Mike Thompson: “I served in a war during which too many national leaders played too much politics. Tonight is a disgraceful period in…”

“I served in a war during which too many national leaders played too much politics. Tonight is a disgraceful period in the history of our great country and this House of Representatives. To wage a political war against one of the greatest military champions Congress has known is no less than unpatriotic. Advocates of this measure are cheapening the job our brave men and women serving in Iraq are doing; the men and women putting their lives on the line to serve our country. Mr. Speaker, those who dreamed up this strategy are derelict in their duties, absent without leave from their duty station; and people I wouldn't want to share a foxhole with.”