In Memorandum of Rep. John Murtha (D) Pennsylvania

Yesterday Washington lost one of it's oldest, and longest standing members of Congress, Rep. John Murtha (D) Pennsylvania. First and foremost I would like to give my condolences to his family, and loved ones, and may they grieve in peace, and I hope that they have some faith that allows them courage and strength, and the prospect of brighter days ahead for both themselves, and Rep. Murtha, may his body rest in peace, and his soul find some eternal harmony amongst the heavens.

Secondly, although I do no politically agree with most of Murtha's views, and his passing opens up an unique political door, allowing for a special election, and following Browns Massachusetts victory, the possibility for a Republican to gain another strict Democrat seat, those of us must remember that a man has lost his live, and there is a family without one of their members. I am afraid that those on the right will smear our image with remarks made without much thought, or respect. Again, I will be the first to agree that his passing has given the right a great political tool, but we mustn't as a party, or a people, become so divisive, so entangled in politics, in parties, and massive government squabbles, that we rally in the death of our political opponents, if only to fill their still warm seats with members of our own political party.  We must remember, that we are all Americans, one nation under god, that we all have a family, and that we must not continue down the road of big G government, where the first remarks after a mans death, a man of great political achievements throughout his career, is that it is an opportunity to turn the political tides. If we have become a nation that is that divisive, then we have become a nation that will soon fall.

So please I ask, keep remarks regarding the passing of Rep. Murtha in good taste, and remember that before all, before parties, and politics, vote counting, and political polls, special elections, and politics, a man has still lost his life, and we must be a nation that values life above all, we must strive for a government that embraces "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", and must not lose sight of what is really important.

I am deeply afraid that some may not hear this warning, and will hastily make comments and editorials that lose sight of what is truly important. We must become a nation where real people are involved. A nation that considers the individuals, people who shouldn't be used as a means to an end, and not simply larger than life institutions and academic what if's, for nothing should be larger than life, especially government.

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1) The above image was taken from a Huffington post web page, and all rights are subject to it's original photographer - the original URL can be found here