Rep. Murtha is dead

[CLANG]

Source: MSNBC

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. John Murtha, an influential critic of the Iraq War whose congressional career was shadowed by questions about his ethics, died Monday. He was 77.

The Pennsylvania Democrat had been suffering complications from gallbladder surgery. He died at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va., spokesman Matthew Mazonkey said.

In 1974 Murtha, then an officer in the Marine Reserves, became the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress. One of Congress' most hawkish Democrats, he wielded considerable clout for two decades as the ranking Democrat on the House subcommittee that oversees Pentagon spending.

Murtha voted in 2002 to authorize President George W. Bush to use military force in Iraq, but Murtha's growing frustration over the administration's handling of the war prompted him in November 2005 to call for an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops.

Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35299741/ns/politics-capitol_hill/

---

This sucks big time!

[CLANG]

1. Rest in peace John...

[RamboLiberal]

2. BREAKING NEWS: Congressman John Murtha Dies At Age 77

Source: KDKA Radio Pittsburgh

Just announced at approx 2:40PM on KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh, PA

Posted: 2:42 pm EST February 8, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman John P. Murtha died Monday at 1:18 p.m. at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, VA.

At his bedside was his family.

Murtha, 77, was Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in February of 1974, Murtha dedicated his life to serving his country both in the military and in the halls of Congress. A former Marine, he became the first Vietnam War combat Veteran elected to the U.S. Congress.

This past Saturday, Murtha became Pennsylvania’s longest serving Member of Congress.

http://www.wjactv.com/news/22500487/detail.html

RIP Congressman Murtha

[Hassin Bin Sober]

3. RIP, Congressman Murtha.

[Blue_In_AK]

4. How very sad.

I always liked his outspokenness about the Iraq War.

[joeybee12]

5. Oh that sucks...RIP

:cry:

[GreenPartyVoter]

6. I am so sorry to hear this. My condolences to his family and friends.

[livetohike]

7. RIP Congressman Murtha

We get the Johnstown news up here in Cooksburg - a very sad day....

[Tailormyst]

12. Another good man gone

Rest in Peace, Sir. You will be missed.

[rfranklin]

48. "Complications?" I believe the doctor punctured his intestine with the laparoscope

Let's get our facts straight, MSM.

[Gormy Cuss]

59. That's a complication.

So are hospital-acquired infections like MRSA.

[SoCalDem]

73. I wonder about all the lapararoscopic surgeries..

I know that the old slice & dice takes longer to heal from, but I have heard of a LOT of people having "oopsies" with the lap surgeries.

My friend just spent 23 hours in two ERs with her elderly brother she cares for.. gallbladder removal via lap surgery..and the "complications" afterward.

they did it at 7 AM, and sent him home at 4 PM the same day, and later that night he started feeling ill..

Instead of keeping him at the hospital where nurses could monitor him, they were on their own..and since he's developmentally delayed. my friend did not dare to just wait it out..(he has a hard time expressing himself), so she lost a day's work and then another staying home after the ER experience, just to make sure he was ok..

[dflprincess]

202. If they didn't keep him in the hospital after the surgery it's probably because

the damn insurance company wouldn't allow it.

There are some procedures that work fine as out patient surgeries, but there are others where you'd think you'd be kept overnight just so people who knew what to do could watch you. My friend's sister also had to go back in the ER after being sent home after gall bladder surgery.

On the other hand I know several people who have had lapararoscopic surgeries and not had any problems (though I don't know how long some of those stayed in the hospital) and that would still be what I'd opt for if I needed the surgery. There are always risks, my uncle died after complications from the traditional "great big incision" gall bladder surgery.

[bdamomma]

74. sounds rather negligent to me nicking his intestine????

[Abq_Sarah]

136. Not really

There is no guarantee for any type of surgery and surgeons often encounter problems that can be compounded by the patient's age and weight.

[NotThisTime]

171. They nicked the bile duct, same thing happened to my DH and ultimately he became septic

Thankfully with a few months full of surgeries and treatment for the eventual sepsis he recovered.... If Bile Duct stones were found it would be even more common for this to have happened to Murtha. It was a lousy few months and my heart goes out to the Murtha family. It's just lousy.... It's also not all that uncommon :(

[still_one]

103. I suspect something like that happened. So sorry for his family /nt

[Name removed]

130. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[spiritual_gunfighter]

133. bye bye

[Name removed]

135. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Joanie Baloney]

138. Ding, ding, ding

Get the hook!

[Abq_Sarah]

139. Scumbag

What do you think this accomplished other than showing you're a hateful son of a bitch?

[Triana]

217. Oh yet ANOTHER quack doctor who murdered someone and will get off scot-free

This seems to be the day for those.

R.I.P. John Murtha. :(

[PoliticalOne65]

146. This is not a good year for the democratic party

Prayers out to his family. He had served a long time.

[farmout rightarm]

8. Damn. Just saw on msnbc...so sorry he was one of the good and COURAGEOUS guys

:cry:

[Hello_Kitty]

9. So sad. A good man who will be missed. eom

[sinkingfeeling]

10. Very sad. The first Nam vet to serve in the House.

[RKP5637]

11. Very sad. He was one of the good guys. n/t

[MrMickeysMom]

210. Yes, he certainly WAS... it was hard to tell, given his hawk background...

... but, in the end of the Bush administration, his devotion to the troops won over allegiance to those monsters in the WH. Murtha took a lot of shit for it, too.

Rest in peace, I salute your life, and join in sadness for your family's loss. We needed you back, John, but it was time to move on.

[LiberalAndProud]

13. A life well lived.

:cry:

[chrisa]

14. RIP

[Uncle Joe]

15. A co-woriker just told me.

RIP Congressman Murtha.:-( :patriot:

[undeterred]

16. 77 years old.

RIP, Jack Murtha, ass-kickin' Democrat.

[Rhiannon12866]

17. Just heard this on MSNBC and came straight to DU...

What a tragedy, thought he was wonderful.:patriot:

I yelled "NO!" at the TV and now my poor dog is all upset, too... ;(

on edit: Forgot what channel I was watching... :crazy:

[FrenchieCat]

18. RIP Congressman Murtha!

[avaistheone1]

19. One of the first congress people to push back against the Bush administration.

John Murtha RIP

[SeattleGirl]

20. Just heard this on Thom Hartmann's show.

Very sad. A peaceful rest to you, John Murtha.

[Mithreal]

22. +1

[OhioChick]

21. RIP n/t

[Dinger]

23. Goddamn, I Just Read That He Was Improving

Sad, sad news.:-(

[tilsammans]

24. RIP, Congressman Murtha

Thank you for your service and dedication to your country and its people. :patriot:

[flakey_foont]

25. R.I.P.

Condolences to family and friends

[onehandle]

26. Godspeed, Soldier. nt

[24601]

44. Please, never, ever call a Marine a Soldier. Marines may want to

be Soldiers, they are not. That term refers uniquely to the Army.

In the United States, there are 5 Military Services and 7 Uniformed Services

The Military Services are (in order of seniority)

Army (Soldiers)
Marine Corps (Marines)
Navy (Sailors)
Coast Guard (Coasties) - not part of DoD, belongs to Homeland Security
Air Force (Airmen)

Then to capture the complete Uniformed Services, you need to add the Commissioned Corps of the

US Public Health Service (The Surgeon General looks like an Admiral), Part of Health & Human Services, and
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Part of the Department of Commerce

[No Elephants]

57. We need a singlular counterpart to "troops." I've used "a troop," but a vet objected.

We need one gender neutral word that means "a member of the United States mititary forces."

[bighart]

63. How about service personel or service member?

Seems to cover it to me.

[razorman]

205. "Trooper" is traditional. "Troop" is used as slang among the soldiers themselves.

[onehandle]

119. Well, I meant well. nt

[onpatrol98]

176. Did fine...

I think you did well.

[cactusfractal]

140. "Marines may want to be soldiers"? LOL

As. If.

[FBaggins]

152. Some soldiers are word-dyslexic.

n/t

[24601]

187. We admire our fellow service members in the more junior military

services - be they Marines, Sailors, Coasties, or Airmen.

We just don't want them called Soldiers.

[WinkyDink]

181. The CG members are called "Guardians" now. Also, it's the DoD in war; HS in peace.

[Jax]

213. I am so glad both of my parents who chose a lifetime of adult military service

born in the twenties, served through Vietnam, never wore their 'service' on their sleeve like you.

You would have never known my Parents served, what branch, they never whined about attention to service whether their service was properly represented or stated or not.

Serve by example in your daily life.

Ugh to your post, EQUAL RIGHTS UNDER THE LAW INCLUDING MILITARY.

[Patsy Stone]

27. RIP -- and thanks for everything, John.

:patriot:

[Recursion]

28. Semper fi, fair winds, and following seas. NT

[winyanstaz]

29. R.I.P. Congressman Murtha

my condolences to the family and friends and to the American People..
We have lost another voice in the halls of Congress that tried to make a difference for us.

[MissDeeds]

30. Sad news indeed

His strong voice will surely be missed. RIP, Congressman Murtha. You will be missed.

K&R

[Plucketeer]

31. RIP soldier!

[24601]

46. Pls see post #44 n/t

[pasto76]

32. Republicans have been salivating for this for a week.

Hopefully my home state of PA will elect a democrat to replace him.

Rest in Peace, Sir.

[RamboLiberal]

62. In that area of PA - I fear a Republican may claim the seat

A lot of Murtha's district is prime tea-party country. Murtha's tenure probably dated back to strong union support - but many of the mills/factory/mine jobs in that area are gone forever. And the fact that Murtha brought a lot of money back to the district because of his strong and long standing in the congress. Since his stance against the Iraq War many Repukes in the district have been gunning to claim the seat.

[happyslug]

163. I doubt it, is is overwhelm Democratic Area.

As you can see from the map, Murtha's District has three main sections, Johnstown and Cambria County, which is heavily Democratic, The Conemaugh-Kiskiminetas River Valley, another heavy ex-coal mining and industry area (And heavily Democratic) and The Monongahela Valley, a old steel making area with extensions into the Coal mining areas of Southern Washington County, Greene County and Fayette County. These three areas are connected by Southern Westmoreland County (The heart of old "Coke" Region, as in the Coke used in Steel making). The District also has extensions into the upper Allegheny Valley and Indiana Pa both heavy Democratic areas.

Indiana Pa, home of Indians University of Pennsylvania is an Democratic/Liberal outposts in a heavily Republican County of Indiana County but most of the County is NOT in Murtha's District. Shuster's 9th District wraps around Murtha's 12th district in Indiana, giving him most of Indiana County and its high number of Republicans, Murtha ended up with heavily Democratic Indiana PA itself and a thin connection to it.

Westmoreland County has a huge GOP base in its Western Sections (Suburbs of Pittsburgh) and its Eastern Center where a lot of old money have had "Farms" for decades. Both of these areas are NOT in Murtha's district, instead was given to the 14th, to make that Distinct easier for a Republican to win. Greensburg went to the 18th not Murtha's District for the Greensburg area is booming (As part of the Suburban Sprawl from Pittsburgh) but Latrobe, just down the Main line of the old Pennsylvania Railroad is in Murtha's District (Through the areas around Latrobe is in the 18th, these are heavily GOP areas).

Washington County is also divided between Murtha and the 18th District, Murtha ended up with the Monongahela River Valley and its huge Democratic Vote, AND the County seat of Washington PA, but the new Suburbs of Pittsburgh in Northern Washington County AND old line Republicans from Southern Washington County were put in the 18th (Which at all cost avoided Greene county and its tendency to vote Democratic, Greene is 100% in Murtha's District).

Yes, Murtha's District is solidly socially conservative area (Anti-abortion and little support, if any, for Gay rights), but also economically progressive (They support Unions, Health Care, Public Education, and expect not only Government services but the taxes to pay for them). Tea-baggers are NOT popular in this area, more popular in the surrounding districts with their higher GOP Numbers. Remember the GOP controlled the State Legislature in 2000 and as such the State GOP made the Congressional Districts and the GOP wanted to strengthen GOP numbers for the 18th, 4th and 9th Districts. They did so by throwing in as many Democrats as they could into the 14th (Doyle Seat, Based in Pittsburgh Itself) and Murtha's 12th District. If you look at the 14th District, it looks like a solid island surrounded by the 18th and 4th Districts. To have a hope of winning either seat the GOP knew it had to get the number of Republicans in both districts closer to 50%. The GOP leadership in the General Assembly did that by putting All of the City of Pittsburgh, the Monongahela Valley in Allegheny County and most of the older Suburbs of Pittsburgh in Doyle's 14th District and then put the most (a little piece to connect the different parts of the 18th) of the Monongahela River Valley outside of Allegheny County in Murtha's District. Even with this maneuvering both the 18th and 4th Districts still had more Democrats then Republicans, but the numbers were so close the GOP felt they could win them.

The whole maneuvering in the 2000 General Assembly was an effort to make two GOP districts out of Western PA, the 18th and the 4th. As to the 4th this policy worked till the election of 2006, when Democratic Jason Atmire won the seat. The 18th has stayed with a GOP Congressmen.

Just comments that I doubt Murtha's District will go GOP, it is hard for a Republican to win the District, it is a lot easier for a Democrat to say he is Anti-Abortion and Anti-Gay Rights AND pro-military (and to be believed) then a Republican to say he is pro-union, pro-health care, pro- Social Security, and pro-Government services. It is believed he did NOT get 60% of the vote in 2008 was do to his comment that many of his constitutes would have a problem voting for a black candidate (And he was right). The GOP hoped on that argument while running an ex-military officer against Murtha (while Murtha's total less then 60% of the Vote, an argument can be made it was because the Democrats saw both Obama and Murtha winning and thus why vote, then that big swing to the GOP).

[FBaggins]

206. No... it really isn't.

It was drawn in a way that supported Murtha, but would have been competitive with any other (i.e., non-incumbent) Democrat. It's got a PVI of R+1

To make matters worse, there's already a well-funded republican in the race and now there will be a vote in May. Not much time for a Democrat to get up and running, and a loss means the opposition has the incumbent in Nov (as well as one more notable Democratic seat flipping).

[happyslug]

219. You do NOT understand Western PA where I live

Murtha matched the district nicely, he was conservative on Social Issues and progressive on Economic Issues (and pro-military). The scale you site relies to heavily on Social Issues and has a tendency to ignore tradition. In This part of Pennsylvania it is traditional to vote Democratic (Further east the tradition is Republican BUT not the opposite is the case in Western Pennsylvania AND Western Pennsylvania has been Democratic since the days of Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson). As to Social Issues this area is conservative, Murtha's Catholicism matched the area quite well.

The only serious contender he ever had was after the 2000 census when the then GOP controlled General Assembly redrew ALL the Congressional districts to make at least two of the Seats in Western PA capable of being won by the GOP. While the GOP could NOT cut out Murtha from his District (Johnstown and its older suburbs are to heavily Democratic to do that), the GOP did put Mascara's garage (Which is across the street from his home) in Murtha's District while Mascara home was in the Mascara's 18th (Redrawn heavily to make it more pro-GOP). Looking at the number and his lost of Greene County, Mascara decided it would better to challenge Murtha in the Murtha's Redrawn District, then the then more pro-GOP 18th district (Which the GOP did pick up, Mascara did support the Democratic Candidate in that election in his old District). The reason for that decision is both Murtha and Mascara portrayed themselves as Working Class People and the re-drawn 18th had a lot more Upper Middle Class People who disliked Murtha's and Mascara's attitude to free trade (Both were against it) and Unions (Both are pro-union).

No, the GOP can run and maybe even win Murtha's District, but if the Democrats put up a viable candidate he will be the man to beat NOT the GOP candidate (i.e. the Democrat will have an advantage over the Republican from day one of everything else is equal). Cambria County, Green County and the Monongahela Valley are to heavily Democratic for the GOP to win those areas, and the GOP leaning areas do NOT have the population. A pro-abortion Candidate will lose the district so it will have to be a Anti-Abortion Democrat and a Anti-Gun Control Democrat, but those are common in this area so Murtha's seat is safely in the hands of the Democratic Party.

[FBaggins]

220. Living there isn't a magic talisman.

The demographics of the district are available outside the state.

As I posted up-thread, the seat moved from solid-D to tossup within hours of the Congressman's passing. The district went for McCain even in a solidly Democratic year. This isn't looking like a Democratic year. That may change, but it won't change by May.

the Democrat will have an advantage over the Republican from day one of everything else is equal

Everything else isn't equal. The republicans already have their candidate and he had already raised more money than Murtha. Democrats need to get a candidate and a campaign up and running... and the election is just 2-3 months away instead of nine.

A pro-abortion Candidate will lose the district so it will have to be a Anti-Abortion Democrat and a Anti-Gun Control Democrat

Which means that while the republican is bringing in "Scott Brown" levels of financing from around the country, Democrats nationally will not be as willing to ante up.

Nope... there's no reason to assume that the seat is necessarily lost, but to presume that it's "safely in our hands" is unfortunately naive. Maybe someone like Mark Singel could lean the race toward us, but...

[happyslug]

222. The District Went for McCain, for the same reason it prefer Hillary to Obama

Even Murtha admitted his district has a lot of Rednecks in it. Had Hillary been the Candidate instead of Obama, Hillary would have won his District. We have a lot of racists in my district who will always prefer a white person over a black person and that was enough for Obama to lose this district, while Murtha won it with 58% of the vote (And that was low, for a lot of people presumed Murtha was going to win so did not turn out to vote).

Many people in my area took offense to Obama speech (a Private Speech to campaign donors, but was captured and released by the GOP) where he called people in rural areas of this country, Church going and gun clinging rednecks (The exact phase escapes me but it did hurt him in Western PA). The Democratic Party will NOT select a Candidate who is NOT Anti-Abortion, Anti-Gun Control and pro-union. Three areas where Obama was viewed as weak on in Western Pennsylvania. If you want an abortion supporting, gun control supporting Congressmen, such a candidate will clearly lose Murtha's district, but none of the Local Democrats are Pro-Abortion and pro-Gun Control so it is a minor problem. Please note Murtha is NOT a Blue dog Democrat, he is to far left on Economic Issues to be be Blue Dog, as is his District. The GOP looks at the District as a good one they can pick up if they select a moderate Candidate (and one who keeps his month shut on Free Trade, Union Card Check off, and other economic issues popular in Southwestern PA but opposed by the GOP on the National Level). Is is possible for the GOP to pick up the seat? yes, is it probable, not in my opinion.

[cowman]

33. Damn another

brother Vietnam Vet has passed away, RIP John, condolences to his family

[madmax]

34. RIP Senator Murtha .

[Rhiannon12866]

35. ABC News Link: Rep. John Murtha, Iraq War Critic, Dies at 77

Pa. Congressman John Murtha, a key critic of the Iraq war, dies at age 77

U.S. Rep. John Murtha, an influential critic of the Iraq War whose congressional career was shadowed by questions about his ethics, died Monday. He was 77.

The Pennsylvania Democrat had been suffering complications from gallbladder surgery. He died at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va., spokesman Matthew Mazonkey said.

In 1974 Murtha, then an officer in the Marine Reserves, became the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress. One of Congress' most hawkish Democrats, he wielded considerable clout for two decades as the ranking Democrat on the House subcommittee that oversees Pentagon spending.

Murtha voted in 2002 to authorize President George W. Bush to use military force in Iraq, but Murtha's growing frustration over the administration's handling of the war prompted him in November 2005 to call for an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops.

"The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion," he said.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=9779550

[CaliforniaPeggy]

36. Rest in Peace...

We have lost one of the really good ones, damn it.

[LynneSin]

37. It sucks because that district was made for Republicans...

and I have a feeling we'll see a republican take over his seat.

:cry:

Although I did not agree with Murtha's stance on choice (he was fiercely anti-choice) I did respect the fact that he would come out so early against the war. He will be missed dearly!

[Freddie Stubbs]

60. No, it was made for Murtha

Murtha actually threatened to not run for reelection if the Republicans did not redraw their first proposal. They complied because he was so skilled in bringing federal funds to PA. It leans Republican but can swing either way. Kerry actually carried the district in 2004 and was was a virtual tie in 2008.

The district is quite capable of electing a socially conservative Democrat, but the problem is that there is already a Republican running who has raised over $2 million.

[FBaggins]

108. It was drawn for a Republican to replace Murtha

Reasonably safe for him (long-term incumbent), but not a safe "D" by any stretch. They crafted it so that when he retired it would be a pick-up for them (they had to assume that he would retire within a few years)

the problem is that there is already a Republican running who has raised over $2 million.

Yep. Charlie Cook has already moved the seat from solid D to tossup (one would think that he could wait 24hrs out of respect... but oh well).

[wisteria]

83. You are right- RW radio is thrill with this opening. They will finally get a RWger to hold this

position. Unless, we have an exceptional Democrat running.

[FVZA_Colonel]

190. Is there anyone the Democrats could be considering?

[Spazito]

38. Very sad news...

I remember when he spoke out forcefully against bush.

[zonkers]

39. Murtha, you attacked Bush and the war early on with passion and ferocity. Rest in Peace.

[Dulcinea]

40. RIP Congressman Murtha.

Thank you for fighting the good fight for the people of SW PA for so long. :patriot:

[peace13]

41. So sad. Thank you for your service.

May you rest in peace.

[BumRushDaShow]

Wow.

That news just took my breath away. R.I.P.

[hlthe2b]

42. Oh, NO!

I shed tears for someone I never knew, never met, but who made a big impact when he put himself and his heroic service record on the line and opposed Bush*s never-ending illegal war in Iraq. RIP, Sir. You deserve it.

[CLANG]

43. Thank you Congressman!

"The war in Iraq is not going as advertised. It is a flawed policy wrapped in illusion"
Rep. John Patrick Murtha, Pennsylvania

[RedRoses323]

45. RIP

Our lost - Heavens gain......;(

[Name removed]

47. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[rasputin1952]

49. RIP Congressman...

You fought the good fight...:patriot:

[No Elephants]

50. Cue the Abscam rehash.

The night Senator Kennedy died, all we in Massachusetts heard was Chappaquiddick. You'da thought it happened days earlier.

[gauguin57]

65. I was just gonna say the same thing. Fox will have an Abscam-a-thon all evening.

As will the MSM ... those military contractors don't like guys who diss a happy little war (that's lining their pockets).

[FailureToCommunicate]

88. RIP John Murtha.

[guitar man]

51. RIP Rep Murtha

Semper Fi :patriot:

[kestrel91316]

52. RIP Rep. Murtha. We salute you - job well done

[jannyk]

53. Oh No. I read yesterday he was doing better. I am shocked and saddened. nt

[motely36]

54. RIP John Murtha

[truthisfreedom]

55. RIP sir. You will be sorely missed.

At ease.

[Deep13]

56. He was a true patriot and a Marine who never cut and run.

:cry: :patriot:

[liberal N proud]

58. Big loss for the State of Pennsylvania and the country

Rest In Peace John.

[SpookyCat]

61. :( RIP John. N/T...b/c I don't have words.

[City Lights]

64. So sad. RIP, Rep. Murtha.

:cry:

:patriot:

[totodeinhere]

66. Godspeed to you John. You will be missed.

Thank you for telling the truth about shrub's illegal war. And thank you for your brave service to this country as a proud marine.

[penndragon69]

67. At EASE Marine !!

You are Dismissed.
And THANK YOU John.

[Mad_Dem_X]

100. For some reason, this made me cry.

:cry:

[DesertFlower]

68. RIP. nt

[Dappleganger]

69. Thank you for your service, Sir.

You'll be sorely missed. :(

[Renew Deal]

70. Sad to hear that

:cry:

[mod mom]

71. rest in peace.

[bdamomma]

72. so sad he will be missed.

:-(

[myrna minx]

75. RIP. n/t

:-(

[The_Commonist]

76. Rest in Peace, Congressman.

My condolences to his family...

[Rick Myers]

77. Godspeed

[DainBramaged]

78. may he rest in peace. God speed John, Godspeed.

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[wisteria]

79. You are right- it sucks big time. The Repubs in my area are all excited and thrilled about his death

They figure they can now get a Repub to fill this seat.
But, besides this I will be praying for his family. May he rest in peace. I am sorry very sorry to hear about his death.

[pleah]

80. RIP Very sad.

[Zambero]

81. A true profile in courage

Thank you for telling us the truth at a time when it needed to be told. Your sense of patriotism wasn't defined by slogans, it was defined by your actions.

[Number9Dream]

82. Condolences to Rep. Murtha's family

A thank you for his service to the United States and to his constituents.

[Soylent Brice]

84. .

[AnnieBW]

85. Oh, no!

RIP, Rep. Murtha. You will be fondly remembered by Western Pennsylvanians.

:patriot:

[DonCoquixote]

86. Condolences

to his family, and to Pennsylvania

[DonCoquixote]

87. I wonder when

The Teabaggers start claiming that their prayers made this happen.

[tomm2thumbs]

89. well actually

perhaps as successful as the same prayers that got McCainPalin into the White House


oops, how did that go for them
so much for that 'God is on our side' rhetoric

[Botany]

90. Sleep well John

[tomm2thumbs]

91. safe passage and rest in peace

[Xenotime]

92. What?!? Nooooo... We needed him....

[Name removed]

93. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Botany]

95. Enjoy

[quiller4]

97. Frankly I don't give a damn. I'm sorry he is dead. He fought well by

the rules of the House to which he was elected. Frankly, I'm no supporter of some of the reform efforts and am quite happy with his methods and their results. I think some of our "reforms" from the 1970s only made people more distant from their elected officials. I don't oppose earmarks and I think we ought to bring back some kinds of patronage so that people have a direct stake in who they elect.

I have more use for Murtha and Daley than some of our modern day "heroes".

[texastoast]

112. Mmmmmmmmmm

Not from around here, now are ye?

If it's ties to lobbying groups that bother you, why in the hell are you hitting on a guy who served this country so well, putting his life at risk? Why not take on some real puke scum instead? The pukes who flaunt the Constitution in your face?

OMG, earmarks for campaign contributors? What? You don't like the playing field? Then why don't YOU support campaign reform or even better now, a constitutional amendment that defines a PERSON as someone possessing DNA?



Screen door. Ass. You. Put it together.

[FailureToCommunicate]

118. There is a time and a place for that...but now is not that time.

[redwitch]

151. You Sir, suck.

I will enjoy YOUR untimely demise here at DU.

[tekisui]

94. Rest well Rep. Murtha.

[MrScorpio]

96. RIP, Congressman Murtha

Semper Fi

[Faygo Kid]

98. Ohmigod. Just broken hearted here; FReepers triumphant.

A brave man. A great Marine. And no doubt the FReepers are rejoicing at his death.

I will fight them until my last breath.

[Name removed]

111. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[galledgoblin]

122. says the freeper with nothing better to do than troll websites.

:rofl:

[texastoast]

131. +10 n/t

[Name removed]

134. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

153. Got a mirror?

Next question. Do you have a reflection?

[The Doctor.]

164. When a number of assholes rejoice at the death of a man

who served his country in uniform just because he was 'on the other side', then they are basically inhuman scum, pernicious children, and/or craven hypocrites.

Take your pick.

The conscientious Americans, many of whom are liberal, are fighting to save this nation from the ignorance and recklessness of of the 'sport's fan' mentality crowd... those being mostly 'conservatives'.

They don't want what's best for the nation, and they've proven it. They cheer when things go wrong for the 'other side', even when it screws everyone. Obama didn't get the Olympics, the fucking assholes rejoiced over it! Thousand of jobs, hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars for a region in America... and those repulsive freepers and dittoheads celebrated.

We're dealing with people that care more about scoring points than they do about their own country.

Trying to save America from these morons is more than a hobby... it's a mission.

[AwakeAtLast]

168. You've been hiding out for a long time

Too much sunlight today? :eyes:

[totodeinhere]

141. Don't worry about that. What the freepers think is irrelevant. n/t

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

143. FReepers triumphant?

Did the FReepers have anything to do with his death?
Has his replacement in congress aready been delegated to the GOP?

[Wabbajack_]

155. The district is competive

It went narrowly to McCain after going narrowly to Kerry in 2004.

[Mad_Dem_X]

99. Sad news...may he rest in peace. n/t

[AllyCat]

101. No!!! Thank you for fighting for us Mr. Murtha, both on the battlefield

and in the Congress. You will be missed.

[sonias]

102. My condolences to his family

May Representative Murtha rest in peace.

Sonia

[NotThisTime]

104. Just read this, can't believe it :( Such a good man... RIP such a tragedy.....

[conturnedpro09]

105. Godspeed, Marine! RIP.

:patriot:

[Ardent15]

106. RIP, Rep. Murtha

Condolences to your family and friends.

[beac]

107. RIP.

:patriot:

[Richd506]

109. RIP John Murtha

:(

[NuttyFluffers]

110. rest in peace, US Rep Murtha.

O8)

[derby378]

113. Rest in peace, John

We will miss you dearly. :cry:

[Democat]

114. Rest in Peace

Thank you for years of service.

It should be noted that events like this are why the Republicans are laughing at Obama and his "let's wait until the Republicans are ready to join us" bullshit. They are running out the clock until they take back Congress or the Senate, and Obama is playing right along.

[Name removed]

149. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[orbitalman]

115. A TREMENDOUS Loss nt

[Oldtimeralso]

116. K & R and sadly I am # 100

RIP Jack

[IndianaGreen]

117. Whoa! I wasn't expecting this to happen!

RIP John!

:-(

[Vidar]

120. RIP Rep. Murtha.

[BillyBilly]

121. RIP and thank you for your service, Marine

NM

[Bitwit1234]

123. I cannot believe this...Boehner said he will be missed that he was

one of the most influential advocates for veterans. He praised Murtha. Damn he must be a good man if the republicans are praising him...I really liked him. He came out and said what he thought. A lot like Franken.

[AwakeAtLast]

169. May he Rest in Peace

and may his family find comfort.

:patriot:

[Odin2005]

124. OMG!!! I thought he was getting better.

:cry:

[usregimechange]

125. RIP John

[shadowknows69]

126. .

Good journey soldier.

[Irishonly]

127. Really Sad

RIP. Congressman Murtha

[jwirr]

128. RIP

[DoBotherMe]

129. Ooh, so sad

I loved watching him during his passionate 2005 speeches. He will be missed. Dana ; )

[graywarrior]

132. RIP, dude.

[Rhiannon12866]

137. WP Link: John Murtha dead at 77; longtime Pennsylvania congressman (Includes Photo Gallery)

By Martin Weil and Carol D. Leonnig
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, February 8, 2010; 4:27 PM

Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.), 77, a Vietnam veteran who staunchly supported military spending and became a master of pork-barrel politics, died today at Virginia Hospital Center following gallbladder surgery last month.

Elected to Congress in 1974 from a southwestern Pennsylvania district that has been economically devastated by the decline of America's coal-mining and steel industries, the gruff and jowly Murtha was beloved by his constituents for tapping billions of dollars in federal funds to seed new industries there.

He was revered among Democrats -- and even some Republicans -- for his skill over 19 terms in using the power of the federal purse to make kings and deals. A right-hand man of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, he was considered one of the most influential lawmakers on Capitol Hill and credited with her ascension.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/08/AR2010020802352.html?hpid=topnews

[happyslug]

142. The day after he became the longest serving Congressman in history

More from the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat:
http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_039165410.html

Yes, Johnstown is going into mourning, if no one else misses Murtha we will for he did a lot of good for this town.

From his official web site:
http://www.murtha.house.gov/index.html?option=com_content&task=view&id=351&Itemid=59

[tonysam]

144. RIP n/t

[Crabby Appleton]

145. RIP, Congressman Murtha

[Tommy_Carcetti]

147. A brave man, both on and off the battlefield.

May he rest in peace.

[enlightenment]

148. Oh, no.

How very sad.
Solicitations to his family.
:(

[tango-tee]

150. Godspeed. That hurts.

n/t.

[d_b]

154. RIP Congressman

:patriot:

[Loki]

156. Soldier, at ease, your tour of duty is over.

May you rest in peace and your family find comfort in what you accomplished in your life.

[knitter4democracy]

157. Memory eternal and Semper Fi.

What a huge loss. :(

[Jefferson23]

158. What sad news, my condolences to the family.

[bigscott]

159. RIP

my condolences to his family and friends

[westerebus]

160. And if

the Army or Navy should ever gaze on Heaven's scene.

They will see the streets are guarded by

United States Marines.

Murtha just reported for duty.

Carry on, Marine.

[601Liberal]

161. RIP

You were great

[Oceansaway]

162. R.I.P......n/t

[onestepforward]

165. RIP Congressman Murtha.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

166. RIP Jack

My Dad, and many other family members that were in the miltary, were served well by you.

Goodbye and Thank You.

:cry:

[berni_mccoy]

167. Rest in peace now sir.

[Bluzmann57]

170. R.I.P. Rep Murtha

Sad news indeed.

[femmocrat]

172. R.I.P. Congressman Murtha.

:patriot: :cry:

He was my congressman for many years. I knew some of his family members when we lived in his district. He was a great representative for a chronically economically distressed area. I hope and pray the repuke vultures don't swoop in to take his seat.

[superconnected]

173. RIP Rep. Murtha.

Sad day.

[JNelson6563]

174. Thank you Congressman Murtha!

RIP dear sir! :patriot:

[jmowreader]

175. He never cut and run.

I want that sentence to be spoken at his service. "He never cut and run."

Because he didn't.

[hatesthegop]

177. RIP

Loved how he took on the Iraq War and went after shrub...

[WillyT]

178. RIP John...

:grouphug:

[Lady President]

179. RIP

Thank you. :patriot:

[DarthDem]

180. RIP and Semper Fi.

Sad. I didn't always agree with him, but sad.

:patriot:

[TheCentepedeShoes]

182. RIP. This is very sad n/t

[EmeraldCityGrl]

183. Murtha was a good man not soon forgotten. RIP

[patrice]

184. Blessings on him and his family.

[Ohio Joe]

185. RIP - nt

[proteus_lives]

186. RIP and Godspeed Marine.

:patriot:

You did your duty, may you know nothing but peace and honor from now on.

[LisaL]

188. He died from complications of routine surgery.

Apparently his intestines were nicked during surgery.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/02/08/john.murtha.obit/index.html?hpt=T1

[FailureToCommunicate]

228. I just went in hospital to be told I needed this surgery. After much thought, I declined and

took my sorry behind out of the hospital. I know I might have to have this done someday, but suddenly I am feeling better about NOT having it done. Yes, I know the statistics and yes,I know doctors are human, but still, when it's your life on the line, well, it pays to consider very very carefully...

[cecilfirefox]

189. RIP Congressman. Thank you for all of your service to our country.

[lupinella]

191. A toast for a hero

The world mourns for our loss of him.

[JustAnotherGen]

192. Poor guy

I called him back in 2005. . . and actually got him. I was giving him props for having a big mouth at 7:00 a.m., called his PA office, and got the guy. Thanked him for speaking up.

Very sad this evening at the loss of the old curmudgeon. :-(

[senseandsensibility]

193. RIP and thank you for your service

:patriot:

[alp227]

194. This is so sad. I was attending computer engineering class when he died.

I just got home and visit DU, and THIS is the top story? Sucks sucks sucks so sad.

:cry:

Next thing you know, there'll be yet ANOTHER Scott Brown. I've heard that Murtha's district went for McCain in 2008.

[David Zephyr]

195. Murtha cracked the stone in Bush's war credibility when he spoke out against it.

R.I.P.

[unkachuck]

196. RIP Old Warrior....you were one of the 'good ones'....n/t

[cindyperry2009]

197. Sorry to hear that

what a sad thing.

[one_voice]

198. Condolences to his family.

May he have peace at the end of his journey.

[Highway61]

199. How very sad

The man had courage. Safe passage sir.

[Libertas1776]

200. Rest in Peace old soldier...

you did your nation proud. :patriot:

[geckosfeet]

201. RIP

[humbled_opinion]

203. Sad Day...

I served on the USS Bonhomme Richard LHD 6. It was sponsored by John Murtha and Cristened by his wife. I personally met him and his wife at the christening cermony. Nice personable grandfatherly man. He did great service for his country and he will be missed in the Halls of Congress. May he RIP.

[Historic NY]

204. Semper FI, RIP.

:patriot:

[schrodinger_I]

207. RIP Congressman Murtha

You will be missed!

[GoddessOfGuinness]

208. Rest in Peace Rep Murtha...

Thank you for your service to your country.

So sad...

[D23MIURG23]

209. He will be missed. He was one of the good ones.

[TwentyFive]

211. RIP. John Murtha accomplished more in life than most ever dream about.

He's gone to a better place, full in his knowledge that he led an amazing life here.

[annm4peace]

212. What a great hero and a nice man. He did a fundraiser for Coleen Rowley

He did a fundraiser for Coleen Rowley when she ran for office.
He was very approachable and very sweet.

How horrible he died due to a simple mistake.

[Gemini Cat]

214. Rest in Peace Congressman Murtha!

[DesertDiamond]

215. Oh no. I feel the loss of him.

[Loudmxr]

216. Wow some of you are sounding like Freepers.

I was just over there looking for their reaction to Miss Sarah's Limbaugh ass kissing and the bile they were spewing toward Murtha. Oh my!!

He was the king of DOD pork. They should have liked that.

He was a courageous Marine. They should have honored that.

But NOOOOOOO!!!

Pat Buchanan has this quote he does when someone dies that sounds so good coming out of an Irishman. "When the Lord lays his hand on a man I take mine off."

However no RIP. I think the good Lord gave us struggle for a reason. In the next life we will have other struggles so we can grow. So fight on!! Enjoy the company of your brothers in arms. Peace.

[NecklyTyler]

218. RIP Congressman Murtha

John Murtha was an Honorable Marine

John Murtha was an Honorable Congressman

John Murtha was an Honorable Democrat

John Murtha was a good human being

RIP John Murtha

[madmom]

221. RIP Senator ...(but could people let politics go for one day to mourn your passing) sigh :(

[McCamy Taylor]

223. So sad.

[spandexfantastic]

224. R.I.P.

brother soldier.

[M155Y_A1CH]

225. An 100% American

RIP

[Trillo]

226. Thank you, Sir!

RIP

[HughMoran]

227. That sucks

He was a good guy.

[Macoy]

229. RIP Congressman Murtha

rest in peace, you will be missed


Mac