There's something to learn from Murtha that has nothing to do with Iraq

[Armstead]

Why did Murtha's attack on Bush's War resonate so much?

Because until that point, he was a war hawk, and an outspoken supporter of the war.

In other words, it was so powerful because it was a real change of heart and a recognition of his previous mistake in supporting the war.

IMO, the Democratic Party ought to take that lesson to heart. It could break the logjam if more Democrats who are perceived as "credible" would come out swinging on otehr issues where they have either supported or lamely refused to come out swinging against the entrenched Corporate Conservative Status Quo.

Think of how powerful it would be if Democrats wwho have either turned a blind eye to the persersion of our economy or who have actively supported it would actually stand up and acknowledge uncomfortable truths and offer real change.

"I thought the neo-liberal 'free-trade' approach to Globalization and Trade would be successful. But I now realize I was wrong, and we have to change course."

"I though that universally available and affordable healthcare would not be practical. But I now realize we have to do this to protect the health of the American people."

"I thought allowing a handful of giant corporations to take over entire sectors of the economy would be good for our country. I was wrong, and we have to forcefully fight to retain real competition and free enterprise against the monopolists."


There's a whole host of issues that could resonate if more Democrats came out on otehr issues like Murtha did on Iraq.

[Toots]

1. It isn't just that Murtha changed his mind it is he has credibility

He has been a very strong voice for the military at all times and he is so now. The military want this fiasco ended and have expressed their desires to Murtha. Murtha is their voice in Congress and has always been so. When he talks it is the military that is speaking and everyone knows it. That is why his voice has resonance.

[stray cat]

3. The key is that no one questions Murtha's stance on the miliatary

You are absolutely right - it isn't that he changed his mind. He wasn't sold on the war even earlier. The key is that he is known as a leader with integrity who has always supported the miliatary and served in it as well. He also is well respected in the military and they tell him things others don't hear. It is his track record that has made him so effective on this issue.

[Time for change]

2. That is so true

A heartfelt statement of change of heart not only has the potential to be politically useful, but I would not want anyone serving as my representative who was not open to a change of opinion.

Unfortunately, openness to major change, though a precious quality, is one that we don't see very often. And to make matters worse, our corporate MSM will pounce on any change of heart in a Democratic politician, to call him/her a flip flopper -- and that fact makes our representatives very hesitant to announce a change of mind.

[drm604]

4. Being willing to change your mind when the facts dictate

is a sign of strength, not weakness. This is the meme that needs to be pushed. Flip-flopping is what the Republicans do when they realize that their lies are no longer working. Adapting to the reality of the situation is what Democrats do when the situation changes or new facts come to light.

[Time for change]

10. Yes, I agree that we ought to push that

Unfortunately, we aren't going to get any assistitance from the MSM. But it's worth a try anyhow.

[ClayZ]

5. Many needed to be re-MIND-ed.

Murtha visits the woulded so often his heart must be broken.... and that is when the "Light" comes in.

[JAbuchan08]

6. I apppreciate Murtha's stance, but it is so f'd up that

the people that the media grant the least credibility to on the war in Iraq are those who were right all along.

[Armstead]

11. That's true, but we have to take -what we can get

It tiz a sad irony that people like Dean and Dennis Kucinich who saw through this from the beginning are not now acknowledged as being the "credible" ones.

But at least the conversions are one way to get the message out.

I just want to see sme conversions on otehr issues, like the f'd up mess that is "free trade" globalization. That -- like Iraq -- was obviously wrong too.

[ninkasi]

7. I think you're right...

As an example, a politician could use the privatization of energy companies, and use California as an example. They could remind us of what advocates of privatization promised, and the horrors that were actually delivered. That could be used as a way to undo some of the worst legislation in U.S. history. I like your idea, Armstead.

[G_j]

8. good points

I suppose it is ironic that a "conservative" Dem is doing this before some of the more "liberal" Dems.

As you say, hopefully it is a lesson for some.

[Cocoa]

9. it works for the party as a whole too

I recall Wesley Clark telling Howard Dean during one of the primary debates, it's a mistake to make the Democrats the antiwar party.

There's some truth to it. As a Russ Feingold supporter, I also realize that Jack Murtha has more power to stop the war than Russ does, because Russ voted against every war, except Afghanistan, since he's been in office, and Murtha has voted for all of them.