Karl Rove, college drop out and receipient of 3 draft deferments, was trying to smear Rep. John Murtha (PA-D) and Senator John Kerry (MA-D). Capitol Hill Blue has Rove's quote from the Washington Post: Rove... accused Democratic critics of the war like Sen. John Kerry and Rep John Murtha of cowardice, "cutting and running." Said Rove, according to The Washington Post, "They may be with you for the first shots. But they're not going ... to be with you for the tough battles."
According the Murtha's website:
U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha has dedicated his life to serving his country both in the military and in the halls of Congress. He had a long and distinguished 37-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring from the Marine Corps Reserve as a colonel in 1990; and he has been serving the people of the 12th Congressional District since 1974, one of only 131 people in the nation's history to have served more than 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and one of only 224 Members of Congress who have served 30 or more years....
This is from Kerry's official website:
...John Kerry volunteered to serve in Vietnam, because, as he later said, "it was the right thing to do." He believed that “to whom much is given, much is required.” And he felt he had an obligation to give something back to his country. John Kerry served two tours of duty. On his second tour, he volunteered to serve on a Swift Boat in the river deltas, one of the most dangerous assignments of the war. For his leadership, courage, and sacrifice under fire, he was decorated with a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with Combat V, and three Purple Hearts...
Why does Rove feel the need to attack distinguished American military veterans? Does he feel inadequate?
Why do the Republicans claim to support the troops, but once they are not in Iraq or on the battlefield, they attack veterans and cut their benefits? We all support the troops, but the Republicans have failed to demonstrate their respect by protecting, respecting, providing veterans' benefits (The Republicans now have hospitalized vets pay for their own food!) and honoring the American military. When Rove attacks Murtha and Kerry, he dishonors all vets. The Republicans are willing to send our young men and women to war, but they refuse to help them and respect their views once they are off the battlefield.
