war heroes

The Bashing Of War Heroes And War Critics

The swift boating of John Murtha is now going full force as we learn in
today's Washington Post:

Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.), the former Marine who is an outspoken critic
of the war in Iraq, has become the latest Democrat to have his Vietnam War
decorations questioned.

In a tactic reminiscent of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth assault on
Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) during the 2004 presidential campaign, a
conservative Web site yesterday quoted Murtha opponents as questioning the
circumstances surrounding the awarding of his two Purple Hearts.

David Thibault, editor in chief of the Cybercast News Service, said the
issue of Murtha's medals from 1967 is relevant now "because the congressman
has really put himself in the forefront of the antiwar movement." Thibault
said: "He has been placed by the Democratic Party and antiwar activists as a
spokesman against the war above reproach."

Cindy Abram, a spokeswoman for Murtha, said, "We certainly believe that
the questions being raised are an attempt to distract attention from what's
happening in Iraq." As for how Murtha won the Purple Hearts, she said: "We
think the congressman's record is clear. We have the documentation, the
paperwork that proves that he earned them, and that he is entitled to wear
them proudly."

Cybercast is part of the conservative Media Research Center, run by L.
Brent Bozell III, who accused some in the media of ignoring the Swift Boat
charges, but Thibault said it operates independently. He said the unit,
formerly called the Conservative News Service, averages 110,000 readers,
mainly conservative, and provides material for other Web sites such as
GOPUSA. "We won't run anything against anybody if we don't have the goods,"
he said

Honoring Our Soldiers As Luggage

Here is a disturbing story of how our leaders treat those who have made the
ultimate sacrifice in combat. From 10 News in
San Diego:

Marine Bodies Sent To Families On
Commercial Airliners

SAN DIEGO -- There's controversy over how the military is transporting
the bodies of service members killed overseas, 10News reported.

A local family said fallen soldiers and Marines deserve better and that
one would think our war heroes are being transported with dignity, care and
respect. It said one would think upon arrival in their hometowns they are
greeted with honor. But unfortunately, the family said that is just not the
case.

Dead heroes are supposed to come home with their coffins draped with the
American flag -- greeted by a color guard.

But in reality, many are arriving as freight on commercial airliners --
stuffed in the belly of a plane with suitcases and other cargo.

John Holley and his wife, Stacey, were stunned when they found out the
body of their only child, Matthew, who died in Iraq last month, would be
arriving at Lindbergh Field as freight.

"When someone dies in combat, they need to give them due respect they
deserve for (the) sacrifice they made," said John Holley.

John and Stacey Holley, who were both in the Army, made some calls, and
with the help of U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, Matthew was greeted with honor and
respect.

"Our familiarity with military protocol and things of that sort allowed
us to kind of put our foot down -- we're not sure other parents have that
same knowledge," said Stacey Holley.

The Holleys now want to make sure every fallen hero gets the proper
welcome.

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