GOP Shouts "NO" to Democrat's Weak Pullout Resolution

In a stunning move to cut off a Democrat's resolution to immediately pull out of Iraq, Republicans in the House of Representatives called a vote on Resolution 571, which was a response to an earlier proposition by Rep. Jack Murtha. This was a non-binding resolution for a pullout from Iraq, to begin immediately. A winning "yes" vote for this rather obvious condemnation of American strength and resolve would have sent a disastrous signal of weakness to the World, our enemies and our own troops. In other words, a "No" trumped a "No."

Resolution 571: "It is the sense of the House that deployment of US forces in Iraq be withdrawn immediately."

This was shot down - in fact, because it was a recorded vote it got CREAMED. Representative Murtha, a formerly staunch supporter of this war and highly decorated veteran who makes a moving case for mistakes made and difficulties still faced, failed to solicit the Republican majority to abandon party policy and solidarity.

The last word went to Rep. Sam Johnson of Texas, the most hightly decorated Veteran of Congress speaking of how the troops in Vietnam were abandoned by the American public and press, "I will never, ever let our nation make that mistake again."

As one Republican Congressman put it, echoing the theme of many others of his party: "I respect Mr. Murtha, but this is the wrong time for your resolution." It would seem that Mr. Murtha did accomplish one thing by forcing this republican counterblow - which may well have been his intent all along; this made us think very hard about what we are doing, and how important it is to get it right - then leave when we can.

Trackbacks:
- Michelle Malkin: 'THE DEMOCRATIC PLAN FOR IRAQ'