Representative John Murtha (D-Pa) has called to bring the troops home. Murtha's not exactly a liberal democrat either. He's a retired marine colonel, finishing out his service after 37 years and time in Vietnam. He earned a bronze star and two purple hearts. He's considered in most circles to be the top authority for military matters in the House and he's quite close with those in Pentagon. He makes regular visits to Iraq and talks to generals in the field regularly.

He said this:

"Our troops have become the primary target of the insurgency. They are united against U.S. forces and we have become a catalyst for violence," he said. "The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion."

Naturally, the Republicans responded quickly, questioning why Murtha would take such a position. He even Kentucky's own Geoff Davis (R-Ky) accused the Democrats of making shameful statements. Murtha responded to recent criticism from both Bush and Cheney saying:

"I like guys who've never been there that criticize us who've been there," said Murtha, a former Marine. "I like that. I like guys who got five deferments and never been there and send people to war, and then don't like to hear suggestions about what needs to be done."

One point the AP pointed out was :

Known as a friend and champion of officers at the Pentagon and in the war zone, it is widely believed in Congress that Murtha often speaks for those in uniform and could be echoing what U.S. commanders in the field and in the Pentagon are saying privately about the conflict.

Murtha, who normally shuns the spotlight, said he spoke out because he has grown increasingly troubled by the war and has a constitutional and moral obligation to speak for the troops.

Keep in mind this is a guy who flies to Iraq regularly and has been in the fight as a marine. These are guys who tend get excited about defending America. He's calling for us to come home. The WaPo had a good story on this one too.

posted by Stithmeister @ 11:25 PM
 
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At 10:26 AM,  Stithmeister said...

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