Murtha's story about given one of his Purple Hearts over to that soldier..

[Wetzelbill]

is really a touching story. He comes across as a such a genuine, kind man when he tells that. His empathy is overwhelming. You know, I don't care if he's a Dem or whatever, to show that type of caring he'd earn my respect no matter what his political beliefs were.

I'm sure there are other Pols, Dem and Repubs alike who care that much as well, I'd like to see more of that, and more of that same empathy directed towards ending our occupation in Iraq, so no more of our troops will be maimed and killed.

The lack of humanity on this issue is astounding to me. It's not personal enough with the American people. The bloody nature of this conflict has been cleansed, the media cannot show caskets coming home. We do not have any official numbers on civilian casualties in Iraq, we have no veritable grasp of the destruction over there. Depleted Uranium. White phosphorus. Ethnic, racial and religious tensions. The fear of living in the tumult of a chaotic society. This is a painful moral issue for our country to be involved in.

To me, Murtha has a grasp of the concept of human rights on this issue. His empathy is inspiring to me, because it shows how a man who was once a hawk on this issue can turn about and recognize certain futilities. He obviously cares about our good citizens who are fighting over there. I hope this gets addressed in an honest debate. It's as important an element as any.

[Road Scholar]

1. Amen!!! nt

[...of J.Temperance]

2. I'm deleting this because I'm stupid

I commented, in a shorter version stuff that had already been commented.

It's not my fault I'm stupid...in actual fact I've just been elected President of the Stupid Society...naturally I won the election in a landslide.

[nickyt]

3. This morning on MTP he told another story:

...People had to buy their own armor. I mean, we had a young fella, and this is a tragic story. He's blinded and lost his foot. Walter Reed did everything and they're doing a marvelous job rehabilitating people there. But they put him out in the early stages of the war, and he went home and nobody was home. His father was in jail and there was nobody at home, he was by himself. But they sent him to John Hopkins to see--maybe he could see because they're one of the best in the world. They started sending him bills. And then they sent a collection agency. Well, you know, we obviously got that worked out. But the point I'm making is this has been mishandled and we should be firing people and going in another direction.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10042399/

We know there are hundreds, probably thousands, of stories like this. I am thrilled that Col. Murtha has at least gotten a couple of them out there; I'll bet this is the first time a lot of people have even heard of vets being so severely neglected and disrespected stateside at the hands of their own government.

[Wetzelbill]

4. yes that was the other one, I didn't recall it until after I wrote this

post. Oh it's great that he's adding this into the debate. The more public consciousness the better.

[movonne]

5. He would be a good replacement for Rummy....

[Wetzelbill]

6. a mop would be a good replacement for Rummy

:)

However, I agree with your assessment too. :)