Mean Jean Schmidt Calls Murtah A Coward

The attacks from "chicken hawk" Republicans against Rep. John Murtah (D-PA) over his call for a redeployment of troops continued, this time hitting what has to be an all time low even for them, when Jean "Full Of" Schmidt who recently won election to the House running against Iraqi Vet Paul Hackett in Ohio. During that campaign she had the audacity to challenge and call into question Hackett's courage. Looking in fact like she dressed specifically for her TV debut, she decided to come to the floor of the House and call decorated Vietnam Veteran John Murtah (a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts) a "coward". From the AP The fiery, emotional debate climaxed when Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Ohio, the most junior member of the House, told of a phone call she received from a Marine colonel "He asked me to send Congress a message - stay the course. He also asked me to send Congressman Murtha a message - that cowards cut and run, Marines never do," Schmidt said. Democrats booed and shouted her down - causing the House to come to a standstill. Rep. Harold Ford, D-Tenn., charged across the chamber's center aisle screaming that it was an uncalled for personal attack. "You guys are pathetic. Pathetic," yelled Rep. Marty Meehan, D-Mass. Rep. Meechan was correct this was PATHETIC. Then again Schmidt is looked upon as a certified nut-job by many in her own homestate of Ohio so what can we expect. After criticism from her coleagues on both sides of the aisle for her comments, she was forced to rescind her remarks and have them struck from the record lest she be embarrassed further by House of Representatives Leadership for breaking House rules by impuning the integrity of another Member of Congress. The Speaker Pro Tempore: The house will be in order. Members pleas take seats. The gentlelady from Ohio. Ms. Schmidt: Mr. Speaker, my remarks were not directed at any member of the House and I did not intend to suggest that they applied to any member. Most especially the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania. I therefore ask for unanimous consent that my words be withdrawn. The Speaker Pro Tempore: Without objection. The gentlelady's words will be withdrawn. Isn't that just typical of the current group of Republicans who when they can't support their actions or policies they trash the messenger and his/her reputation, then rescind the remarks and act as if you never said it at all. Well I have an observation for you Ms. Schmidt, when you can't stand behind your words, THAT is COWARDISM and you lady (and I use that term loosely) are a COWARD.