Fighting words in Congress

U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-2nd, Ohio's newest member of Congress, has set what may be a record for going to Washington, D.C., and losing sight of her ideals.
Two months ago, Schmidt arrived in the nation's capital after winning a special election to fill an unexpired term. Afterward, she described her first speech from the floor of Congress to her Cincinnati area constituents: "I told my new colleagues how privileged I am for the opportunity to serve with them. I acknowledged that while we may not always agree on the details of our work, I vowed to my colleagues that I would refrain from harsh words, name-calling and the questioning of character."
Friday, Schmidt created a tempest on the floor of the House when she addressed U.S. Rep John Murtha of Scranton, Pa., who has called for an end to deployment of new troops to Iraq and an expedited withdrawal of those now there.
Schmidt said she had gotten a phone call from Ohio state Rep. Danny R. Bubp of West Union, a colonel in the Marine Corps Reserves. "He asked me to send Congress a message: Stay the course. He also asked me to send Congressman Murtha a message, that cowards cut and run, Marines never do."
So much for refraining from harsh words, name-calling and questioning of character.
On second thought ...
The ensuing uproar brought a 10-minute recess, after which Schmidt retracted her comment.
This was a particularly ugly display on the floor of the House, one that in another day might have brought a cane-whipping or a challenge to a duel.
It exposes an arrogance and viciousness that is taking over the politics of the Iraq war.
Murtha is a Marine Corps veteran with 37 years on active duty and in the Reserves. He is a combat veteran of the Korean War and Vietnam. He has two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. How can anyone -- in Congress or out, in the administration or out, veteran or not -- have the gall to suggest that Murtha is a coward?
Murtha has done the country yet another service by bringing a new dimension to the debate over the proper U.S. role in Iraq. The full text of his long and thoughtful statement is available at a number of sites on the Web (including his House site, which can be accessed from www.us.gov).
Murtha shouldn't be vilified for raising questions about administration policy; he should be praised.