Sorry about post #13
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| -Obits- |
| John Murtha Dead at 77 |
| 2010-02-08 |
| WASHINGTON (AP) - Spokesman for Rep. John Murtha says the Pennsylvania Democrat has died at 77. Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. John Murtha, the first veteran of the Vietnam war and one of the most powerful lawmakers in Congress, died Wednesday morning at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, VA, after complications from gallbladder surgery. Murtha was 77. A native of New Martinsville, W.Va., voters elected first elected Murtha to Congress in a 1974 special election that spelled impending doom for President Nixon and congressional Republicans. That fall, Democrats wrestled away 49 House seats from the GOP, reeling from the scourge of Watergate and a presidency in shambles. Murtha rose to become the chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee that controls spending for the Pentagon. Chairs of the appropriations subcommittee panels are viewed with such prestige on Capitol Hill that theyre called "cardinals." Thats a nod to Rome because of the eminence these lawmakers hold over spending for their federal fiefdom. Murtha was also the endorsed candidate of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to become majority leader when Democrats won control of Congress in 2006. But current House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) overwhelmingly defeated Murtha by secret ballot in a hard-fought leadership contest. Murtha enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1952 and became a drill instructor at Parris Island. He served in Korea and received a Bronze Star and Two Purple Hearts for his service in Vietnam. He continued to be a member of the Marine Corps Reserves until he resigned as a colonel in 1990. Murtha voted to go to war in Iraq the fall of 2002. But two years later, the Pennsylvania Democrat called for the U.S to withdraw from. Later on the House floor, Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-OH), the newest member of the House at the time, spoke in favor of the war and chided Murtha that "cowards cut and run, Marines never do." Schmidts remarks ignited a firestorm on the House floor as lawmakers rose to Murthas defense. Schmidt later said she didnt know that Murtha was a Marine. She withdrew her comments and apologized. A hint of scandal lingered over much of Murthas career. The FBI named Murtha an "unindicted co-conspirator" in its ABSCAM sting operation in the late 1970s and early '80s. ABSCAM resulted in the conviction of five House members and one senator. The FBI recorded Murtha on videotape declining a $50,000 bribe from federal agents posing as Arab sheiks. But the Congressman did say he could be interested in future dealings. Nicknamed "The King of Pork," Murtha also faced scrutiny for earmarking federal dollars for projects in his district. Numerous news reports lambasted the Congressman for steering money to the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport. The facility received $150 million from Washington for upgrades despite limited commercial use. But the airport is also used for military purposes. The Congressman also faced scrutiny for campaign contributions he and other appropriators received from the now defunct PMA lobbying firm. Murtha scored nearly $2.5 million in donations from PMA and its clients over a nearly 20 year period. The feds continue to scrutinize PMA. The Office of Congressional Ethics asked the House Ethics Committee to drop any inquiries into the dealings Murtha had with PMA. Murtha also stirred controversy in the fall of 2008 with President Obama poised to become the first African American president. When asked about Mr. Obamas chances in his Congressional district, Murtha responded that "theres no question western Pennsylvania is a racist area." Even though Murtha won re-election, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) carried the district over by about 1,000 votes. Despite controversy, Murtha was beloved by his House colleagues for holding court in whats called "Murthas corner" in the rear of the House chamber. During a House vote series, Murtha could often be seen trading information or spinning yarns with fellow lawmakers. He also won the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award and Pennsylvania's two highest honors, the Distinguished Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. |
| Posted by:wr |
| #26 The one question I have, for our USMC burgers is this: as a veteran he is entitled to a military funeral; how does one refuse to serve as part of the honor guard? or is this a case of holding your nose and getting it done? I am asking because of the slander he heaped on the Marines in Iraq. |
| Posted by: USN, Ret. 2010-02-08 23:50 |
| #25 The feeders at his trough would never have voted him out. Why is he still in Congress at 77 and not term limited eons ago? His whole life was a disgrace, including, I'm willing to bet, his so-called "service". Only death could stop the abuse. GOOD BYE. |
| Posted by: KBK 2010-02-08 23:03 |
| #24 So long, ABSCAM John. |
| Posted by: SR-71 2010-02-08 21:20 |
| #23 He defamed our troops without proof during war, aided and abated the enemy, tried his best to rob the successful people and give to his cronies and was a general boob. Traitor and thief. Good fucking riddance. |
| Posted by: DarthVader 2010-02-08 19:50 |
| #22 Now that John will be spending the future on the wrong side of the dirt, and won't be coming down for breakfast anymore, the important work is to find a replacement who can replicate the "Scott Brown" result in Teddy's former empire. That would give Teddy and Johnny something to mull over as they toss back brimstone cocktails. |
| Posted by: Lone Ranger 2010-02-08 19:18 |
| #21 I respected his service to our country, but when he got damn-near-caught in ABSCAM and then became The King of Pork and then libeled the Haditha Marines (MARINES, for crying out loud!) he lost all my respect. Satan has a sharp pitchfork. |
| Posted by: Parabellum 2010-02-08 19:12 |
| #20 Hmmm, a test to see if I can be more civil than the lefties. This is going to be a VERY difficult one. |
| Posted by: DMFD 2010-02-08 19:03 |
| #19 #17 Bid Ed - that's tacky. At least let his body get cold. |
| Posted by: Barbara Skolaut 2010-02-08 18:52 |
| #18 last thoughts? |
| Posted by: 3dc 2010-02-08 17:58 |
| #17 Sorry about post #13 |
| Posted by: BigEd 2010-02-08 17:54 |
| #16 I am reminded of a comment by Clarence Darrow: "I have never killed a man, but I have read many an obituary with great pleasure." |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2010-02-08 17:38 |
| #15 May their memories bring comfort to those who loved him. |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2010-02-08 16:35 |
| #14 On a brighter note, his district will now have one of the most junior representatives in Congress during one of the deepest recessions in decades. What goes around, comes around. Party's over. |
| Posted by: Procopius2k 2010-02-08 16:31 |
#13  |
| Posted by: BigEd 2010-02-08 15:59 |
| #12 "As a child I was told that if I had nothing nice to say to not say anything." I'm with you, Hellfish. Let's not act like the Leftists do toward anyone they disagree with. I'll keep my thoughts about Mr. Murtha to myself. My condolences to his family. |
| Posted by: Barbara Skolaut 2010-02-08 15:59 |
| #11 Trying, really, to sob... |
| Posted by: 2Sealys 2010-02-08 15:55 |
| #10 As a child I was told that if I had nothing nice to say to not say anything. |
| Posted by: Hellfish 2010-02-08 15:50 |
| #9 Murtha's probably more shocked about it then anybody. He probably thought death was just for the "little people"... |
| Posted by: tu3031 2010-02-08 15:42 |
| #8 Fester: A hot gallbladder is not to be ignored, as it can go nuclear in a hurry. Gallbladder However, as a rule of thumb, it is far worse to procrastinate from major surgery than to worry about complications. Surgeons, despite what most people think, do not like to cut people open unless they have to. So when they have to, they mean it. Do your research on the Internet, and talk to your doctor about your concerns, but don't ever think you can get away with "wishing it away", or just avoiding thinking about it. Finally, this advise is x100 if you are talking about cancer. Screwing around after a diagnosis of cancer is a major killer. |
| Posted by: Anonymoose 2010-02-08 15:32 |
| #7 Well, well. I had that surgery two years ago at 75. But then I'm ex-Army Paratrooper, not Marine. |
| Posted by: Tarzan Ominemble7842 2010-02-08 15:30 |
| #6 I'm thinking of having surgery (not gall bladder), but I'm very confused because I have no way to evaluate the risk-benefit. These events maake me think the risk is higher than you would think. |
| Posted by: Fester Thaiger8930 2010-02-08 15:21 |
| #5 As much as I despised him professionally, and his agenda...I am sorry for the family and those who personally cared for him. |
| Posted by: anymouse 2010-02-08 15:19 |
| #4 Can we shutdown his airport now? |
| Posted by: ToeJam Football 2010-02-08 15:11 |
| #3 Condolences to his family. |
| Posted by: CrazyFool 2010-02-08 15:06 |
| #2 redeployed over the horizon |
| Posted by: Frank G 2010-02-08 15:03 |
| #1 Can the Marines still sue his estate for defamation? |
| Posted by: Nimble Spemble 2010-02-08 15:02 |