Still playing catch-up.

“Never in human history,” reluctantly concludes Rep. John P. Murtha, D-Pennsylvania, addressing the case made for the United States invasion and occupation of Iraq, “have so many been so mislead by so few.”

This is Jack Murtha, who left college during the Korean War to enlist as a private in the United States Marine Corps, and who later, as a 33-year-old husband and father of three, volunteered to fight in combat in Vietnam, where he was twice wounded and received the Bronze Star with combat “V,” two Purple Hearts and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

Nobody — not even the most conservative commando with the biggest flag lapel pin in the House Republican leadership — dares to suggest that Jack Murtha is “soft” personally or politically on communists, terrorists or any enemy of America. He is recognized as the knowledgeable and informed Democratic hawk on defense in the House, whose counsel and support have been highly valued by presidents, national security advisors and defense secretaries in both parties.

Twice Murtha, in the House, voted to back invasions of Iraq by a president named Bush. Today, recently back from a return inspection visit there, Murtha is upset and angry about Iraq, its future and the well-being of this nation’s military men and women their civilian leadership have stationed there.

You can read the full article here.