In America (like in Europe) Dissension is a 'right'
Turmoil on Capitol Hill this week reminded us of how the English Parliament acts during sessions when there are controversial subjects being discussed. Sometimes the hollering and hooting is so loud, the voice of the speakers are drowned out by the dissention.
This week in Washington, when Rep. Jean Schmidt, a Republican from Ohio, directing comments towards Rep. John Murtha, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, uttered the words "cowards cut and run, Marines never do," reaction from both sides of the aisle was swift and loud. The angry reaction to Schmidt's even using the word "coward" in any reference to Rep. Murtha, who supported Presidents Reagan's policies in South America and former President Bush in the Gulf War, has been very supportive of military actions, and admittedly under pressure from the White House, did support this action in Iraq. However, he began questioning the invasion when no weapons of mass destruction were found during the first few weeks of the war. President Cheney led the war on words against Murtha. "The President and I cannot prevent certain politicians from losing their memory...or their backbones," he said of Murtha's remarks.
For those who have made questioning the war in Iraq an act of cowardice and treason, John Murthas comments should be a wake up call. Maybe if they quit throwing stones long enough to wonder why a proclaimed "hawk" is now questioning that military action, it might open a healthy debate on the issue.
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