Posted on 10/01/2007 12:07:22 PM PDT by mojito
Harry Reid's not dropping it. (Will he condemn ABC next for reporting on actual phony soldiers??)
For Immediate Release Date: Monday, October 1, 2007
REID CALLS ON SENATORS TO JOIN IN CONDEMNING LIMBAUGH’S ATTACK ON OUR TROOPS
Washington, DC—Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid made the following statement today on the floor of the U.S. Senate, urging Senators to sign a letter that calls on Mark P. Mays, CEO of Clear Channel Communications, to publicly repudiate Rush Limbaugh’s characterization of troops who speak out against the Iraq war as “phony soldiers.”
Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:
“Freedom of speech is one of our country’s most cherished values. Nothing sets us further apart than the countries and regimes we oppose than our belief that everyone’s opinion matters, and everyone has the right to express it. That is why, when we hear things on the radio that are offensive, by and large, we tolerate them.
“But last week, Rush Limbaugh went way over the line – and while we respect his right to say anything he likes, his unpatriotic comments cannot be ignored.
“During his show last Wednesday, Rush Limbaugh was engaged in one of his typical rants. This rant was unremarkable and indistinguishable from his usual drivel, which has been steadily losing listeners for years – until he crossed that line by calling our men and women in uniform who oppose the war in Iraq ‘phony soldiers.’ This comment was so beyond the pale of decency that it cannot be left alone. And yet, he followed it up with denials and an attack on Congressman Jack Murtha, a 37-year active member of the Marine Corps.
“We have been debating the Iraq war here in the Senate and throughout the country for not months, but years. There are good, patriotic Americans who favor the war – and good, patriotic Americans who oppose President Bush’s handling of it. Neither party holds a patent on patriotism. I know all my Republican colleagues would agree with that.
“Yet Rush Limbaugh took it upon himself to attack the courage and character of those fighting and dying for him and for all of us. Rush Limbaugh got himself a deferment from serving when he was a young man. He never served in uniform. He never saw in person the extreme difficulty of maintaining peace in a foreign country engaged in civil war. Ye he thinks that his opinion on the war is worth more than those who are on the front lines.
“And what’s worse – Limbaugh’s show is broadcast on Armed Forces Radio, which means that thousands of troops overseas and veterans here at home were forced to hear this attack on their patriotism. Rush Limbaugh owes the men and women of our Armed Forces an apology.
“On Friday, many Democrats joined me in drafting a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel, Mark Mays that we will send out this week. Here is what we wrote:
‘Dear Mr. Mays,
‘At the time we sign this letter, 3,801 American soldiers have been killed in Iraq, and another 27,936 have been wounded. 160,000 others awoke this morning on foreign sand, far from home, to face the danger and uncertainty of another day at war.
‘Although Americans of goodwill debate the merits of this war, we can all agree that those who serve with such great courage deserve our deepest respect and gratitude. That is why Rush Limbaugh’s recent characterization of troops who oppose the war as “phony soldiers” is such an outrage.
‘Our troops are fighting and dying to bring to others the freedoms that many take for granted. It is unconscionable that Mr. Limbaugh would criticize them for exercising the fundamentally American right to free speech. Mr. Limbaugh has made outrageous remarks before, but this affront to our soldiers is beyond the pale.
‘The military, like any community within the United States, includes members both for and against the war. Senior generals, such as General John Batiste and Paul Eaton, have come out against the war while others have publicly supported it. A December 2006 poll conducted by the Military Times found just 35 percent of service members approved of President Bush’s handling of the war in Iraq, compared to 42 percent who disapproved. From this figure alone, it is clear that Mr. Limbaugh’s insult is directed at thousands of American service members.
‘Active and retired members of our armed forces have a unique perspective on the war and offer a valuable contribution to our national debate. In August, seven soldiers wrote an op-ed expressing their concern with the current strategy in Iraq. Tragically, since then, two of those seven soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq.
‘Thousands of active troops and veterans were subjected to Mr. Limbaugh’s unpatriotic and indefensible comments on your broadcast. We trust you will agree that not a single one of our sons, daughters, neighbors and friends serving overseas is a “phony soldier.” We call on you to publicly repudiate these comments that call into question their service and sacrifice and to ask Mr. Limbaugh to apologize for his comments.’
“Just as patriotism is the exclusive realm of neither party, taking a stand against those who spew hate and impugn the integrity of our troops is a job that belongs to all of us. I can’t help but wonder how my Republican colleagues would have reacted if the tables were turned – if a well-known Democratic radio personality had used the same insulting line of attack against troops who support the war.
“The letter I read will be available on the Senate floor for the entire day. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle will have every chance to add their names to it, and I encourage all of us to do so. If we take the Republican side at their word that last week’s vote on another controversial statement related to the war was truly about patriotism, not politics, then I have no doubt that they will stand with us against Limbaugh’s comments with equal fervor.
“I am confident we will see Republicans join with us in overwhelming numbers. Anything less would be a double standard that has no place in the United States Senate. I ask my colleagues, Democrat and Republican alike, to join together against this irresponsible, hateful, and unpatriotic attack by calling upon Rush Limbaugh to give our troops the apology they deserve.”
He did no such thing! This is gonna BACKFIRE on them like a gasoline can and a Zippo lighter!............
I emailed Rush to do a Zell Miller and challenge him to a duel.
Rush will certainly defend himself and has called Harry Reid out mano-a-mano, but the true conservatives in the Senate cannot let this stand unanswered. And unless one spontaneously comes forward, we must prod them forward.
Rush would bitch slap Reid like a school girl. Reid is very sissified and talks like a namby pamby. Perhaps he has a bit of a gay senator in HIM.. Or wishes he did.
Oh yes, he did (a huge, steaming pile of excrement).
Yeah, I was wondering whether Rush would comment on the “losing listeners” remark.
Has anyone called Reid’s office to find out what his sexretaries have to say about Reid’s blatant lies on the floor of the senate?
They are doing it from the floor so they can slander and not get sued.
Good heavens, these Dems just can’t resist showing the world what loons they are.
You are right. Because the Gen. Pretraeus ad got so much coverage, if this gets coverage even the dumbest liberal will be able to see the hypocracy.
“This is gonna BACKFIRE on them”
You’re forgeting how the Dems and their willing accomplices in the Drive By Media operate. It’s not the facts of the case, but the seriousness of the charges. They’ll get their damage out of a 24hr news cycle, ie Rush is unpatriotic and then when the facts come out, oh well...time to move on to something out.
Exactly. First off, this is a fight that the Republicans are more than willing to pick. Secondly, the fact that Reid’s statement is based upon a lie is too easily verifiable, especially in this internet age. Oh sure, there are the plenty of people out there who will never take the time to find the actual truth, but not as many as the dems think. Finally, this just highlights the dems weaknesses on supporting our troops and shows that they are afraid of the moron.org gaff bighting them in the arse.
Rush’s first question should be to have Harry describe his military service during the Viet Nam era...
Next Contressional Poll numbers... <10% guaranteed
Harry Reid should be added to the poster children (Kennedy, Schumer, etc.) demonstrating the absolute necessity for CONGRESSIONAL TERM LIMITS! These self-serving individuals are costing America billions in their failed ideas, corruption, and pork barrel projects.
Reid’s actions are disgraceful, despicable, and amazingly idiotic.
In the House today, the GOP has submitted a resolution COMMENDING Rush for his support of the troops. RESOLUTION
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OCTOBER 1, 2007
Mr. KINGSTON submitted the following resolution
RESOLUTION
Commending Rush Hudson Limbaugh III for his ongoing public support of American troops serving both here and abroad. Recognizing Mr. Limbaugh for his relentless efforts to build and maintain troop morale through worldwide radio broadcasts and personal visits to conflict regions.
Whereas the need to show support for American troops serving and fighting both here and abroad during a time of global conflict has never been greater, with the need to communicate an uplifting message of encouragement to American soldiers eternally important, in addition to the morale-boosting value of personal visits to region by highly-regarded individuals;
Whereas daily radio broadcasts reaching tens of millions of civilians and soldiers both in America and abroad by way of the Armed Forces Radio Network are conducted five days a week by Rush Hudson Limbaugh III;
Whereas Mr. Limbaugh has consistently used his broadcast time to praise American troops and support them during their ongoing efforts to secure peace in a troubled world;
Whereas Mr. Limbaugh made a week-long visit to meet with troops based in Afghanistan in 2004;
Whereas Mr. Limbaugh has raised and donated millions of dollars to the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation, which provides college scholarships to the children of Marines and veterans of other branches killed in action;
Whereas Mr. Limbaugh’s website features an “Adopt a Soldier” program which provides them with free subscription access to his online program features;
Whereas during the original invasion in 2003, pilots of five different aircraft flew an American flag in Mr. Limbaugh’s honor during their bombing and refueling runs; and
Whereas Mr. Limbaugh’s commitment to American troops serving both here and abroad remains as strong as ever: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) recognizes Rush Hudson Limbaugh III for his support of the Marine Corp Law Enforcement Foundation and for providing free subscriptions for active-duty servicemembers;
(2) recognizes Mr Limbaugh’s desire to see American troops achieve a successful outcome in Iraq, Afghanistan and wherever soldiers are stationed; and
(3) commends Mr. Limbaugh’s tireless public support for American troops and their families through radio broadcasts, fundraising and other public support.
My favorite part of Rush’s blast to Reid was to “be a man” and come on his show and tell him to his face what he said in the safe confines of Congress.
Be a man Harry!!!
who apparently doesn’t know what a Bill of Attainder is.
Given the quality of the fake education that is the norm of the NEA drones today, I would not be surprised if there are many today that do.
Harkin’s and Reid’s lines are busy.
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