Who’s Behind the Government’s Delay in Bringing the Haditha Case to a Close?

Defend Our Marines ^ | 9-11-08 | Rusty Howell & David Allender - COMMENTARY

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Defend Our Marines main page 

Who’s Behind the Government’s Delay
in Bringing the Haditha Case to a Close?

Defend Our Marines | Rusty Howell and David Allender [pdf]

September 11, 2008 -- It’s fitting that the last remaining defendant in the Haditha case is the squad leader, SSgt Frank Wuterich.

Real leaders take responsibility, and SSgt Wuterich has taken full responsibility for the actions of his squad in Haditha. He has also expressed deep remorse for any civilians who were killed as a result of those actions.

Over the past 18 months, Wuterich, still waiting to clear his name, has seen all of his squad mates exonerated of all charges. One of those is LCpl Justin Sharratt, whose parents live in Congressman John Murtha's PA-12 congressional district

There’s no question that civilians died in Haditha. But was it murder or the kind of tragedy that occurs when insurgents fight behind women and children?

Wuterich has maintained the Marines responded to an enemy threat. In every trial and hearing, the evidence has borne him out.

Wuterich’s own charges have been reduced to manslaughter as the result of a preliminary hearing. This means that no one in authority still claims that the incident in Haditha was “cold-blooded murder”.

No one except Congressman John Murtha.

Murtha has never apologized or recanted his remarks that the Marines in Haditha “murdered innocent civilians in cold-blood”.

In stark contrast to SSgt Wuterich, Murtha takes no responsibility for anything he has said or done. Murtha has no remorse for making accusations, now known to be false, against the Haditha Marines, the American military, and the United States of America.

Today, the staff sergeant awaits his day in court. Saddled with legal bills he can’t afford to pay, Wuterich won’t get his day, in all probability, for another year due to legal maneuverings.

Our government is doing everything in its power to delay Wuterich’s probable exoneration.

Which raises the question: why?

A year ago, a young man with a video camera, Jason Mattera, asked Murtha when he would apologize.

Murtha responded, “Is the trial still going on?”

With an apology for his accusations, Murtha could do much to restore the reputations of the men he slandered.

Murtha could also help restore the reputation of America around the world. It was Murtha who gave an official imprimatur to the massacre story and who said, for a worldwide audience, that American military leaders were liars who couldn’t be believed.

 But Murtha won't apologize. Even when his charge of "cold-blooded murder" has been disproved, Murtha won't apologize. His lack of decency and moral scruples is simply both breathtaking and heartbreaking for anyone who still believes in an America that is the land of free and home of the brave.

 Haditha is still used in anti-American propaganda around the world, and Murtha is directly responsible for that. What kind of a man would rather see his country shamed then admit his own mistake?

 Perhaps John Murtha was a patriot once. But not now. No patriot would put his own petty pride above the reputation of his country.

 In a recent ruling, a military judge wrote: “Unlawful command influence is the mortal enemy of military justice, the appearance of unlawful command influence is as devastating as actual manipulation of a trial.”

Murtha influenced the prosecution of the Haditha Marines from the start by stating exactly what the investigation would conclude before investigators had even finished their work. And Murtha insisted that anyone who said different, up to and including General Peter Pace, was a liar.

If Murtha hadn’t already killed off his own conscience years ago, he might recall the words of Our Supreme Judge: “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.”

Small wonder that many are suspicious that Murtha is behind the endless delays in the trial of SSgt Wuterich. After all, Murtha is fully invested in the myth of a “Haditha massacre” and the last thing he wants is to be majorly embarrassed in an election year.

Murtha has abused the powers of his office for far too long. He should be reminded that he doesn’t own his office. His power is on loan from the voters of PA-12.

The media won't hold Murtha accountable. But the voters can.

__________________________________________

Rusty Howell
David Allender
Defend Our Marines
11 September 2008

© 2008  - Rusty Howell and David Allender

Go to the Defend Our Marines main page | Contact us at WarChronicle@verizon.net

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If you think it's time to send Murtha packing, there's a great way to make it happen. Click on the dogtags below to meet Murtha's opponent in the election this year, LtCol (Ret.) Bill Russell. Please consider supporting this worthy man any way you can..

[smoothsailing]

Haditha-Murtha-Russell ping!

[Baynative]

When I read the title line on the thread I knew Murtha was going to be the subject. To seek liberal love this man has disgraced himself, his record, the corps and the congress.

[Neoliberalnot]

ANS: Corrupt lawyers and their bench cronies in the blackrobes.

[jazusamo]

Outstanding piece re John Murtha and just one of the many reasons he should be replaced in Congress.

Thanks for the post and ping, Smooth.

Bill Russell for Congress
Dump Murtha, PA 12th District

RussellBrigade.com

Contact me to be added to ping list.

[jazusamo]

Murtha Watch Ping!

Code Pinkos

To be added to the Murtha Watch ping list please notify myself or RedRover.

[impeachedrapist]

Very nice article! It's ironic. With his own hate-filled words, ex-Marine Jack Murtha launched this terrible witch hunt. While he can't unring a bell, his own words now could go a long way (as the above article says) toward healing the wounds and restoring reputations of these Marines, their families, their Service and even their country.

But Murtha refuses to apologize. Why? I think the simple answer is the self-centered leftist blowhard shot off his mouth and got smacked with a lawsuit. To apologize now would come close to guaranteeing a win for SSgt Wuterich in his lawsuit against Murtha. And it would open the disgraceful ex-Marine up to many more lawsuits, IMHO.

The climate in this general election cycle has changed drastically since early August. Bill Russell has already raised $2 million, with his first TV commercial (and a powerful one at that) only now airing this weekend. Yes, LTC Russell is an underdog. So? Politicians dismiss "underdogs" who raise millions at their own peril. I hope some folks who doubt Russell's chances at victory can at least wish him well. If they can't stand up for Bill Russell, maybe they can at least stand against Jack Murtha and everything he's come to stand for.

[jazusamo]

Good post, IR. I believe the reason you put forth for him not apologizing is on the mark. I also believe after SSgt. Wuterich is exonerated and all civil suits have been settled he still will not apologize, the windbag has an inflated ego that will not allow him to admit he was wrong.

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RUSSELL TV AD CAMPAIGN SHATTERS 200K GOAL

Fundraising overall is reaching the $2M MARK

(Johnstown, PA) – The fund raising effort of Johnstown resident and Republican nominee for Congress Bill Russell continues to outpace most congressional candidates not only in Pennsylvania but across the country. According to campaign manager Peg Luksik, "William Russell for Congress has raised $2 million to date, with over $200,000 coming in the last 2 weeks from an online drive."

"The incredible story about Bill's campaign is that the $15 and $25 contributions are coming in from all over Pennsylvania and every corner of the country," said Luksik. "This is K-Street versus Main Street. These are patriotic families expressing support for soldiers, sailors and Marines, and people saying they've had enough of the old 'pay-to-play' culture in the Capitol. That's what's fueling this campaign." Russell, who has only been able to actively campaign since August 1st, said, "There's something really special going on in this race. We really have a chance against an entrenched incumbent to bring real change and accountability to the district."

Russell also announced a new television commercial titled "Defend-Our-Heroes" which will debut on TV stations across the district on September 12th. The commercial uses incumbent Congressman John Murtha's own words when he called Marines in Haditha, Iraq "Cold-Blooded Murderers." Bill Russell is a retired Lt. Colonel having served in the U.S. Army for 28 years including six tours in hostile fire zones. His deployments include Operation Desert Storm, Kosovo and most recently Operation Iraqi Freedom.

More information on the Russell for Congress Campaign including upcoming events, Bill’s personal information, his position statement on the issues, as well as the latest TV commercials and other features are available at www.russellbrigade.com.

VIEW TV AD HERE

[impeachedrapist]

Thanks for posting that excellent ad, so all can view it and hopefully pass it on.

It's my understanding that Steelers fan in southwestern PA can expect to see this ad during the game this weekend.

[smoothsailing]

It's my understanding that Steelers fan in southwestern PA can expect to see this ad during the game this weekend.

Yes! That's word coming out of the campaign.

[impeachedrapist]

For this week only I'll be a Steelers fan. :-)

[smoothsailing]

LOL!

[RedRover]

[jazusamo]

I’ve been a fan of the Steelers since the song came out about forty years ago, something about the Steelers win again. :-)

[jazusamo]

Dirty Harry Bump! :)

[impeachedrapist]

Sorry, I’m only good for a week. Principles only carry so far!!

[smoothsailing]

LOL! Good One!

[RedRover]

Great points about Russell, IR. We have to rally behind Russell. If we don’t knock out Murtha, we’ll at least make him sweat. Opposing such a man is time and money well spent.

[RedRover]

I haven’t followed the Steelers in a while, but if Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris are still healthy, I’m sure they’re a force to be reckoned with!

[impeachedrapist]

Thank you.

Opposing such a man RODENT is time and money well spent.

Fixed.

[smoothsailing]

LOL! Those guys are long gone!

.................................................

This is an e-mail from Ireland to all of our Irish brethren living in the States. A point to ponder.

Over here in Ireland we can’t figure out why you people are fretting about who to elect for your president there in the United States. For a while you had a pants wearing female lawyer who was married to another lawyer who can’t keep his pants on, but she lost a long, heated and very expensive primary against a lawyer who is married to yet another lawyer who doesn’t like the country she thinks her husband ought to run and who goes to an anti-American church and hates your military.

Now on the other side you have a war hero whose last name starts with ‘Mc’ and who is married to a good looking, rich younger woman who owns a beer distributorship.

What in God’s name is the matter we’ ye lads over there in the colonies?

[jazusamo]

Franco Harris was playing in the 70’s if I remember right. He was an absolute animal. LOL!

That’s a great letter from Ireland, Smooth and right on the money. :-)

[lilycicero]

When Rusty Howell speaks....people listen.

[smoothsailing]

LOL! The tagline is a HOOT!

[Paperdoll]

Thanks for posting this, jaz. I nope we all send a healthy check to Bill Russell.

Thanks for the ping, Red.

[RedRover]

I know I do. He’s the Professor on this isle.

[smoothsailing]

:-)

[smoothsailing]

Ping.

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Nonprofit fingers Murtha as corrupt

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW)-Most Corrupt Members of Congress-John Murtha

I might post these tomorrow.

[jazusamo]

It’s great that CREW is going after him for corruption.

If I was Fat Jack I’d be very concerned about that seventeen page report by them, he might just spend his remaining days in a federal prison.

[bigheadfred]

he might just spend his remaining days in a federal prison.

Might do better in a waste treatment facility. He would have lots of friends there. Would blend right in. So much so, the only way you would recognize him would be by his SIZE.

Thanks for the post Smooth, and thanks for the ping, Red.

I want to invite you all to come get firewood with me tomorrow. In fact, I insist.:-)

Lily, is it Gilligan or the Skipper?

[smoothsailing]

I want to invite you all to come get firewood with me tomorrow. In fact, I insist.:-)

Will refreshments be served? ;-)

[RedRover]

Wonder if anyone might have Michael Mazonkey’s e-mail? He’s Murtha’s spokesman, but I can’t find his e-mail anywhere online. I want to be sure this article is brought to his attention and give him a chance to reply.

[lilycicero]

Girlene is bringing crackers....she really loves crackers.

[smoothsailing]

Red,

I’m pretty sure his name is Matthew Mazonkey. Found this...

http://appropriations.house.gov/pdf/MurthaSubMarkup07-30-08.pdf

[smoothsailing]

Great tagline!

Actually, Ginger was always my favorite! :-)

[bigheadfred]

Sandwiches and water. Baloney and salami and TWO kinds of cheese. And a menthol cigarette for dessert if you work hard. I must go to bed , gonna have to get an early start.

[Defend Our Marine]

The Russell/Murtha commercial just aired here in PA on KDKA!

[lilycicero]

DUR, RED! MaryAnn is from KS!!! She liked the Professor and his white rectangle radio!
I see Defend Our Marine is after you, so I lose.

[brityank]

What an outstanding column from Mr. Howell and Mr. Allender; thanks for the ping, jaz.

Our government is doing everything in its power to delay Wuterich’s probable exoneration.

And doing everything from coercion to obfuscation in order to inveigle misrepresentations and false memories from his squad mates and other personnel.

Now -- you know what really p*sses me off? This scumbag POS will be entitled to a full Military Funeral when his demise finally arrives. That, however, will not help him once he stands for his accounting, where he will receive a full measure of justice!

Time to send some more bucks into Mr. Russell.

[smoothsailing]

Darn, I missed it. Been watching Geraldo rolling around on the beach in Galveston on FoxNews.

I saw the ad on Bill Russell's website, link here...

Defend The Heroes

[RedRover]

WOOHOO!!!!!!!! Let the word go forth!!!!!

[lilycicero]

OK...seriously...are you in a new time zone?

[smoothsailing]

43 replies · 501+ views

[smoothsailing]

I’m off, buddy. Did you see the Mazonkey info I posted to you upthread?

[RedRover]

Indeed I did, and thanks for it. I forwarded you my e-mail to Murtha’s Mouthpiece. We’ll see...

[RedRover]

I had a nightmare that you were Gilligan and I was Magnum PI.

[lilycicero]

Was a hammock involved?

[RedRover]

And a cocunut cream pie and a monkey.