A Fellow Senator Fires Back

Senator John Ensign of Nevada has spoken out about Ted Kennedy’s “shameful” comments about American troops.

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."


Kerry on the other hand replies like this on the Imus program:

"No, I don't agree with the framing of that, uhm, he's my friend, and I respect him enormously, but I don't agree with the framing of that, but I know what he's saying, and so do you."

Kerry just can’t come out and say something like, “You know Ted, your wrong. Our troops daily put their lives on the line for a free Iraq. An Iraq where the people have rights and live free from the fear that Saddam’s vicious tyranny bred. You need to apologize to our troops. To compare them in anyway to Saddam’s regime is wrong. They should not all be condemned for the actions of a few. The mission is just and their service loyal to this nation’s goals.”

Kerry, the man who wants to be their Commander and Chief, won’t stand up for the troops now. He certainly won’t should he become president. (Hat tip: Hugh Hewitt)