May 12, 2004

Ensign blasts Kennedy over Iraq comments

Nevada Senator John Ensign blasted Democrat Ted Kennedy for his "shameful" statements likening US soldiers to Saddam Hussein's torturous regime.

The Nevada Republican was commenting on a statement credited to Senator Kennedy Tuesday. Kennedy is quoted as saying, "Shamefully, we now learn that Saddam's torture chambers reopened under new management: U.S. management."

Ensign believes Kennedy crossed the line with his comments and called on Kennedy to retract them immediately. "To express disappointment or anger over what has occurred at Abu Ghraib prison is one thing. To put American servicemen and women in the same category as one of the most evil and bloodthirsty regimes in modern history is reprehensible."

Ensign said it is appalling that anyone would make those kind of comparisons, let alone a US Senator. "I'm disgusted and ashamed that such a comment would be made by anyone, in any setting. For it to be uttered by a United States Senator is especially shameful."

He believes Kennedy owes US service members an apology. "Senator Kennedy needs to retract that statement and apologize immediately to the men and women risking their lives in Iraq."

Quite right, Sen. Ensign!
You are a patriot, a gentleman and a statesman, quite unlike Uncle Teddy.
While Sen. Kennedy has been the font of quite a lot of mean-spirited and unnecessary obstructionism and opposition during the last two and one-half years of President Bush's Administration, his remarks yesterday about the Abu Ghraib prison scandal went beyond the pale even for him.
If this is the way he really feels about America and its military, it makes you wonder why he doesn't leave this country and move to France!
I hope Sen. Ensign gets his apology for our troops.
They deserve one.
It's clear that if Kennedy had any shame (which he doesn't or he wouldn't be walking around without a care in the world these last 30 years without answering for the death of Mary Jo Kopeckne), he'd resign from the Senate, but he'll probably be there until his liver explodes.
Another disgraceful, base moment of the Left/Dimocrat Party noted, however.