Rumsfeld slams war statements by Murtha

Washington Times ^ | Feb. 17, 2006 | Rowan Scarborough

[FairOpinion]

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, in his first public faceoff with Rep. John P. Murtha since the Pennsylvania Democrat called for a quick U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq, rejected yesterday the congressman's charge that the U.S. cannot win the war. At a hearing on the Pentagon budget before the House Appropriations Committee's subcommittee on defense, Mr. Murtha, the panel's top Democrat, renewed his November call for a pullout.

"Where I disagree is fighting terrorism in Iraq," Mr. Murtha said. "I think that we're inciting terrorism, and that's my personal opinion. ... When you go in ... with the tactics we have to use to protect American lives, you're going to create enemies. And that's what we've done."

Mr. Rumsfeld listened as Mr. Murtha leveled his pessimistic assessment and then heard a second round of attacks from Rep. David R. Obey, Wisconsin Democrat.

The defense secretary then suspended his rehearsed opening statement and responded.

"The idea that you should paint a picture and hang crepe over it, that everything's horrible in Iraq, is not true," Mr. Rumsfeld said, citing three elections last year that created an Iraqi constitution and parliament.

"Now, is it a pretty picture? Has it been done instantaneously? No. Is there a lot of tugging and hauling and politicking? You bet there is over there," he said. "And are we gong to end up with something that we stand back and look at it and say, 'Gee, that's a pretty picture?' No. It's going to be an Iraqi picture. It's not going to be an American picture. But it's going to get done."

[wingman1]

Now THAT's funny.

[map]

I agree.

[Rummyfan]

Who is paying Murtha, either financially or via some political path, to talk like this? He cannot really be this stupid can he?

[Rummyfan]

"Now, is it a pretty picture? Has it been done instantaneously? No. Is there a lot of tugging and hauling and politicking? You bet there is over there," he said. "And are we gong to end up with something that we stand back and look at it and say, 'Gee, that's a pretty picture?' No. It's going to be an Iraqi picture. It's not going to be an American picture. But it's going to get done."

Please run for President Mr Secretary.

[Steveone]

Murtha has lost his mind and should just retire in the glorious tax riddled state of penslavanaastan since he cares more about making a ass of himself than working for his home state. That would provide a opportunity for maybe someone that cares about issues instead of babbling communist agenda.

[Steveone]

Aren't these traitorous rats in violation of their oath of office we are at war!

[M-cubed]

nobody else has either...its a bit of parody draped in symbolism...

[CyberAnt]

The "Pentagon Channel" .. WHAT ..??

I didn't know there was such a thing. My cable outlet is Time Warner - I wonder why they don't carry it. Guess they will be getting a phone call.

[ZULU]

"Half the Democrats on the Hill should be walking around as if a knife was in their back or a corn cob up their rectal orifice from the verbal lashings they SHOULD be getting."

Don't wake me - I'm dreaming. What pleasant thoughts.

The Dems are thoroughly evil. Unfortunately their political opponents are too often thoroughly stupid and cowardly.

[luvbach1]

Did we worry about inciting the Japanese or the Germans wherever and whenever we hit them?

[devolve]

HILLARY-HAIR?

[de Buillion]

Are you serious? Did this exchange actually happen, IN PUBLIC? And it was recorded? If true, could you cite a source? And THANK YOU VERY MUCH for posting this!

[de Buillion]

"Did we worry about inciting the Japanese or the Germans wherever and whenever we hit them?"

Yes, we did. We attempted to do so at every opportunity.

[smoothsailing]

Murtha, stand still, that's an order.
Now leave this room, we don't allow cut and runners in here.

[PhilDragoo]

[BigSkyFreeper]

I didn't know there was such a thing. My cable outlet is Time Warner - I wonder why they don't carry it. Guess they will be getting a phone call.

Wouldn't cost them a thing to add it to their system. Taxpayers are paying for it whether they get it or not, through their taxes. In fact, DISH Network satellite was the first provider to provide this channel when it first come on the air over a year ago. If TW does carry it, it will most likely be on the basic digital package.

[Jacquerie]

No, it is still not safe to vote rat.

There's a small part of my brain that wants President Bush to give the President Lincoln treatment to the traitorous and seditious members of Congress and the Press. Cold winter cells in upstate NY would be too good for the likes of Murtha, Obey, McDermott, Dowd, Pinch . . .

[listenhillary]

Urban ledgend see post 13

[SandRat]

On the PC go here http://pentagonchannel.feedroom.com/iframeset.jsp?ord=41778 and for additional information http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/ when in this one click the How to get the Pentagon Channel button.

Be sure to tell all your friends to call to as the more requests from different subscribers they get the better chance you have. Oh, it also helps to have the City Mayor, all of the City Council members, and the County Commissioners be among those requesting.

[GOPJ]

Murtha's a dem sell-out. Maybe he can get together with Gore, go to the Saudis and trash the country for cash... or is that what this has always been about?