John Murtha--"Not at the moment."

I read the transcript and watched the videotape regarding John Murtha's meeting with FBI undercover agents during the ABSCAM Investigation. I think all should view it and make up our own minds as to the exact nature of the wrongdoing.

I will say this: Anyone who views this in the context of the way some Bush nominees (including Bolton and Pickering) were treated by democratic committee members over rumors and innuendo and still thinks Murtha should be Majority Leader without further inquiries is outright intellectually dishonest (bythe way, not a word about Murtha's Marine service; Randy Cunningham served his country at least as well and bravely yet still sold out for a few dollars). Also, even if the law did not require it--which it does--why did Murtha not forthwith report what was clearly an attempted bribe?

The New York Times ran a story about a nice little voting flea market Murtha runs from the Hill; Murtha has convicted Marines accused of war crimes, though military tribunals are still investigating and finally today an article from The Hill about Murtha's record for gorging at the defense pork buffet.

This is not about Murtha's war record or love of country. I'm sure Cunningham loves America too. But Democrats over the past six years have set the standard for how we question those who want to serve in powerful positions in government (for instance, Trent Lott).

It's also strange how six months before announcing publicly he would like to be majority leader if the dems took control of congress, he took the nearly identical position on Iraq as Nancy Pelosi, who even then was the Speaker shoe-in for democrats and accepted a "courage award from Code Pink. Not "let's fix it", not "let's find a new direction or strategy" but "let's get out ASAP." If not damning, an interesting coincidence.