Posted on 10/01/2006 6:20:57 PM PDT by pennconservative
I attended the Boot Murtha rally against Congressman John P. Murtha in Johstown, PA today, and wanted to give a wrap-up for those of you that could not make it. If I had to guess, I would say that there were around 1,000 people there, although pictures may not reflect this because it was held at the War Memorial, which is a pretty large venue (it's where President Bush came when he visited Johnstown during the 2004 campaign, if that tells you anything).
First, let me say that I did not hear one person question Murtha's prior military service. In fact, Dave Beamer actually thanked the Congressman for his service, although he did follow that up by stating that prior service does not automatically forgive his statements and actions that he's making today. The calls from the left that people are trying to 'swift boat' Murtha are patently false. Murtha is being held accountable for the statements that he's making as a public servant regarding the war in Iraq and our soldiers that are fighting. Many find these statements particularly egregious given the fact that Murtha is a former Marine and should know better. However, noone has questioned Murtha's prior service, so the comparisons to the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth are false and a red herring designed to take the focus off of where it should be: what Murtha is saying and doing now.
As for the rally itself, most notable was the line-up of speakers. Murtha had professional politicians such as General Wesley Clark, Max Cleland and Bob Kerrey at his rally yesterday. These are individuals with no stake in this fight. The Veterans for Truth had men whose sons have died in Iraq, the father of one of the Pendleton 8 who Congressman Murtha has accused of killing innocent civilians in cold blood, a survivor of the attack on the World Trade Center, and the father of a hero that died on United Flight 93 on 9/11. Unlike Murtha's speakers, these are people who were deeply and personally affected by 9/11 and the War in Iraq, and they are united in their calls for Murtha to be ousted. The contrast could not be more clear.
These were regular guys like you and me who have been thrust into the world of politics by the loss of a loved one or some other circumstance beyond their control. They are driven to speak out against Murtha by a profound love of country and a desire to see justice done. They are offended and outraged by Murtha's attacks on our soldiers and the war effort in Iraq, and feel that they have no choice but to speak out. Murtha had to bus people in to his rally from Philadelphia, and recruited professional politicians for his efforts. Where are the mothers of the kids in Iraq at Murtha's rally? Where are the parents of slain soldiers in Iraq speaking out in Murtha's defense. Oh, that's right. They don't exist. Murtha's comments are beyond the pale, and his actions unbecoming those of a representative of the people. The Boot Murtha campaign is a patriotic effort to shed light on Murtha's statements and to remove him from public office. Murtha is responding to their efforts because he knows he's in trouble.
The photos have been uploaded! All of the descriptions of the individuals were taken from the program for the event.
First, the protestors. There were maybe twenty of them.
Larry Bailey, of the Vets for Truth, in front of a banner:
Harry Beam, rally co-chairman, Johnstown resident, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, highly decorated Vietnam Veteran:
Craig Minnick, rally co-chairman, Johnstown resident, Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Leutenant Colonel, Army Reserve:
Gregg Garvey, Gold Star father wse son Justin died in Iraq.
Chaplain Claude Newby, One of only two Army chaplains awarded the Combat Infantry Badge.
Jim Quinn and Rose Somma Tenet, Co-hosts of the popular radio show, "War Room with Quinn & Rose."
Earl Johnson, a survivor of the Worl Trade Center attack, who represents those who cannot represent themselves, those whose sacrifice caused America to take notice of the danger facing them.
John Wroblewski, a Gold Star fathe whose Marine son died in Iraq. John has an inspirational story about his family's sacrifice in the War on Terror.
Terry Pennington, whose son Rob resides in the USMC brig in Camp Pendleton, CA, the victim of the hysteria contributed to by John Murtha's anti-military remarks. Terry puts a humaface on the costs incurred by what John Murtha sid and continues to do.
David Beamer, father of Todd Beamer, leader of the anti-hijacker group on Flight 93 - the man who said, "Let's roll."
As I said before, compare the caliber of men at this rally to those at the Murtha rally. These are men who have sacriced and been personally affected by this war. Murtha's speaker were professional politicians. This should tell you all that you need to know about Murtha and this effort to oust him. One side is right, and one is wrong. It doesn't take a genius to figure out which is which.
This was originally posted at my Pennsylvania-centric blog, FreePA.
Thanks for the wrap up.
BTTT
I read the FBI transcript of Murtha's involvement in ABSCAM, and it's just appalling to think that anyone in Washington is as corrupt as he is, (unfortunately, most of them are corrupt sleazebags who are in the pockets of wealthy campaign contributors and special interest groups). But not even John Murtha's military record can change the fact that he's a scum-sucking, bottom dwelling, skeevy, filthy, treacherous turncoat whose anti-war rhetoric and condemnation of our troops should place his legacy in the same category of Benedict Arnold.
I, too, wondering how or IF the media will cover this. Yesterday, Fox mentioned the Murtha event and commented that some counter protestors showed up.
A thousand people should get some mention....
One would think. I like the way you trailed off on your statement.
TO THE RALLY ORGANIZERS: I hope there are some links to any media reports. That is the second part of this Rally. The people in District 12 need to see how Murtha's rally failed and Irey's succeeded.
[Mr] T
Thanks so much for your report and very good observations.
May God bless our military and their families.
This is such a great thread, it needs to be BUMPED
http://www.irey.com
Thank you pennconservative. Wow. A great turnout for a great cause. I made a donation to Diana Irey's campaign today in lieu of my attending. I hope other FReepers visiting this thread will do the same. (I know lots of FReepers already have)
God bless you all.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1133AP_Murtha_Rallies.html
This paper says 2000 @ Murtha's rally.
. . . you're a GREAT AMERICAN!
BTT!
2,000 people at Murtha's rally?? The AP is reporting "hundreds" and I know other local news people are saying it wasn't even close to 1,000. This is propoganda, pure and simple.
An estimated 2,000 people - including former Georgia Sen. Max Cleland, former Nebraska Sen. Bob Kerrey, former NATO commander Gen. Wesley Clark and Murtha himself - turned out Saturday at Johnstown's Central Park to support Murtha.
I understand that. I'm telling you that their report doesn't even come close to reality. I live just outside of the 12th Congressional District, and we share a lot of the same media. Reports out here all have them at 'hundreds.'
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