www.bootmurtha.com
--Rallies show deep divisions
By MIKE FAHER and COLLEEN FREYVOGEL
The Tribune-Democrat
Standing in sweltering heat Thursday along Johnstown’s Main Street, Richland Township resident Mary Goas smiled when asked about U.S. Rep. John Murtha.
“We’re supporting Murtha,” Goas said.
About 100 yards down the street, Tony Kutchma could not hide his contempt at the mention of the Democratic congressman’s name.
“I feel Jack Murtha’s a traitor,” the Adams Township resident said. “His biggest claim to fame is, ‘cut and run.’ ”
Two gatherings occupying the upper end of Main Street on Thursday morning vividly illustrated the increasingly emotional tone of Murtha’s re-election campaign.
There was not much mention of Murtha’s Republican opponent, Washington County Commissioner Diana Irey. Neither Murtha nor Irey was present.
Instead, this day was all about military veterans: Those supporting Murtha, and those advocating his ouster in the wake of the congressman’s repeated calls to pull U.S. troops out of war-torn Iraq.
One rally complete with blaring music and a podium studded with 14 American flags was hastily organized by Murtha backers in response to a news conference held by several local residents affiliated with national group Veterans for the Truth.
Their goal is illustrated by their Internet address: www.bootmurtha.com.
They say Murtha, a Vietnam War veteran, is demoralizing soldiers.
And they claim that the congressman jumped the gun when he publicly criticized Marines who are being investigated in connection with a November massacre in Haditha, Iraq.
“It is obvious that Jack Murtha has no respect for our men and women in uniform,” said Upper Yoder Township resident Craig Minnick, an Iraq war veteran and a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve.
Minnick and another Upper Yoder vet, Harry Beam, have enlisted the help of North Carolina-based Veterans for the Truth to organize an Oct. 1 rally in Central Park.
“We didn’t have the capacity to do this,” Minnick said. “We also realized that this is more than a local, Johnstown issue.”
That much has become clear as Murtha’s comments, along with his persistent criticism of the Bush administration, have attracted supporters and detractors across the nation.
Veterans for the Truth supporters had no choice but to listen to speeches from the other side given the proximity of the Murtha rally.
But Mark Parker, a Veterans for the Truth member and former Johnstown television and radio personality, brushed aside the interruptions.
“We think it’s great. It’s giving us credibility,” Parker said.
“Obviously, they’re worried about what we’re doing.” |
