The Dam Is Breaking

Democratic Rep. John Murtha, the top Democratic hawk in Congress, the senior Dem on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and a Viet Nam-era Marine vet, made an impassioned speech yesterday about the abject failure of the Bush-Rumsfeld Iraq policy. He then introduced a resolution for troop redeployment "as soon as is practible." Excerpts from speech:

The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion. The American public is way ahead of us. The United States and coalition troops have done all they can in Iraq, but it is time for a change in direction. Our military is suffering. The future of our country is at risk. We cannot continue on the present course. It is evident that continued military action is not in the best interests of the United States of America, the Iraqi people or the Persian Gulf Region.

. . . I believe we need to turn Iraq over to the Iraqis. I believe before the Iraqi elections, scheduled for mid-December, the Iraqi people and the emerging government must be put on notice that the United States will immediately redeploy. All of Iraq must know that Iraq is free. Free from United Stated occupation.

. . . My plan:

To immediately redeploy U.S. troops consistent with the safety of U.S. forces.

To create a quick reaction force in the region.

To create an over-the-horizon presence of Marines.

To diplomatically pursue security and stability in Iraq

The DCCC Stakeholder has the complete text of Murtha's statement and resolution, as well as video. Crooks and Liars has video in both Windows and Quicktime formats.

I really believe this is a tipping point folks. If Murtha can make the case this bluntly and demand immediate withdrawal of our troops, how can anyone in Congress with a conscience, a brain or any trace of real patriotism not do likewise, regardless of Party?