According to some articles I've read, following the same tack that have with everything else, the administration is trying to smear Murtha.

They have contacted military leaders to try to coerse them to publicly make statements condemning Murtha. They have refused.

This is one of my hot buttons with these guys. They have a consistent pattern of attacking the messenger rather then opening a forum to discuss the message. I think it's a symptom of their believe they are the elite. The signing statement, not willing to hear contrary views to their's. It's a despicable pattern, epecially considering that lives are at stake.

When lives are at stake, I think you MUST take the utmost care and take baby steps until you are sure of your strategy. These guys are willing to throw our military into the breach, not caring of the outcome.

>>Recommended reading:
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>>http://www.thenation.com/
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>>You'll spot the important article from Elizabeth Holtzman rather easy I believe.
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>>Dan, the big problem I have with the signing statement is the old "where there's smoke, there's fire". The signing statement is part of Bush's/Cheney's resolve to make the office of the president far stronger. He is acting as if he is king. That is why these powers are not supposed to be in the hands of a small group of people. Because it's just far, far too easy to misuse them.
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>>There's a large chorus, growing larger, that includes all kinds of people calling for major investigations. However, I think many of the republicans currently in power operate from fear. The current administration has demonstrated their willingness to go and destroy people who disagree. They are doing it with Murtha now.
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>Doing what to Murtha? He opened his mouth and had a big ole' bite of foot.
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>Holtzman's off her tree, IMHO - comparing Bush to Nixon is absurd. Tricky Dick was misusing his power to get re-elected - a clear violation of laws and the public trust. If Bush can be accused of anything, it is taking his role as Commander-in-Chief - responsible for national security - seriously.