Jack Murtha changes the debate

Like most Americans, I didn't know who Jack Murtha was until about 48 hours ago, when he stood up and spoke out on the war in Iraq.

Murtha, a crusty old Marine from Pennsylvania, changed the debate when he called for withdrawal of U.S. troops.

The spectacle on the House floor Friday night (I watched C-Span for two hours straight for the first time in recent memory) is just the beginning.

Murtha is a Democrat with unquestioned credentials as a supporter of our military and of the men and women who fight our wars. Shameful attempts to portray him as a coward who wants the US to surrender backfired badly on the Republicans who launched them.

Murtha deserves our thanks. What he did this week was not easy. He broke ranks with many of his friends in the Congress. But he did it because he truly supports the troops, and believes they have become targets in an Iraq shooting gallery while the administration has no plan to get them out.

MoveOn suggests we let Murtha know we appreciate what he's doing.

You can write him at:

Honorable John P. Murtha
2423 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Honorable John P. Murtha
P.O. Box 780
Johnstown, PA 15907

Or call his offices. His phones have been jammed, but try next week.

Washington, DC Office of Rep. Murtha
202-225-2065

Johnstown Office of Rep. Murtha
814-535-2642