Is Rep. Johnson still in Congress? He sounds like he would make an excellant spokesperson for the accused Marines and Soldiers. A good PR offensive is what's so sadly missing from each of these cases. Americans get confused between the various case, most media only broadcast the worst, and sadly since there have been some pleas in the Hamdania case, too many Americans assume it's absolute fact and shy away from defending the remaining accused.
Murtha is at the heart of this whole mess. After the NY Times printed the accusations in mid-March, Murtha started referring to the Marines as murderers. He was given an inordinant amount of respect, even from the VP, for having served. Shortly, thereafter a myriad of accusations/charges came out - Hamdania, Phan & others assault case, the Iron Triangle, Mahmoudiya rape case, and then Haditha. It was a busy spring/summer for investigators and too many in the congress/military seemed to be busy showing they could be tough on the military as well. Few stood up to vigorously defend them in front or behind the cameras.
Now Murtha is on a power trip in Congress exploding at a Republican committee member regarding spending for the war. Whatever his problem is, he needs to be confronted directly, forcefully, and repeatedly. Our service men and women deserve much better, along with the rest of the country.
Yes he is and yes he would be an excellent spokesperson.
I have called his office and begged him to speak out. Who knows if he has ever gotten the message.
If MANY of us called and emailed, perhaps we would begin to see some action! Duncan Hunter would be another one to contact. Of course you can't email them unless you are in their district. ;*(