Posted on 08/06/2006 7:45:43 AM PDT by Valin
PHILADELPHIA - In May, U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha roused the anger of some in the military and on the political right by saying that American Marines had "killed innocent civilians in cold blood" in Iraq.
Now, the Western Pennsylvania Democrat - who hopes to become majority leader if his party captures the House in the fall election - finds himself under fire on two fronts as a result of his comment, which dealt with a still-unresolved incident in Haditha, Iraq, late last year in which 24 people died.
Politically, Murtha is under attack from a few of the veterans who during the 2004 presidential campaign led an assault on U.S. Sen. John Kerry's record in the Vietnam War. Their campaign - right down to images on their Web site, www.bootmurtha.com - deliberately echoes what Democrats have called the "swiftboating" of Kerry.
Legally, Murtha faces a lawsuit filed last week in federal court in Washington in which a 26-year-old Marine sergeant contends that Murtha defamed him and his unit.
(Excerpt) Read more at duluthsuperior.com ...
If you have ever wondered what Murtha's peers (fellow Marine Reserve Colonels) think of him, here's an e-mail from a Colonel who knew him. I have removed his name not just to hide his identity, but because I don't have his permission to pass it on an open net.
Please let me say it once more. Then Major Murtha and I served in the 2nd Marines at approximately the same time. My tour was from July 66 to July 67; he arrived in country (I believe) in August 1966, and spent the remainder of my tour (His entire tour?) as the regimental S-2.
In late Jan or early Feb, Lt Col XXXX called me in from a letter company to become the battalion S-2. Within a day or two, I asked who this Major Murtha was. Everybody, and I mean including the troops standing the radios in the COC bunker, said words very nearly like this. "Oh, he owns a car wash business back in Pennsylvania. He is here to establish a war record so he can run for congress."
Within a very short period of time, the major told me what he wanted me to do. I answered back (rather firmly, in fact) that only Colonel XXXX told me what to do, but that I would pass the major's recommendations on to the colonel. Still being a 2nd lieutenant, I wasn't sure how my "backtalking" to the major might set. Going to Col XXXX's hootch after evening chow, I "fessed up." Col XXXX laughed and said, "you a--hole, why do you think I gave you that job? Now, go on and keep doing it."
The same troops were later commentating on a purple heart awarded to the major. In the middle of a quiet night watch several discussed how they'd like to get that kind of a PH, and a couple more like it. Obviously, the "troop talk" reflected their opinion that it was no big deal. The only reason this PH verbiage is included is because I am sick and tired of hearing him described as a hero. Colonel XXXX was a hero, Major Murtha was a staff officer. If he ever left the regimental AO on a combat operation,it would be news to me indeed.
Further, last year I attempted (three times!!!) to get him to "restore politeness" up in Pennsylvania when their lieutenant governor showed up uninvited at a Marine's funeral, and profaned the loss of that Marine's
life. He ignored all three efforts.
USMC 1956-87
"He has taken upon himself the role of being in the front line of the assault on America's security," the Web site quotes Hughes as saying. "His `fifth-column' efforts in former years have not resulted in any significant weakening of America's strength, but now it is different!"
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines fifth column as "a group of secret sympathizers or supporters of an enemy that engage in espionage or sabotage within defense lines or national borders."
Said Murtha: "To call me a fifth-columnist, I cannot believe that."
More evidence of Murtha's lack of character.
How is that a lie. Why didn't you say why you think it is a lie???????
I am proud of what the Swift boat Veterans did and backed them 100%.
In 2004 Larry Bailey was President of Vietnam Vets for the Truth, which sponsored the Kerry Lied Rally on Capitol Hill in Washington. And they also had a website. It was also excellent.
Well, they certainly have latched
onto the name.
http://www.swiftvets.com/
I just saw this comment you made, I understand what you meant now. Thanks
A fifth column would be a step up for the clown.
Major Murtha was a staff officer. If he ever left the regimental AO on a combat operation,it would be news to me indeed.
Thanks for sharing! Anyway you might be able to obtain the Colonal's permission to use this and hook him up with the vets working against Murthawi?
See post # 14
Good point, promote him and retire him. :-)
I dunno Jaz...it doesn't seem so far fetched to me. ;*)
LOL...How were able to get your hands on Murtha's map? :-)
I...uh...er... BORROWED it from an unnamed source. ;*)
Redeploy Murtha. The only question is: Okinawa or Gitmo?
No, it's accurate, if maybe a bit misleading. VFTT did go after Kerry, but separately from SBVFT.
The Swifties were not part of this announcement last week.
See post # 14
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