Published: October 01, 2006 11:22 pm      

Murtha opponents: Time for 'redeployment'

Nearly 1,000 people, many of them military veterans, blasted U.S. Rep. John Murtha’s stance on the Iraq war and questioned his patriotism Sunday at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena.

The “Boot Murtha” rally, held one day after a pro-Murtha event in Central Park, featured speakers who all had the same message.

David Beamer – whose son, Todd, helped lead the passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 that crashed near Shanksville on Sept. 11, 2001 – called for voters to send the longtime congressman into retirement.

“It’s time for you to redeploy to Johnstown as a private citizen,” Beamer said of Murtha.

“(Murtha’s) plans are flawed, his positions are divisive, and his current and past activities will catch up with him,” Beamer told the crowd. “I wish (Murtha) peace and security with your family during your retirement.”

“Boot Murtha” supporters accused Murtha of using the military and the Iraq war for his own political gain.

Murtha has said he hopes to be named House majority leader if the Democrats can win back majority in the November elections.

Harry Beam, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and decorated Vietnam veteran who lives in Upper Yoder Township, helped organize the rally.

Beam said that while the pro-Murtha rally featured Gov. Ed Rendell and other officials, the “Boot Murtha” guests were “ordinary citizens with extraordinary experiences.”

Many times during the rally, chants of “Boot Murtha!” and “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Jack Murtha’s got to go!” echoed through the arena.

Absent from the event was Murtha’s political opponent, Republican Washington County Commissioner Diana Irey, who told The Tribune-Democrat on Saturday that she was not involved with the anti-Murtha group.

“Diana is here somewhat in spirit,” Beam told the crowd, many of them wearing Irey buttons. “Some laws prohibit her from being here, and it really would not be smart of her to (attend).”

Event co-chairman Craig Minnick, who lives in Johnstown and is an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, said there was one major difference between the two rallies.

“We’re right!” Minnick said, adding that he considers it his duty as a veteran to defend the troops. “That’s why I’m doing this.”

Two of the speakers were fathers whose sons died in action in Iraq, and who have called for voters to replace Murtha in the 12th district.

Gregg Garvey, who lost his oldest son, Justin, understands the sacrifice the military requires.

“All these young men are cut from the same piece of cloth,” Garvey said during his memorial service invocation. He also said Marines imprisoned for alleged war crimes in Iraq should be freed.

“We should let them out of prison, hang a medal on them and send them out to be recruiters,” Garvey said.

John Wroblewski, whose son, J.T., died in Iraq, said his son loved God, his family and wife, his country and the Marines.

“He was destined to be a Marine for life,” Wroblewski said. “I have nothing but proud memories of my son. I looked up to him and wanted to be him. He was my hero.”

Wroblewski said the war has become personal for his family. He says America is winning the war and has liberated more than 15 million people in Iraq.

“I acknowledge that Murtha is a veteran,” Wroblewski said. “But I cannot give Murtha a pass for serving in the military.

“I ask that when you go to the polls ... vote for those who support our troops, and those who want us to win,” he added.

Terry Pennington’s son, Rob, is being housed in a Marines Corps brig in Camp Pendleton, Calif., for alleged war crimes. Rob Pennington is among those being investigated in the deaths of Iraqi civilians in Haditha in the spring.

“I got a phone call,” Pennington said. “My son was calling from the brig, telling me he was being charged with war crimes.

“My son and others are in jail because of the comments of John Murtha, and the overreaction by the U.S. government.”

Rally attendees accused Murtha of being a traitor.

“I think he’s guilty of treason,” said Grace Mack of Armagh. “Every word he speaks is encouragement for the enemy.”

John Polinsky of Windber agreed, adding that Murtha’s comments are politically motivated.

“I’m here for the support of the troops,” Polinsky said. “(Murtha’s) support for the troops just isn’t there. What he’s doing is more for political gain.”

Heather Johnson of Hollsopple wore an Irey campaign button and called for the government to stay in Iraq until the insurgents are defeated.

“I want to see this (war on terror) finished so we don’t leave it for the next generation,” Johnson said.

Dylan Johnson, her 15-year-old son, had a simple message for voters in the 12th Congressional District.

“Murtha’s got to go,” Dylan said. “He’s been in office for too long.”