Posted on 03/25/2006 3:31:51 AM PST by smoothsailing
03/25/2006
Murtha defends position on war in Iraq
By Amy Zalar , Herald-Standard
U.S. Rep. John Murtha (D-Johnstown), theorized Friday that President George W. Bush was trying to justify what didn't happen following the first Gulf War when he waged war on Iraq three years ago.
Murtha, 73, said he believes there was a miscalculation when troops didn't stay around to rehabilitate the Middle East after the conclusion of the first Gulf War, and it led to the current conflict.
Regarding the current Iraq war, Murtha said when initial threats that biological weapons would be used if troops crossed a certain line didn't come to fruition and weapons of mass destruction were not found, he felt something was wrong and started "sending signals to the White House."
Speaking during a taping of "Behind the Headlines" for HSTV, Murtha said although he supported the war initially, he began to lose confidence because of the way it has been handled. The Vietnam veteran said the three things that are needed to go to war were not there for the Iraq invasion, including a threat to national security, the use of overwhelming force and an exit strategy.
Murtha has been criticized for publicly taking the position that the United States needs to get out of Iraq, a stance that he unequivocally defended.
"It's time for us to redeploy to the periphery and let the Iraqis do this themselves," Murtha said. He said he is also concerned about the $450 billion cost of the war and the burden on the American people.
Murtha said he is perplexed as to why Bush will not admit he made a mistake by relying on flawed intelligence. He said when Bush's father, George Herbert Walker Bush, contemplated the first Gulf War, he established a real international coalition and Congress participated in the process, two things that did not occur this time. A long-time member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Murtha has had intimate involvement with major war decisions during his years in Congress. He was first elected in 1974.
Now, Murtha said the Iraq conflict has deteriorated into a civil war and the American troops are caught in the middle. "The Iraqis are fighting with each other and we're caught in between," Murtha said.
Murtha said Vice President Dick Cheney was a "damn good secretary of defense" in the elder Bush's administration, but many people said they don't know Cheney today. "You have to wonder if they're competent," Murtha said of the people making decisions regarding the war.
Calling this administration the most secretive he has ever seen, Murtha said when you are in public office, you must listen to the people and look at history. Murtha said some Republicans would have to speak out against the war for anything to change. "I feel it is an American problem and not a political problem. Because (Bush) didn't seek advice it has gotten to where it is now and that's a very dangerous situation," Murtha said.
In being asked to speak about comparisons between the Iraq War and Vietnam, Murtha said that big difference is we support the troops in the current war. Murtha said he has worked to ensure troops receive body armor and equipment that is needed. "We have separated the warrior from the war and in Vietnam we didn't do that," Murtha said.
A weekly visitor to military hospitals, Murtha said in addition to the 2,300 American soldiers that have been killed, there are between 16,000 and 17,000 that have been wounded, and the government must take care of them.
Murtha said he wasn't completely surprised that his military record was attacked when he spoke out against the current direction of the war, but he said he didn't think such vicious attacks were warranted. He said attacking someone who disagrees with you isn't the way it should be done. "To me what's important is the country," Murtha said.
Murtha said the White House tried to get military officials to attack him, which was largely unsuccessful. He predicted a Democratic-controlled Con-gress after the fall election, and possibly a Democratic-controlled Senate also.
Murtha is seeking re-election, but will not face a Democratic challenger. Washington County Commissioner Diana Irey has filed to run as a Republican. Murtha said he takes any opponent seriously. He said since Irey has taken a position in favor of the war, it will likely be a campaign issue.
Murtha said he has credibility in the House, as well as years of experience and an important position on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. He said it would be difficult for a new person to get things done for the district that he has achieved.
Murtha said he concentrates on a lot of projects that are important to the district, including diabetes, and works with county commissioners to get infrastructure projects, which he called the glue to put everything together. ©The Herald Standard 2006
If you try to examine each sentence as you read this, you will be tougher than me. I stopped after four paragraphs and figured any more would fry my brain. I have no idea what it takes to either write or read this pile of odious drivel.
But there is hope, dear FRiends! Go below to the link, click it, and become part of the Diana Irey for Congress Freeper Community.
Is there any chance this clown will be defeated in his next election? Or are his constituants as brain dead as are the swimmers?
I got farther than you did, smooth, and came across this. Since the Administration is careful not to touch the issue of anyone's military service, other than to commend it, and since Murtha (fleas be upon him)provides no evidence for this remark, I conclude that it is untrue.
Well, His district (Central PA) are fed up with his sh*t. This may be John-boy's last term. I work for a company in his district so I am up there all the time.
(Irey vs. Murtha)
At 73, he obviously needs another dose of ego massage. Hopefully the voters will hand him some humble pie instead.
Don't ya know it.
Are you a sailer?
Well Max then you are in position to keep us informed. Thanks.
P.s. how's the weather up there?
The moonbat dementia knows no boundary.
My prediction - that civil war will come to an abrupt end on election day 2006...
Thanks for the post chief.
The GOP offered the rats a vote to leave Iraq. They declined. End of story. This guy might deserve attention in his local newspapers, not the national stage.
Like Kerry from 30 years ago, the old media loves a rat veteran critical of the evil GOP and will give him all the attention he wants.
Colder than a well-digger's a** in Montana.....
Gotta head up there to Cambria County Tuesday, Altoona as well, then a trip down to Murtha's workplace, Washington DC on Wednesday.
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