The headline caught my attention, because it was so unusual: "Bush Lowers Temperature of Iraq War Debate." If there is anything this administration avoids doing at all costs it is being seen as backing down in any manner. And after the rabid attack-dog response of all Republicans to Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., it seemed like the administration would continue their propaganda attack program.

Rep Murtha was responding to Vice President Dick Cheney's comments earlier last week that Democrats were spouting "one of the most dishonest and reprehensible charges" about the Bush administration's use of intelligence before the war. A known "hawk" and military veteran himself, Murtha uncharacteristically responded to Vice President Dick Cheney's comments with: "I like guys who've never been there that criticize us who've been there. I like that. I like guys who got five deferments and never been there and send people to war, and then don't like to hear suggestions about what needs to be done," referring to Cheney's successful efforts to dodge military service in his youth.

In his speech, which is posted on his web site here, Rep. Murtha outlined a plan:
To immediately redeploy U.S. troops consistent with the safety of U.S. forces.
To create a quick reaction force in the region.
To create an over- the- horizon presence of Marines.
To diplomatically pursue security and stability in Iraq

Although it would be easy to say that subtly is lost on George W. Bush, I suspect the truth is that the president purposely chose to misinterpret Murtha's comments in order to twist them for propaganda use. So even trying to be conciliatory, the president lied about what Murtha said.

"I know the decision to call for the immediate withdrawal of our troops by Congressman Murtha was done in a careful and thoughtful way," the president said. "I disagree with his position."

In fact, there's a big difference between "immediate withdrawal" and "immediately redeploy. . . consistent with the safety of U.S. forces." One is unworkable, the other is reasonable and prudent. What the president is disagreeing with is a carefully planned and executed drawdown of forces in Iraq and redeployment to nearby bases. It is unsurprising that the Bush administration would consider that, though, since very little of the Iraq invasion and occupation can be characterized as carefully planned and executed.

The Republicans, in a transparent attempt to mislead Americans concerning Rep. Murtha's proposal, wrote up a counterproposal to do just what the president said—immediately withdraw troops from Iraq, placing both our trrops and the fragile Iraqi government in jeopardy. Only the Republicans could sponsor such a heinous piece of legislation. It is no surprise that Democrats voted against it, because unlike the Republicans, apparently, the Democrats do not like playing political brinkmanship games with the lives of American troops. It would be nice if the American people could realize that before too many more Americans die in Iraq.