"... I would personally prefer that you simply avoid public life and fade away ..." Sarah, this is good advice; please take it.

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COMMENTS:
*  Track Palin is no sufferer of PTSD. But more like PPSD - Poor Parenting Stress Disorder- kids of adults with poor parenting acting out. Usually one or more incidents brings back memories of a childhood with an abusive parent. In Track's case that is his mother Sarah. His argument with his girlfriend brought back that memory and he acted out. Bristol and WIllow have already acted out. Piper and Trigger is next.
*  Blam, Palin goes to the mat. Mr. Mark, I salute you for your service and your letter.
*  I applaud your efforts in writing this letter Chris but you know as well as anybody that this worthless excuse of a human being could care less about you or any other veteran. She's proven that time and time again.
*  Good letter Chris. I'm also a veteran and like you I know many that are still suffering from their combat experience. It is really disgusting that some one as callous and ignorant as Palin is making politics from her son's troubles as well as many others as she was next to her new boss making a fool of herself.
*  Is this woman really so selfish she doesnt even take the time to understand her own sons PTSD? Is it Obamas fault your unwed daughter bore children by two different men also? This woman has no redeeming qualities. Theres just nothing there.
*  I'm glad Sarah is out there so everyone can see what republicans are really like = brainless christians.
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An Open Letter to Sarah Palin
By Chris Mark, January 24, 2016

Dear Mrs. Palin,

I am a former U.S. Marine and U.S. Navy officer with a Combat Action Ribbon, as well as service-connected disabilities. I am also a Republican. I have also served, and am friends, with dozens of combat veterans who suffer daily from various injuries and wounds, including PTSD.  I recently read your attempts to excuse your son’s arrest on domestic abuse and firearm charges by based on his supposed PTSD.  Based upon your previous comments, I am not surprised that you would choose to use this very serious condition to, once again, attempt to divert blame from your own family’s abhorrent, violent behavior.

In 2014, your entire family was involved in a late-night “drunken brawl” at a party in which Track Palin (the accused domestic abuser) was involved in a bloody fight. While you publicly stated how proud you were of your children’s violent actions, maybe this should have been a sign that Track has a problem. It is certainly curious that you did not feel the need to reference his supposed PTSD in this situation and instead stated: “my kids’ defense of family makes my heart soar!” Maybe instead of encouraging Track’s violence, you should have taken the opportunity to get him help.  Maybe your son’s actions did not result from PTSD, but were an attempt to simply uphold stated Palin family values and “make your heart soar” by abusing a woman.

PTSD is stigmatized in the media and not well understood by the general public. An estimated 22 veterans commit suicide every day in the United States. This is nearly 8,000 veterans who take their lives every year.  Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) stated: “Every day in the United States, 22 veterans succumb to suicide—losing their personal battle to invisible wounds of war.” Veterans who have willingly given so much in service to their country should not have to bear the burden of being further stigmatized by your ignorant and foolish statements.

While I do not propose to speak for all veterans, I am clearly not alone in my views regarding your unfortunate statements. They were unfortunate for the many veterans who face further disdain and discrimination based upon your inaccurate and ignorant portrayal of those who suffer from the condition, as well as its causes. While I would personally prefer that you simply avoid public life and fade away,  if you insist on trying to use your “celebrity status” for a cause, please educate yourself on the facts of PTSD and try to help veterans by using your significant influence in a more productive and less political manner. There are a number of veterans’ organizations to which you can donate time, money and energy to make a difference. Two organizations you may want to consider are the Marine Reconnaissance Foundation and the Recon & Sniper Foundation.

Regards,

Chris Mark
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