Murphy’s Book Deal August 23 2007
Writing the Bucks County Courier Times, Richard Barbato raises some questions about Congressman Patrick Murphy and his lucrative book deal.
Last year, Murphy used his service to validate his credentials as a candidate during an election cycle that served as a national referendum on an unpopular war. In doing so, Murphy beat Mike Fitzpatrick who had dedicated the majority of his adult life to the people of Bucks County. As a soldier, Murphy provided a perspective that validated public opinion. Voters wanted change; change is what they got.
In his run for Congress, Murphy used his military experience in the campaign to educate voters on his beliefs and his vision for the direction of the country. However, through his book deal, his military experience will only enrich himself. That is wrong.
While I am a strong supporter of free enterprise, I do not believe Murphy should be pocketing the proceeds for the book. Without the soldiers who died valiantly in Iraq, Murphy would have no story to sell. The families of those soldiers should be receiving that money. If he is concerned about the families of the paratroopers we lost from Task Force Falcon during the first phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom, let him donate the money to help them. That would send a strong message to me and other Iraq veterans of the 82nd Airborne Division.
From what I understand about writing books, I can safely assume that the publisher and readers are looking for stories filled with twists and turns. Clearly, the most compelling storyline in the book will concern Iraq as the title of his book, “Taking the Hill,” adopts a military theme. Voters need to be confident that Murphy is casting his votes for what he believes is best for the people of the 8th District. This book raises doubts.
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