Slander
John Murtha to get sued again for accusing exonerated Marines of killing “in cold blood” in Haditha. Gateway with the news and the links. Good luck, LCpl. Justin Sharratt, getting it to stick on a member of Congress. There’s the law for us, then there’s the law for them.
They have immunity from defamation suits based on comments made in proceedings or based on committee reports. Publicly stating their opinions outside the halls, vulnerable. Judges will have to sort that out. Here’s a discussion what he said, when, and where. Malkin’s post includes prior posts.
Accusing GIs of murder was a popular pastime for a while there. They’ve been having trouble making it stick, though, and in one astonishing case, the head of a major news network actually had to resign over his irresponsible, unfounded remarks. At this late date, successful slander suit or two still could be an educational experience for pols and the body politic.
More links about Murtha’s slanderous remarks and his election challenge here and here. It’s a terrible thing that the people of Murtha’s district have to be subjected to this during an election, him being called a reckless and irresponsible liar who defamed Marine combat veterans.
But regardless of whether he’s ultimately found to be immune, he is an irresponsible liar who reckelessly defamed Marine combat veterans, so it’s just as well the voters have a chance to take that into consideration. Even though, as Murtha’s campaign notes, that’s not what this election is about:
“This election is about creating jobs, strengthening our economy, and finding solutions to our energy needs. And on these issues, Congressman Murtha is leading the fight both nationally and throughout our region,” the statement read.
OK. As long as its not about slandering Marines in combat. Or trying to lose a war.
Posted by Jules Crittenden at 3:21 pm on Thursday, September 25, 2008
3 Responses to “Slander”
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September 25th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
“This election is about creating jobs, strengthening our economy, and finding solutions to our energy needs. And on these issues, Congressman Murtha is leading the fight both nationally and throughout our region,” the statement read.
No, it’s not. That election is about getting rid of an earmark-loving, crappy, self-serving politician who has been in office far too long, and has no respect for anything but his own earmark-loving, crappy, self-service. Murtha needs to go, along with his partners in crime.
September 25th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
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September 25th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Iraq war veteran Bill Russell is challenging Murtha’s seat. If you’re so inclined, you can contribute to the Russell Brigade here.