What is Murtha Doing?

Ok, I LOATHE Salon. This article about the alleged Marines war crimes in Iraq isn't bad in limiting the writers opinion. But then, they didn't have to put out much since Murtha is spewing wildly. Not that this story wasn't already in the MSM. Time broke the story originally, now Murtha is broadcasting for personal gain.

"Our troops overreacted because of the pressure on them, and they killed innocent civilians in cold blood," said Jack Murtha of Pennsylvania, a decorated Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam and is among the most influential Democratic voices on military matters. "This is going to be a very, very bad thing for the United States."

Asked about his sources during a midday briefing on Iraq policy in the Capitol, Murtha confidently replied, "All the information I get, it comes from the commanders, it comes from people who know what they are talking about." Although Murtha said that he had not read any investigative reports by the military on the incident, he stressed, "It's much worse than reported in Time magazine."

The civilian deaths are under review by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which is also responsible for the Marine Corps. A Navy spokesman declined to comment on Murtha's claims, saying that the matter is part of an ongoing inquiry. He would also not comment on when the investigation into the incident would be completed.

Translation is pretty easy. It's the wrong war for the wrong reason and thus it's the President's fault. He's not saying this to forward justice by any means. This is politics plain and simple.

There have been war crimes similar to this in all wars. That doesn't excuse it. It just means that it happens and must be dealt with. It also gives you a bit of context on the reality of war. Violence is what it's about. Stress in combat is an environmental norm. People in that environment make bad decisions and kill people.

There are more than a few tales of prisoners being murdered by troops in both world wars, not to mention killing civilians that don't cooperate with the military or work against them. In past wars it was commonly overlooked as a part of war. Just the facts. The NCIS is investigating and you can be assured that the military will punish those responsible.

As for Murtha, maybe he should stop riding the political wagon dragged by those that are defending the country. He isn't helping them or the country.