"a flawed policy wrapped in illusion," - Rep John Murtha

what a fantastic phrase...a new RW talking point slap-down IMO.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-111705usiraq_lat,0,3712929.story?coll=la-home-headlines

Murtha said the war had become "a flawed policy wrapped in illusion," the intelligence on which the decision to invade Iraq was "a U.S. failure," and that the war was exacting far-reaching and damaging costs on the U.S. military and the nation's readiness to defend itself.

When the war began, no stronger supporter could be found among Democrats for the effort than Murtha, a 73-year-old Vietnam War veteran. He visited troops in Kuwait shortly before they crossed into Iraq, and has sought to comfort the injured troops who have come back.

Most recent, he visited Iraq in late summer, returning to the U.S. disillusioned about the course of the war, and has now become the latest — and one of the most important — political obstacles for the White House as it struggles to shore up support for the war.

"The American public is way ahead of the members of Congress," Murtha said. "The United States and coalition troops have done all they can in Iraq. But it's time for a change in direction.

"Of course the people don't want war. But after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger."
-- Herman Goering at the Nuremberg trials

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

He's been around a long time and is tough as nails. Not the kind you can label as a "cut and run liberal"....My father-in-law met him this summer and Murtha told him " never have so many been had by so few"