Politics

Congressman: Military Service Doesn’t Equal Public Service

Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) has some explaining to do to the nation’s veterans. While attacking his opponent, Republican Patrick Murray, Moran said Republicans use “stealth candidates, that haven’t been in office, haven’t served or performed in any kind of public service.“ He said Murray is a ”typical” example.

There’s just one problem. Patrick Murray is Colonel Patrick Murray, and he served 24 years in the Army.

Still, Moran deserves the benefit of the doubt, right?. Maybe he forgot Murray served, or maybe he misspoke and would later backpedal. Not the case.

In video of the October 6 remarks, Moran recognizes Murray’s service, but still sets himself up as the real public servant:

Hot Air’s Ed Morrissey says this:

Note too that it’s not as if Moran didn’t know about Murray’s service record.  Moran actually sneers at it, claiming that Murray had “taken a government check” for 24 years as a member of the military, as if Murray hadn’t earned every penny of it working in defense of his nation.

While the Washington Examiner’s Barbara Hillingsworth adds this:

However, Moran’s opponent happens to be Col. Patrick Murray (US Army-Ret.), who served 24 years in uniform, was deployed to four different combat zones, including Baghdad, as part of the 2007 troop surge under Gen. David Petraeus, and was even shot at by foreign combatants. If that isn’t public service, I don’t know what is.

Paper shuffling in Washington, apparently.

Hollingsworth also notes that Moran drew the ire of the Military Officers Association of America by claiming the group had endorsed him. It says it did not.

Comments (210)

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  • thepatriotdave
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:42am

    “Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA)” is a certified Jack-a**.

    Maybe we are being too hard on him, after all, odds are that he was educated in the public school system and we know how good they are at turning out dummies!

    PatriotShops.com

    Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • odrade
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 1:57am

      I doubt he was educated in the public school system. Only someone from a wealthy private school would be that arrogant. As I served for many years, I know that most military personnel come from public schools, so take it easy on us THEPATRIOTDAVE. Some of the most intelligent people I know are military. As for the congressman’s comment, I believe he should resign. Furthermore, I’m in favor of creating a law stating that anyone who wants to hold a federal public office should serve in the military first. Maybe they won’t be so quick to send people to war if they have some idea of what its like.

      Report Post »  
  • DoctorRon
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:38am

    I am sure that NBC, ABC, CNN, etc. will be all over this story – not!

    Report Post » DoctorRon  
  • Race
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:35am

    There is NO higher form of public service than to be in the military. I believe it should be REQUIRED that all in Congress AND the President be veterans as a qualification of the office.

    Report Post » Race  
  • Rickfromillinois
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:32am

    Military service doesn’t equate to civil service? All the military guy has to worry about is getting blown up or shot every now or then but the brave civil servant runs the daily risk of getting paper cuts, and those can be really nasty, especially if they get infected.

    Report Post » Rickfromillinois  
  • threedoor
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:29am

    As a guy who just spent nearly 6 years in the army, and got out this spring. I sadly have to agree with him. I had never worked with such selfish unpatriotic people as I did when I was in the military. I was surrounded by socialists, liberals, drug addicts, homosexuals and those who “Just want to go to college.” It made me sick. Every thing that I hated about the government was there up in my face on a daily basis.

    The lifers were by and large the worst offenders. They just wanted that easy money with early retirement and then to move on to another government job so they could double dip on the backs of working Americans. It makes me wish I had joined the National Guard instead so I could be a productive citizen and a servant.

    If we got rid of retirement, enlistment bounses, racial preferances and a lot of smaller things the military would not only attract but more importantly retain good men.

    Report Post » threedoor  
    • 1776Federalist
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:59am

      That doesn’t sound like anyone I know who is in the military. I deal with the Air Force and the Army on a daily basis, and have contact with other branches on occasion as part of my position with the FAA. The officers and enlisted personnel are always professional and striving to do the best work possible. I also know a young man who is a medic and is involved in an outreach program which provides care to poor people in areas affected by our military. The pictures and videos made of this young medic that highlight his dealing with children and adults in these God-forsaken places warms your heart and restores faith in selfless service. He has gone far beyond what he is required to do and has made the lives of many people better than it was before his service to them. I am sorry you are so bitter about your service environment, perhaps some of the comments could have been a way to deal with stress.

      Report Post »  
    • seayalater73
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 12:03pm

      Can of worms, guy, can of worms.
      Question is, do you really think people like Rep. Moran (who have been running the show for years in DC) are going to do one whit toward reforming the military toward what the nation needs, rather than wants?
      By the way, I’m always sad to hear about a junior soldier who got rolled in with a crap unit. But then the grass is always greener, ain’t it?
      Take care of yourself. Remember you have already done more than the 99% of your peers that never served. You should be proud of that.

      Report Post »  
  • BornTwice
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:29am

    People let the politicians get away with this “stuff”,,,, memory is a good thing ,,, sad, but too many want to send back those who “bring home the bacon”,, forgetting that bacon cost all of us taxpayers…. are you better off now than you were two years ago? if not vote for change, to borrow another’s wording,,,, what better time than this, to use their own motto against them… VOTE FOR CHANGE IN NOVEMBER or that is all you will be left with,,, “change” in your pocket, and they want that too..

    Report Post »  
    • JBaer
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 12:00pm

      BORNTWICE, love the moniker and me too!
      Can’t wait for House Cleaning Day! (and Senate too!)

      Report Post » JBaer  
  • seayalater73
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:28am

    Did this bozo actually say that? REALLY?
    Well, tell you what. Go ahead and let Moran lead the charge back to DC in November, to you know do all that important “fighting” he does against horrible “bad guys” that want to cut government spending into oblivion.
    I’ll just sit here and “pull” my paycheck. Just think: no more patrols, no more weapon cleaning, can sleep in till 5am maybe, eat all the ice cream I want. It’ll be great. Rep. Jim Moron (SP?) can obviosley legislate people to death, I say give him a crack at Al Queda.

    Report Post »  
  • MikeinIdaho
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:24am

    Moran is a typical marxist member of the former Democrat party and as such, is a traiotor and an idiot.
    Virginia, kick this piece of horse crap to the curb on November 2nd. Do your state and the nation proud by showing this idiot the door and forcing him thru it with a swift kick in the butt!
    REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER

    Report Post » MikeinIdaho  
  • Zorba53
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:24am

    Hmmm, let me get this straight… Moron (yes intentionally misspelled) has been in Congress since 1991, Col. Murray was in uniform for 24 years, in several war zones. Who should be sneering at whom for “taking a government check?”

    Report Post »  
  • Blazer4
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:23am

    How do you spell his name? Mor_n , with an a or an o.

    Report Post »  
  • powhatan
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:23am

    seriously? my son served in two wars, risked his life to do his duty to our country. My husband did 2 tours in vietnam and also luckily survived , and this jerk can’t even lick the bottom of their shoes as far as i am concerned!

    Report Post » powhatan  
  • Floyd57
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:23am

    So true. Half of the people I served with I would trust to cut my grass, especially the young officers.

    Report Post »  
  • creativeryder
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:20am

    This a prime example of the entitlement attitude of the progressive mind. In their perfect world, social sciences are at the front lines. All politicians at the National level should have to do an actuall tour of duty in one of the branches of our armed forces, prfferably on the ground so they can see what is required to be brave on one hand, and not lose your sanity on the other.

    Report Post » creativeryder  
  • TheGreyPiper
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:20am

    My God, that is absolutely loathesome. Moran can’t spell his own name quite right, either.

    Report Post » TheGreyPiper  
  • Andiciopec
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:20am

    Yet another congressmen that does not think that serving in our military is not public service. I personally think they should have to serve in our military before you can hold a public office. This would stop these individuals from thinking that the military is not a public service. Would also make them think twice before they send our young men and women in to harms way.

    Report Post » Andiciopec  
  • jagr1850
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:20am

    i’ll be glad to pay for drug testing for that moron dude moran/moron
    he disrespects the military men @ women who fought for our freedom……….
    send moron moran to kenya to serve a country that needs him ………

    Report Post » jagr1850  
  • flfun2no
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:19am

    Why does this not surprise me at all?

    Report Post »  
  • Slevdog1
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:15am

    Nuke Moran, in a figurative way.

    Report Post »  
  • dmhirman
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:14am

    it is extremely unfortunate that many do not recognize our veterans as servants and keepers of the peace. they are the ones that risk their lives to allow idiots like this to speak ill about them.

    Report Post »  
  • reconmarine
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:14am

    More lies from the liberal left. Politicians are scum. How dare they compare what they do to the brave men and women in our military. You won’t find one congressman from either side willing to put their lives on the line for this country other than military or law enforcement veterans. Barbara Boxer was a great example. Unfortunately, most liberals feel the same.

    Report Post »  
    • JBaer
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:56am

      Recon, You have now made Boxer mad. You didn’t use her title in your referance to her. Remember… she earned it! Hahaha
      Oops, guess I didn’t use it either. TOO BAD!

      Report Post » JBaer  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:36pm

      I’m from the liberal left and here is no lie – I won’t vote for that jerk if he was the only name on the ballot. Please don’t use sweeping generalization about all liberals or all Democrats – we are not all alike – and I resent that generalization. Not all Democrats or liberals are stupid, idiots, communist etc etc. Most of us are proud Americans who want the same things that you want for America but who just see a different path to getting there, Name calling only divides us and a house divided against itself will not stand. We have to come together to find the answers to the problems facing our country.
      http://maboulette.wordpress.com

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • Zero Tolerance
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 5:10pm

      Semper Fi…..
      Blogging is fine …It’s a bit of a stress relief….
      But I’d like you to check out The New-American-Saviors- (Looking for a Few good Men)
      Site will be up in a week….WWW.New-American-Saviors.com
      I’ll see that you get a Free Associate membership…. or e-mail
      Confidential@new-american-saviors.com

      Report Post »  
  • ritetrack
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:14am

    Crazy!! Dems are “steppin’ in it” all over the place!!!! Their arrogance and ignorance is limitless… keep talking Dems… the more you say… the better!!!

    Report Post » ritetrack  
    • untameable-kate
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 2:26pm

      You’re right, arrogance is what will take them down, maybe not on the left coast or the north east but everyone else in the country sees this and knows it for what is.

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • SamLiberty
      Posted on October 24, 2010 at 8:10am

      It’s not only the politicians. it’s the people who keep voting for this crap.
      The Gov’s race in Connecticut is a good example. The D has lied repeatedly
      in regards to his military service. How can you vote for him?

      Report Post »  
  • M31Sailor
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:12am

    I am Praying that all Connecticut Veterans that are considering voting for Dick Blumenthal , Democrat pay attention to this POS. , Blumenthal Lied multiple times about being a Vietnam Vet.
    Vote in Nov
    Sailor

    Report Post » M31Sailor  
    • LSX
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:45am

      Living in the Northeast myself, they are more sheep than anywhere else but Kalifornucation.

      Lying to the voters is SOP for Democrats/Progressives and the people up here ask for more.

      The Northeast is a lost cause for recovery.

      VOTE “R” for the Restoration of America.
      VOTE “D” for the Destruction of America.

      .

      Report Post » LSX  
  • JSDAMAN
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:12am

    Typical liberal crap. They claim to support the military and all who serve, but deep down have a hatred for the people who provide them with the security and right to speak to mindless drivel that comes out of their mouths.

    Report Post »  
    • JD Carp
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 5:43pm

      Mr. Moran should apologize to every person who serves now or who has ever served, including those buried all over the world! This is the most despicable, arrogant statement ever made about our military forces! Mr. Moran, may I remind you The Fist President of these United States WAS A MILITARY MAN!

      Report Post » JD Carp  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:12am

    OH MY GOD! He’s so Left wing, nutty and …..EXTREME! hahaha Oh, did he LIE about an endorsement? Outrageous.

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
    • M31Sailor
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:15am

      Who did the VFW PAC endorse??

      Report Post » M31Sailor  
    • beingrightisfun
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:27am

      He is a coward. Out here in the real world, there is nothing lower a man can be. You stand with him – never knowing the courage it takes to protect the weaklings like you – from those that want to harm you. But that’s what Colonel Patrick Murray did for you… and you choose to stand with the guy who couldn’t protect you from yourself – and couldn’t care less about you. Proud moment for you, I’m sure.

      Report Post » beingrightisfun  
    • JBaer
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:53am

      Very good question Sailor. Anybody know??

      Report Post » JBaer  
    • OPBuzz
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 12:11pm

      ACoording to VFW PAC, the endorsed Jim Moran!

      Report Post »  
  • john seven eighteen
    Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:11am

    This complete lack of respect for the incredible job our soldiers do only seems to come from the left. It’s no wonder they want to dismantle our military and put us under UN control.

    Report Post » john seven eighteen  
    • ishka4me
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:46am

      typical of the left. they still loathe the military

      Report Post »  
    • snowleopard3200
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:53am

      I wonder what Jim Moran will say the day he stands before the almighty and sees the soldier angels of the Lord (Guardian Angels among them)? Will he then say that military service is not qualify as a public service?

      http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm (mix art)

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Ironmaan
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 11:56am

      This guy is a public parasite. Military service is the highest level of public service.

      Report Post »  
    • Fireguarding
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 12:01pm

      This Representative is nothing more than a scumbag in a nice suit. “Taking a government check” for doing what, Jim? You have my invitation to a long walk off a short pier. You DNA MALFUNCTION! Sorry for the strong language, Ladies.

      Report Post »  
    • independentvoteril
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 12:03pm

      Do any of these politicians not know THEY are doing nothing more than collecting a government check? Besides the fact that our servicemen are the ONLY ones who actually are working for their checks by putting their lives on the line for our freedoms?? but what do you expect from the left they have NO respect for our service people..

      Report Post » independentvoteril  
    • magdala
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 12:16pm

      Hope this goes viral.

      Report Post »  
    • solaveritas
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 12:37pm

      Just another Godless attempt of a “leftie” to get you to swallow whatever lies he can get past you. The phrase, “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth” does not exist in their universe.

      Report Post » solaveritas  
    • magdala
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 12:47pm

      Hope this goes viral. The arrogance of Moran’s statement is appalling.

      Report Post »  
    • skwzbox
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:19pm

      I wonder how many congressmen and senators have served in the military. Obviously, Moran must have been one of those hippie types who protested while in college and he shows his bias. Every soldier, airman, and seaman has shown more courage than he has by just completing boot camp and basic training. Officers and enlisted deal with foreign nationals while representing the U.S. overseas. They deal with budgets that the average businessman would scratch his head over.

      I remember when returning from overseas, we could not wear our uniforms downtown, because people like Moran might assault us on the streets of our own nation.

      Now he rebukes us by saying we do not serve our nation. Military service is the epitome of service. To paraphrase: “There is no greater service than to give one’s life for another.” I doubt Moran would even consider the possiblity of doing so.

      Report Post »  
    • pajamash
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 1:24pm

      Mr. Moran, there is a huge difference between dodging political jabs and dodging bullets. In my view, 1 year of military service equals four in political office.

      Report Post »  
    • thesixfour
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 2:06pm

      Its no wonder the absentee ballots didn’t make it so the men and women who serve in the military could vote.

      These liberals hate them.

      Report Post » thesixfour  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 2:31pm

      Let’s see, Murray is definitely capable of doing Moran‘s job but I seriously doubt Moran is capable of doing Murray’s job. If there is ever a need to be defended I think I will rely on Murray, thank you. Thank you for your service, sir.

      Report Post »  
    • Ken
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 2:39pm

      Yep, it’s already started with Gen. McCrystal, who even voted for Obummer! Goes to show that no matter how much liberal a** you kiss, you’re still likely to get screwed!

      Report Post »  
    • HKS
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 3:20pm

      As far as I can see, this is the only public service. Politicians are only self centered career corrupt leaches on the public dime.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • b ulbricht
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 5:03pm

      Amen brother! Our twins each served their time: our son in the Marines outside Fallujah and our daughter aboard ship guarding the Gulf (and it wasn’t the Gulf of Mexico!). They paid for food and medical out of their paychecks. This clown thinks that being a politician is public service that deserves a paycheck using our tax dollars. If I’m not mistaken, we pay for all of his medical insurance, food, housing, entertainment, EVERYTHING with that GOVERNMENT paycheck he receives. What exactly do we get for our money?

      Report Post »  
    • claymoremacm
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 5:53pm

      anything over 1 term in elective office is no longer public service it is personal service,military exepted,goverment employees are entilted to social security and nothing else problem SOLVED can’t sue the new goverment SMILES make a contract with the Devil what do you expect?

      Report Post » claymoremacm  
    • unionrockstar
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 6:18pm

      How long have you taken a
      goverment check sir????

      Report Post »  
    • dominke
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 6:49pm

      Put him in front of firing squad,along with the rest.

      Report Post » dominke  
    • thunder4570
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 9:10pm

      I would put the colonel’s leadership abilitys way above this pencil pushing elitist slob any day! I am not surprised at the total lack of respect for the military or the vets. If you here a lefty praising the military you can bet dollars to doughnuts it is an election year, any other time they speak with total disgust about the military.

      America wanted change, thats all I have left in my pockets!

      Report Post » thunder4570  
    • ME
      Posted on October 22, 2010 at 10:00pm

      One services is full of hero’s and honor the other is full of spineless pigs and cowards. Nothing equal about it at all. I will let you figure out which is which?

      Report Post » ME  
    • kraphtsman
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 2:25am

      I think his name is misspelled.. Jim Moron looks correct to me. What a stupid jerk… I can’t believe anyone with an ounce of decency would vote for this piece of human excrement !

      Report Post »  
    • derekcrane
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 8:38am

      Lefties like Moran consider that going into hazardous areas to register everyone (legal and illegal) to vote is as dangerous and courageous as putting one’s life on the line defending your country.

      Report Post » derekcrane  
    • Fletch
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 9:20am

      Didn’t Congresscritter Moron slap some little irritating black kid out on the campaign stump a few years back?

      Report Post » Fletch  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 9:24am

      ishka4me, you are absolutely right and it starts at the top.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Beckofile
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 9:41am

      Spelling of his name is wrong. Should be Rep. Jim THE MORON (Socialist-VA)

      Report Post » Beckofile  
    • Compete or Lose
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 10:04am

      .
      .
      .
      I am a veteran.
      This guy should get drafted, handed a rifle and sent on perimeter patrol in Afganistan. His attitude would change then. How can anyone vote for a moron like this ever again?

      RGS

      Report Post »  
    • wildjoker5
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 2:58pm

      That is what the Dems think about the military sadly. we are just here to keep them in power. And them being in power is how they “serve” the nation?

      Report Post »  
    • francesp44
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 8:49pm

      If Colonel Murray served as well as Moran, we be subjects of Saddam Hussein. What Moran calls public service has visited upon us the virtual destruction of the United States and its Constitution. All the blow hard politicians, whose only fight occurs within the halls of Congress, have risked nothing in defense of this nation while Colonel Murray risked everything. Colonel Murray upheld his oath, most of congress and the senate have abrogated their duty. Give me a thousand more Colonel Murrays and five hundred fewer Morans and our problems would be solved

      Report Post » francesp44  
    • burtontd76
      Posted on October 23, 2010 at 9:48pm

      the American Sldier is the only one that actually writes a blank check for their country, all the politition does is cash them.

      Report Post »  
    • CYCLONE
      Posted on October 24, 2010 at 8:15am

      me thinks somebody needs some live ammunition shot towards them….

      Report Post »  
    • GOTT-EM-MAUSER
      Posted on October 24, 2010 at 2:17pm

      Government Checks written to the folks in the MILITARY are ONE of the VERY FEW checks that they SHOULD be writing.

      If signing up to DIE fighting for this COUNTRY isn’t the ULTIMATE PUBLIC SERVICE, what the hell is??? Being a CONGRESS CRITTER????????

      Report Post »  
    • JeffScism
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 10:07pm

      Having World Order ( The Fourth Reich) is important to socialists, although they would want to have all the guns themselves. We already have a defense department that isn‘t allowed to defend our Country’s borders. A Commerce department that encourages all commerce to go overseas. A Justice department which thinks Justice is allowing OTHER Countries to join in lawsuits against US States. And a President of questionable qualification who thinks the Constitution can be ignored or rewritten by signing off on foreign treaties.

      Report Post »  
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