Congressman Murtha, who had recently undergone gall gall bladder surgery has died to day at 77. Apparently, his intestine was cut during the surgery (http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0210/32375.html), and as of yesterday was reportedly responding well. My condolences to the Murthas and I honor your service to our country.

With that said, it didn't take long for WaPo to run down his list (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/08/AR2010020802352.html?hpid=topnews) of ethics problems. Gosh, even I'd say give him and his family a break for the moment. RIP.

I have known instances where someone contracted blood poisoning from a hole in the intestines and it did not look like a pleasant way to go. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family .

As you know I have been as big a critic of CONGRESSMAN Murtha as there is .

I chose to mention his service to the country at the outset .

He served in the Marines for 37 years in active duty and as a reservist .He retired as a Colonel .
In Vietnam he was awarded a Bronze Star with a combat V , 2 Purple Hearts ,a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and a Navy Distinguished Service Medal.
When asked about his service in the Vietnam war he said... I thought it was important that we stood up to communism," ..... "And if the Congress and the president said it was the right war, I thought it was the right war."

I should just shut up here before I mention things like the Congressional fact finding mission he went on to Vietnam after U.S. forces had been withdrawn. It was based on this groups recommendations that the US withdrew support for South Vietnam condemning them to takeover by the Communist... etc.