Posted on 07/25/2007 11:04:31 AM PDT by Sub-Driver
Murtha pushes new troop withdrawal plan
By ANNE FLAHERTY, Associated Press Writer 3 minutes ago
A leading Democratic House Iraq war critic said Wednesday he'll soon push legislation that would order U.S. troop withdrawals to begin in two months and predicted Republicans will swing behind it this time.
A vote on Rep. John Murtha's proposal likely will come in September, when Iraq commander Gen. David Petraeus delivers a long-anticipated assessment on the war and members of Congress weigh some $600 billion in defense spending requested by President Bush.
Under his plan, Murtha, a close ally of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, said that he envisions troop withdrawals to start in November and take about a year to complete.
The House has passed similar proposals in the past, including one that Bush vetoed. But Murtha said he predicts this vote will be different because of mounting voter frustration with the war and a lack of progress in Iraq.
"This is big time," Murtha, D-Pa., told reporters of the upcoming war debate in September. "When you get to September, this is history. This is when we're going to have a real confrontation with the president trying to work things out."
Bush has not given any indication he is open to a dramatic shift or a major redeployment of troops after September. He instead has talked at length about the need to remain engaged in Iraq to fight al-Qaida and has repeatedly appealed to lawmakers for more patience.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Murtha’s an idiot.
What happened to Murtha’s strategic re-deployment to Okinawa?
$600 billion in defense spending? for one year? I think the DoD needs an audit, big time. What the heck is DoD buying now? solid gold Abrams Tanks? jewel encrusted uniforms for all soldiers?
I know some people here think that the DoD should be exempt from managing waste and will gladly support any monster defense budget, but this is ridiculous.
“This is when we’re going to have a real confrontation with the president trying to work things out.”
Seems that all they live for these days is confrontation. The only folks they don’t want to confront is the enemy.
"
Yeah Murtha we heard the same thing during the recent sleepover. How did that work out for you? Idiot.
God help me but I wish this traitorous SOB was six feet under.
I think you’ll see a lot of Republican spines melting come September.
“troop withdrawals to start in November and take about a year to complete”
Hmmmm, so then it would end when exactly? RIGHT, Nov. 2008, anyone know what’s going on around that time?
THIS WORTHLESS CORRUPT DISGUSTING LYING SOLDIER-BASHING FAT-MOORE-SLOB-LOOKING DISGRACE TO THE UNIFORM POS AND HIS TREASONOUS CODE PINK/MOVEON MARYHANDLERS ONLY CARE ABOUT VOTES!
This is the GOP’s line of argument:
1. They are not ending the war because they seek to exploit it politically. Blood on their hands for the left’s votes.
2. The Dems are ignoring the threat and importance of Iraq. Al Q by anyone name (Al Q in Iraq) is Al Q and a threat by any other name.
3. Their “plans” are bogus (never detailed) and dangerous.
Who knows, if the surge looks like it might actually succeed, it will make the RATS look really BAD.
We’ve heard this same tripe from Fat Jack Murtha before, he’s not much more than a senile old man now. Every speech is scripted and it comes from the same script.
The liberals are frustrated because they can't find enough traitors.
I know what you mean, and its sad he forces a person to consider that thought seriously.
To be added to the Murtha Watch ping list please notify myself or RedRover.
The Okinawans objected.
They even threatened to form a 527 and run ads critical of Murtha in his home district :)
bttt
It shouldn’t be too much longer now before the old fart comes to work with his underpants on the outside.
The Surge will never be allowed to appear successful despite facts on the ground. The Democratic MSM has already discounted military success repeating the mantra there can't be a military solution alone. They've also repeatedly blamed Iraqi politicians with the "going on vacation" sound byte as if they all went off sailboarding with John F'n Kerry . Nope, the surge will be portrayed as a failure and those who came up with this "strategy" better have something up their sleeve in September because they should have anticipated this type of political battle. I'm not hopeful.
If they wanted the war to end, they’d defund it. They don’t. It’s the only thing they have. They’re playing it out so it ends right when the elections come into focus and occur so they can ride it into power. This is treason.
The Surge will never be allowed to appear successful despite facts on the ground.
100% correct. See e.g. Tet offensive.
Why do these liberals hate our military so much?
That's why the 'rats can't wait much longer...
That is GOOD!
As VICTORY nears swarmy bribe taking Democrats are in a panic.
Yes, but they will have placated MoveOn.org and other moonbats who now own the Democrat Party.
The Rat’s motto is,”Defeat At Any Cost” and I hope the President’s motto remains,”Victory At Any Cost, Even If It Means A Government Shutdown”.
Good question and they do hate our military. I believe they think by being PC we can leave the ME and talk to our enemies and make peace. They have forgotten 9/11 long ago and have no thought that it will happen again if we follow their path. JMO
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Can someone explain their rationale to me? If they gradually withdraw troops. won’t that leave the ones still there more vulnerable to the enemy they are fighting who, I would imagine, will increase their numbers as American troops depart? Those left behind would become sitting ducks. Why doesn’t some Republican point that out or even an enterprising journalist?
and that script is printed on pink paper, too.
I think the guy you are referring to is named Burns. I read about him in one of Michael Yon's pieces.
token good reporting. it helps them keep up appearances.
From today’s Wall Street Journal...
House Committee Approves
$459.6 Billion Defense Budget
By DAVID ROGERS
July 25, 2007 11:24 a.m.
WASHINGTON — The House Appropriations Committee approved a $459.6 billion defense budget even as a leading Democrat proposed new options to try to reach some understanding with the White House on the future course of U.S. policy in Iraq.
Rep. John Murtha, the bill’s manager and outspoken critic of the war, said he has drafted a floor amendment that would require the administration to begin a redeployment of American combat troops by the end of this year but would set no final deadline for an end to the U.S. occupation.
The Pennsylvania Democrat made clear that he still wants all U.S. forces to be withdrawn, but he said he senses more openness in the Pentagon to change and is taking this approach in hopes of encouraging those in the administration seeking some compromise.
As drafted the amendment would require the administration to submit within 60 days a “regional stability plan for the Middle East” including a detailed description of the projected U.S., military force presence in the region for the five year period beginning October 2008.
In the same 60-day period, which most likely terminates in December, the administration would be required to begin an “orderly redeployment” of U.S. forces in line with the stability plan. Troops who have been serving more than a year already would be given priority coming home, but no firm date is set for the withdrawal being completed.
Mr. Murtha said antiwar forces in his caucus may oppose his language as not going far enough, but that he has discussed it with Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.), who has been his strong ally. “Maybe we’ll start some movement. Get some time of agreement,” Mr. Murtha said.
The underlying bill reported from the panel yesterday covers the core Pentagon budget for the new fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. Congress must later consider in September a supplemental spending request for war operations, but Mr. Murtha’s intention is to first test support for his approach when the larger $459.6 billion measure comes to the House floor before the August recess.
Write to David Rogers at david.rogers@wsj.com
IMO, the democrats know that we are winning and they want to pull the rug out from underneath the military before this happens. When we win the war the democrats will probably never be the majority or occupy the WH again. They fear this so much that they will sacrifice the military and the US to stay in power.
Has Murtha yet called a presser to apologize for publically rejudging and condemning the Marines involved in the Haditha incident?
Looking at that code pink photo, I am sure his underwear will be pink and lacy.
I think Murtha is always wrong. Why do people vote for a screwball like this?
The people in Pennsylvania should be ashamed of themselves for electing this guy. Yes, I said SHAME on you.
No more blood for votes!
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