Well, its official.  Democratic Congressman John Murtha believes that we will not pass healthcare reform this year.  This basically translates into not ever passing it.  We certainly cant pass it in 2010 during the red hot election season and will not be able to pass anything after the 2010 elections which is almost certain to shift Congress a good few more steps to the right.  

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/arti cle/ALeqM5h_Tlozn8QichhC8zq6TVdOfRJBIgD9 A2S0UO0

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So goes Pennsylvania. The Washington Post explains today:

Almost everyone in this corner of Pennsylvania agrees: Usually, it's wise to follow Murtha's lead. "When the congressman speaks, we listen, and we pretty much do as he says," said Rich Kasunic, a state senator. "He is the type of politician that comes around once every 50 years in Washington. He has an incredible presence, and his word means more than anyone's to us."

Here is Congressman John Murtha telling a Pennsylvania crowd a few days ago why he supports Hillary:

Murtha, an outspoken opponent of the war in Iraq, is a decorated Marine and the first combat veteran of the Vietnam War elected to the House of Representatives. Long regarded as a hawk on national security, Murtha is the ranking Democrat on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. His credentials lend further weight to the endorsement of 34 Flag Officers for Hillary, who recently wrote in an Open Letter:

It is especially important to understand the military and diplomatic challenges facing us in Iraq, and to end the Iraq war responsibly and safely. It is also important to rededicate ourselves to winning in Afghanistan, the forgotten front line in our fight against terrorism.

It is clear to us that Senator Clinton is the candidate best qualified to be our nation's next Commander-in-Chief.

We believe that she has real understanding of the military through her diligent service on the Senate Armed Services Committee. She has worked tirelessly to ensure our men and women in uniform are properly trained and equipped to be sent to battle. And she has fought to make certain that they are treated with dignity when they return home. We have personally and closely observed her respect for our armed forces, and she has earned their respect. And ours. (emphasis added)

The letter was signed by the following Former Admirals and Generals:

General Wesley Clark
General Henry Hugh Shelton
Admiral William Owens
Lt. Gen. Joe Ballard
Lt. Gen. Claudia Kennedy
Lt. Gen. Donald Kerrick
Vice Admiral Joseph A. Sestak, Jr.
Major General Roger R. Blunt
Major General George Buskirk, Jr.
Major General Paul D. Eaton
Major General Antonio M. Taguba
Brigadier General Michael Dunn
Brigadier General Evelyn "Pat" Foote
Brigadier General Virgil A. Richard
Brigadier General Jack Yeager
Brigadier General John M. Watkins, Jr.
Rear Admiral Roland G. Guilbault
Rear Admiral Stuart F. Platt
Rear Admiral David Stone

And in this video the Flag Officers provide a heartfelt testimonial of Hillary Clinton:

John Murtha knows that Clinton is best qualified to be Commander In Chief and lead us out of Iraq.  He said:

"(Hillary) highlighted the policy failures in Iraq and addressed the real challenges we face in regards to rebuilding our military, restoring our readiness and fully preparing our armed forces to meet and deter future threats. I know that Senator Clinton has a similar position that I have in regards to the war in Iraq. Her experience and careful consideration of these issues convinced me that she is best qualified to lead our nation and to bring credibility back to the White House." Link

The Post adds:

Over the past two years, the normally media-averse Murtha has risked his reputation and set aside his distaste for publicity to speak against the Iraq war, which added weight to his endorsement (of Clinton). At least four local politicians have endorsed Clinton since Murtha made his announcement. When Murtha works to persuade undecided colleagues to join him, he can say, 'Look, if I think this is the person I'm going to work best with as president, then this is the best thing for all of Pennsylvania,' said T.J. Rooney, chairman of Pennsylvania's Democratic Party. 'I'm not sure there's anybody from around here who wields more influence.'

   

Help make Hillary our next Commander In Chief.  DONATE HERE:

         

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The house was able to do it! They found the votes to require a troop pullout by the fall of 2008.  

What I wanted to add to the conversation is that this is more than a symbolic gesture. I believe that there are training provisions (can someone tell me if this is correct) and R+R for the troops / especially those who have been re-deployed despite injuries.

Is this the case? Also, I am told that the troop measures approved today are binding - this is what the election of 2006 would be about. Would this vote, in the senate, be a good acid test? Could you find out how your senator votes on it?

I am not sure of the process. I am just happy. This war was unjust and its end will bring a blessing and a curse.

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On Thursday, the Chairman of the Subcommittee, Congressman Jack Murtha(D-PA)- a powerful opponent of the war - will sit down and discuss his strategy on the president's Iraq funding request through a videotaped transmission from his Washington office. It can be accessed starting at 11:00amEST Thursday on the new web site MoveCongress.org. The site was launched this week to help Iraq war opponents move Congress to end the war. It provides a variety of tools to help navigate the labyrinth of Congressional procedure and apply pressure where it will do the most good.

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Jonathan's Iraq piece earlier today linked the CAP suggestion that Congress

can place an amendment on the [upcoming FY07] supplemental funding bill that states that if the administration wants to increase the number of troops in Iraq above 150,000, it must provide a plan for their purpose and require an up or down vote on exceeding that number.

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