Charlie...."he was the fourth WINNER of this medal..."

Ouch.

If McCain is elected, the American people will not be able to properly bring charges against the Bush Administration for this illegal war. He will be guaranteed a commutation of sentence, just like Scooter Libby.

Come on people. The Awarding of the Medal of Honor has nothing to do about the politics and everything about the selfless service and sacrifice that this brave you American Hero demonstrated. I find it sad that people want to diminish this young mans sacrifice for political retoric and gain.

You people amaze me. I can't believe that the number one thing you take away from this story is that "Bush doesn't give a hoot". Sick. I am constantly amazed at the fact that so many are so blinded by their political ideologies that they can't see past the wall they've built around themselves. I don't know why, I should have learned by now, that the most "tolerant" among us, have absolutely NO room for a view that differs in the slightest.

Pitiful.

The focus of the article is what is drawing the criticism. Rightly so. The focus more appropriately belongs on the recipient of the medal, and the reasons for it. The lives and service of these men and women cannot be overstated. Sycophant's who allow themselves to get hung up on the President's tears, by reading more into them than is really there, are as shallow as their comments.

It is possible for one disagree without being disagreeable. A quality that unfortuantely we see less and less.

Where are the tears for the thousands who die every month from poverty. The homeless who get no healthcare, and little food. How about the thousands who
died during Katrina. In Bush's phoney military crocodile tears,we hear the weeping of the supreme demagogue,who could care less about people,unless it's someone who has fallen during this so-called war,in which he has not one single relative involved. Put your daughters on the streets of Bahgdad, and then maybe we might believe the tears are real.

He should get a job.

Hey John. You signing up to go to Bahgdad tomorrow? They certainly need volunteers like you to "protect our national security," and kill our enemies. Whoever they may be in Iraq.During WWll every patriotic male joined. How about you? You could even be a mercenary and earn six figures.

Well stated Sean.

American soldiers are very strong and proud fighters, number one fighters in the world, WBush is not, McCain/McNasty is not, Hill the Bosnian General is not. God bless America and God bless Obama.OBAMA08.

Harry, Harry, Harry...The same old arguments are so tired. You need to call the DNC and get some of the newer talking points. Those old one liners are so yesterday. Try the "Bush lied kids died" one, that's been a while.

I mean really...you're honestly saying that unless I'm in Bag, in person that I can't have a positive opinion, or believe in the cause?

Whether we agree with this war or not, I thank God every day of my life for peope like Michael Monsoor. Our soldiers and those that serve and protect allow you and me to express our opinions in this manner. In our attempt to force our opinions on everyone because what we believe is what we think everyone else should believe, never forget Michael Monsoor and all those before and after him that allow us that freedon. Please, never forget.

Because George W Bush rushed us into this mess A fine young man died.

I agree Linda. Completely.

As I mentioned before, the point made should have been more on P.O. Monsoor.

Any mention of President Bush throws some people into a fit.

Medal of Honor, That will bring their son back from the dead, yep, a medal for a life...

Stop hat'n on Bush! One thing for sure is that he cares about his troops! I believe he was very sincere with his emotions! Whether you believe in this war or not, thats what they do, put their lives on the line everyday for this country! So all the name calling is falling on deaf ears, Guess what? Bush is still leader of the free world! Don't you just hate it!

You're a hypocrite John. I spent 4 years in the Army 1968-1972. I was proud of my service, and saw many of my buddies die for absolutely nothing. I am not a Democrat. But, I am tired of rhetoric like yours,a string of cliches,trying to justify this so-called war. If you won't fight in a war YOU believe in,John, then yes you have no say. If you believe in this war so strongly then you must be willing to die for it. Otherwise you are just an armchair think tank intellectual who likes to wave the flag on blogs like this. Bush tells us that this is an important a war as WWll. In WW11 Roosevelt sent 5 of his sons into harms way. You say you're a patriot go and fight YOUR war, and then come back and tell me what it is you are fighting for.

What's he gonna do when they start dying in Iran, build a freakin' crying room? George, if you don't have the stomach for this war, how about you back off starting the next one in IRAN... Just a thought.

"I find it sad that people want to diminish this young mans sacrifice for political retoric and gain."

Tell that to the man who held the Medal of Honor ceremony on the same day as the Petraeus/Crocker hearings.

Harry, where did you serve? With whom? Where were you sent?

A hypocrite says one thing and does another. Admitedly I am one, but certainly not on this point. If service is a prereq then you are going to have need to dismiss 80% of the democrats and republicans serving in the house and senate.

I agree the war was started and waged poorly, but I agree with the reasons.

Moe has a strong point. It's a question that hasn't been answered yet and will never will.

No kidding.

Looking at our choices this November, Republican or Democrat, is this seriously the best we've got?

Bush has sent thousands of our brave soldiers to their death,maybe a little bit of this is sinking into his dark soul? We can all hope.

AJ, it wasn't just bush, it was Hillary, Kerry and many other Democratic cronies that voted for the war they want to end to appease MoveOn.org.

AJ, and to say that he "sent them to their death" is pretty stupid. I mean, come on, we've lost a lot of good men and women, but that wasn't the reason for sending them. And "dark soul"? LOL, WOW. I mean I disagree with him on MOST things, but DARK SOUL? rofl.

You guys are unreal.

I think that all our service personnel should be receiving the Medal Of Honor alive or dead. They are Heroes Plain and Simple.GOD BLESS THEM AND KEEP THEM SAFE FROM HARM

Michael A. Monsoor

We Salute you

Thank you

This should be the Head Lines all over the nation. Not the nut cases and the political liars.

"Where are the tears for the thousands who die every month from poverty. The homeless who get no healthcare, and little food. How about the thousands who
died during Katrina. In Bush's phoney military crocodile tears,we hear the weeping of the supreme demagogue,who could care less about people,unless it's someone who has fallen during this so-called war,in which he has not one single relative involved. Put your daughters on the streets of Bahgdad, and then maybe we might believe the tears are real."

Can not improve on the quality of these words.

As a member of our military, it is disheartening that people are displaying such hatred on a blog following the story of a brave American soldier that gave his life for his teammates. Why can't you leave your political opinions at the door and utilize some of your energy to honor PO Monsoor? It is disgusting and obvious that you don't care about this hero!

I agree with Rizzo. I am honoring this fine veteran who gave his life for us. Politics have nothing to do with this article. Leave that for another forum.

Bush is not my choice for best pres ever, but he's not inhuman. Monsoor was a hero, to make this a conversation about Bush is to steal honor from this selfless man.

Some see roses, some only thorns.

Just think, all of this rhetoric would be reversed if democrat bill clinton started the war in Iraq.....

A hero.....
Unlike those who disparage his legacy on this blog. Shame on you.

No sane person likes war but fact is there are evil people out there and we need brave men and women like PO Monsoor who serve honorably and who do not determine the politics of war. It sickens me to read the foul politically motivated comments from these misguided nintendo toting loosers who only know how to be selfish and have never done a damn thing for the country except leech from it. I am a vetran and this article is not a forum for the morons to voice their politics it should only be a forum to honor a brave young SEAL.

I am ashamed of all who politicize this Sailors sacrifice. My wife, SSG Kim Voelz, died in my arms in Iraq, after an IED she was approaching to disarm, fell from its emplacement and detonated, critacilly injuring her. With me at her side, she died several hours later. PO Monsoor is a hero in the truest sense of the word. anyone who watched the ceremony can attest that the emotion expressed by the President was genuine and sincere. fools who think otherwise should go choke themselves, you disgust me.

please don't use this as a chat forum to bash the presidency. This story should not have anything to do with bush, it should be about the man that gave his life for his buddys. so please respect him and show your political indifferences somewhere else.

My son is a marine. I am part of the military family. My son along with all the military that serve have a love and sacrifice for this country that we all should stand up and recognize !!!! Many other Americans have gone before him with the same sacrifice as Monsoor did. I agree this article is about love of fellow Americans, country and sacrifice for others. What tremendous people serve. May all those who read these try to understand the kind of "shining stars" in the military unlike any of us.

I agree jake, the brave young Seal should be honoured, as should all the young men and women fighting, nobody disputes that. They should also be given care, the best of care, when returning home. But "BUSH WACKER" should cry too!

As United States Navy Sailor I am extremely proud to be among such Courageous Heroes everday. I was considering on going off on a tangent about how repulsed and disgusted I am with some of these comments, but I decided to refrain because the primary reason i joined the military is to fight for the right of citizens in our country. One of the best and most used is the freedom of speech.
God Bless the Monsoor Family.
RIP P.O. Monsoor, Your nation, regardless of political view, is thankful and proud.

"Where are the tears for the thousands who die every month from poverty. The homeless who get no healthcare, and little food. How about the thousands who
died during Katrina?..."

Dumbest comment ever. Ok commy, you gonna pay for everyone's healthcare? You will with higher taxes and socialized everything. Get educated about the issues first, then comment.Thanks to Monsoor who volunteered to defend his country and his comrades.

This absolutely makes me sick! I DO serve our fine country, I'm a United States Navy Sailor. This man gave his life for his shipmates and his country, and that ladies and gentlemen is more than most of you can say for yourselves; yet most of you can do nothing more than use this space as a battle cry for your own opinions and agenda. As a Sailor, let alone a SEAL, our shipmates ARE members of our family. I seriously doubt most of you would die for members of your own family, not to mention your co-workers! Stop desecrating this story by putting up banners to stop the war in Iraq and cute little phrases about whom to vote for. Whether you believe it or not, it is not going to matter whom is elected to be president. Give a moment of pause today to reflect on the men and women you know in uniform that protects this country's interests, instead of giving so much thought into people and politicians that never have.

This kind of bravery happens everyday in Iraq and Afganistan. Semper Fi Bud...rest in peace.

Well i am very glad that this young officer was recognized and awarded for his bravery and selflessness with the highest honors our country can offer.

On another note, here is another instance of President Bush crying. He is just like his father----very emotional. I notice how the media makes little mention of it but when Hillary Clinton shed zero tear drops, the media reacted as if she had been inconsolable with tears. I saw the video and maybe her eyes were barely watery. I'm just pointing this out to show that men cry and can get away with it, even if they are the president of the United States.

This will be the final comment I post and then I am leaving this comment page. WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH POLITICS!?!?! Petty Officer Monsoor gave his life for his two shipmates and citizens of the United States of America. Can we focus on that? Now I can see why it is so difficult to find a happy medium barrier with all the duty stations in foreign countries. Are we really that ignorant?

Militarism and the alpha society knows no other way to attain security and pilitical goals, and defend the conservatism of their tribe than through the observance of fallen heroes. Especially when there is no end in sight for this battle. It solidifies the proponents of war. Two teamates are now alive to reflect on their brother's sacrifice, but I assure you they will someday wake up, and realize that they were conned into going into battle in the first place...maybe when their pensions dry up, maybe sooner.

Today's war hereos are like "Martyrs". I agree it is a sickness to go off the article's topic...and even sicker to stay shallow with facts and not dare to "rock the boat" with probing & unsettling questions about why a Nation supposedly built on freedom needs to be in a major mechanized war every 10 - 15 years. We're all in trouble when individuals loose their voice and cannot speak out their truth, however it may come. True heroes are gladiators in mind and will not bow down to the requirements of the tribe, because there is more to life than killing and being killed.

Ultimate sacrifice? who knows. I really don't believe in this story...

He died to defend the interest of American corporations and the elite that run this country. What a sucker!

Thank God for men like PO Monsoor. If it wasnt for him and people of his bravery this entire website would be in German or Japanese.

I am sorry for his loss but the nation is better for having known him.

Of course Bush was crying ... wouldn't you cry if you has that much blood on your hands?

God bless the Monsoor family ... your boy shouldn't have had to die for this!

So a Vietnam avoider who went AWOL sheds tears for a man of genuine courage. The tears are those of a crocadile.

Just where does this hatred come from? Bush is a great President! What is all this crap about boycotting the olympics? Stopping these free trade agreements. I love how people want to hang bush for doing a tremendous job of strengthening ties with other countries. Do you really think our relations with china, russia, are that easy? Go live in another country for a while you Bush haters and open your eyes. It's absolute ignorance.

Di - no, he didn't. Somebody that hasn't been there can't understand.

I went to Beirut and Sarajevo, and would be in Baghdad but the heavy lifting goes to the young.

PO Monsoor - thanks, shipmate. You make me proud. My prayers are with his family.

Di: I guess Iraq was the next Germany? Please. Unfortunately for the soldiers fighting in Iraq today, there is no honor in killing or dying. The cause is unjust. No medal of honor or crying by the president can change this.

Not hatred, Gilette; reality. This guy is the biggest of chicken hawks. Not wanting to get his ass shot up in Nam, he took a cushy Guard job stateside and then walked away from it and had it covered up. Let him send his two silly daughters into the service and maybe he will begin to command respect among the families whose sons and daughters place their lives on the line every day in Iraq and Afghanistan. Otherwise, his tears are crocadilian.

Not hatred, Gilette; reality. This guy is the biggest of chicken hawks. Not wanting to get his ass shot up in Nam, he took a cushy Guard job stateside and then walked away from it and had it covered up. Let him send his two silly daughters into the service and maybe he will begin to command respect among the families whose sons and daughters place their lives on the line every day in Iraq and Afghanistan. Otherwise, his tears are crocadilian.

Scott: "this young man died a hero by anybody's reckoning" - sorry no. He saved the life of other soldier who now continue to kill others in an unjust war. Who is the hero in this story? This story is so very sad for all of us...

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It has been my honor to serve as a Special Operations Medic for longer than I care to remember. Guys like me have been fighting your wars for centuries. I say your wars because Soldiers don't get to vote on who to fight. Your status as civilians gives you more say in whether we go to war than we ever get. Whether you agree that this war is justified or whether you hold some other view is irrelevant. That's not the issue.

The fact is that a good Man chose death for himself instead of for his brothers in arms. He was true to the vows he made before his God. For that, we of the brotherhood raise a glass to his memory and will forever remember his sacrifice.

Someday, I would hope you understand; but if not, we'll honor him in our own way.

Strong work Mike!

My tribute and respect to Monsoor who defended his comrades' lives.

Who probably also died thinking he was defending American civilian lives (which he most certainly was not)

He was one of the scapegoats to greed. A member of the force, forced to fight an enemy that never was. And you know who else? A million Iraqis and 4000 american troops.

Though i do not agree with the war in Iraq even though the cause itself is noble. I still support those who fight because whether you like it or not someone has to fight on behalf of our country's political decisions.So you should not turn an honorable and brave sacrifice into an "I Hate Bush" or dispute which candidate you think is the best. There is a time and place for political disagreement but this article isn't it. It's sad when we can't even honor our heroic fallen.

~hopefully when I bring this up tomorrow at my US History class my fellow juniors will be mature enough not to turn this in to a cause for political disagreement like many on this blog.

~ God Bless Michael Monsoor

Bush must have been holding an onion in his hand to make him cry. He has no heart. He doesn't care that 4,000 of our men and women are dead and more will die for oil.

This soldier was a true hero. My point is Bush used this anniversary of invading Iraq to give the Mom a medal, and kiss her as if she was his daughter on what looked like HER LIPS! And every publication on the net is focusing on closeups of BUSH'S TEAR! Oh, the "softer Bush moment" BULLCRAP.You military people have a right to think you're doing something noble, but don't confuse it with the greatest foreign policy blunder in US history, which is bankrupting this country. You are enablers, in addition to heroes for your buddies on the battlefield.Heroes to humanity don't breed death and distruction, they heal the sick in hospitals, teach the poor, feed the homeless. Some day you will realize the difference between A WAR OF CHOICE and a THREAT to our shores. If you think we are safer today and our military is prepared for the future, again, go in a corner and pray until you come to grips with the facts.

It's so sad so many brave soldiers had to die for lies,greed and big egos. Bush and his Chickenhawk friends have destroyed too many lives.Where was five deferment Cheney? Another great military role model.The prince of darkness.

P.O.Monsoor died a hero, sacrifice himself for reason beyond comprehension for many posters here. There is so much hate on those who are trying to hijack this tribute to a hero to bush-bashing. I'm not even American (I live on the other side of the globe) though I salute Monsoor, a hero of the highest order.

Bush lied to us and this man died for that lie.

Duh, any normal person would be choked up about a person that gave his life so that others could live. But lets not include the biased reporters who covered this story as being normal. The negative comments by others in this blog must be born ugly and have a gripe with the world in general. Using a soldiers death to make political statements is testament to their sickness they want to give to others. This person did something nobel and we should give him the courtesy to honor him for what he believed in - saving his comrades which are US Citizens.

Man, can't he bring on the crocodile tears or is the jerk really crying because he knows he only has 10 more months to kill. He should be classified as one of America's most demented serial killers. I hate how he uses the loss and sadness of parents of fallen heroes to make himself look good. He fails doing that in my eyes. He would never be a good person to me. If McCain gets it for president, GWB can watch more killing on TV - that sure would make him happy.

I cannot even begin to understand the amount of courage this young man exhibited. Knowing/performing an act that you know will kill you. That takes something most of us cannot relate to. And, to comment on Bush's emotion, it was the first time, for me, since he has been in office that I could see that he could relate to the common man. I don't agree with this war of his, but at least he showed us that he too has a softer side.

I had voted for Bush both times and now have switched to Obama-I truly felt we needed to go to war then within 6 months realized what a mistake. I do not care for Bush's politics but I do like him-He is a caring man but should not of been a presdient-Maybe the tears are the wakeup call for him? Maybe he sees this war as being tragic-who knows-

southerfarmer: I couldn't have said it better

I want to ask all of you to put this question out on the Blogs, Why weren't Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama at the Medal of Honor ceremony to Honor Michael Monsoor? They were both in Washington D.C. and other democrats were there and so was John Mccain so they have no excuse! They had time to meet with and slap high fives with Anti War protesters and to get your time moved up so you can leave like senator Obama did for another commitment with CODE PINK later after Obama was missing the ceremony that was now over, this makes you wonder why wouldn't these 2 democratic wanna be presidents Like Rep Sanchez democrat from california and Senator John Mccain go take 20 minutes to go pay tribute to this Hero and his family. I find this a disgrace. Thanks and God Bless America!

This was just one big PHOTO OP for BUSH..He tried to make himself look almost human again and failed.

I'm am saddened that Mr. Bush was "emotional." Just think how many mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, wives, children, and others have been emotional over the deaths of loved ones since Dubya started his war. You must be so proud, Mr. President.

Bush has blood on his hands regardless of whether or not his tears were genuine or fabricated.

Marge: "... I don't agree with this war of his, but at least he showed us that he too has a softer side."

SG: Yes, it's reassuring to know that "W"ar c(R)iminals have feelings too ... But I thought that fighting in Iraq supposed to be (R)omantic and all!?

Snerd

You people should be ashamed of yourself. Someone gave their life for the sake of others. What you bleeding heart liberals fail to realize is that you will NEVER know what is like to feel such a sense of dedication and service to country and others. Instead you focus on only negative petty issues that detract from the overall significance of what this country was founded upon. Shame on you.

The military is a welfare platform. As a drafted veteran, I not once protected anyone from anything. Hence cut the crap that we/they are defending the country. Cut the crap that this is for our freedom. As it turns out the only freedom we get is to work 18 hours a day to pay for the essentials.

This very young Seal had no business being in the wrong place at the wrong time thank you to his government.

A bad government only produces mean and broken and dead people.

This is what happens when a leader is out of touch with his people. So much anger is building. When you are a leader of a multitude of people, you have to know how to communicate to the people. As Americans, we are hurting as a nation because we are fighting a war for all the wrong reasons. My husband and I work hard daily to provide for our family. We have a senior in college, and a middle school child. For the last 4 months, buying food, putting gas in our cars, and providing lunch monies for our son has been hard. When we shed tears it is for a reason. In this time of war thousands of lives have been lost, our men and women are coming home injured, and the list goes on and on. Now we are faced with the fact that we are trying to help and save everyone else and now the US is suffering because we can not help ourselves. I think the President, VP, and our government knows that they have all screwed up and they are hurting too!

Does anyone wonder why Jennifer Duck felt it was important to divert our attention away from such an honorable man and hi family. What comfort will this report bring them. To be reading this account of the day's events to have it turn so ugly right at the end. Yery ugly.

GWB was clearly emotional. No doubt. This has nothing to do w/ politics. Even I get so emotional when ever I hear that another brave american has lost his life in this war. I may not agree w/ him or accept his implementation of the war or support the war, but I respect and recognize that GWB, is deeply worried about the war and truly an American who love and cares for this great country.

As for HRC, I am yet to see the actual tears like GWB (not emotions), not pretends to get votes. HRC has never teared up for a soldier, not even at ground zero. She only tears-up when she is loosing votes. It's all about her and not the American people.

The military people ask but one thing:

"Please don't put us in harms way unnecessarily."

GW Bush and the rest of those POS Chickenhawk Scumbags should burn in hell for what they've done on their watch.

You, the American public, were lied to, manipulated and ripped off like never before. They have set new standards for American Political Corruption.

When you are in a life and death situation, I've heard it said, "your life passes before your eyes". I can't know if Petty Officer Michael Monsoor had his life pass before his eyes; in those seconds when waiting for the explosion time certainly slowed to a crawl. I choose to think Petty Officer Monsoor initially thought of duty to his mission and fellow SEALS. He saw the grenade, he made the decision to save their lives by giving his. Once that decision was made I believe he would have thought of his loved ones. I choose not to believe he thought of the politics of how he got to where he was. He was a brave and selfless man regardless of his chosen profession.

"He was a brave and selfless man regardless of his chosen profession."

"regardless of his chosen profession"
that doesn't sound right...sounds negative.
I do not want to sound negative.

Petty Officer Monsoor was a brave and selfless man.

WOW!No wonder I was never into politics when I was in Berkeley! I despise Bush as much as some you do, but to judge that his tears were crocodile tears is just plain ignorant! I salute every soldier that's willing to sacrifice his/her life and future for this crappy non-sense war; each one of them is a HERO regardless. For those of you who lashed hate comments...think if YOU're the one sent to the war, and then you can comment when you realize you can't make your own decision!!

RIP PO Monsoor

Come on Harry... Michael Monsoor and so many other men and woman fight for you're freedom of speech everyday can't you think of anything better to talk about...He's a HERO! I understand there are people homeless and starving and that Katrina happened but the reality of the situation is this...if it wasn't for our American Soldiers this world would be a lot worse off!!! You can hate the war with all your heart and not believe in why we are there but I remember SEPTEMBER 11th 2001...I don't want a repeat do you? Michael looked death in the eye and didn't back down, could you do the same?!? Grow a spine and stop trying to turn this article into anything other than an honor to a fallen brother!

RIP Michael Monsoor...you and your actions won't soon be forgotten!!!

Hillary was touched by another person's comments, she teared-up. President Bush is touched by the heroism of Michael Monsoor, he cries. Both have hearts. But he should be impeached and spend the rest of his life in the high security, no human contact prison, deep in the hills of Colorado.