It's hard for me to understand how distinguished people with such promise can go so wrong. In the case of Murtha it's especially puzzling.
The one constant is that once they enter the political arena, all integrity and credibility are up for grabs.
I thought so too, until I read more information on Murtha both here at FR and the links provided. Apparently, Murtha has been anti-war and anti-military for some time. He's also been involved in numerous questionable dealings in the past that were not well known until he started in on the Cut and Run tirade.
I only learned about Murtha recently and can't judge how he "went wrong." The only positive I have heard about him is that he is an ex-Marine with some decorations. Given what we know about Kerry the medals don't automatically translate into an earned honor, so I reserve judgement on that till I learn more. As to his being a Marine, well... Lee Harvey Oswald was a Marine. Usually they're able to weed out the bad ones, but it's not automatic. It's also no proof that they'll stay away from the dark side. Remember Charles Whitman?
The one constant is that once they enter the political arena, all integrity and credibility are up for grabs.
The clearest example of this that I can think of is John Glenn. He sold out the country to protect Clinton in exchange for one last trip into space. Truly sad.