The [phrase] editorially replacing 'inconceivable" in the above quote is "Semper fidelis" (for the Latinally or contextually challenged, that's "Always faithful" and the motto of the United States Marine Corps).  The target of this is not, as in the Princess Bride, a small Corsican criminal mastermind, but instead a sitting, serving, often-elected United States Congressman (and sometimes unindicted co-conspirator).

 

Personally, I think the charges should not be 'defemation of character' (or whatever the actual verbiage turns out to be), but rather 'treason,' but I have little hope of that.  If you are short on definitions of treason, scroll down a few entries.  I'm PRETTY sure that Rep. Murtha is a citizen of the United States, so much of the legwork to establish this is already done.

 

I shan't go on too long, but I at the very least I hope this brings at least a sliver of light to the concept that "yes, you DO have freedom of speech.  You also have RESPONSIBILITY for the things you say."  I can only hope that the cost of whatever few votes were gained by the Representative for his grand-standing bombast are counterbalanced by several million dollars and a public humiliation.  I also hope that whatever few easily-led fools that weren't already going to vote for Murtha because of the awesome amounts of pork he brings to the table someday realize that it was for their pathetic few votes that "their man in Washington" hung some good Marines out to dry and gave a rallying cry to those that would do America harm.  I do not anticipate satisfaction in these hopes...

 

I mourn for those in Rep. Murtha's district that did not vote for him, and pity those that do and have sold themselves so cheaply.  I am all out of concern for the well-being of the Representative's character or eternal soul.  I wish Lance Coproral Sharratt the best of luck and legal representation in what will surely be a long, drawn-out, and likely ultimately unsatisfying endeavor.  Semper fi, Marine(and no, I'm not talking about the undicted co-conspirator)!