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 
Excellent letter. As is the one written by Lt. Col West. Thank you for your service and love of country, Chris
Mark.
I couldn’t agree more Chris Mark’s letter. It is definitely tragic that Mr. and Mrs. Kahn lost their son although it is offensive that they are parading around for the Democrats and he is attacking Mr. Trump. I am married to a marine who has served the country he loves and have personally experienced the lack of appreciation the Democrats have given to our soldiers, police and firemen. I have how the Democrats have allowed wall street/jamie diamond and the rest of the gangsters destroy our middle class and have done nothing to jail these gangsters while they padded their pockets and continued to allow are economy to spiral. What happened to the 30,000 emails Hillary deleted? Why did she get away with it? If it would have been one of us, we would have been jailed.Look at the clinton foundation seriously as she and Bill took money from our enemies and did special deals where they earned huge dollar amounts of $750,000, $600,000. Why?
Their payoffs. Obamacare is a farce and needs to be overturned.
Hillary is a liar and it would be more of the same. We need Trump.
Sir, thank you for your service. Captain Khan of the US Army was a hero as all our members of the military defending our freedom! Trump does not understand what it takes to be in the trenches and wearing the uniform . Trumps comments towards the military should disqualify him from being commander in chief.
You are right. Trump does not have military experience. But General Michael Flynn does and ,hopefully, he will be the Secretary of Defense and will do just fine.
Then how exactly does that make Hillary any more qualified….she has never worn the uniform either!
nor has killery ever saved a life that was fighting i.e. benghazi
People!!! This issue is about the fact that Trump’s response was all about diverting attention away from this family’s son and back Donald. He has no clue
So Hillary Clinton understands what it’s like to be in the trenches? And wearing the uniform? Hillary has no clue and no respect for the men and woman that wear the uniform! Give me a break! You are what’s wrong with this country!
Please let me first say thank you to all service people who serve to fight for our freedoms, a very thankless job. If I could trade my life for one to be saved I would. However, I am just a mother who understands the loss of a child, although not through service. This administration has reduced our military organization to next to nothing; even military personnel have been interviewed and want to leave because they full well know the dangers to their safety with all of the military cuts.
If you check into Mr.Trump’s remarks, you will find that when he refers to the military, he is referring to the power and the denigration of the equipment and supplies that is not being repaired by pilots with parts taken from the graveyard. He has NEVER belittled the people who make you our forces.
Ms Clinton sure has no business being commander in chief after making the remarks before Congress that “So four men are dead. What difference does it make. Time to move on.” It is my belief that no one should be eligible to run for office where decisions will be made regarding military or lives of soldiers unless they have served on the front line and really understand the sacrifices for the freedoms the ESTABLISHMENT ELITES so take advantage and abuse for the almighty buck. I pray these people will experience the hardships that they have brought on the lives of others. The fact she is exploiting the Khan’s shows her lack of empathy. They fact they are letting her aft their son has been gone for 16 years is questionable. Wonder why none of the Benghazi parents were paraded before the DNC, after all their loss were just 3 years ago? Because she is no less than a murderer because of her failure to even try to save these soldiers and our Ambassador.
Last but no where close to least, it is my opinion that our veterans deserve medical care from our tax dollars before one dollar is spent in foreign aide or on salaries to elected officials. Let the latter live on the dollars that make for speaking engagements. Our vets went to serve this country and many came back less than they went. Our first priority should be to them as theirs was to us.
true he doesnt have real time experience but he was a commander of some type in his military school. dont get me wrong school is no replacement for real life in anything but more then killery, and we already know he will pick people to do the jobs his main concern how to get this dying economy rolling again
Hang on a minute Dennis – Obama should have been disqualified as CINC for a multitude of statements but alas, here we are, with him in his 7th year of office. So that is not a measuring tool when he actually visibly detests those who serve as clearly does Hillary since she cannot be bothered to observe national security or opsec.
Being a servicemember (yes I am a United States Marine so I’m qualified to say this) is a voluntary act wherein you acknowledge that you could die defending the blanket of freedom you protect. I’m pretty damn sure Trump understands that and he doesn’t need military experience to appreciate that sacrifice. Tell me again who it is that is thanking our first responders? yeah that’s right NOT hillary who screams at them and belittles them instead. She is a disgusting human being but you want her as our president?
If you’ll check yourself for a moment and actually understand what was said you’ll realize the criticism is that this family was paraded NOT because of the sacrifice of their son but because the DNC will do anything it can to cast aspersions upon ANYBODY else that’s not aligned with their socialist platform and whomever they have to tie up in a bow to do so they will. That family was used as PAWNS in the game to distract…and look at the distraction it is causing. People have absolutely no idea what they just witnessed – they’re just all pissed off because the media, and obama, and hillary told them to be.
Please enlighten me as to when President Obama or Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton spent time in the trenches or sacrificed for America? Hillary and President Obama left 4 Americans to suffer for 13 hours before they succumb to their injuries and died. Then she told their loved ones the attack was a peaceful protest over a utube video. They later found out the truth. Please tell me which comments Trump made about the Military? I have heard nothing but praise from Donald Trump and he has raised millions of dollars in support of our troops. Hillary’s actions not words, actions should disqualify her being free. If anyone else had done what she has they would be in jail. I will agree with you that Capt. Khan was a Hero and paid the ultimate price for our great Country, but his sacrifice was his alone. I am sorry for his parents loss but it was just that their loss.
And KILLARY DOES?? GIVE ME A BREAK, BENGHAZI RING A BELL, TELLING THE LOVED ONES IT WAS A VIDEO, BANNING ALL POLICE FROM HER CONVENTION FLOOR, ON AND ON AND ON. WHAT AN IDIOT
Please educate yourself on the qualifications outlined by the laws of this great nation to be president. There are only two; be 35 years old and a natural born citizen. So please stop telling us what disqualifies someone based on your opinion.
My husband is a Marine….or exMarine…. and also very patriotic. He is 100 percent disabled and was retired with honor. He is also a Republican. Me? Well, I have only had the dubious honor of taking care of him….My thoughts about your statement is respectful, but not when it comes to the loss of a family member. There is no parading….these people are mourning. ….and want everyone in the USA to know that they love and miss him even now. So the Republicans didn’t find favor in their eyes enough to feel safe enough to tell their story through them…I wonder why.
“There is no parading….these people are mourning. ….and want everyone in the USA to know that they love and miss him even now.” – that is not why they were given a timeslot at the Democratic National Convention – to mourn their son 12 years after his death.
You wanted to speak at the Republican convention? Get one thing straight. This Muslim beats his wife and sodomizes goats for fun. And he has written many papers on the fact he advocates Sharia law. Get educated about where the Democrats are leading us, before you end up getting stoned to death for letting your ankles show.
Do you know he beats his wife? No? Sit down and shut up.
You sir, and I use that term as loosely as one can, are an idiot. If you can’t show the respect to this family that they deserve, then keep your mouth shut. I personally wouldn’t engage in name calling but since you already have, I’ll reciprocate .If anyone needs to “get educated”, it is you. Although your leader likes uneducated folks like you. You’re the only reason that carnival barker is in this race. You can take credit for contributing to the dumbing down of America.
Thank you Rena….God Bless you.
Both Obama and Mrs Clinton have not “sacrificed” for the Nation, but they never went around disparaging those that did.
CHRIS MARK First off I want to thank you for your service. I have read your letter and understood it. I agree with what was said. Also I would like to thank all of the veterans whom responded for their service as well to keep America safe for us. God Bless You All
The country has been defended by Democrats on the front lines for a long, long time. The right wing avoids the fight and hides behind lies. As an Army veteran, I find your comments ignorant and influenced by the right wing noise that passes for patriotism. You don’t know what your are talking about.
I would argue the same about you.
Clever comeback. I think everyone agrees that your service and Mr. Khan’s are worthy of respect. Yes, you both volunteered to serve and should know the inherent risks of doing so. However, that does not make the death of a service member any less tragic. And the point is, your candidate wants to ban people from this country who are just as willing as you to serve in the military and make the ultimate sacrifice. To question the patriotism of Democrats is a classic Republican tactic along the same lines as arguing they aren’t patriotic because they don’t have enough flags on the stage. It’s wrong and you should know better. If you don’t think any parent should openly grieve about the death of a child, fine. But don’t veil that in a partisan attack while you leverage it with your military service. It’s classless.
Don’t propose to lecture me.
so im guessing bush jr. didnt send us to war, there was no war when reagan was in office or bush senior oh wait i know lincoln no war right so does that mean no emancipation proclamation no freedom for slaves how about thomas jefferson no war sir get a real history book and read up
You just keep taking your meds, it takes time for the brains to unscramble!
im sorry you must be talking to someone else i dont take meds nor do i suffer from ptsd or anything else, i am dyslexic and have narcolepcy which has severe side effects, but i refuse meds, why would i need meds, or are you being like most liberals and promoting abelism because i simply dont agree with something, think slowly before you answer.
Jay Bob you are what’s wrong with this country, you are a blind sheep!
This country has been sold out by the Democrats for a long, long time sir. I think that you should look into the lies that you seem to be forgetting about that Hillary has been telling most of her life.
Please, the Democrats today are the hippies of the “60’s. Your people protested the war in Vietnam and then ran away to Canada only to return on a get-out-of-jail-free card by Jimmy Carter, another Democrat. Your Democrat president, Lyndon Johnson, escalated that war and the Democrats treated the returning Veterans with distain. Called them “baby killers”. Ironically, the Democrats support the murder of 1.2 million babies a year in their abortion clinics. Is it hard to stick your foot in your mouth when your head is up your ass?
Bill Clinton famously dodged the Draft in 1969. So maybe you should include both wings in your insult. Politicians in general are not very trustworthy, as your favorite Hillary Clinton has proven time and time again. Stones and Glass Houses JayBob. I offer you don’t know what you’re talking about.
No one said that democrats did defend the country,but your comments are way out of line and if you don’t understand what you read you should keep your opinions to yourself. The death of a soldier should not be used for political purpose and by doing that only shows how desperate Hilary is. All this coming from a navy retiree and Vietnam veteran
Kahn runs a firm to get Muslims into the United States and Hillary has him as his top speaker. Draw your own conclusions what Hillary is trying to do to this country. Women, please don’t support Hillary, didn’t you see Kahn’s wife, covered up and not speaking . It’s coming for you.
You are dumb.
I can’t believe anyone would support this evil woman. This episode of this Muslim Family’s loss of their son at the Democrat convention proved how in bed, Hillary is with the Muslims. She is owned by the Muslim countries as they have given her millions and millions of dollars. They are not doing that just because they love her. They want to get into this country to take us over. What normal thinking person would want to cover up like Mrs Khan. Mr Khan is very involved with The Muslim Brotherhood. He insulted Mr Trump. Mr Trump did not insult Mr Khan. Wake up People. The democrats, the republican establishment and the Muslims are pushing Globalism. Think about your children and grandchildren. Vote Trump.
Your a fck idiot, did you hear what Mrs. Khan said in her statement? Probably not cause you were wiping the kool aid off your chin. Why would any woman vote for a cheating, male schofinst pig who constantly attacks any woman who does not agree with him. Do all of us a favor, shut up and go away. And no I don’t support Sec Clinton, I am a registered republican, that is open public knowledge and if you want to check I will give you the address to request. Once again, just keep your pie hole shut.
You are a nasty, horrible person. To take someone’s loss and write garbage like this to twist the knife a little deeper? I hope the “attention” you receive from this helps you sleep at night. It’s no wonder you are a Trump supporter – you are exactly like him. Not caring who or what you step on to get the attention you so desperately crave. You disgust me.
Another tolerate liberal. I am loving these comments. I am compiling them all for my next blog post. I have never been called a epithet for a homosexual so many times by anyone…unamerican, hateful. You guys really are tolerant. I sleep well at night.
it is quite funny sir, they say tolerate homosexuals but use it in derogatory form tolerate disabled people such as i but promote ableism when we dont see there view. say we are murders for doing our job but wish death and hate on us. most bass ackwaords ideology ive seen very hypocritical of them dont ya think
Mr. Mark, I am a disabled combat veteran of the Vietnam War. I agree with you. Mr. Khan has allowed himself to be used by the democrats. Very unfortunate.
you obviously didnt read his letter or dont understand it i suggest going back reading slower and asking questions where you get lost ok, ill be happy to hold your hand since i see its been a difficult read for you, do you maybe need a safe room to feel better or you ready to actually read what he said as he was very polite and kind and respectful but as far as i can see you havent been, oh ill be like you think Trump is respect is earned and you earned none up tell now so again reading comprehension is key here
Reading comprehension requires proper punctuation and capitalization first. I have no clue what you just said.
sorry…I am now over 700 comments and I type about 110 words a minute..sometimes I make a mistake…pretty simple.
excuse me grammar police, sorry for being extremely dyslexic, your losing points here hun for promoting ableism, but also this is a social forum if i so chose to not use punctuations, correct grammar, spelling then i chose that, im not on here writing legal documents so i think im just fine, but believe me if need be i can easily walk run jet circles around you in grammar, spelling, comprehension, and vocabulary, just because i dumb things down doesnt mean i have a low i.q. just means my i.q. is high enough to realize you wouldnt get what i said at all if i spoke to you candidly
Amen. There are always a difference of opinion we all know that.myoour acted response is beyond the pale. Republican’s are not the only ones who are patriotic. Hillary and Obama by definition when you are a politician you sacrifice for your country. But they weren’t the ones being debated. Donald Trump picked up the baton and fell on it. He has denounced the patriotism of mc Cain, he is a disgrace in my eyes.
i am a vet and i personally denounce his supposed patriotism, one there is a reason he was called song bird and hated by his very own people, i wont get on him much about the war itself though least he went, but since he has been back he has done nothing but stab vets in the back so i lost respect for him, by the way go through McCains mail im sure you will find severeal letters from me asking for some typoe of help with my va issue and disability he never even wrote me back to say sorry cant help, Trump wrote me back with in 1 hour and was very specific in detail about my issue
You know nothing. You are sheltered lamb. You’re ability to be ignorant is protected by these people. Have the freedom to keep your head in the sand and clearly take full advantage of it. May you never know how hard they fought to allow your discussing milk toast PC ignorance.
Melissa you’re obviously voting for a woman who put our country at risk by using a private server and should be in jail!!!! Tells me all I need to know about you!!!
HA! The “Oh yeah, well Hillary…” defense. This isn’t about Hillary. This is about your boy, Trump. Try to focus a little, shall we? The “I know you are but what am I?” defense should have ended somewhere around third grade.
The ‘go to’ of the unenlightened. Infantalizing those with whom you don’t agree. As someone said “you are a sheltered little lamb”…
Do you not know how to read? The guy showed respect and reminded ignorant readers like you to hear and read the whole speech, don’t just take one or sentences and explode your hate toward Trump.
My hatred it not towards “Trump.” My hatred is towards people who have no idea what it means to have empathy towards someone who is grieving. And the writer of this letter is one of them. Politics have nothing to do with this. This is about humanity and I’m not seeing any in this letter.
Wow…you ‘hate’ me? Nice.
Apparently you don’t care who you step on Ms Edmondson. This is a veteran you are speaking to who served the USA on your behave! His service allowed you the peace to lay your head down at night and sleep while he was serving protecting this country!!!!!! YOU disgust ME!!!!!!!!
Khan and his wife are the horrible ones, to hold up their son’s own blood drenched body as an advertisement to get attention for their attack on Trump, who had nothing to do with his death, is despicable! Mr. Trump called their son a hero and has repeatedly honored and help all our vets no matter their race, creed, or color!
To attack him for a war backed by Clinton and a death caused by islamic terrorists, the very people he wants to protect us and them from, is wrong!
Well put I could not say it better my self amen and got bless America
Hey Bud, Mr. Trump could care less about you and yours! Just ask him to send a homeless child a basket of food.
Why would I do that?
Hay bud your probably just another ILLEGAL out there that’s afraid your going to lose all your FREE HAND OUTS when TRUMP wins. HAY BUD.
Robert Gonzalez, have you asked mz clinton to do the same? she is the least charitable person i have ever heard of!
Sounds like Tactic B, namely to pump up some army guy who apparently thinks that when he and his true American “volunteers” in the proverbial foxhole fight for God and Country they are only fighting for a certain group of people in the US. Although me and millions of other AMERICANS pay for the largest military in the history of the world which includes clothing, feeding, supplying, assisting in a thousand other ways these PAID “volunteers”. If you want to be pissed at someone, if you want to write a damn letter to someone, write it to the former commander-in-chief who put your apparently unhappy ass in harm’s way. I’m all for heroes who sacrificed, many like Capt. Khan who gave their lives, not for someone who is willingly “taking one for the team” cause DT responded to a father by firing back like an idiot, then trying to walk back his mouth. How much and who had a hand in this letter in which you, in a not-so-subtle way, criticized a fellow soldier who, along with others who apparently gave their lives so you could run your mouth off. Yeah, I’ll be thinking of you on Veterans’ Day and the downed soldiers (and as you said, “apparently” their families) who aren’t there to wave our flag and whatever flag you fly. BTW your “handlers” did a good job when they picked you to stand up for the maniac you and they “apparently” support. God help us all if this guy gets any further than he is. You should be ashamed of yourself, but “apparently” you aren’t and won’t be…
Incomprehensible. I don’t even know how to respond. Sorry.
Chris, you just can’t talk to these people…. at all. If they are so blind to ignore Hillary’s lies and people turning up dead around her….
? READ MUCH?
I couldn’t agree with you more Mr. Bowser. This letter pissed me off too and shows a rank disregard for the parents of the slain Mr. Khan and somehow he equates Mr. Trump who’s show a complete disregard for the military as some kind of person to emulate. When a Presidential Candidate states he and only he can solve the problems of this country, run and run fast.
Where did I say Mr. Trump was a person to emulate? never said that.
oh lord very literal as he said he and only he, he was very obvious in it being him or her and lets face it according to her she was broke leaving the white house so maybe she cant even balance her check book
If you’re looking to calculate responsibility, try this on for size… Afghan war, of all the deaths, Bush is responsible for about 25% while Obama is responsible for 75%. This is based on numbers on their watch. Chew on that.
BTW, what makes someone a “maniac” in your view, please be specific.
First, thank you Mr. Marks for your service to this great country, and thank you to your family… It is hard on families to watch their loved ones risk so much… At the same time… They are filled with great pride.
Your words… Are spot on, and show respect. Thank you for putting in words, what many can not.
With Gratitude,
Karen Hyde
When a nation lies about its agenda’s, and recruits kids to fight and often die, for reasons other than that of what they think they are fighting for it… is definitely a sacrifice and a crime. A very short and simple read for you all is War is a Racket by General Smedley Butler. Read it. Learn from it. This nation is founded on lies and deception. And don’t tell me to go somewhere else. Running away from the problem is cowardly. How about, for once, we address the real problem…the true intentions of our corrupt American Government. This Government doesn’t serve the people…it uses and abuses the people.
ll agree to some extent wars are not always fought for the right reasons but the ones fighting do go for the right reasons. soldiers are not politicians those which start those wars you speak of. now ww2 ww1 civil war revolution all legit wars dont care what any book or person has to say about those wars, now remember i said politicians not a party was responsible for these said lie wars ill call them both parties along with other nation parties i.e. socialism communism so forth are all respnsible
Then gtfo of America, please.
The man who wrote this letter is amazing
Thank you Chris Mark !
First, Chris Mark and all other service men and service women and service dogs, thank you from my soul for your service to this nation.
Now to John Vanhorn and Bob Weaver and others like you, I say write the letter you speak of and make your point as did Chris Mark. Don’t attack him with your words as Keizer Khan did Trump and then you thank Chris for his service. Your thanks should have come first. SMH. Khan should speak his words with his anger and conviction to his own people and the people that believe in only jihad who had a role in his sons death.
However, you may have difficulty since the men in Benghazi were killed by a person who wants you all to believe that she is an American
“It doesn’t matter anymore, it’s over”, something to that effect is what she said.
Chris Mark, you have our six, we have yours!!!!!
Not for nothing Luis, but I didn’t attack Mr Kirk, didn’t call him names and I don’t need a lecture from you on how to honor our service men and women. I asked some questions and pointed out the hypocrisy from both sides of the aisle. I am all for honest and open dialogue as I believe that is the only way for this country to come together. Not name calling, lecturing, throwing blame and comments like “typical democrat/republican etc etc” That gets us nowhere.
What a monumental prickly this guy is. He should be embarrassed to have signed his name to this.
I am proud to have signed my name. I do not hide behind an internet pseudonym
Your argument that the DNC booed the Medal of Honor recipient and slain police officers is absurd. There were a few dozen deranged Bernie delegates who booed damn near everyone and who have the universal disdain of the rest of the party. They also booed Elizabeth Warren, a highly-regarded liberal senator from Massachusetts. The rest of us in the Democratic party do not feel this way, and it is clear from the tone of the speakers chosen to speak for Secretary Clinton that Hillary Clinton herself does not feel this way.
I was unaware that you spoke for the entire democratic party.
He speaks for me. But way to only address one tiny little piece of his argument and ignore the rest of it. Typical.
There are now almost 700 comments on this. I do not have time to address all inane arguments
But you sure are addressing the ones that require an “argument” aren’t you? You know exactly what you’re doing, and so do we. Transparency is pretty obvious to those of us with critical thinking abilities.
Yet another insult from Melissa. Classic left thinking.
Hahaha!!! Critical what?!? You might want to check up on that lady.
Keep in mind, Mr. Mark, that liberals are mentally retarded. They know not what they do or think.
Thank you for your well written letter. Thank you for you service.
The khan’s wanted to prove a point that not all Muslims are terrorist which trump has implemented several times…this election has made me realize just how divided this country really is. Still so much hate & racism. Oh how we forget that this country was founded on the same fundamentals that most people in America want today. Unity. The 13 colonies were settled by several different nationality who all came together and made one. Sad that is lost in history.
As a fellow veteran I salute you sir. I only wish I was as eloquent. I also wish I had the knowledge beforehand that Mr. Khan is trying to bring in Muslims in an effort to also have Sharia law. He is aware of what he is doing.
God bless you Chris and all our military heroes(and everyone who serves is a hero no matter what rank). I agree with everything you said my brother was an army ranger in Vietnam and we are very proud of him but he does not consider himself a hero. He served his country in a very unpopular war but he loves his country and if was young enough would do it again.
Reblogged this on Under The Shadow of His Wing.
Thank you for your service. @realDonaldTrump needs to read this.
Chris Mark…I don’t think you can hit the bullseye any better than you did….I heard on the radio Mr. Khan has dropped out of the Democratic circuit so he may have seen the Hillary light….I feel for Mr Khans loss…I have two sons significantly injured in Iraq…One in a humvee and Bradley collision near Baghdad….the other in a roadside bomb which his injured finally caused him to be chaptered from the military against his wishes….both knew the odds of war….both knew it’s better to stop them there than our grandkids paying the price to these idiot Jihadist….
So what do you think about the Benghazi mother at the RNC? You are not going to be a hypocrite are you?
This is at least the 30th time. Different animal buddy. They died under Hillary’s watch. Khan died in a war Authorized by Hillary. The point was to show she is unqualified to be CIC. A point I believe. Last time I comment on this…
Thank you for your service, Chris. And I’m not here to trash anyone’s parents, their sons and daughters who wear the uniform or have worn it and gave everything to their country during their service. I am here to also point out the hypocrisy in politicizing this particular slain soldier’s story. Hillary Clinton voted, along with a large number of other Democrats, to go to Iraq. They bear a certain amount of responsibility for an action that, whether you agreed with it or not, has caused a significant amount of blow-back on our country, let alone loss of treasure, human or otherwise. This politicization and its obvious attempt to smear a political opponent is morally wrong, in my opinion. I am no fan of Trump, and in hindsight he should have just responded to the utter hypocrisy of the moment and let it go at that, but evidently he has no governor on his mouth
As an ex Army Infantry Officer (1968 – 1977), I couldn’t disagree with you more. The Republicans have done nothing but give lip service to the US Military – they bob and weave, wear their flags pins and talk about Jesus while time after time cutting funding for vets – locally it is the Democrats who operate the soup kitchens, homeless shelters, provide counseling, trying to make life better for the Vets. Mr. Kahn lives in my hometown – every year he has the UVA ROTC group over to his house for a picnic in honor of his son who graduated from the program. He gives them a copy of the constitution and attempts to show them how a Muslim family lives. He is a man of honor who deeply loves his adopted country – he is nobody’s fool and certainly nobody’s tool. Trump, on the other had is a spoiled egomaniac who has done nothing for this country other than leave a trail of bankruptcies and unpaid contractors, to say nothing of his Trump University scam. He is plain and simple a fascist and a racist who will, given a chance, destroy this country. Just like Germany in the early 1930s people like you will blindly support him until it’s too late.
I don’t blindly follow anyone. I am quite sure Mr. Khan and his family are fine people. My post was related to once speech…that is all.
MY THOUGHTS ENTIRELY-PAT CAHILL
it wasn’t about whether trump had sacrificed anything or anyone… you missed the point Chris Mark. He was asking this after stating trump has maligned, degraded, bullied, judged and entire religion based on his interpretation of Islam….. you took a statement out of context.. AND!!!! President Obama HAS sacrificed for his country, Both President and Secretary Clinton HAVE sacrificed for our country… by serving the country, they have sacrificed themselves by putting the country first…. donald trump has not sacrificed anything or anyone.. he has never given back, he has cheated, lied, screwed over his fellow Americans all his life. That is not something I want in a president. donald trump has left a trail of destruction and his children are doing the same.
I love everyone telling me I ‘missed the point’. I am quite sure I didn’t miss the point. Hillary seems to have missed the point of the FBI telling Congress she continually lied about her emails….
Do you even try to determine for yourself , if all the scandals the Clinton’s are involved in are true or false ? You just take her at her word when so many respected people contradict everything she says to the contrary ? Even when faced with overwhelming evidence, the best she can do is deny she had any knowledge. She and Obama would rather be thought inept , ignorant , than be caught in a lie. To say your head is in the sand is an understatement , I believe your head isn’t in the sand at all , I think its firmly up your very own …..
John, I take the word of the REPUBLICAN investigators that have exonerated her. Maybe you should take your own advice and do that too.
Email controversy: Hillary Clinton exonerated by Republican FBI Director James Comey.
Benghazi: 8 Republican congressional investigations exonerated Hillary Clinton of any wrongdoing.
Whitewater: Hillary Clinton exonerated by Republican Ken Starr.
Although I’m quite sure you will find some way to rationalize your continued belief that it is not you who can’t face those facts.
You people are nuts. Stop taking the half stories the media give you as fact and complete information and do some damn research for yourself. Good lord, if you’re going to ‘quote’ Trump and what he says at least be smart enough to have all the information before you try to argue over it. Hillary is a monster. I’m not afraid of much but the thought of her being president scares the hell out of me.
Well said Mark and thank you for your service..
So the next time I see anyone make comments about people that serve and the sacrifices they make should I just respond “well, you volunteered for this”?
Did I say that?
Chris, Every American soldier’s life is important and none more or less important based on their positions in life, race or religion. We ALL wore the same uniform regardless of service branch. Thanks for pointing out the theater and theatrical displays of the Socialist DNC. I watch in disgust as even the theater seats were bought and paid for to keep Sanders supporters out, I watch in dismay to see a moment of silence for fallen police officers broken by childish displays of BLM and booing of an American metal of honor Goeburg was booed. Those who disparage Donald Trump should be reminded that he opposed the Iraq war and Hillary Clinton supported it. This is the first time in 20 years we have a candidate that was no in bread in the political cesspool of DC. The GNP GRAND NEW PARTY the actual party for the people and by the people may not get everything right and Trump will make mistakes, but I am betting that in the first 4 years of his presidency we will see vast improvements in all areas of our lives. Thanks all you and our military do for us.
Agreed. Thank you for your comments.
The argument you make criticising the way Khans are speaking out also applies to you and your reaction to them. I am grateful for your bravery and service. But that service doesn’t make you an expert on how people should conduct themselves in public discourse in war. They are entitled to their feelings and actions just like you are. Your attempt to judge the “right” way to react is sad. You are not an expert in how to express grief and not qualified to judge.
YES! Thank you. Well said. This isn’t about politics at all, it’s about empathy and respect. And this man has none.
Do you know me at all? No. You read a letter that was very respectful…that is all.
Fine…have a nice day. I am done with you.
Regarding Trump’s reaction to Mr. Khans speech and all the media attention it’s receiving…….why didn’t Hillary get the same negative attention when she called one of the grieving Benghazi mothers a liar? She even doubled down on it and said it a second time? Also Mr. Mark you forgot the numerous flags that were burned by Democrats and liberals at both conventions. They are a bunch of “Useful Idiots” and a disgrace!
As a marine your service was appreciated. But I don’t understand how you yourself can be ok with Mr. Trump equating the Khan’s losing their son to his be “very successful” in regards to sacrifice. Does that not fly in the face if everything you and other vets sacrificed for? My father was a vet, and I found that comment abhorrent. I’m not even sure Mr Trump understands the meaning of the word.
Thank you
Mr. Mark, I believe your letter is addressed to the wrong person. If you wish to rail at the DNC, or at the HRC campaign to accuse them of using a Gold Star family to sell a message they don’t agree with, then by all means, go for it. But write the open letter to the campaign. Share it with everyone. But do not tell someone how to grieve. There were Gold Star families at the RNC, no? Are they grieving “properly” because of their political leanings? What I see over and over is that men and women who serve in the military say they do so to defend freedoms that sometimes they don’t even agree with. Is this not why you served? So you can write this letter? So others can agree or disagree with it? The right to free speech, even if those who serve(d) don’t like what someone has to say. Am I wrong in this assumption? Is Mr. Khan not entitled to grieve and speak what he believes, because it is contrary to your beliefs? Your letter clearly states that you think what Mr. Kahn believes is wrong, but does not articulate what you believe to be right. Capt. Khan died serving this country. Yes, he volunteered. That does not in any way diminish the pain of any parent who loses their child. Do you truly believe that Mr. and Mrs. Khan are basking (BASKING?!) in the attention they are getting right now? Like, enjoying it like it’s sunlight? I expect they would rather have their son back. A large part of the reason they’re all over the media now is because GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump stated in a tweet that Mrs. Khan was perhaps standing there, silent, because she was made to be silent. Not because she still grieves, but because she is a Muslim woman. If anything, the Khan’s have received far more attention in the media than they would have if Mr. Trump was simply respectful of the speech and let the Khan’s grieve. Or if he just disagreed with their opinion respectfully. Or if he attacked the DNC, which many other members of the GOP did. But instead, Mr. Trump attacked the Khans personally. Where is the patriotism in that? Your letter uses Mr. Khan as a pawn to pander to your own group and to prop up your own candidate. In this, you are doing exactly the thing that you criticize Mr. Khan of doing. Which, ironically, is what Capt. Khan died to defend.
Jessica, Very solid points. I had not considered that but I think you have convinced me. Thank you for taking the time for a thoughtful response.
With that said, are you going to delete this drivel and save this family the horror and pain of having to read it? I’m guessing no. This wasn’t about honor and respect – this was about having your name in lights for a few moments of internet fame. We know it, and you know it.
Lady…you can read many of my articles. this was NOT about any of that. It was a simple blog post on my blog that went viral. I will ALSO write to the DNC and RNC but will not delete this.
My point exactly.
Excellent comment Jessica.
Clinton and Obama are not the idiot who has called for barring Muslims — even U.S. citizens — from entering the United States. You left that part out, and it’s the only part of this issue that matters.
I can’t help but believe that Benghazi is an issue and a legitimate one. As a vet, I don’t need a “thank you for your service”, or a Veterans Day “buy one get one free deal”, “$1000 off your next car” or “10% off your chicken dinner”…..what I want is a Veterans Administration that works……and I want “Representatives” (keyword) that aren’t quick to war but if need be are quick to support. A commander in chief that has all 14 military traits of leadership. It’s an all volunteer military because there is no draft. Some may join for glory which is sad…..but the fact is they joined and are entitled leadership that doesn’t send them off to die for monetary gain or political wrangling. Were your sons tortured body laid on your doorstep you might have a different opinion. America is in dire desperate need of a leader, not a politician, a leader…..worthy of the lives we’ve lost and what the American people represent. Holding each and every last one of these self serving Washington pricks accountable is imparative. It’s a duty.
Chris, I appreciate your sacrifices for this country. However I find your attempt to find hypocrisy by Mr. Khan troubling. The republican candidate for president is calling for open discrimination against his religion by preventing any Muslims from immigrating to the US, blatantly questioning whether Muslims can have any loyalty or patriotism for this country- which ignores the sacrifice his son made. Yet you think that is comparable to a small minority of Bernie protestors at the convention who rudely interrupted speakers throughout the convention.
Sen. John McCain said today. “He (Trump) has suggested that the likes of their son should not be allowed in the United States — to say nothing of entering its service. I cannot emphasize enough how deeply I disagree with Mr. Trump’s statement. I hope Americans understand that the remarks do not represent the views of our Republican Party, its officers, or candidates.”
I agree with your post.
I have been on the fence about Trump since his attack on John McCain which was totally unnecessary
And was leaning towards Gary Johnson.
After the democratic convention I decided to vote Trump. But every time I think, OK, vote Trump, he does or says something to push me away.
All he had to do in the Kahn situation was to thank the Kahns for their sacrifice and their son’s service and move on. He chose instead to attack them and make some off hand comment about Mrs. Kahn. He seems to have no self control.
The same lack of control was evident when all the polls had him winning the Indiana primary comfortably and he chose to accuse Ted Cruz’s father of being part of the JFK assassination.
Couldn’t agree more with “Johnny Gunns” – just because you are a veteran, you have no more authority to judge the loss of a family. You also clearly missed the point… Mr. Khan was speaking of Trump’s ignorance to the first amendment, which our men and women in uniform fight to protect. I find this letter despicable, but thank you for your service.
Chris Mark……….you MISSED the point altogether. This wasn’t about Hillary or Obama. This was about a hurting family, a mother and father who lost their son and who were angry that Donald Trump was maligning the Muslim people as a whole. The purpose was to show that Muslims, just like every other nationality, served in the AMERICAN forces and to single them out as “undesirables” in our country is just plain terrible, and that is what your Donald Trump has been trying to do from day one. I do NOT support Hillary but as I said, this has nothing to do with her, this has to do with BIGOTRY! Donald Trump is a bigot……….everyone in this country KNOWS that, except you. If someone wrote a letter to my husband, about the death of our son, a soldier, like the one you wrote to Mr. Kahn, I would damn them to hell for their insensitivity and callousness. You may have served our country, once upon a time, but your current comments are uncalled for and hurtful and you don’t seem to be serving your country’s best interests anymore. Sad Day.
Hillary is a liar who sacrificed national security. I love the personal attacks from the tolerant left. You guys are priceless.
I am a registered Republican for 40 years. Your assumption that I am the tolerant left is once again, WRONG! You have made a lot of assumptions in your letter without knowing the facts and I KNOW you did not learn that in the military. AGAIN, this is NOT about Hillary, this is about BIGOTRY! and you just don’t get it and probably never will. As I said, sad day, sad statement, sad man.
Chris, well said, and 100% true. Thank you for your service and for speaking out.
Did you write a similar letter to the RNC for their use of the Benghazi events?
Read through ALL the comments. This has been addressed.
Wow ~ what a impressive letter that is well thought out and fair on every point. I salute you Sir!
Thank you for your service Chris… and your words in this letter. I found your letter moving and appropriate! It saddens me to see people making comments against you or your opinions…. it is because of you and the countless like you that I have the freedom to write you today! God bless you and our country… All my respect ….
Thank you..I could not care less what they say.
While I do not agree with Mr. Khans views, I am troubled by your comment about a father of a soldier killed in action while serving the son was the only one who sacrifed. NOT TRUE SIR. Let me enlighten you on a few things I am sure you do not understand.
When a service member is killed in action, there is the pond ripple effect. His father will never talk to him again, no hugs, no kisses, no daughter in law, no grandchildren, nothing. Just silence and memories. As a father of a KIA, you get to standby and watch your sons peers carry on with their life, while knowing your son’s life ended.
I am a Gold Star Father and former Marine sir. You see, I pay the price of my son’s sacrifice every single day of my life. You are right, you do not know the pain. And, I pray that you and anyone else never feels it. I wake every day and go to sleep every night with the pain, hurt, anger of knowing i will not see my boy again.
Gold Star Families have sacrificed. Their sacrifice never ends, until the day they die.
Semper Fidelis
I am sorry for your loss. You have made some valid points.
Come on, guys! Don’t you remember the “sniper fire” Hillary bravely faced? Wasn’t that in Bosnia? (If you can’t tell, I’m being very sarcastic).
What an idiot?!
Shame you didn’t have the class of John McCain… There’s a republican and soldier I can respect as he respects others.