Which Side Are You On?

I like guys [like Cheney] 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.
--Rep. John Murtha

As support for the president and the war in Iraq continue to plummet, another moderate Democrat has spoken out forcefully in favor of an immediate withdrawal of troops. Representatve John Murtha of Pennsylvania is a decorated veteran and one of the most hawkish Dems in Congress.

Representative Murtha, a decorated Vietnam veteran, introduced legislation yesterday requiring an immediate pull-out from Iraq. In an inspired speech he declared that “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.” But Murtha’s honest assessment of the situation on the ground get an consideration from the GOP in Congress? Absolutely not. They responded according to the Cheney/Rove/Bush plan to attack anyone who doesn’t want to “stay the course.”

Speaker Hastert responded, “They want us to retreat.” Rep. Drier of California said it would be “a real insult to the lives that have been lost.” White House press secretary Scott McClellan stated, “he is endorsing the policy positions of Michael Moore and the extreme liberal wing of the Democratic Party.” Vice President Cheney said Democrats are spouting “one of the most dishonest and reprehensible charges” about the Bush administration’s use of intelligence before the war.

Murtha, a former Marine, replied with the kind of “give ‘em hell” rhetoric that will win votes,” “I like guys who’ve never been there that criticize us who’ve been there. I like that. I like guys [like Cheney] 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.”

Referring to Bush, Murtha added, “I resent the fact, on Veterans Day, he criticized Democrats for criticizing them.”

Let’s thank John Murtha for supporting our troops by bringing them home. it took what the Dems need to win back Congress — courage. Call Murtha’s office at 814-535-2642 or 202-225-2065.