Congressmen John Murtha's opinon is expressed here; Do you agree with his views on the US Military?
599931
my answer. \ni'm a soldier and spent about six monthes living inside the haditha dam in that town. \nthe "facts" that others speak of here, are actually facts. and they are not in question. those innocents were killed by marines (whether on accident or on purpose) and i agree with his opinion that it's sad and it makes me sick too.\ni have also spoken to very nice and somewhat hostile iraqis and they all would like to see us leave. i never spoke to the very hostile ones, but i can only assume they would like us to as well.\nso i agree with most veterans in politics (guys like murtha) on this issue and not with the cowardly draft dodging self servers who got us into this war. it's crap. oh, and i love them soldiers. and think that our country should let them go kill the bad people who actually sponsor terrorism.\nthe end.
494394
That, my friend, is the problem with those people that think that way.  They do not think about the fact that they enjoy the freedom to speak out against their government because millions of men and women have died defending that right.  Anyone who ever says taht we should just dump the military all together is woefully ignorant of the truth.  not only does the military fight to rpeserve our rights, and show the world what it feels like to have those rights, but it also provides millions of jobs in not only the US, but around the world.  Having a massive military helps our defense and our economy in a big way.  If we got rid of the military all together in just an instant (historically speaking) the US would fall into absolute turmoil economically and would likely sink bacck deeply into the depression that plagues us still today.  Gettign rid of the military woudl make us defenseless to attack by our enemies, powerless to defend our friends, and knock out from under us a major economic leg that we stand on.  All in all, it would just be plain stupid to get ris of the military.
983700
Good point. Are we supposed to read between the lines with a politician of one party but not the other? Let's see...Kerry's statement could have been misconstrued as an arrogant belief about the intellect of soldiers, if you are looking for it. And the president's statement could be taken to mean that the masses need to be controlled by the government. Hmm. I'd say look at the big picture.
811424
I'm in the army right now, and I'll tell you this Army isn't the 'perfect' army.  He wasn't even close to calling Army soldiers 'uneducated' and 'lazy'.  He was more than likely refering to the equipment we fight with.  I think Kerrys statement was a mistake on his part, but I do think he holds us in very low regard.  And if it was supposed to be a joke about how Bush scored in college, he has no room to talk.  His scores were WORSE than Bush's!  What a hypocritical, pompous a**!\n\nFirst off, let me thank you for serving in 'Nam, because I think the way America treated our veterens after that war was absolutely horrendous.  However, I hate Kerry more for his comments about his FELLOW VETERENS, which I find inexcusable.  He lied about them blatantly, and he deserves to be branded a traitor.  And Vietnam was much different from the current war we are fighting, so you can't really compare the two.  A lot has changed since you were in, my wife and I are both military, and we have no problem with compensation for medical expenses.  Also, many soldiers volunteer to go to Iraq (myself among them) because the extra pay is VERY gratifying.  I understand that it's different for National Guard families, but they signed up and should have known what they were getting into (although recruiters do tend to lie :).  They aren't drafted, it's their choice.
1097276
I did not vote for George W. Bush. \nI do not share the religious or political views of Bush. \nI most certainly would not fight for Bush!\n\n(It so happens I have some health conditions that would make me unable to serve in the military -- not serious, but enough that I couldn't pass boot camp. But even if I didn't have these conditions, I still would not go to war for a man and a cause that I do not believe in).\n\nThat being said, I *do* support the men and women in our military who are overseas. Let's be clear on that -- I respect them greatly and I'm always thinking good thoughts for them. :) They had no choice in where they got sent, and if the truth were known, I'm sure many of them would rather not be in the Middle East either! But they'd face dishonorable discharge or even worse, if they tried to abandon the military.
990258
Well first off let me say thank you for all that you do and that your sacrifices and hard work is very much appreciated . I view our military as being true heros. Secondly,  I have to say that after responses that I recieved on my questions that I posted as to why we are so quick to get defensive when someone gives a personal opinion on this war, when in fact we live in a counrty that says we are entitled to freedom of speech and our own beliefs , it almost makes me think twice about answering this but you asked a fair question and Im going to give you my OPINION, in which by no means do I feel says that anyone else opinion is wrong but rather just different than mine. I am on the AKO and speak to a lot of soldiers on a daily basis. Some believe in what we're doing and a few don't. What I have found is that no matter what they believe they are proud to be called a United states soldier. I personally feel that this war is right. We have dealt with terrorists and know enough to know that if you don't send a strong , firm message that terrorism will not be tolerated than they will just keep coming back. I think that this should've been resolved while George Sr. was in office but hey better late than never. I am saddened by all of the deaths but I know that in war there is always sacrifices and as sad as it is it is also a reality. My heart goes out to every family who has had loss through this. It is a terrible thing to ever lose someone that you love, I know this by experience , not just because it sounds like the right thing to say. I am proud of our troops and what they have accomplished over there. Most people tend to focus on the bad that the media is so quick to put out there but noone seems to see the good things. That would be too easy and really would'nt make much of a story for the 11 o'clock news. You troops have gave these people a start to a life that we as american enjoy on a daily basis and so often take for granted. I being a female and knowing the how women there were treated take this very seriously. If I were in a country that was ran that way I for one would hope that someone would help me to become free. I guess that my view on this war comes from a lot of reasons. What I am absolutely certain of though is that no matter what anyones personal view on this war is they should support our soldiers because they did not ask to be there, they are just doing a job that they swore to do.
856151
I support our troops being there, these brave men and woman, show how tough and determined our soldiers are.\n\nIf I listened to certain people or certain politicians then I would probably not, but I listen to the soldiers, the ones that are there risking their lives to make a difference.   Our soldiers got killed by a homocide bomber, what threat were they giving out candy and talking to kids.   They are trying to build but it is hard when security is not there yet.  They are trying to build roads and schools and such.\n\nAnd the afghanss do want them there, not as taliban jack thinks.\n\nhttp://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/061112/national/afghan_cda_taliban\n\nIf they soldiers say they are making a difference, and are willing to put their lives on the line, with that integrity why shouldn't we believe them.\n\nSUPPORT OUR TROOPS\nLest we forget.
725330
That just about hits it on the head.  Very funny stuff.  I think Jack Murtha is passing this around now that he has officially been screwed.  Shows how much it means to have Nancy Pelosi on your side. LOL
859804
Murtha has been a strong voice in Congress for many years. His experience will benefit our nation.\n\nHe does have one big black streak upon him. Remember Abscam? He told the agents he wouldn't accept their bribe, "at this time". It is something he will never be able to live down. Many watchdog groups are crying foul over his possible leadership position.
34043
I am a veteran of the US Marines, with combat experience in Iraq.  The best ones to ridicule and mock the military are the ones in it.  Every person has the right to do so, and oftentimes there is cause to.  \nAsking what military folks would like to "do" to those exercising their rights is a thinly masked suggestion to commit violence against them. That violent hillbilly strain of virulent "Umericanism" is one of the reasons THE WHOLE WORLD hates the United States.\nThat attitude is all to common amongst the military members and is a disgrace.  Believe me, the military  and the government it is yoked to are both very deserving of ridicule- and is in fact a means by which it can improve itself.  Anyone who wished to stifle such dissent really should move to North Korea.\nOh, and by the way...I express my opinions concerning the current administration and the military all the time, and would just LOVE to see some Army dog, or anyone else,  try to "do" anything to me.....LOL  Just try to mess with a pissed-off Marine...!
707366
I've read most of the statements Murtha made. He isn't acting critical of his fellow soldiers in Iraq he is critical of their leadership from the White House. If you can supply a link to a statement where he is critical of the soldiers in Iraq I'd would love to read it. As far as his war record? He was a Military Intelligence officer and served it Vietnam. His medals. Who knows? Did he earn them? Did someone owe him a favor and write them? Nobody will ever know the truth. It's to far in the past. And really doesn't matter now anyway.
911973
It would please alot  of Americans if you were to look even deeper into what the Democratic Party stands for, or doesn't stand for. His comments were not the first time he has insulted us veterans. A just a note, Having served in the military, doesn't mean that one served HONORABLY. John Kerry is a well-recognized LEADER in the Democratic Party. He speaks FOR the party. And many of them feel the same way,but are 'wise' enough, or deceptive enough to not publicly reveal their true aspirations. The New Democratic Party is a danger to the lives of every single American. This is a new-kind of war. And it must be fought in new ways. Nobody in our countries history has ever had to fight a war like this. Thank you. U.S.Army 1981-1987.
677211
Yes, it is an insult.  Whether he was drafted of not, he risked his life for his country and possible watched others die for it.  It's a slap in the face.  Anyone who thinks it's a "statement" isn't looking at the whole picture.  There are ways to protest one part without insulting a whole.  Disagree w/ government?  Burn pictures of congress.  Don't insult an honest man for doing what had to be done, when it needed to be done.
82226
Two personal points: 1. the military serves to uphold our constitutional rights - among the most important is our right to free speech. Even if a soldier were to find public opinion running against the war, in a sense, it's the responsibility to protect the right to hold and express that contrary opinion that lies at the root of duty; and 2. if a military action is unjust, a soldier has the responsibility not to follow illegal orders. This is a contentious point, but think of the prosecution of East German soldiers who shot people trying to escape over the Berlin Wall during the period in which Germany was divided. The soldiers got serious prison time for following orders that were later adjudged to have been illegal.\n\nThere is a narrow line between personal responsibility and insubordination, but in the case of Iraq, there are situations in which I think that that line needs to be pointed out, if we're doing that on the homefront, well, it may be because our civilian leaders have lost track of the ethical basis on which just wars should be waged.
573119
Murtha is absolutely right. \n\nEvery reason the Bush administration has given for going to Iraq has proven to be a lie, and every justification they have made for staying in Iraq is complete nonsense.\nIt is time to declare Iraq a failed mission, and cut our losses. It is time to come home.
719424
You are a fine American!!!\nThis war would have been over long ago, if the frigging' Liberals would let us fight it. Our guys have to be afraid every second, not to stay alive but to not make a mistake. How in the hell can you fight a war and be careful. Gen. Murtha has said over and over we are losing. Well if we are it's because of his mouth. And the journalists have to be protected while they are embedded and causes my son and others the utmost danger.
1121515
I am totally against the war, however, people who join our military go in knowing that even if it's not necessarily a war they would back, they have comitted to doing their job.  I might also say that no matter what war or why - they have my absolute respect for being a part of a bigger picture that may cause them great harm or even death.  I salute all of them.  Bush, however, can kiss my flabbly butt.