissatisfaction on a segregative candidate’s plan to ban other religions from entering this land of promise.There are lots of measures that can be put in place to prevent terrorists from entering the US other than generalizing the Issue of baning a religion of millions of faithful believers who are clear of hate. Trump must change his political platform for running as president if he really wants to lead this great nation, this is not the value of US president.
Chris Mark, my God bless you and your family always. You are an amazing American for writing this letter and I commend you. I was puzzled myself at the answer that was given about why his wife didn’t make any comments. I can’t understand her pain, but I can’t believe that they would get her up there to endure the pain of seeing a picture of her son in order to make a twisted tale against their opponent. I don’t get it. All I can do is pray for them.
Thank you, Chris Mark, for putting into words how this staged “performance” personally effected me. As a parent who has grieved for some 15 years… I can assure you, I would NEVER dishonor my son in this way. Proof that Clinton will stop at nothing! It’s shameful!
Let me just start by saying thank you for your service. To be clear, I am neither a Trump supporter, nor a Clinton (or Sanders) supporter. While I agree that the DNC is using the Khan family as a prop (both sides have committed this sin), I respectfully disagree on a few of your statements. I understand your reasoning about the military being comprised of volunteers. However, I wholeheartedly feel that losing a son IS a sacrifice. Our children are forever an extension of ourselves. It also simply does not matter that it was 12 years ago. Parents carry the pain of losing their child, forever.
Now, let’s put the microscope on Trump, for a moment. Trump avoided military service, has likened avoiding STDs to his “personal Vietnam,” and criticized McCain for being a POW, saying he likes people “who don’t get caught.” These things are very telling of his true feelings about the military and level of (dis)respect for military personnel. I honestly don’t buy for a second that he truly cares for police or military personnel. Please understand that his sudden praise for them, in this race, has been explicitly for the purpose of gaining military and police votes. He is just like any other politician, in that regard, using those groups as his own props. Even some military organizations accused him of using soldiers as props, during the primaries. And though he eventually did come out with a more specific statement about tracking immigrants, you can’t deny that he did initially make broad statements about banning all Muslims.
If you are going to be critical of the Khans politicizing their son’s death and being “paraded” around by the DNC, you should be equally critical of the individuals who let the RNC do the same thing. Personally, I think it’s best not to criticize either, but to focus that ire on the politicians of the DNC and RNC who thought it was at all appropriate to use them as props. I don’t believe either side cares about our soldiers or veterans, or they would have better equipment, better support, and better care, when they get home. Both sides have held power, both have continued to neglect and mismanage the military.
I have plenty of disdain for the democrats and for Clinton. If you look at manuscripts, she was well aware that Benghazi was a terrorist attack, yet continued to spin it as resulting from a video (obviously because it was reelection time for Obama, and they did not want to admit they had mis-stepped). She currently needs to distract from that and from the email scandal (among others), so she baited Trump with the Khans, and the media is lapping it up. I understand your disdain for her, the DNC, and for the media’s role in this. However, you have to acknowledge Trump’s response to this whole thing has been just terrible. The DNC was clearly trying to bait him, and he walked RIGHT into it. His lack of impulse-control and critical thinking in this situation and others is beyond alarming, especially for someone who aspires to be Commander-in-Chief.
Thank you Chris Mark for your service.
Thank you also for continuing to serve your country via this open letter and blog. You are a hero and a patriot.
I shared this letter on FB with the #nailedit.
I’d like to personally thank you for posting it. Your eloquence, class and respect are obvious throughout. It was thoughtful and well written.I did not see it as a political statement. It did not come across that way at all. Frankly I am appalled at the sheer hatred and ignorance I have observed in the comments section.
This great country of ours, which many have sacrificed for, whether actively or passively, is in trouble. This election has been appalling from the start. The money, hatred, racism and agendas are sickening. How refreshing to hear an honest, patriotic American and Veteran respectfully disagree with the evil I believe this represents. Honor is a waning attribute and how refreshing to see it respectfully asserted.
Public officials, like soldiers, choose to serve their country. The “hits” they take are part of the job. They expect it. If it’s a sacrifice, like the soldier, it’s a sacrifice they CHOSE! They knew the stakes going in.
No matter who you support for POTUS, you should be fact checking and researching, not going off with an “opinion” based on a two minute biased news clip.
Benghazi was not a war. It was a diplomatic outpost. Those men were not soldiers on active military duty. They were contractors protecting that post and diplomat. Still they gave their all for America and their brothers.
Negligence by the State Dept. in not securing that compound properly caused their deaths. That compound was not secure and SOS knew it. SOS Clinton was planning on visiting it a month later. I wonder how much more secure that compound would have been a few weeks later.
Mr. Kahn’s son died in war. He freely chose to serve. Knowing the dangers, he went in eyes wide open. He was defending the USA.
The Benghazi 4 were NOT in war, yet they died defending fellow American citizens. Eyes wide open
You cannot compare the two. They are not even close in association.
Therefore there is no comparison between what Patricia Smith did at the RNC and what Mr. Kahn did at the DNC.
Mr Kahn dishonored his son’s sacrifice and his faith by taking that stage at the DNC to advance a politcal agenda. He was not lied to. He knew his son went to war and there was possibility he would not survive it. When his son died, no one lied to him about the circumstances. He was a hero.
Patricia Smith lost her son, no less honorably, no less a hero,defending American citizens against a terrorist attack in a foreign country. SOS lied to the American public regarding that attack. She also lied to some of the families. It’s a matter of record. This was Patricia Smith’s personal experience with SOS Clinton.
This directly speaks to the competency and character of the Democratic Nominee.
Mr. Kahn has no experience with Trump. Yet he still took the stage and used his faith and his son’s sacrifice to opine on a man he’s never met.
I find that disgraceful.
Sincerely and with respect
Kathy
Kathleen…You did nail it!
Couldn’t agree more
Thank You – for speaking out and for your service to the country.
Mr. Kahn, you have been hoodwinked and bam booked, by the DNC. The facts are your son was killed by a Muslim. The Democratic Party would welcome gladly and with open arms you sons killer into this Country. The Country for which you say he died defending. If that is the case why do you support the party that’s destroying it. Liberty has a price, Americas has with their blood, paid the price for this Liberty In behalf of other nation around the world. Our Liberty is a gift from the Lord Jesus Christ only may you see him for who he really is. 🇺🇸 Joseph Coe USMC
Another moron for trump. Sad you have to make service members look bad.
You need little help with that if you are voting for Hillary Clinton.
The hypocrisy dripping off these posts is so disheartening. To trivialize a parent losing a child and spinning a death and a statement so that you can make Trump look better is disgusting. I love how Mr. Kahn’s child “volunteered” to enter a dangerous profession and died defending his country. Apparently the same doesn’t go for the 4 people who lived in an extremely high risk area doing what they believed was right for this country. Them volunteering for the assignment and dying for THEIR country was Hillary’s fault. You people are sheep who literally believe anything the republicans and Trump will say because you can’t face that the story republicans have spun, and subsequently dropped after 9 congressional inquiries into it, wasn’t true. Everything the RNC says about Hillary must be true but everything the DNC, the press, and everyone in the world but Russia, says about Trump are lies because they are keeping the man down. Do you realize how ridiculous you people sound??
Wow..is that what you took? “You people..”…”Sheep”…”you people”…do you realize how ridiculous and biased YOU sound??
you dont ever acknowledge the content within replies. you deflect and straw man your way out of a real response.
dude…I am at nearly 3000 comments. I do not have time to respond. I am going to cut off all comments tonight. I simply dont have time to respond. Period.
Chris, First of all, thank you for your service for this great country. You are a Sheep Dog if ever I’ve heard one. Apparently, the young soldier in question, Kahn’s son, was a Sheep Dog. You both stood between the wolves and the sheep to protect the sheep. My son is a Sheep Dog on the home front and I am proud of him every day. The men in Benghazi asked for help several times and were denied by one of the wolves(American wolves) Hillary Clinton. She has lied and it has been proven she lied. I just can’t grasp why she isn’t in prison. I wish there had been a whole lot of Sheep Dogs like you and the soldier who was killed on scene in Benghazi. If there had been, the men we lost would be alive today. The only way to tell if Hillary has lied is to see if her mouth is open. Good luck in your life and maybe some day we can support you in your run for the White House or some other lofty goal. For all the haters out there, former military especially, stop and thank the Sheep Dogs who watched over you while you were on duty.
Apparently you don’t realize how biased and ridiculous you sound either. As the saying goes, “It’s ok if you’re a Republican”. You completely missed the point the DNC was trying to make. Your boy Trump has vilified Muslims, stereotyping all of them as evil murderers wanting to kill all Americans. The Khan family represents the best of America and is a shining example why people of all ethnicities and religions have come to America. There are millions more Muslim Americans who live peaceful and productive lives. But your boy Trump prefers to portray them all as evil. Enjoy your 15 minutes of fame along with the rest of the narrow minded, self agrandizing people who think like you while the rest of your party crumbles in the eyes of sane and rational Americans as a result of the disgraceful and pitiful response to the Khans.
With this post I am up to about 3 months of fame. You can see my previous work on CNN, and read my numerous articles. Please take your time to read my blog.
Well written piece based on experience that I’m grateful men and women like you have volunteered for so that people like me and my children can be free. Thank you. Even though I disagree with you, I have to respect your experience and the things in your life that lead to your opinion on the matter. What bugs me is if the Republican candidate for president had responded with even a fraction of your, clarity or concerns and avoided his vile and juvenile attack on a Gold Star mother he wouldn’t be wading through yet another failed attempt at developing the character and presence that is required of our Commander in Chief. It also begs the question as to who it is that’s advising him? It’s the amateur hour over there. Based on many replies to your piece the democrats spoon fed him an opportunity to respond in a way we would all hope. He didn’t and couldn’t and his leadership team completely missed the opportunity. His skin is simply too thin for the job and his staff is unqualified to assist him. It takes a team to run the Office of President. That’s going way over his head.
Good for you Chris. How about a nice letter to Trump concerning his disdain for the American military. That would be nice. But it doesn’t fit with the narrative you’re attempting to create.
still another democrat Kahn job.
What made you think you should comment to this father? You can have your opinions and ideas, but to add your two cents was uncalled for and unnecessary. So here you are, on the internet, for your little bit of “fame” as you call out the father of one of our servicemen. You’re really something.
Again…I wrote this when the father politicized his son’s death and demanded that another politician explain “what he has sacrificed” Sacrifice and service is not a requirement for office and when he brought the issue into the public domain, I commented. To your comment Carol. My blog averages 400 readers per day. Since yesterday this post has received over 1 million readers. I had no idea nor any intention of it being read. You may disagree with my adding my commentary but he initiated the discussion.
Not to you. What makes you think you can tell him how he should feel or think? You had no idea it would be read? Then why write it. Wasn’t that the point?
Go home…I am done with you.
Carol is a dem….bleeding heart liberal. Lets take a quote from your choice Carol….what difference does it make now? That was hillarys quote from the Bengazi murders. Carol, please don’t talk any futher to my fellow American Patriot. You are not smart enough to understand.
Carol, if you are so upset that he wrote this letter, why did you read it and leave your ten cents.
Mr. Mark, I too am a Navy vet and disgusted with the Republican candidate’s disrespect for the military. By indicating that POWs are not heroes because they were captured, and comparing his experience in military school to those who served in the military he belittles those that did sacrifice.
For you to indicate that Mr. Kahn DID NOT sacrifice anything is to say that your beloved families of the Bengahzi fallen did not sacrifice anything either, in addition to the families of the fallen police officers. In addition it was the Republican candidate that began the discussion, not Mr. Kahn. Mr. Kahn’s commentary was IN RESPONSE to the Republican candidate’s unconstitutional call for the banning of Muslims to the United States. Since which he has changed his stance a number of times; however that is not mentioned in your “letter”.
If you had no intention of it being read, maybe you shouldn’t have posted it and sent it to Mr. Kahn, that way you wouldn’t have embarrassed yourself or any of us veterans.
It had the intention of being read but contrary to comments I never expected this type of response.
Why shouldn’t he? It’s called the First Amendment of our Constitution. It’s just alright if Hillary supporters speak out?
Nobody is denigrating the service of the fallen soldier, Mr. Black, the people who commented were questioning Mr. khan’s exploitation of the death of his son, especially when he denigrated a presidential candidate for purely partisan reasons. His son was only one of approx. 5,000 fallen military, most of whom we do not know or even heard of. You, Mr. Kan and Mr. Black, questioned the patriotism of Donald Trump for not serving in the military, which is a red herring if there ever was one. 98% of the people in our country haven’t served in the military, including myself, but that doesn’t mean we are not patriotic or can’t criticize anyone who has. Chris Mark was not putting down Mr. Khan because he lost a son, he was criticizing Mr. Khan for letting himself be used by the DNC as a shill and a prop to further their political agenda. People don’t forfeit their right to criticize anyone, no matter what the circumstances, as our constitution guarantees that right Mr. Khan and Mr. Black. Shame on you both for exploiting this sorrowful event for partisan political purposes.
Well said brother to hell with judgement from those that sacrifice nothing but a few harsh words I believe that trump will be a better candidate for our country not because he is a expirenced politician. But for the fact that he is for us we the people of the United States of America. Hillary Clinton can flap her gums all she wants about trump. But in the long run she will never bring back those she herself sacrificed because she felt it wasn’t the appropriate thing to do at the time. And to be honest I believe that those people knew something on her. I’ll bet anything. So dnc it doesn’t matter to me what you say the vice president nominee talks out the side of his face . So what if he speaks Spanish so can we all. I work in the chemical industry and we all work together to be a team to get the job done . And who cares if he can play a mean harp. I guess that’s what puts Hillary Clinton to sleep at night. Anyways I’m sorry got off the subject. All these people that were speaking have a history especially bill Clinton. Like we going to trust someone who straight up lied to us as a president. Come on. America vote with a conscience. Jlm
Chris mark, I agree 100% with everything you say .I have never defended our naton in battle but respect and honor the men and women who defend my rights to live in this great country we call the United states.I am also sorry for mr & Mrs khans loss of their son but mr. Khan do not discrace your son’s memory at the hands of someone who does not care about it in the first place. Thank you for your service to our country, thank you Mr and Mrs khan for your son’s service all are hero’s who deserve our respect, time to show them.car
Well said chris, thank for your service.
Chris Mark and Blue Star Mom,
Your words were so eloquently put to this subject. No one could have said it better.
I did not have children in the military, nor have I lost anyone in these recent Wars… yet I feel strongly for every young person who has died for America.
I too felt the Muslim mom and dad on stage at the DNC convention did a true disservice to their son’s sacrifice. I would like to think that they are just terribly misguided. Surely they did not offer to do this on their own, someone must have contacted them and asked them to do this horrible thing.
I simply do not understand why people do not see Hillary Clinton for the person that she is… dishonest, deceitful, and only interested in her own pocketbook. She must not be President.
While older than I would like to admit, in this campaign I am going to get out and do what I can to get Donald Trump elected. If we all sit back and wait for someone else to do it, we may get a terrible surprise in November. WE MUST NOT BE APATHETIC FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS! Everyone needs to get out and help.
Lorrie White
I have,as a former British serviceman, commended you on your letter, Chris. Since then, I have come across information that indicates that Mr Khan is, in actual fact, a person who has been, indeed still is, financially involved with the Clintons. It would appear, then, that he was not “used” by Hillary – more a willing participant.
My respect still goes out to yourself, present and former serving personnel and, not forgetting, honest contractors who have given their lives – eg the Benghazi murders.
I cried because you are honest we need more honest people to to America free again that our past parents did for us ty so much
The mental gymnastics you had to go through to justify your position on Gold Star families must have been exhausting for you. Of course, politicians and veteran’s organizations don’t agree with you because your argument is ridiculous. Please see the VFW statement today. Hope Donald Trump will give you a minimum wage job or something after he loses the election.
Trust me…I don’t need a job. I could not care what the VFW says. Go home…
LOL, must support the DNC, since they like to call Gold Star Families Liers
ASSHAT
Another eloquent response from the left.
Thanks for this, Chris. And thank you for your service. Unfortunately, this will never make it to the mainstream media so that the people who only get their news from CNN will see it. I can’t understand why it’s so hard to get the real truth, like what is said in this letter, out there.
It breaks my heart to think of Hillary Clinton leading the military. How many more will die and come home in a casket with a Commander in Chief that cares nothing about them? She and her party are the lowest of the low.
Thank You Marine!!! So..So.. eloquent and respectfully said. I blame the media for their carefully crafted and co-opted narrative which beyond astounding. The narrative on the front page…garnering a “one note” panel of 4 on the “tube” while burying opinions like yours wrapping themselves around a document they clearly distain and NOT bringing up well shielded cornerstones of Mt Kahn’s faith like “sharia”. Thanks again Marine!
Sadly, Chris Martin, you sign your letter “Respectfully”, when it was anything but. Yes your tone was respectful, but a parent who has lost a child in service to this country has made the ultimate sacrifice. They lost their son. Period. Whether you agree with them or not is beside the point. They are private Americans citizens and have the right to free speech. Their son enlisted in the Army and chose to put his life in danger to protect those rights. You Sir, need to show some real respect for their loss and stop worrying about whether their beliefs align with yours!
They are now, legally, a ‘public person’ If they remained private and did not politicize the issue I would not have commented. By pushing themselves into the public forum they invite commentary.
Yes by commenting publicly the Kahn’s have opened themselves up to public response. But is it necessary? Should we? Their son is dead. They continue to be grief stricken. The mere fact that their son died in service, should be respected and they should be given some understanding. I do not agree with the woman who feels Hillary Clinton is personally responsible for her son’s death at Bengahzi, yet she spoke her mind at the RNC and you seem to have no issue with her being “exploited”. Is that because you agree with her assertions and not Mr. Kahns? Have some compassion for these people whose hearts are broken. Look the other way if you don’t agree. They are heartbroken, driven by grief and feel compelled to speak out in a way they feel honors their son. Will you not give them that? I am choosing to give that to the Beghazi mother. My heart breaks for her.
Chris Martin is the lead of ColdPlay…please see my previous comment.
Seriously Mr. Marks, these idiots could learn to read before they question you.
Thank you for your service and for giving me permission to post this.
@Holly L. Clark. Perhaps Chris Mark (Ahemm, his name is “Mark”–get that? Just like “Clark” only with an “M”, ahemm!) is too polite to say it, but I’ll gladly give you a run for your money! These people (the Khans) are manipulative scum! Not to mention, they accused Donald Trump of stuff to which they are completely ignorant! What was that all about? They didn’t get on the world stage to defend our Armed Forces and the sacrifice of their son, they only wanted to make Donald Trump look bad! They defended the very one, Hillary Clinton, who helped put their son in Iraq, where he was killed by his own fellow countrymen!!!!! And you’re defending them as “private Americans [sic] citizens”???? You need to get a grip!!!!!
I agree your son made the sacrifice. Not you. I personally doubt that you have been in service of any kind. No disrespect your choice. What you do now is very disrespectful touch you. For those who give their lives for their country with out measure is be youn belief as I watched your disrespect for any one who serves this great nation. The Democrats in office now has done more to kill our country then any time in history. I am sorry for you that what you’re son did means so little to you. I can say your son had more pride in our country then you. You are welcome to all the blind air heads that you follow.
That is exactly what I was saying this morning listening to the news this morning. Bravo to you sir
This is a very powerful letter and expresses many of the thoughts I have had since the media onslaught began. The democrat party chooses speakers that can never be publicly disparaged for fear of the ensuing shaming that will take place. Mr. Khan became a politician when he took that stage just as McCain is now a politician subject to scrutiny. I would have preferred Trump react differently (and in the case of McCain last year, focus on his crappy political record and leave the military service out) but that doesn’t mean Mr. khan is entitled to a pass. His son, you and all service members deserve our respect and gratitude.
Wouldn’t it be great if the news media read your letter on all the news shows right after Khizr. Speech. But we all know that would never happen.
You said all the things that I have been thinking. Thank you for stating it so well. Thank you for your service to our great nation!
So you can make a political statement , but he cant?
He did…I commented. See how that works in our nation. He will be on BBC tonight..I will likely comment again. If he doesn’t want commentary..he should stop politicizing. We are not splitting atoms…
I’m 100% behind you. I’m so upset to see how they are willing to use people in order to reach their goals. What about the 4th of Benghazi and the 3 surviving officers Tanto, Oz and Tieg ?? Are not even mention.
Khizr Khan is an amazing father that took a very thought took a very thoughtful and brave stance. Stop trying to shame him in the name of Trump. It’s pathetic. If you would like to further serve the country come up with a positive stance of your own or stick to the battlefield and leave policy to those who have time to empathize and think muscle man. Stop shaming in defense of Trump, he doesn’t need your help.
1st Amendment. I do not have to justify anything. Read it.
I find myself shaking my head in disgust while reading some of the responses to your letter. So allow me to introduce myself – I am a 23 year disabled veteran of the the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. During that time I served in three different wars/conflicts including the Global War on Terror/Operation Enduring Freedom. But I am also a Gold Star brother and my mother is a Gold Star mother. We lost my brother in 1970 in South Vietnam. My parents would have never spoke of “their sacrifice” as their belief was it was my brother who gave his life for his country therefore the country owed them nothing. My father, a World War II and Battle of the Bulge vet, always told us that the country owed him nothing as a veteran, it was he that owed his country therefore he became a veteran. I too am sorry of the Khan’s loss as I am for the loss of my own brother. But, as you point out, their son and my brother volunteered to join the U.S. Army. My last two deployments were to the Middle East where I lived, ate, worked and socialized every minute of every single day with Muslims so I feel I know them much better than anyone who has never set foot in the area of oerpations. Mr. Khan, who apparently supports Sharia law according to Walid Shoebat (I encourage any of you to research Mr. Shoebat if you’ve never heard of him) is in no position to lecture anyone about the U.S. Constitution as Sharia law is not compatible with our constitutional principles. If you do not like Mr. Trump then so be it, but I would suggest finding another reason besides these mutterings of a Muslim Brotherhood supporter. As Mr. Khan works as an immigration lawyer for Muslims, I’m sure Trump’s position on not allowing more Muslim refugees into this country at this time thus cutting into Mr. Khan’s bottom line has nothing to do with it – at least that’s what those who have never spent any time with these people in the Middle East would say.
Well said
You are beyond disgusting, Chris Mark. Have you no decency?
For commenting on a man who politicized his dead son? Yeah..that is disgusting. Go home. I am done with you.
You’re a bigoted fuck don’t try and sound smart when you don’t even know what country they are from. Clinton and Obama have not acted nearly as racist and prejudiced as trump has. Grow up.
Seriously? I know they are from Pakistan and the UAE…want to try again you clown? ‘Get your shinebox”
Chris Mark, you sir made excellent points! Thank you!
Brian T Portlock
MSgt, USAF, retired
Open letter to Chris Mark.
Dear Mr Mark,
I am also a U. S. Marine and Navy Vet. I also happen to be a Muslim. As a patriotic, Muslim American, I have been appalled at Donald Trump’s rhetoric on Muslims, immigrants, Women etc.
Any man or woman that is running for the office of the most powerful person in the world needs to have some sort of respect for the citizens of the country they want to lead. Mr. Trump shows none. Especially to the families of a dead soldier, as he has just shown.
You of all people should know what service members and their families sacrifice. To ask if it really matters is not a fair question. Trump himself had said that he had sacrificed. What exactly does he sacrifice? Money? No, it was given to him. Children? No.
You did start your post by your condolences, I’m sure that is appreciated. Ask yourself the question, how would you feel if you are a Muslim or, if you are a Christian citizen of a Muslim country where your son fought and died for that country. Ask yourself, if a presidential candidate for that country was hateful and demeaning toward all of the people of your religion, how would you feel?
Mr. Khan had every right for asking what he did.
Trump does not have the temperament, the knowledge or the character to be President.
@Chrismark.
Very eloquent reply. think you for commenting. I will reflect on this. I am being sincere when I offer my thanks for being dispassionate and on point. Very solid.
Here here and Semper FI!