Earl Blumenauer: “yesterday was the most significant day in the war in Iraq since we first began our attack. As President Bush is learning…”

“yesterday was the most significant day in the war in Iraq since we first began our attack. As President Bush is learning that our few allies are withdrawing their troops, Congressman Jack Murtha has publicly concluded it is time to bring our troops home. Despite attacks by some who never had a hint of his military service, whose own mismanagement, not just of the information that got us into this effort, but whose inept mismanagement of the war itself left us with few good options, Jack Murtha remains the single most knowledgeable and respected Member of this House dealing with military affairs. I have not seen eye-to-eye with Jack from the beginning, when I opposed attacking Iraq, to a statement I just posted, after weeks of thought, for a more gradual withdrawal. But I and every Member who is thinking honestly about this sad episode will reconsider my conclusion because of Jack Murtha's courageous and heartfelt statement. He is the only Member of Congress who has earned the right to be listened to . . . ____________________”