What Murtha said to Cheney: (re: Cheney's tirade yesterday)

[npincus]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051117/ap_on_go_co/congress_iraq


Vice President Dick Cheney jumped into the fray Wednesday by assailing Democrats who contend the Bush administration manipulated intelligence on Iraq, calling their criticism "one of the most dishonest and reprehensible charges ever aired in this city."

Murtha, a Marine intelligence officer in Vietnam, angrily shot back at Cheney: "I like guys who've never been there that criticize us who've been there. 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."

The top Democrat on the House Appropriations defense subcommittee, Murtha has earned bipartisan respect for his grasp of military issues over three decades in Congress. He planned to introduce a resolution Thursday that, if passed by both the House and the Senate, would force the president to withdraw U.S. troops.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. He knows a lot of military brass

who, I think, probably urged him to introduce that resolution and are probably cheering his response to "I had better things to do" Cheney.

[hatrack]

2. Damn. I mean DAMN!!!!

I can finally think of ONE member of the House of Representatives who has earned a raise! :toast:

[progressoid]

9. That's what I thought too.....DAMN!

[progressoid]

10. That's what I thought too.....DAMN!

[ClayZ]

15. I second that. NO MORE WAR!

Good on him! I hope many more "True Patriots" stand with him!


:patriot:

[Dr.Phool]

3. Reprehensible and irresponsible.

The Republicans new talking points. Or "weasel words" What ever you want to call them.

Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, said Murtha's call for withdrawal was "reprehensible and irresponsible."

"It shows the Democratic Party has chosen a policy of retreat and defeatism which will only encourage the terrorists and threaten the stability of Iraq," Granger said.

Like it's so stable now.

[Hand]

4. This part says it all.

Known to shun publicity, Murtha said he was standing up because he had a constitutional and moral obligation to speak for the troops.

His voice cracked and tears filled his eyes as he related several stories of visiting wounded troops, including one who was blinded and lost both his hands but had been denied a Purple Heart because friendly fire caused his injuries.

"I met with the commandant. I said, 'If you don't give him a Purple Heart, I'll give him one of mine.' And they gave him a Purple Heart," said Murtha, who has two.

:patriot:

[tishaLA]

5. Very powerful

I'm especially moved by the end of the story:

"His voice cracked and tears filled his eyes as he related several stories of visiting wounded troops, including one who was blinded and lost both his hands but had been denied a Purple Heart because friendly fire caused his injuries.

"I met with the commandant. I said, 'If you don't give him a Purple Heart, I'll give him one of mine.' And they gave him a Purple Heart," said Murtha, who has two."

[wicket]

6. Murtha is a true patriot

:patriot:

[Mountainman]

7. They called the Vietnam war protestors traitors and guilty of giving aid

and comfort to the enemy.

[Sparkman]

14. They claimed peacenik's "spat on returning GI's", I never saw any of that.

There are a few who still hold to the discredited claims that we in the peace movement denegrated the Vietnam Vet, just for being in Nam.
That is not reality, and would be wrong. Conduct unbecoming, however, once proven, should be worthy of criticism by pro and anti war activists alike. War attrocities that were perpetrated and not accidents should not be tolerated by soldiers or civilians, and we all know the difference.

[quaoar]

8. But Cheney had other priorities

He was needed here in America so that someone could grow up to become the gold standard for arrogance.

[maxsolomon]

11. A year & a month too damn late

they're in there for 3 more years. where was this spine 13 months ago when Kerry needed backup from all Vietnam Vets?

the VVAW sat on the sidelines, claiming their non-profit status prevented any of their members from coming to Kerry's defense.

Where was Murtha?

[bumblebee1]

12. How do you spell smackdown? n/t

[Sparkman]

13. Murtha's Veteran Service Awards list below. He's a Marine warrior, Vietnam

Defense and National Security
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Distinguished Service Medal of the United States Marine Corps, upon his retirement from the Marine Corps Reserves for 37 years of distinguished service to his country, 1990.

Semper Fidelis Award of the Marine Corps Foundation, presented to former Marines who exemplify the traditions and values of the Marine Corps, 2002.

David Glick Award of the World Affairs Council, for distinguished contributions to the understanding of world affairs, 2001.

Outstanding Legislator Award of the Association of the United States Army, 2001.

Spirit of Hope Award of the United Service Organization (USO), named for Bob Hope and presented for dedication to military-service personnel, 2000. Murtha also received the USO's Service Award for support of troops and families during Operation Desert Storm, 1992.

Friend of Defense Science Award from the Association of American Universities, 2000.

Robert A. Thompson Award of the Navy League, for an outstanding citizen who is effectively mindful of the importance of sea power to the national defense, 2000.

Legion of Honor Gold Medallion of the Chapel of the Four Chaplains, for service to all people regardless of race or faith, symbolizing the unity of nations, 2000.

Harry S. Truman Award of the National Guard Association of the United States, for advocating the National Guard's role in national defense, 1993.

Defense Industry Award of the American Defense Preparedness Association, 1993.

Minuteman of the Year Award of the Reserve Officers Association, 1992.

Semper Fidelis Award of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College Foundation, presented to former Marines who exemplify the traditions and values of the Marine Corps, 1991.

Patriot Award of the Pennsylvania American Legion, for his patriotism, 1991.

Grace Murray Hopper Award of the National Security Industrial Association for his support of computer software initiatives, 1991.

99th Army Reserve Command Award of the Army Reserve Association of Pennsylvania, 1991.

Distinguished American Award from the Air Force Association, 1989.

Iron Mike Award, the highest honor of the Marine Corps League, for his support of the Marine Corps and national defense, 1988.

Public Service Award of the National Security Industry Association, 1988.

Distinguished Service Award of the Marine Corps League, 1987.

National Security Leadership Award of the American Security Council, 1987.

Henry M. Jackson Distinguished Service Award, for his support of a strong national defense.

Leadership Award of the Coalition for Peace Through Strength.

Eagle Award of the National Guard Bureau.

Lt. Col. B.D. "Buzz" Wagner Meritorious Service Award of the B.D. "Buzz" Wagner Chapter of the Air Force Association.

CAP Leadership Award of the Civil Air Patrol, 1992.

Nathan Hale Award and the Appalachian Patriot Award from Pennsylvania military reserve organizations.

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Veterans Awards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Catholic War Veterans HONOR ET VERITAS Award from the National Department, 2003.

American Legion National Distinguished Public Service Award, 2003.

Man of the Year Award of the Catholic War Veterans of America, 2003.

Man of the Year Award of the Catholic War Veterans of Pennsylvania, 2001.

Appreciation Award of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 2000.

George "Buck" Gillispie Congressional Award for Meritorious Service from the Blinded American Veterans Foundation, 1997.

Outstanding Veteran Award of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants, 1989.

James E. VanZandt Legislative Award of the Department of Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1985.

Plaque for Outstanding Service from the Disabled American Veterans, 1978.

Outstanding Service to the Community Award from the American Legion Department of Pennsylvania, 1978.

For Services to Veterans recognition from the Somerset County Council, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1977.

[klook]

16. "a flawed policy wrapped in illusion"

Pretty much describes everything the * admin does.

[bvar22]

17. But Wait!!!!

Doesn't he support "Staying the Course" until Iraq is stabilized even if it takes 10 years and cost 65,000 American lives and a million innocent Iraqi lives?

Doesn't he understand "We broke it, We fix it" even if that's impossible?

Doesn't he understand that Immediate Withdrawal" is irresponsible and a loony left stand on the issue.

Doesn't he understand that this is not a "Politically Expedient" position, and that The Democratic Party NEEDS to be seen a "Strong on Defense" even if that condemns more soldiers to DEATH, and costs thousands of innocent Iraqi civilians their Lives and Limbs?

Doesn't he know the the Corporate Party Powerbrokers have already decided that we NEED to send even MORE soldiers to Iraq, and that the front runners for the Democratic Party Presidential Bid support EXPANDING the War against the Middle East until we "Win It" (whatever THAT means)?

[enough already]

18. Murtha is a HERO!

Get the hell out of Iraq NOW! TODAY! Not in a few months. Not on some kind of bullshit "timetable". I don't care what the hell happens over there after we leave. Just get out immediately.

[cassiepriam]

19. Another profile in courage. I am so thankful to all those who

dare speak out against the evil ones in power.

[tgnyc]

20. Ooh, he said: YO' MOMMA!

[Roland99]

21. WOW! That should be headlines in every rag tomorrow morning!!

I bet that "liberal media" will be all over it!

[quaoar]

22. Kick

[Straight Shooter]

23. 5 deferments for Mr. "I had better things to do" Cheney.

I think I'll start calling him "five-trick Dick."

While I'm thinking about it, I'm going to write a letter to Rep. Murtha right now. Not an e-mail, a letter, because it means that much to me. He really stuck his neck out for the troops.

Please, let's all give him our full support with words of encouragement by fax, letter, or phone:

Representative John P. 'Jack' Murtha
2423 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-3812

Phone: [phone]
TollFree: 1-800-289-2642 (PA Only)
Fax: [phone]

His info page on Project Vote Smart: http://vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=H3460103

:patriot: