Senior Democratic Hawk Calls For Withdrawal From Iraq

He is a decorated Vietnam Veteran, a conservative Democrat, and highly respected on both sides of the aisle in Congress. He has been a member of congress for over 30 years, and is the highest ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations defense subcommittee. Representative John Murtha (D-PA) has called for the removal of the troops from Iraq. Below is an excerpt from his speech today: "The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion. The American public is way ahead of us. The United States and coalition troops have done all they can in Iraq, but it is time for a change in direction. Our military is suffering. The future of our country is at risk. We cannot continue on the present course. It is evident that continued military action is not in the best interests of the United States of America, the Iraqi people or the Persian Gulf Region. ------ "This war needs to be personalized. As I said before, I have visited with the severely wounded of this war. They are suffering. "Because we in Congress are charged with sending our sons and daughters into battle, it is our responsibility, our obligation, to speak out for them. That's why I am speaking out. "Our military has done everything that has been asked of them, the U.S. can not accomplish anything further in Iraq militarily. It is time to bring them home." Now let's hear Cheney or ANYONE question this man's patriotism just because he spoke out and disagreed with King George's war. The administrations game of modern day McCarthyism that questions everyones' patriotism who dares to disagree with them will not fly this time around. As the AP reports, Seldom overtly political, Murtha uncharacteristically responded to Vice President Dick Cheney's comments this week that Democrats were spouting "one of the most dishonest and reprehensible charges" about the Bush administration's use of intelligence before the war. "I like guys who've never been there that criticize us who've been there. I like that. I like guys who got five deferments and never been there and send people to war, and then don't like to hear suggestions about what needs to be done," Murtha said. Referring to Bush, Murtha added, "I resent the fact, on Veterans Day, he criticized Democrats for criticizing them." How refreshing to finally hear a top Democrat in the House calling a spade - a spade. For the entire time of the war it has been neocons like Bush and Cheney and talking heads like the Oxycontin man Rush Limbaugh who got a medical deferment from Vietnam because he had a boil (pylonidal cyst) on his ass who never so much as set foot within a mile of combat that have pushed this war down everyone's throat. Or the likes of Michelle Malkin degrading the reputation of a mother (Cindy Sheehan) who lost a son. I am sick and damn well tired of these far right wannabees and IMO Congressman Murtha did the United States, and the entire world for that matter, a huge favor by doing the right thing and speaking up. His entire speech is available HERE, and you can view it at Crooks and Liars.