Why do you people dishonor a war hero veteran by misquoting him and defaming him.?

Question

Now, the other day we were doing a debate, and [the Republicans] said, “Well, Beirut was a different situation. We cut and run.” We didn’t cut and run. President Reagan made the decision to change direction because he knew he couldn’t win it. Even in Somalia, President Clinton made the decision, “We have to, we have to change direction…need to change direction. We can’t win a war like this.”
In his 37 years in the military, John Murtha won two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star with a Combat "V," and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. As a Democratic congressman from Pennsylvania for the past 31 years, he has been a fierce hawk, championing conflicts in Central America and the Persian Gulf
Now for some idiotic reason certain traitors on a certain end of the political spectrum have taken his observations on Beirut and Somalia to mean that he actually endorsed the pullouts before they took place. This is not the case, he just said that sometimes you have to change your path.

The above segements are not mine and were taken from another media source.
Now how do you kooks twist a past observation into something that he just said recently. I swear for these people, they have no decency, they did it to John McCain 6 years ago, and they'll do it to another war hero if they have to. The concept that these real Americans were off fighting wars for their country while simpleton armchair quarterbacks like the ones insulting John Murtha were playing with their rubber ducky in the tub just does'nt seem to make a difference to people, all they hear is " Oh he wants to leave Iraq, he is a coward." Now I don't agree with the statements of John Murtha, but at least, I have enough respect for those who fought and died for my country, to respect his right to have an opinion about the country he fought for. If all you goddam traitors feel so strongly about this war, leave your families and go fight it, if not, just shut the hell up. What does John say?

"I like guys who've never been there to criticize us who've been there. I like that," the burly old Marine said, hands in pocket. Referring to Vice President Cheney, he continued: "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."

Answer 1

I agree with you. It also bothers me that the Republicans keep saying that the Dems always complain about the war but they don't have a plan. Then when they do come up with a plan, the Reps tear it apart and then turn it around and make it their own. Case in point: Gen. Casey's plan for troop withdrawl. Dems had the same idea and the Reps shot it down. Now they aren't saying anything since Casey is presenting it. They won't call him a "cut and runner."
That's another thing that bugs me. "Cut and run." That's bull! It's not cutting and running, it's changing strategies and rethinking our plans. You can't find many Democrats that are calling to bring all troops home from the middle east. They want redeployment to Afghanastan where the REAL terrorist always was. If we would have stayed there first, we wouldn't have the terrorist cells in such great numbers in Iraq.
John Murtha may not know everything that is going on in Iraq...not many do...but he has more experience than anyone in the White House right now. I'd take his word over any of theirs. Dick Cheney is a weasel and a jerk for the way he has treated Mr. Murtha.

Answer 2

Like mt I wasn't playing with my rubber ducky from 1966-68.

I believe your measuring a particular Veteran based on the awards and decorations he/she were awarded, in some way makes the service of others less honorable. I don't think you intend this, but so many people are influenced by statements like "highly decorated".

I have personally met Medal of Honor recipients, and other Veterans with multiple awards; I've talked with John McCain on several occasions. I've read the citation of a Silver Star recipient during the Korean War, and I looked up and asked him in all seriousness how he managed to do what he did. His answer was, "I was, young, dumb, and full of c*m".

Its been 40 years since I did my duty. I am a different person with different ideas, shaped by my life experience. All I still carry with me vis-a-vis Nam is, the memory of friends who will forever be 19 or 20 with their names etched on a Monument in D.C., and the desire to honor their sacrifice. That's why I serve as a volunteer Veterans' Service Officer.

John Murtha deserves honor for his service, and obvious combat valor, but that doesn't necessarily make him "right", and others "wrong", in the military decisions and strategies followed by today's leaders.

Just one other quick story, please. I had a comrade, a farm boy from Minnesota. His Dad passed away, he lost his only brother across the pond, and was forced to take a compassionate discharge in order to go home and run the farm. I never asked him about a "rubber ducky".

Answer 3

First of all I assure you I wasn't at home playing with my rubber ducky while murtha was off fighting. I'm not going to attempt to take anything away from his decorations as I don't know the circumstances, however I'm not going to get too carried away singing his praises as a hero. Murtha tore it with me when he made the statement before congress convicting marines of murder without a trial. At that point he lost all respect from me, regardless of the outcome of the marines courts martial. All of this really has nothing to do with whether he is right or wrong about wanting to withdrawl from Iraq. That position stands or falls on it's own merits. I believe he is very wrong on this.

Answer 4

I for one would never dishonor Rep. Murtha's service record. He was, and still is a great American. I believe that his plan of redeployment sends the wrong message to our enemies. I know that he believes it is necessary to leave Iraq, but stay in the region. The problem with this plan of action is it sets a time table for the redeployment. That is like allowing the defensive line join up in your offensive huddle. It makes no sense at all to set a final date for redeployment.

As far as Reagan and Clinton, "changing their paths", that is partly the reason why the terrorists think we will not win. Our actions in the recent past have to always "change paths" Only that change in path never included further action against our enemies. They think we are weak and don't have the courage of our convictions, and if we redeploy now, they are right.

Answer 5

The Murtha tape showing him discussing a bribe does not make him a hero after his military service.

Answer 6

So he is infallible? What about people with higher rank and more medals do their opinions trump his.

This man was also caught up in abscam. Hero Yes! Infallible NO!

Answer 7

Becasue he's wrong on this, so (as much as it pains me to admit it) was Raegan at that time. I appreciate his service in the defense of Freedom, but that does not change the fact that he is wrong on this issue.

Answer 8

Hmmmm Nice Statement......

I think you answered your own question.....