(SNN Washington) Yesterday, Rep. John P Murtha, the top House Democrat on military spending, called for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. This surprised many of Murtha's colleagues.

Murtha is widely known as the Democrat's most hawkish member.

Murtha is widely known as the Democrat's most hawkish member. Murtha is a former Marine, decorated in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Murtha once suggested that the United States go to war with Mexico because "one of them looked at me funny".

In a Capitol news conference, Murtha said, "Our troops have become the primary target of the insurgency." "[Islamic insurgents] are united against U.S. forces, and we have become a catalyst for violence," he said. ". . . It's time to bring them home."

Murtha once suggested that the United States go to war with Mexico

On Tuesday, the Senate rejected a Democratic proposal to require the administration to project dates for a phased withdrawal of troops if conditions permitted.

From South Korea, President Bush told reporters he agrees with Vice President Cheney's view that those who criticize the handling of prewar intelligence are engaged in "dishonest and reprehensible" behavior. It was a rare moment in which Bush was able to put aside his personal cowardice to criticize a decorated Marine. Bush is planning to stay in Asia until it is safe for him to return to the United States.

posted by NewsBlog 5000  # Friday, November 18, 2005