'Phony soldiers' comments continue to roil Iraq war debate

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This week, it was the Democrats' turn to wage all-out noisefare after Limbaugh made his "phony soldiers" remark during an exchange with a caller Sept. 26.

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"This is why people hate politics in America and why they are so desperate for a change," said former GOP pollster Frank Luntz, a consultant for Fox News Network. "Everyone is looking for the political advantage. Everyone is looking for a story they can use to beat the other guy over the head."

Congress debated drafting a resolution condemning Limbaugh's remarks, as it did last week with Moveon.org's Petraeus ad. In his blog for the Congressional Quarterly, Craig Crawford, a news analyst for NBC, MSNBC, and CNBC, commented that this is what happens when "there is no overwhelming majority to take a firm stand about anything substantial regarding the war in Iraq."

Both sides in the Senate war debate seem to be searching for surrogates to argue about, since neither can muster enough votes for a clear position on George W. Bush's war agenda.

Indeed, many prominent officials have entered the debate. Former 2004 Democratic presidential candidate and former four-star general Wesley Clark has started a petition to remove Limbaugh's show from Armed Forces Radio. In his blog on the Huffington Post, General Clark called on readers to join him in telling "Congress to act swiftly to hold Rush Limbaugh accountable."

It's time to put real pressure on Rush Limbaugh. His show is broadcast on Armed Forces Radio, and this time we are going to go straight to the lifeblood of Rush's show – Congress. Congress has the power to remove Rush Limbaugh from Armed Forces Radio, and it won't be as easy for elected officials to ignore our call.

Tax dollars are used to fund Armed Forces Radio, and that money is not intended for radio show hosts to spout insults at our soldiers. These "phony soldiers" have simply exercised their right to free speech, as Rush Limbaugh does on a daily basis. Simply because a majority of our troops who return from Iraq disagree with Rush on Bush's failed war policy does not give him the right to dishonor their service.

Unlike Rush Limbaugh, members of Congress cannot casually brush off the concerns of citizens. Since Rush won't listen to us, we're going directly to Congress, who can prevent him from disrespecting and censoring the voices of our soldiers.

Some Republicans have come out in favor of Limbaugh, noting his longtime support of the troops. In response to a letter from Senate majority leader Harry Reid (D) of Nevada that was signed by 41 Democratic senators and called on Clear Channel, the broadcasting company that runs Limbaugh's show, to make the radio show host apologize, US Rep. Jack Kingston (R) of Georgia drafted a congressional resolution in favor of the embattled host, reports the Savannah Morning News.

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