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Home Front: Politix
Haditha Marine Sues Murtha for Defamation
2006-08-02
A Marine Corps staff sergeant who led the squad accused of killing two dozen civilians in Haditha, Iraq, will file a lawsuit today in federal court in Washington claiming that Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.) defamed him when the congressman made public comments about the incident earlier this year.

Attorneys for Frank D. Wuterich, 26, argue in court papers that Murtha tarnished the Marine's reputation by telling news organizations in May that the Marine unit cracked after a roadside bomb killed one of its members and that the troops "killed innocent civilians in cold blood." Murtha also said repeatedly that the incident was covered up.

Murtha argued that the questionable deaths of 24 civilians were indicative of the difficulties and overpowering stress that U.S. troops are facing. The congressman, a former Marine, has been a leading advocate for withdrawing U.S. forces from Iraq
Posted by:Captain America

#20  I hope SSgt Wuterich wins his case. Then I think it's high time the rest of us sue John Kerry for being equally as defamatory toward all Vietam veterans. The statute of limitations may have expired, but it would be fun to just pound him constantly for the next four or five years until he runs and hides behind Tayrayza's skirts - again.
Posted by: Old Patriot   2006-08-02 20:04  

#19  Murtha's accusation goes beyond slandering real Marines. It's an insult to all of Americans who depend on our armed services for security.
Posted by: Captain America   2006-08-02 14:56  

#18  I'm no lawyer, but its seems to me that there might be a case to be made that by such an influential public figure prejudging guilt in this case, it might be impossible for the marines to get a fair court-martial. It's at least worth a try.
Posted by: 11A5S   2006-08-02 14:04  

#17  Well, I don't live in PA, eLarson, but I checked out her site nonetheless. I particularly liked the section which says "See how John Murtha has lost touch after 32 years in D.C." ;)
Posted by: Tony (UK)   2006-08-02 13:33  

#16  It will be interesting to see if the Donks rally round him claiming free speech or if the send him to the wolves. My guess is the lower courts will not touch this and it will work it's way as a 1st ammendment issue through the higher courts. Oh its gonna be a fun year.
Posted by: 49 Pan   2006-08-02 13:32  

#15  If you live around Washington, PA, here's how you can help: Diana Irey.
Posted by: eLarson   2006-08-02 13:24  

#14  Mumra Murtha is a public figure who stated AS A FACT that the marines killed civilians in cold blood on national TV. This was not on the floor (where they have protection) but a news release and public speaking forum.

He should have been censored (and kicked out on his ass) long before this for making such a statement against soldiers of the military who are in harms way.
Posted by: CrazyFool   2006-08-02 12:08  

#13  There is a difference mcsgeek. Unlike the president, this Marine is not a public figure. And Murtha is not a private citizen. Murtha's job is to protect the Marine's rights, not violate them.
Posted by: Oldcat   2006-08-02 11:49  

#12  I hate to give lawyers any kind of credit, but this is might change my mind about some of them. (Golf Clap)
Posted by: Cyber Sarge   2006-08-02 11:33  

#11  It's time to hold these moonbats accountable for their actions. People who make wild accusations that destroy honorable men, their families, their careers and imbarass our nation should be held accountable. This Staff Sergeant was in direct combat for our country, he lost team mates in that fight. He paid a price most cant even imagine. Only to come home to some demented Congressman calling him a baby killer and revenge killer. The Marines family suffered, his parents disgraced and his career is over, no matter what the outcome is. This congressman is a man of power and used that power wrongly and for personal political gain. The Marine may not win this but moonbats in congress beware, you are being held accountable for your retoric.
Posted by: 49 Pan   2006-08-02 10:32  

#10  A non-starter. Don't get me wrong..,I'm glad someone is suing him. But nearly every single dem in Washington defames either the troops, the Republican Party, the American people or the President on a DAILY basis.
Posted by: mcsegeek1   2006-08-02 10:07  

#9  At least Murtha will have to deal with the legal system. Maybe he won't have as much time for global warming, i.e. putting out hot air. He is a dangerous fool because his rantings affect the mission in Iraq--possibly having indirectly resulted in the deaths of soldiers.
Posted by: JohnQC   2006-08-02 09:57  

#8  Could this become "class action"?
Posted by: newc   2006-08-02 09:32  

#7  Bobby,
Methinks lawyers for Marine Wuterich have done their homework well.

Good.
Posted by: Tony (UK)   2006-08-02 09:06  

#6  I was hoping that one of them would do something like this. Nail the treasonous bastard to the wall for *ALL* to see.

His sole purpose was to slander the marines and undermine confidence at home.
Posted by: CrazyFool   2006-08-02 08:35  

#5  I think ..... Rep. Frank D. Wuterich has a nice ring to it. Maybe the folks of Pa. would like to swap this nut case out for a REAL Marine.
Posted by: Besoeker   2006-08-02 07:42  

#4  I hope they tak this FOCKER to cleaners!!!!
Also behine this story they're trying to find out who gave SH&*HEAD the information that he based his LIES on!!
Posted by: ARMYGUY   2006-08-02 07:39  

#3  The move by Wuterich is rare, as statements made by members of Congress generally are protected under the "speech or debate" clause in Article I, Section 6, of the Constitution. But legal experts said the clause grants immunity only for what lawmakers say in legislative proceedings and does not apply to news releases, speeches and other public comments.

Now that's interesting.....

Posted by: Bobby   2006-08-02 06:17  

#2  Murtha's defense: Insanity. Permanent insanity.
Posted by: gorb   2006-08-02 04:09  

#1  Good! Nail this bastid. Cut off his cajones, ship them to me. I will wrap them in puff pastry, bake em, and serve em as Escargot en Croute to my LLL coworkers. With a side of au jus of course.
Posted by: Rex Mundi   2006-08-02 02:50  

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