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An Open Letter to Khizr Khan July 31, 2016

Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.
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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.

 

Comments»

Jes's avatar 1. Jes - August 1, 2016

Could we please express ourselves without the name calling and sexual comments? That really doesn’t reflect thinking people.

Frank J. Kikta's avatar 2. Frank J. Kikta - August 1, 2016

Written by a true GOP shill – You should be ashamed of yourself.

jeff's avatar jeff - August 1, 2016

Coming from a democrat coward like yourself I take it as a compliment..

Roger dumont's avatar Roger dumont - August 1, 2016

Frank you should be shocked at your own ignorance for not taking into account the whole situation.This is what most Dumbacrats do.They focus on one topic at a time unable to grasp the big picture.If you have any sense or intelligence you would truly understand the circumstances of your T
unnel Vision.

jeff's avatar jeff - August 1, 2016

By the way the coward part was for you Frank…

kodiaksrevenge's avatar 3. kodiaksrevenge - August 1, 2016

He has succeeded in driving all of this traffic to his under performing business…Clearly he knew this topic and opinion would create a firestorm of responses which will generate income in multiple variations. I might also mention, that if he doesn’t like your comment, if it is Anti-Chris or Pro-Khan, he will not post it; as was the case with 2 of my posts. Well done shithead.

Chris Mark's avatar Chris Mark - August 1, 2016

No..if your post is vulgar or if I simply have not gotten to it..it wont post. My ‘business’ to which you are referring is just a website. I work for a major corporation and have for years. Do your research champ.

kodiaksrevenge's avatar kodiaksrevenge - August 1, 2016

There was nothing vulgar in my post(s). In fact as a security “GURU” I would have thought the name(s) Alexander Dugin/Putin/Trump would have interested you and others.

jeff's avatar jeff - August 1, 2016

awesome letter I also believe he wanted to use his son as a prop and expected no response.. Sorry his son is dead but, he should respect his death and not use him as a political prop…

Brian Wayne Barnes's avatar Brian Wayne Barnes - August 1, 2016

hit your refresh key few times it just takes time, but you didnt read his comments he stated he is an atheist why would ant-christ things bother him, and plenty pro-khan comments here completly destroying both your comments, someone looking like a shithead and not Mark

kodiaksrevenge's avatar kodiaksrevenge - August 1, 2016

I posted it last night shit for brains.. You look silly defending Chris, have some pride and move along. He can handle this on his own.

Bob N Cheryl Oleary's avatar Bob N Cheryl Oleary - August 1, 2016

If u can’t post a comment without the cussing and name calling ( which is typical for liberals) we really don’t care to see it.

You Are A Moron's avatar 4. You Are A Moron - August 1, 2016

Chris, I’m honestly surprised you could type this at all with your head so far up your shitter.

Chris Mark's avatar Chris Mark - August 1, 2016

Another classy response. Let me guess…Republican?

Brian Wayne Barnes's avatar Brian Wayne Barnes - August 1, 2016

thank you for putting moron in your name makes it so much simpler to call you by well what you sound like again thank you for making life easier

Carol Urbach's avatar 5. Carol Urbach - August 1, 2016

Thank you for saying what my husband who served in the 82nd Airborne in the 70s was thinking.

Derek Downs's avatar 6. Derek Downs - August 1, 2016

What a tired and ignorant “letter”. It’s silly and I feel sorry for you and those who think like you. What do you know about the sacrifice made by Capt. Kahn? You are still here, writing this dumb self righteous, biased and lie filled “letter”. You don’t know much bubba, and imo a disgrace to the uniform. Yeah we all volunteered jackass but you’re alive and I’m alive and those guys who aren’t gave more, did more and lost more. You’re the special kind of moron that thinks you having to see someone die is the same as being the person being killed. That’s brain dead dumb, along with the rest of your rhetoric. You circular self efficating logic and false causality correlations are your only pillars on which you stand and neither hold water. How utterly disgraceful. This right wing Pravda rag that asserts this crap is junk as well. What a load of garbage. And as a side note so you don’t have to google it a false causality correlation is when you try to blame other people or things by asserting blame due to some connection. It’s a Fox News mainstay. And it’s complete BS. I can’t believe is see the day where heroism is downplayed by fellow soldiers. He died retrieving his boys! Come on man are you serious- I guess you’re the kind of infantry that leaves a man behind because we all volunteered and he knew what he was getting into. He’s not a hero he’s just another dead towel head, right? So for the record you don’t get to call yourself a hero or let others call you that if your going to disparage OUR fallen. And I’m not a liberal, I’m just not a nazi recruit whose brain doesn’t work but whose loyalty to one man outweighs everything he has ever been taught or heard. If this guy was at the GOP talking you’d viciously defend your brother who died while bravely serving his country and his brother in the field. But you don’t see it that way. Good to see you’re thin skinned like Trump and respond to all the comments because I hope you read this though I have no doubts it will not be understood. I’m so glad I served with real men. Black, white, Hispanic, Jews, Pentecostals, Mormons, hell you name it- and it never meant a thing in the thick of it. That’s my brother you disparage. He did more than you, I know this because you looked out for your own ass enough to still be here, hero.

Chris Mark's avatar Chris Mark - August 1, 2016

Once again the ‘disgrace to the uniform’. So let me ask you…bubba…since when does having an opinion ‘shame the uniform’? Since when does utilizing your constitutional right to free speech ‘shame the uniform’? Based on what you wrote I am very confident that my brain works much better than your own…bubba.

Kay's avatar Kay - August 1, 2016

Thank you for your well articulated letter Chris Mark! You have clearly stated what millions of American patriot’s believe. Donald Trump may not be “perfect” but neither was the apostle Peter…and he was used greatly by the Lord. I believe in November we will see Americans that support the Constitution, the right to Life, Freedom of Religion, all the things the Founding Fathers wanted for our nation are going to make their voices heard around the world! Trump 2016!

Ruth Ann Smith's avatar Ruth Ann Smith - August 1, 2016

Chris it’s because you don’t have HIS opinion. When one agrees with the left they throw flowers at you. If you don’t agree with their propaganda – then they sling their hate and bully you to a quiet corner.

Joe's avatar Joe - August 1, 2016

WTF? He said what was on his mind, which, by nature is impossible for you, obviosly!

Kim Smith's avatar Kim Smith - August 1, 2016

I am confused. You end your letter with the comment that U.S. Marine Chris Mark only looked out for himself during his time in the military and you know this because he is still here. SO WHAT YOU ARE SAYING IS THAT EVERY SOLDIER WHO MAKES IT HOME SAFELY, EVERY SOLDIER WHO DOES NOT DIE IN BATTLE, HAS SOMEHOW LIVED BECAUSE THEY SELFISHLY LOOKED AFTER THEIR OWN ASSES, AND THE PROOF, AS YOU SAY, IS IN THE FACT THAT THEY COME HOME….YOU SIR ARE AS SIMPLE MINDED AS A LIBERAL. YOU ARE BASICALLY SAYING THAT SOMEHOW, IF A SOLDIER SURVIVES THE THEATER OF WAR, HE IS IN REALITY A COWARD WHO CARES NOTHING FOR OTHERS. THIS IS A LOAD OF BS. IN REALITY, IT IS YOU, WHO DOES NOT GET TO CALL HIMSELF A HERO. AS FOR CHRIS MARK, IF HE SERVED THIS COUNTRY, HE IS A HERO, PERIOD…AND A PERSON AS WEAK MINDED AS YOURSELF DOES NOT GET TO CHOOSE WHO IS OR WHO ISN’T A HERO.

Venus Jancek's avatar 7. Venus Jancek - August 1, 2016

Seriously?! How can you criticize a family who moved here became citizens of this country because they loved it and say that they did not sacrifice their son that he sacrificed himself? Every parent that loses a child for this country sacrifices. This whole conversation disgusts me. Trump does not know the meaning of sacrifice. He does not know that when he stands up there and asked the troops to stand behind him what exactly it is that they are sacrificing. Check your self.

BC's avatar BC - August 1, 2016

Venus, explain to me exactly how Hillary or Obama knows the meaning of sacrifice. When they both disparage law enforcement and the military at every step. Explain how they know what they’re asking. Sad thing is, they don’t care.

Vickilynn Pagan's avatar 8. Vickilynn Pagan - August 1, 2016

Shame on you. I, too, am a veteran and I am ashamed of you speaking for me, or on behalf of the 29% of veterans who are Democrats and the 33% who are independent (Gallup poll). What an ignoble act to speak so to the grieving parents of a lost soldier! How insensitive and less than honorable. Parents, spouses, and children of service men and women absolutely sacrifice and should never be disparaged (US Army, Nation honors military families’ sacrifices, 2011). Perhaps you Mr. Mark, should apply the 3 things to ask yourself before speaking, 1. Is it true? 2. Is it kind? 3. Is it beneficial? May your family never reap the karma you have sown by having a lout tell them they have not sacrificed should you die in service to your country. You shame the uniform.

MB's avatar MB - August 1, 2016

Great letter CM. The sacrifice was all CPT Khan’s. The loss was his families’ but the sacrifice was his alone. And if the Khans want to compare losses with Trump, that might be fair but comparing sacrifice is the wrong linkage to logic. Like you said, show us the sacrifice of any politician, not just Trump, and you will understand the foolishness of the argument…..and their party.

Brian Wayne Barnes's avatar Brian Wayne Barnes - August 1, 2016

no shame on you, for not reading his letter completely im waiting for the part where he spoke for all of us, you talking about the facts because it is voluntary, you cant be talking about his belief in what he wrote because he doesnt say he spoke for me, and if you read the begening he says he is proud of there sons and is saddened for there loss, so where are you getting the rest im waiting. ill say this he does speak for me and many democrats and other independents like me

Rick Wiles's avatar 9. Rick Wiles - August 1, 2016

Capt. Khan like all members of the military swore an oath to defend the Constitution and one of the founding principles of that document is that no one shall be denied entry into the United States based only on their religion. A principle that is in direct contrast to one of Trump major political platforms.

So I like Mr. and Mrs Khan wonder if Trump has ever read the Constitution or understands it. Mr. Trump will also swear an oath to defend the Constitution, I wonder if he realizes this…

BC's avatar BC - August 1, 2016

Rick Wiles, I’m not sure which Constitution you’re reading, but it’s not the Constitution of the United States of America. Nowhere in our Constitution does it say that people cannot be denied entry based on the religion. Nowhere. Immigration laws and regulations are passed by Congress. Not regulated by the Constitution. So I ask you the question. Have you ever read the Constitution?

John's avatar 10. John - August 1, 2016

lol, no wonder you couldn’t cut it in the marine corp and had to jump to the Navy. Basic comprehension is obviously a skill you lack.

Chris Mark's avatar Chris Mark - August 1, 2016

‘had to jump to the Navy’…hey dummy…I was commissioned as an Officer. Couldn’t cut it? Look at my DD214 clown.

Joanne Ocasio's avatar 11. Joanne Ocasio - August 1, 2016

I agree.

David Wilcox's avatar 12. David Wilcox - August 1, 2016

Shameful that Clinton and the Kahn’ s are making a political statement from the death of an American Hero.

Regina's avatar 13. Regina - August 1, 2016

You are brave to speak your mind and do it carefully. America needs people willing to speak with reasoning no matter the topic rather than those willing to “quip” before engaging their texting.

Alvis Russell's avatar 14. Alvis Russell - August 1, 2016

I wonder if this fellow who wrote this garbage did the same thing when the RNC paraded out a Benghazi Mom?

Chris Mark's avatar Chris Mark - August 1, 2016

Do you really not see the fundamental difference? Pointless..;.

Kaye's avatar 15. Kaye - August 1, 2016
Fed Up's avatar Fed Up - August 1, 2016

Yeah. Its on the internet so it must be true.

Fed Up's avatar Fed Up - August 1, 2016

Conspiracy theory much? If someone posts it on an internet blog, it must be true.

rzv's avatar 16. rzv - August 1, 2016

you should be ashame of yourself and of what you wrote.

Herb Wells's avatar 17. Herb Wells - August 1, 2016

Thank you Chris. You said all that we were thinking.

J D's avatar J D - August 1, 2016

I am on board as well, it is what I was thinking, he was an American soldier and did his job well, honoring his nation as all soldiers do. Thank him for his service in a greater good, that of protecting civilians from harm. I too believe he would do the same here at home and would prefer that those actions on his part would not be necessary. The terrorists must be kept out of the homeland, they are here and must be stopped soon. No more should be allow in. Let your son’s service not be in vain because so many are murdered here at home right now. This is the soldier’s duty to country, family and home, to protect with their very life ! Thru your son’s service he told us all he was an American first so he would have understood Trump’s stand to put Americans first as well. Good Day.

Jon's avatar 18. Jon - August 1, 2016

A truly pathetic simplistic defense of the indefensable.

SCJane's avatar 19. SCJane - August 1, 2016

Thank you for such a heartfelt and sincere letter. You are a courageous man, not only for your service as a soldier, but also for putting yourself out there to be scrutinize by writing this letter which goes against the powerful media’s agenda along with the Left-wing machine. Thanks you for your honesty.

ecase's avatar 20. ecase - August 1, 2016

What the letter writer fails to mention is how the speech by Mr. Kahn has given us the opportunity to see just how little Mr. Trump appreciates the sacrifices our troops make for their country. Of all the people to criticize in this moment, Chris Mark chose the father mourning the loss of his brave son? Give me a break!

Laura's avatar 21. Laura - August 1, 2016

Does he not realize that he lost his son in a war that Hillary voted for – not Trump????? It was who Hillary sacrificed Mr. Khan’s son.

amygracemeredith's avatar 22. amygracemeredith - August 1, 2016

I am a Mom of a solider and I must confess I found your letter to the Khans unkind. And wept for them as I read it. When our son signed his name and raised his hand, I told him he signed our names and raised our hands too. Yes he volunteered, but in so doing, he volunteered us too. He volunteered us for sleepless nights, for callouses on our knees, for a heart that breaks every time he disappears from our sight. Not a moment of our days go by that he is not first and foremost in our thoughts. Every time, I lay my Issac down, and pray (perhaps selfishly) that WE won’t be called upon to be a Gold Star family. And that OUR son will come home, not just safely, but fully whole. Every day I find new meaning to the verse, “He who spared not HIS own son, but delivered Him up for us all…” I KNOW what that is. I cannot imagine the loss the Khan’s feel. I am not an HRC apologist, and my comments are not meant to support one party or the other, but to support the Khan’s. We surely can do better in our defense of our nominee than to take swipes at the families who sure as hell FEEL like they are or have sacrificed. Jessica your words brought tears to my eyes. Thank you. Every time my son leaves my sights, I put my hands on his chest, bow my head and pray these words; “May God bless you and keep you. May He cause His face to shine upon you. May he give you (and me) peace. May He bless your goings forth and your coming home” Then we smile, hug, “I love you” and off he goes. Surely we can be kinder to each other. Surely to god, we can be kinder to the Khans!

Chris Mark's avatar Chris Mark - August 1, 2016

Very good points. Thank you for commenting.

Tim's avatar 23. Tim - August 1, 2016

One who wrote this for you. Clearly it wasn’t you.

Chris Mark's avatar Chris Mark - August 1, 2016

Tim…i write all my own work. You can read my articles in CounterTerrorist, Huffington Post, etc. etc. etc. You can also see me on CNN, and hear me on NPR.

Ken Ostrye's avatar 24. Ken Ostrye - August 1, 2016

I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed person … It really doesn’t matter which party you support, if all you got is emotion and rhetoric, you lose in this great adventure called life … Let me skip to the end; No One Gets Out Alive!

Chris Mark's avatar Chris Mark - August 1, 2016

Clever…trust me you would lose.

Alan Reams's avatar Alan Reams - August 1, 2016

Chris,
Usually, the individual stating, “I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed person” IS “The Unarmed Person!”
Thank You for Your Service!!
USAF CMSgt (R) Al Reams

Bob Newhart's avatar 25. Bob Newhart - August 1, 2016

Obviously this was written by a speech writer and not a grunt. Nice try.

Chris Mark's avatar Chris Mark - August 1, 2016

Good one…we need some levity. Not true..but funny.

Tracy Van Gundy's avatar 26. Tracy Van Gundy - August 1, 2016

I read some of the comments that were made in response to your letter and it never ceases to amaze me how much people don’t want to hear truth. Bless you for speaking the truth with eloquence and respect. Take courage you are in good company of those who have be persecuted for speaking the truth.

julie's avatar 27. julie - August 1, 2016

Trump has made fun of or put down so many different kinds of people. but you say because their son volunteered it’s ok he died?? but it ok for Trump to want all Muslims out of this country..his son was a Muslim they are Muslim. so they also should be kicked out of the United States??. Trump has caused a lot of people in this country trouble by declaring bankruptcy.. maybe he should be kicked out because of the pain he has caused..

Chris Mark's avatar Chris Mark - August 1, 2016

I never said that. In fact I said he was a hero. What I said was it was his sacrifice.

John's avatar 28. John - August 1, 2016

Oohrah!!!!

David Whitfield's avatar 29. David Whitfield - August 1, 2016

I find these comment really harsh. I enjoy seeing passion in people and their opinions but sadly most of the comments were really what I consider troll trash. One of the best parts of this article questioned Khan’s reference to Trump not making a sacrifice, in light of Clinton’s or Obama’s similar position. Some how I never say that addressed in the comments. Now as we are able to dig further, and looking into a bit about who is Mr. Khan, we find that he is a long time proponent of Shari law and that his “immigration” to the USA fits typical Muslim patterns of patiently infiltrating and working from within. Advocates for Shari law can not be Americans, and sadly the father was working to perpetuate the same people’s ideals that killed his son. Why is that being over looked in the discussion. Perhaps because he is using his son’s sacrifice to push an agenda that is detrimental to the American way of life. See -“What The Media Is Not Telling You About The Muslim Who Attacked Donald Trump: He Is A Muslim Brotherhood Agent Who Wants To Advance Sharia Law And Bring Muslims Into The United States” http://shoebat.com/2016/07/31/what-the-media-is-not-telling-you-about-the-muslim-who-attacked-donald-trump-he-is-a-muslim-brotherhood-agent-who-wants-to-advance-sharia-law-and-bring-muslims-into-the-united-states/

Chris Mark's avatar Chris Mark - August 1, 2016

Yes..thank you. I am going to start moderating more. It is getting out of control.

Brad's avatar Brad - August 1, 2016

You just thanked someone who is trying to paint Khan as an opportunist using his grief over his son’s death as a way to shill for the Muslim brotherhood.

That’s disgusting and you should be ashamed.

Roman's avatar 30. Roman - August 1, 2016

Well written and spot-on.

Lisa Nowell's avatar 31. Lisa Nowell - August 1, 2016

Dear Mr. Mark,
If I summarize your letter correctly, you seem to be saying that the Muslim American Gold Star parents have themselves not “sacrificed” anything, because it was their son’s free will to serve. I and the US Military disagree. That is why they have a “gold star” in the first place. Their family gave one for OUR team. Democrats & Republicans and Christans & Muslims were all saved or made safer by their sons actions.
Next you say Democrats used their grief to support Hillary. You say you think his son would agree with Donald Trump in temporarily banning all members of a religion from coming to our country, and creating a registry for Muslims and a way to identify them. Trump said these things out loud on tv. How dare you speak for a dead man but deny his parents the right to speak for him! He died defending this great country and its laws. The constitution says nothing about discriminating based on religion! You served too, How can you have missed that? Whatever our terrorist problem is, it needs to be solved the AMERICAN way Respecting everyone’s right to liberty and equality. Sir if you want to attack Democrats or Hillary go ahead, but there is nothing unAmerican about the Kahns or their views or their sacrifice. Donald Trump is trying to make their neighbors fear them. I’d speak out against that too. Go pick on who you’re really mad at. Although actually, since true Americans are supposed to be tolerant of other viewpoints maybe just be polite to everyone and vote your conscience like in the olden days you want back so much. Remember Donald Trump insulted John McCain about his service and too. Not a hero if you get caught. That’s what he really thinks of vets and their sacrifices.

Chris Mark's avatar Chris Mark - August 1, 2016

I think you are reading more into what I actually said. “True Americans”…look at the vitriolic comments….

Scott Sewell's avatar 32. Scott Sewell - August 1, 2016

Thank you Chris for your awesome letter. Pay no mind to the leftwing lunatics attacking you. You are a man of honor!

Eugene O' Neil's avatar 33. Eugene O' Neil - August 1, 2016

Chris, Trump said McCain wasn’t a true war hero because he was captured. How is that consistent with respecting veterans?

Mark Franchi's avatar Mark Franchi - August 1, 2016

It was very derogatory what Trump said about McCain. Any vet should be respected unless he pulls a Bergdahl,ie a traitor. McCain was captured and a lot of Nam vets feel he was a Manchurian candidate. The NVA released him but he refuse to leave, you can find a lot of info on this. But to me he still deserves respect .

Devon's avatar 34. Devon - August 1, 2016

While I understand your sentiments, you are judging Mr. Khan and the Dems unfairly. How can you say Mr. Khan hasn’t sacrificed? He lost his son for the safety of our country, that is the ultimate sacrifice. Secondly, you criticize Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama who have not served in the military, nor lost children to war. True. But neither of them have made public remarks to Mr. Khan about the validity of his family’s sacrifice, or continued to stereotype his faith and religion. If Trump had kept his silence, or god forbid, offered one tiny moment of humility, people would not be falling over themselves to criticize and malign him. But instead, he chose to dodge the subject, sneeringly insult Mrs. Khan and her family’s religion in the same tweet, and had the nerve to invoke his business “success” (and I put that in quotation marks because his success includes numerous failed businesses and bankruptcies, not to mention outsourcing most of his manufacturing overseas, even though he preaches the opposite) as sacrifice. Someone who refuses, even in the face of overwhelming advice or evidence, to listen to any dissenting opinions or reasonable information, has no place in politics, and especially not the White House.

Jim's avatar 35. Jim - August 1, 2016

Well said Chris. Even though the words he was spewing were not his. They were written by DNC speach writers. He was reading them on a teleprompter.So I’m afraid you have written a poweful letter to a man who really has no opinion of his own.

Chris Mark's avatar Chris Mark - August 1, 2016

I understand he asked that they not be written. I have no ill will against the Khan family. I think their son is a hero and they are, no doubt, fine Americans. My issue is simply with the 2 minute diatribe at the DNC. That is it.

Lisa Nowell's avatar Lisa Nowell - August 1, 2016

That moment you realize the people thanking you and agreeing with you are racist conspiracy theorists and a little bit crazy….

Chris Mark's avatar Chris Mark - August 1, 2016

WOW…such tolerance from the left. “Agree with us or you are racist”

Anthony's avatar 36. Anthony - August 1, 2016

Does the GOP walk around with blinders on they have to be or they can sit or stand and tell the most horrific lies

Frances's avatar 37. Frances - August 1, 2016

Thank you so much for your comments. I totally agree that the Kahns have made a big deal out of something they don’t know a lot about and have been so vocal about Mr. Trump who they nothing about what he might have lost. Their son volunteered for the service and it is unfortunate that he lost his life but so did many American soldiers whose families are not making such a big deal about it.

TommyGMaxey's avatar 38. TommyGMaxey - August 1, 2016

I think the main point is that his son was muslim..and our military is made up of all kinds of people..we don’t discriminate in America.!!

Dylan james's avatar 39. Dylan james - August 1, 2016

Dear jackass,

The DNC is not responsible for the actions of people outside their venue or the attendees of their convention. Trump is however responsible for his own hateful, disrespectful comments. Case closed. In addition, what did Mr Khan sacrifice? Are you effing kidding me? He lost his son. A son that bore his family name. That would have provided him Grandchildren. That would have been there to help him in old age, to give him hope for the future. You came home – as did many of us. Some went home BECAUSE of the actions of Captain Khan. How dare you.

Chris Mark's avatar Chris Mark - August 1, 2016

I say the same to Mr. Khan in his diatribe He politicized and I commented. Simple.

Unknown's avatar 40. #CantFixStupid >> Khizr Khan uses Son’s Military service and loss of life as Political Statement for DNC, looks like an Idiot – Not Fixing Stupid - August 1, 2016

[…] Source: An Open Letter to Khizr Khan | Global Security, Privacy, & Risk Management […]

Denise Jones's avatar 41. Denise Jones - August 1, 2016

I read your letter I personally find it very touching. I also think reading all of these replies to you very brave that you put it out there for the riduculous “hate mail” that you have gotten back. Trump was a bit gruff after the attack on him, but then it was an attack. I think was people are failing to see is that he does not want to keep the good guys out only the ones that will bring the terror in but they seem to miss that part of the sentence. This young man that died so bravely I am sure would not have been denied entry into the country. Coming in with a good family and ready to become a citizen Not one that was to become possibly high risk. (Our borders should have been closed back when the towers went down and maybe then we would not be in the pickle we find ourselves in now) Either way, I feel his pain losing a child is a lose like no other. Your letter was heartfelt towards this family and I feel sorry for those who just do not get it.

Jason Tremblay's avatar 42. Jason Tremblay - August 1, 2016

You ask what Hilary or Obama have sacrificed for this country. First, Hilary couldn’t avoid going to Vietnam like Trump did because as a woman, she wasn’t allowed to go. Second, both Hilary and Obama dedicated their lives to helping others in public service. Both have extensive track records fighting for people who have far less than they do. Trump? He has only worked to make himself rich.

Your hypocrisy is astounding. Take your blinders off.

Amanda Arwood's avatar 43. Amanda Arwood - August 1, 2016

From a veteran’s perspective, this is awful, Chris. How could you think this was a good idea to write this? None of this is valid! You should be ashamed of yourself.

Chris Mark's avatar Chris Mark - August 1, 2016

I disagree. Our very foundation is built on discourse, discussion and debate. It is not always easy or pleasant. Mr. Khan raised the issue and I commented. End of story.

David S.'s avatar 44. David S. - August 1, 2016

I was never aware that so much intelligence guided by experience would bring so many out into the open to testify to their deep hurt at such truth. Clearly an eye opener for me.

David's avatar 45. David - August 1, 2016

Read your article and agree. Read all the comments, and reinforced the observation if folks don’t agree they must try and malign/demean. Sad when folks can’t have a civil conversation and agree to disagree.

46. An Open Letter to Khizr Khan | kellsbellsfrompc - August 1, 2016

[…] Source: An Open Letter to Khizr Khan […]

Camlynn's avatar 47. Camlynn - August 1, 2016

There is no bad SEO/PR, even when you are the one yelling fire in a packed theater I guess, yes? Not saying you are carrying it, but that burning cross you are leveraging as a spotlight to your dotcom casts the same kind of shadow. Nice job ‘patriot’

Lance Boyle's avatar 48. Lance Boyle - August 1, 2016

Chris Mark I am going to use my first amendment right to call you an asshat.

Chris Mark's avatar Chris Mark - August 1, 2016

Very articulate. No doubt you are a professional at knowing ‘asshats’ Keep up the solid work champ.

Me's avatar 49. Me - August 1, 2016

It is a shallow and disjointed letter. I actually think it is worse than Donald’s original shallow and off topic reply. I also think it is great to have opinions and this type of letter could have been a wonderful thing, saying so much from somebody with experience, coming from a vet. But it simply hits an invisible (to the writer) intellectual ceiling….hard! Too many assumptions of somebody else’s thinking without them ever having said one word about it. Just turns into an off topic rant.

Chris Mark's avatar Chris Mark - August 1, 2016

It was intended as a simple blog post on my blog which gets about 400 readers per day…if I had thought it would blow up..I would have spent more than 10 minutes on it.

50. MUST READ: An Open Letter to Khizr Khan | WCBM-AM - August 1, 2016

[…] MUST READ: An Open Letter to Khizr Khan […]


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