Michelle Malkin » Marine’s parents want Murtha censured

Marine’s parents want Murtha censured

By Michelle Malkin • July 13, 2007 08:01 AM

There should be consequences for smearing our troops. CNS reports:

The parents of a U.S. Marine accused of killing three Iraqis execution-style in Haditha in late 2005 said Thursday they would ask Congress to censure Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) for saying that the Marines “overreacted” during the incident and killed civilians “in cold blood.”

“It’s too late for an apology,” Darryl Sharratt of Canonsburg, Pa., told Cybercast News Service after the hearing officer in the case, Lt. Col. Paul Ware, released an 18-page report recommending that all charges against Sharratt’s son, Lance Cpl. Justin Sharratt, be dismissed because his actions “were in accord with the rules of engagement and use of force.”

Sharratt said that he, his wife Theresa and other supporters of their 22-year-old son were planning to visit Martha’s office, and “we’re going to ask for more than an apology.”

“We need this man censured by our Congress,” he said, because “he denied my son — and the other Marines involved — their constitutional rights to a fair trial and a presumption of innocence.”

“This is what we’ve been fighting for in Iraq,” Sharratt added. “This is what we’ve been fighting for — what soldiers and Marines have been dying for — for the past 200 years.”

Lcpl. Sharratt’s website is here. Donate to his defense fund here.

***

The Let Freedom Ring blog exposes Murtha running for cover and asks:

If Rep. Murtha is found to have railroaded Cpl. Sharratt and the other Marines, shouldn’t that be grounds to have him punished by the House of Representatives up to and including his removal from office? It seems to me that congressmen violating a soldier’s constitutional rights and accusing the military of covering the underlying incident up before being briefed is about as serious an offense as it gets. It seems to me that that’s corruption of a most odious nature.

Finally, shouldn’t members of the Democratic leadership be asked if they knew that Rep. Murtha’s accusations weren’t based on an official Pentagon briefing. If they knew that he hadn’t been briefed but still accused Cpl. Sharratt and the other Haditha Marines, aren’t Democratic leaders guilty of throwing Cpl. Sharratt’s constitutional protections under the bus? At minimum, they were morally responsible for chastising Rep. Murtha for his actions.

Finally, shouldn’t Cpl. Sharratt and the other Haditha Marines be set free? Based on Paul Ware’s report and recommendation, isn’t it impossible to convict these men?

The Murtha Must Go blog introduces Babbling Jack to the concept of an apology.

***

Flashback: May 18, 2006… Murtha hangs the Marines

Posted in: Haditha, John Murtha

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#1

On July 13th, 2007 at 8:18 am, Jaded said:

This is where the word traitor is appropriate, this man denied those soldiers what he and his fellow DIM’s want to give to the terrorist’s at Guantanamo, it is sickening.
#2

On July 13th, 2007 at 8:22 am, LC said:

I’ll be donating to LCpl Justin Sharratt and the others. If we all just give a few dollars…
#3

On July 13th, 2007 at 8:22 am, gregorystephens said:

It’s not likely there will be an apology from Murtha or that he will be censured. Liberals believe you can say anything you want about anyone without any repercussions no matter how vile or inaccurate the comments are.
#4

On July 13th, 2007 at 8:23 am, gregorystephens said:

On July 13th, 2007 at 8:18 am, Jaded said:
This is where the word traitor is appropriate, this man denied those soldiers what he and his fellow DIM’s want to give to the terrorist’s at Guantanamo, it is sickening.

Excellent point!
#5

On July 13th, 2007 at 8:32 am, TheCityTroll said:

Murtha is just one in a long line of scumbag democrats from my state, on calling his office an aid said that the only reason the charges are being droped was because the cpl agreed to testify against his comrads. Which is just another lie.

The only thing Murtha believes the military can do right is line his pocket with shady dealings through defense contractors which the investigation against is still stuck in the most ethicle congresses ever ethics commitee and probably will be forever.
#6

On July 13th, 2007 at 8:40 am, philtac said:

Sorry folks but war is Hell!
Murtha should not be Judge, Jury, and Executioner.
Murtha was a Marine, what ever happened to Semper Fi?
#7

On July 13th, 2007 at 8:41 am, katieanne said:

There will be no apology. Liberals don’t apologize for bashing the troops, which is their way of showing support for the military.

The fact that the ethically challanged Murtha is even in Congress is revolting. I don’t understand how ANYONE can vote for people like Murtha and Pelosi. What are they thinking?
#8

On July 13th, 2007 at 8:46 am, DaleC said:

I have never understood prosecuting our soldiers for killing people improperly in a war. Don’t we train our Marines to kill the enemy ? If they are stepping over some invisible line then take them out of action.
Do not prosecute marines for killing the enemy or border patrol agents for shooting drug dealers.
#9

On July 13th, 2007 at 8:52 am, evilned said:

I would suggest that Lance Cpl Sharrett speak with his lawyer once the present unpleasantness is completed and see if he has any civil recourse against Murtha. I don’t believe Murtha would be protected as a U.S. Representative if he’s accused of slander and libel.

Failing that, Challenge the corrupt slimebag to a duel.
#10

On July 13th, 2007 at 9:09 am, EdDantes said:

If representative Murtha had his way, our troops would be armed with wiffle ball bats and wear Martha Stewart pillows for body armor.
#11

On July 13th, 2007 at 9:11 am, JayHawk Phrenzie said:

ethically challanged Murtha

The above is my vote for understatement of the year.

I would have gone with. “Bloated, Repugnant, Traitorous Thief”
#12

On July 13th, 2007 at 9:45 am, gippergirl said:

So what exactly do these nuts expect our Armed Forces to do to our enemies in battle? Hug them??? Someone needs to remind these nuts that we all agree w/Patton: the idea isn’t to die for your nation but make the other bastard die for his.
#13

On July 13th, 2007 at 9:56 am, walterc said:

This has been going on since we joined the U.N. Remember how WWII was fought? that’s how you win a war in 4 years.

Murtha should be expelled from congress and tried for treason or at least sedition. Providing aid and comfort to the enemy is a crime.

Frankly I can’t understand how this guy keeps getting re-elected.
#14

On July 13th, 2007 at 9:58 am, USMCgramma said:

Has Murtha forgotten 9/11 when CIVILIANS were killed? Accusing one of our military of wrongdoing in a time of war is treason. When any man, woman and/or child may be concealing a weapon, you’ve got to kill them before they kill you. Sorry, that’s war.
#15

On July 13th, 2007 at 10:10 am, shooter said:

Wretched old man.

Yet he IS the POSTER BOY of the Dems!
#16

On July 13th, 2007 at 10:20 am, 3Steps said:

Liberals don’t apologize. As we know from past experience they are NEVER WRONG.

But given the recent disbarring of reputation and career destroying Mike Nifong I would think that the Sharratt’s should have a case. Shouldn’t congressmen be held to at least the ethics level of a local district attorney?

bwaaaahhhahahaha… ya right… congress and ethics? Who are we kidding here anyway?

*sigh*
#17

On July 13th, 2007 at 10:28 am, Rick Moran said:

I think we should make Murtha Ambassador to Okinawa. We can redeploy him right after his constituents finally realize what a senile old crook this guy is and retire him from office.
#18

On July 13th, 2007 at 10:33 am, terrig said:

Being a liberal means never having to say you’re sorry.
#19

On July 13th, 2007 at 10:59 am, dmacp said:

A real marine -> Semper Fidelus
Jack Murtha -> Semper Lie-to-us
#20

On July 13th, 2007 at 11:14 am, huhwhat said:

katieanne said;

The fact that the ethically challanged Murtha is even in Congress is revolting. I don’t understand how ANYONE can vote for people like Murtha and Pelosi. What are they thinking?

katie they don’t think, they feeeel.
#21

On July 13th, 2007 at 11:21 am, MCPO Airdale said:

A portion of the blame for this entire travesty lays at the feet of the “lawyer culture” in this war. Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers are growing at an unprecedented rate in our military. They are not warriors but, rather, lawyers.

Personally, I’d throw out 75% of them. They are responsible for restrictive ROEs that get our troops killed. They are the ones looking to advance their careers through convictions of soldiers and Marines trying to get the job done.

Too many general officers are basing tactics on what the JAGs tell them rather than what they know works. In war, lawyers are deadly and should be avoided at all costs.

Oh, and Murtha is a dementia-ridden putz.
#22

On July 13th, 2007 at 11:21 am, Regulus said:

On July 13th, 2007 at 10:33 am, terrig said:

Being a liberal means never having to say you’re sorry.

Nothing sums it up better.
#23

On July 13th, 2007 at 11:24 am, franksalterego said:

I think, “Abscam Jack” Murtha should answer to a Lawsuit for Slander/Libel.

I’ll be e-mailing the Corporal’s site, urging to do just that.

Others can do the same here.
#24

On July 13th, 2007 at 11:39 am, johnv40 said:

Murtha is not the only one who should be censured–it should be every member of Congress who keeps voting to pull out of I raq, as well as any public figure or journalist who criticizes Bush for just about everything and anything.
#25

On July 13th, 2007 at 11:44 am, MarshaK said:

What a travesty that Murtha is allowed to “serve” as part of this government’s legislative section. It always makes me wonder just who are the people in his state that vote for him? This young soldier and his family’s reputation were smeared through due to the lack of common sense or compassion of Murtha. If there is any sort of legal redress, then I hope that they pursue it with zest. To the Sharrat family, God bless you all.
#26

On July 13th, 2007 at 11:45 am, Just A Grunt said:

It is up to the voters of PA to get rid of him, but given the state of affairs in politics in PA that ain’t gonna happen. PA proud home to Spector, Murtha, and Gov “No service members vote counted” Rendell pretty much says it all. I don’t know what happened to that of that supposed steelworker ethic but it must have left the state.
#27

On July 13th, 2007 at 11:52 am, josetheguerilla said:

If charges against Lcpl Sharratt are dropped, three things need to happen.
1. Jack Murtha needs to be censured by congress
2. Jack Murtha needs to be censured by the United States Marine Corps (He’s a retired USMC Col.)
3. Jack Murtha needs to be taken to civil court by the family.
If charges are dropped in the case of Lcpl Sharratt, then this is clearly conduct unbecoming a Marine officer on the part of Jack Murtha (Article 133 of UCMJ). As a Marine Veteran, Jack Murtha has moral obligation of looking out for Marines. By speaking before the case was resolved he had tainted the case. How low can the Dems go? Do I sound like Johnnie Cochran? If the glove does not fit you must acquit!
#28

On July 13th, 2007 at 12:06 pm, Brian72 said:

Normally, when a civilian refers to someone as an ex-marine or former marine, they are usually corrected that there are no ex-marines just retired marines, because when you wear the globe and anchor, you’re in a lifelong brotherhood of warriors.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve seen many stories about what Murtha has been doing and saying. There have been more than a few responses from active and retired marines who say that Jack Murtha is indeed an ex-marine, disowned by his former brethren for dishonoring the fallen, the serving, and the Marine Corps itself. That is pretty damning commentary, and entirely deserved.

I would like to see an interview with some Marines on this topic, such as:

Lt. Col Oliver North
Lt. Col Bill Cowan
Gsgt. R. Lee Ermey
General Pete Pace
Maj. Greg Kelly
Any and all retired Marines currently in the U.S. Congress

This man should be held accountable in a public way, no Denny Hastert-style “circle the wagons around congress” to save face for the institution. He deserves to be ridiculed by the public at large, and censured by the House. With Madame Pelosi in charge, don’t count on it.

This man literally makes me ill.
#29

On July 13th, 2007 at 12:41 pm, jferg49 said:

So big deal..the guy was once a marine!…so was Lee Harvy Oswald….one good thing in your life doesn’t cover all the bad things you do afteward. Murtha is a piece of crap! He is part and parcel of the current slimy Democratic party leadership that is so far left, they no longer have the capability to reason with good sense…they are like rabid dogs. They hate Bush so much..nothing else counts…..if this kind of crap went on during WW II…these people would have been tried as traitors!…I don’t mind another point of view but how bout putting your country ahead of your political party…
#30

On July 13th, 2007 at 12:53 pm, bdfaith said:

In answer to Philtac’s question, something from the Old War Dogs site (http://www.oldwardogs.us/):

Semper I

Semper I is an old Marine Corps term applied to those selfish careerists who place their own success ahead of their men and the wellbeing of the Corps. Congressman John Murtha is a living example of that disgraceful term.

A bugle blows in Arlington,
Lilting notes fill still sad air,
An eagle’s tears a globe fall on,
Trail an anchor with despair,
For a man we’d wish had not to die,
Brave youth among the best,
A Marine, he lived for Semper Fi,
And with Semper Fi he’ll rest.

So sadly is the contrast,
Between those who talk and fight;
Fat Pols for whom their war’s past,
But now can’t see the light,
Accusing brave young fighting men,
Of crimes they can’t defend,
Disgraceful fat old congressmen,
Who’ve lost the will to win.

Yes there we see the difference,
Between those who fight to win,
And a congressman with no sense,
Who’s committed grievous sin;
He’s turned against his Corps,
And no one knows quite why,
Except he loves himself much more:
Classic case of Semper I.

Semper Fi to all Marines everywhere from an old paratrooper who holds Murtha in as much contempt as you do.

Russ Vaughn
327th Parachute Infantry Regiment
101st Airborne Division
Vietnam 65-66
#31

On July 13th, 2007 at 12:56 pm, Jarhead said:

What Jack Murtha needs is a good old blanket party. OoohRaaah!
#32

On July 13th, 2007 at 1:20 pm, The Raging Republican said:

Marine’s parents want Murtha censured

I do too!
#33

On July 13th, 2007 at 1:22 pm, Just A Grunt said:

Congress is fixing to get an earful from the very people whom they would turn their backs on. The Vets for Freedom are meeting in DC on July 17th. They need you to help get the word out.
#34

On July 13th, 2007 at 1:31 pm, rightisright said:

What would you expect from a congess full of criminals and law breakers? Their all for “just-us”
#35

On July 13th, 2007 at 1:42 pm, Pulchritudinous Patriot said:

In Re: Motor Mouth Murtha ever apologising much less receiving a censure…don’t hold your breath.
#36

On July 13th, 2007 at 1:44 pm, Pulchritudinous Patriot said:

Oh, and Murtha is no longer a Marine…at least not in the eyes of the Marines I have the privlege of knowing.
#37

On July 13th, 2007 at 1:54 pm, Just A Grunt said:

I understand at Camp Pendleton they have already taken to removing his picture and renaming anything that once held his name. He has truly been disowned.
#38

On July 13th, 2007 at 1:55 pm, Uplander said:

The saying goes, ‘Once a Marine always a Marine.’
Murtha has lost the right to be a Marine. He should not only be censured and asked to resign from Congress, he should be officially chastised by all Marine Corp Organizations. Then he should go home and eat a gun.
#39

On July 13th, 2007 at 2:46 pm, DirkBelig said:

Murtha was a Marine, what ever happened to Semper Fi?

Murtha is a Democrat and Democrats are Democrats first, everything else a distant second. (e.g. a Marine, an American, etc.)
#40

On July 13th, 2007 at 2:55 pm, geminicontender said:

Usually the one that complains the most, fabricates the most is usually the guilty party. Murtha should be thrown out of the Marines as it stands today. He should be court martialed, if that is possible, and fired from his job.
I can truly call him “One disgusting Marine imposter. Screw his history in the services. He is undoing all the good services that our brave soldiers fight for today.
Impeach, disbar, court martial. Nothing short of that for him.
#41

On July 13th, 2007 at 3:43 pm, josetheguerilla said:

iferg49-
Lee Harvy Oswald left active duty. Oswald was court-martialed three times. By contrast Murtha is a retired Marine. He recieves veterans benefits. He also recieves monthy retiremnt checks from the Marine Corps. In his possesion he has an Government Marine Corps ID card.
He has bronze star with combat v
purple heart
cross of galantry
he is a veteran of 2 wars
If the charges of Lcpl Sharrat are dropped, I think Marine veteran Murtha needs his veterans benefits taken way.
#42

On July 13th, 2007 at 4:22 pm, DesertLover said:

To those who are unfamiliar with the meaning of the US Marine Corps motto “SEMPER FIDELIS” … it means “ALWAYS FAITHFUL” …

A Marine is faithful to Country and Corps …

I would have to say that Murtha has violated both of those tenents of his military oath …

We always say there is no such thing as an EX-Marine … only FORMER Marines … I think we can safely make an exception for Murtha … he not only is an EX-Marine (new recruits are more of a Marine than this loser) … he needs to be an EX-Congressman among other things … he is an embarrassment to this country, the congress, the Corps, and his constituents … he is just as guilty of ethics violations as Nifong was … How do we get rid of this idiot …?

BTW … anyone ever taken the time to check his service in Nam? … 1966-1967 as a “Battalion Staff Officer S-2 Intelligence Officer” … in other words … ONE TOUR … IN THE REAR at bases where there were SHOWERS, HOT MEALS, SLEEPING QUARTERS, INCOMING BUNKERS, an O-Club, and lots of real Marines providing security and safety …

DLH
SSgt, US Marine Corps
3 tours in Viet Nam
(9 of 17 campaigns)
1st Anglico; 1st Marines; 3rd Marines; MAG 36
#43

On July 13th, 2007 at 4:58 pm, blacktygrrrr said:

Desert Lover,

I hope many people have said this before me, but add me to the list.

Thank you sir. Thank you, and welcome home.

eric
http://www.blacktygrrrr.wordpress.com
#44

On July 13th, 2007 at 5:05 pm, leepro said:

On July 13th, 2007 at 8:22 am, gregorystephens said:

It’s not likely there will be an apology from Murtha or that he will be censured. Liberals believe you can say anything you want about anyone without any repercussions no matter how vile or inaccurate the comments are.

Correction: “Liberals believe ~~you~~ they can say anything ~~you~~ they want about anyone without any repercussions no matter how vile or inaccurate the comments are.
We (or “you”), on the other hand, cannot.
#45

On July 13th, 2007 at 5:13 pm, DesertLover said:

blacktygrrr,

Thanks … but my war is in the past … and I was fortunate to be able to move forward with my life afterwards … I just get riled at people like Murtha and Kerry trying to make themselves out to be something they are not and were not …

those coming home now are the ones needing to be shown our support and appreciation …

These great servicemen and women serving today deserve our utmost thanks and respect for the job they are doing …

God Bless Them All and God Bless The USA
#46

On July 13th, 2007 at 9:38 pm, Bill DeFelice said:

I would like to know what Murtha is thinking.To deny the basic presepts of our constitution,The presumption of inocense,until proven guilty.Of course he was in S-2,or S-3 back in Da-Nang ‘66.You know what they say about “Military Intelagense”,aint none.
#47

On July 13th, 2007 at 10:12 pm, Tommygun said:

Congressman Murthaf@#$%r’s actions have demonstrated the inherently treasonous nature of his ideological bent, and those that hold it. In my view, that very ideological approach should be viewed as itself treason, and its holders removed from society by law.

This is reality we must deal with, not some lofty theoretical. I am sick of his type. If freedom cannot remove its enemies, freedom cannot work.
#48

On July 14th, 2007 at 1:15 am, hadsil said:

It’s not likely there will be an apology from Murtha or that he will be censured. Liberals believe only they can say anything they want about anyone without any repercussions no matter how vile or inaccurate the comments are.

Corrected for truth to power.
#49

On July 14th, 2007 at 3:20 am, Mojamaiko said:

Hate to say it, but Mad Jack Murtha is a virtual one-man Marine murdering machine …. he needs a real good stomping - in the polls.

Already contributed to “The Marines/Iraq Legal Defense Fund: directed to the Haditha 8″. Bless ‘em all.
#50

On July 14th, 2007 at 8:28 am, misterbee241 said:

Frankly I can’t understand how this guy keeps getting re-elected.

He keeps getting elected the same way Robert Byrd does - he pumps millions of YOUR tax dollars into his district.
#51

On July 14th, 2007 at 9:22 pm, jonathanjfo said:

this bloated gas bag should be removed from office