... "Right now, the burden is all on the American soldiers. Right now, hope rides alone. But it can change, it must change. Because there is only failure and darkness ahead for us as a country, as a people, if it doesn’t. Let’s stop all the political nonsense, let’s stop all the bickering, let’s stop all the bad news, and let’s stand and fight! Isn’t that what America is about anyway?" ...It would seem to me that these words from fallen hero Sgt. Jeffers ought to be heard by every man, woman, and child in America. He and his family have paid the ultimate price so that people may one day live free from terror both in Iraq and here at home.
Read Kit Lange's awesome article ("Hope Rides Alone") about this hero and his final words home. (Thanks for all you do, Kit!) Here's just a snippet to get you started:
... "Eddie Jeffers was killed in Iraq this week, and though the only part of him I will ever know are the words he wrote to his countrymen, I feel as though I have lost a friend. Eddie Jeffers did not lose his life–he willingly gave it. How blessed are we, that men such as this defend us?" ...God bless and keep Eddie's family and friends. I know he will be missed.
Comments
Rep. Patrick Murphy
Someone should tell chicken-hawk Rush Limbaugh that the only phonies are those who choose not to serve and then criticize those who do. I served proudly, so did two of my fellow paratroopers in the 82nd Airborne who spoke out and died just weeks ago. Generations of American veterans have worn the uniform with pride and we know it is no contradiction to serve your country and still disagree with the Bush-civilian leadership that mismanaged this war.
When someone like Rush Limbaugh says that soldiers who disagree with the failed strategies of President Bush, Vice President Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld are "phony soldiers," you have to consider the source.
Rush Limbaugh, who, in January, called Vietnam veteran Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) "Senator Betrayus" for disagreeing with President Bush, has made no secret of his disdain for those who serve and speak out. Where was Rush Limbaugh when it came time to serve his country?
What's more, where was Limbaugh's outrage when Max Cleland, a Senator who left three of his limbs in Vietnam was smeared on television? Where was Limbaugh when Senator John Kerry's (D-MA) service was called into question in the form of millions of dollars in campaign ads?
My service was questioned last year during my campaign for Congress. Fortunately, the swift-boat attack on me didn't stick because people in my district in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and across America know that if someone wears the uniform and serves their country they've earned our respect regardless of political party.
Sadly, the political debate in this country has devolved into who can be more outraged at the latest smear attempt on those who should be thanked and praised for devoted service. Rush Limbaugh's phony outrage and derisive words call into contrast that which we all must honor: our Armed Forces currently fighting for their lives and our freedom all across the world. We need to be vigilant and speak out against those who question the value of that service -- and that goes for people on the right and the left.
The real issue is how best to quickly, safely and successfully end this war. It's time for Limbaugh, Cheney and Bush to end the partisanship and work with those of us who want a change.
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Prior to being elected to Congress, Patrick Murphy served as a Captain in the U.S. Army. He was deployed to Bosnia in 2002 and then to Iraq in 2003 and 2004. In Iraq he served with the 82 nd Airborne where he was awarded the Bronze Star for service. He is a former West Point professor and criminal prosecutor.
For the record, Patrick Murphy would have been better prepared to make intelligent remarks had he actually heard Rush's show before jumping on the smear tactic bandwagon. I was listening that day (as I am MOST days) and the "phony soldier" comment was referring to Jesse MacBeth who is INDEED a phony solider. Spent 44 days in the Army and was booted out of bootcamp. Check your facts.
Why do all Leftwing, groupthinkers post as "Anonymous?" Afraid to make up something more interesting?... Apparently, the folks at Liberal Smear Central (aka Media Matters) aren't afraid to make up nonsense! Sheeesh.