I just finished reading the transcript of Murtha's press conference where he accused Marines of killing innocent Iraqi civilians. Not only did he make those outrageous accusations but he made other statements that didn't get noticed because of his playing judge, jury & executioner. Here's some of the other noteworthy statements Murtha made:
Far more than half the Iraqis are unemployed. There’s 90 percent unemployment in Al Anbar province, and that’s a province where we have the most trouble.Mr. Murtha would be well-advised to stop using ancient information. When he announced his unserious plan to "immediately redeploy our troops six months ago, Murtha trotted out this misinformation. It was old informatio then; it's now ancient information. According to the latest reports I've heard, the unemployment rate is 16-18 percent, which is still high. Still, it's a far cry from 90 percent.
My plan…recognizes we have done everything we can do militarily in Iraq and we must redeploy.Representative Murtha, is that like when you 'recognized' that our military had done all it could in Somalia? Let me refresh your memory:
The Pennsylvania Democrat announced that President Clinton had been "listening to our suggestions. And I think you'll see him move those troops out very quickly."Representative Murtha, I'd submit that you'll never see a military solution to anything that lasts beyond a short period. There's nothing in your recent record that tells me otherwise.
Two weeks later, after 18 U.S. Rangers were killed in the battle of Mogadishu, Murtha visited U.S. forces in Somalia.
Upon his return he proclaimed to the world that the Mogadishu defeat had a devastating impact on the Rangers' morale.
"They're subdued compared to normal morale of elite forces," Murtha said. "Obviously, it was a very difficult battle. A lot of Somalis were killed, but it was a brutal battle." Murtha said the U.S. had to no choice but to pull out now, explaining, "There's no military solution. Some of them will tell you [that] to get [warlord Mohamed Farrah] Aidid is the solution. I don't agree with that."
Many see the United States as being at war with all Muslim nations. You know it's not true, but that's the way they see it. So who really wants us in Iraq? The Iraqis do not. It's interesting. In a recent poll the Iraqis termed those who attacked Iraqis as terrorists or criminals.
"So who really wants us in Iraq? The Iraqis do not." It's interesting that you should trot that propaganda out again. It's interesting because Fred Barnes & Mort Kondracke talked about that on the Beltway Boys this past Saturday. Fred pointed out that a poll question that you've never cited, at least that I've heard, asks "Do you want America out NOW? The result, as you well know, is 76 percent don't want us out now. So Representative Murtha, don't you think the American people should be told the full truth? Or is it more important that you only tell a portion of the story in your hopes of scoring cheap political points? No need to answer because I think we all know the answer.
Let's take that 80 percent number you're so fond of citing. Shi'a comprise 60 percent of the nation's population. What's the likelihood that they want us out before the Iraqi military can protect them from Iran and Syria? What's the likelihood that they want us out before the Iraqi police forces can get the militias under control? I'd rate it as between slim and none, with it being alot closer to none than slim.
I know you're a Democrat but even a misinformation expert like yourself would admit that it's impossible for 80 percent of the people want us to leave if 60 percent of the people want us to stay awhile longer.
At the end of the day, it's easy to poke gaping holes in Murtha's accusations and claims.
That's why Murtha Must Go.
Technorati Tags: Murtha, Iraq, Bush
Now, you can imagine the impact this is going to have on those troops for the rest of their lives and for the United States in our war and our effort in trying to win the hearts and minds. We can't operate, we can't sustain this operation. Eighty percent of the Iraqis want us out of Iraq; 47 percent say it's all right to kill Americans.Enough with this misinformation campaign. You don't have a shred of credibility left with reporters who actually pay attention to what you're saying. It's only when you talk with adoring audiences like Chris 'Softball' Matthews or Tim Russert that you're taken seriously.
Let's take that 80 percent number you're so fond of citing. Shi'a comprise 60 percent of the nation's population. What's the likelihood that they want us out before the Iraqi military can protect them from Iran and Syria? What's the likelihood that they want us out before the Iraqi police forces can get the militias under control? I'd rate it as between slim and none, with it being alot closer to none than slim.
I know you're a Democrat but even a misinformation expert like yourself would admit that it's impossible for 80 percent of the people want us to leave if 60 percent of the people want us to stay awhile longer.
QUESTION: Have you read that report?Not that I don't trust you, Representative Murtha, but which commanders. Be specific because it's important. Be specific which "people who know what they're talking about"? Your use of anonymous sources isn't adding to the credibility of your claims.
Congressman Murtha: I have not read it, no.
QUESTION: But you're aware of...
Congressman Murtha: I'm basing it on information that I've gotten from, all the information I get. It comes from the commanders. It comes from people who know what they're talking about.
At the end of the day, it's easy to poke gaping holes in Murtha's accusations and claims.
That's why Murtha Must Go.
Technorati Tags: Murtha, Iraq, Bush
