CONGRESSMAN ETHERIDGE, WHAT DO YOU MEAN? 

RALEIGH—Rep. Bob Etheridge met with soldiers and military wives at Fort Bragg this week.  During the meeting, he was told by one of the wives that each time a member of Congress makes a statement against the war, that person is tearing down the soldiers.  Etheridge responded by saying, “I can’t stop people from making their comments, but I understand what you are saying.  I don’t agree with them.”  But does he understand?  If so, why has Etheridge been on the House floor many times this year speaking against the war? 

“I said the Administration must change this failed policy.”  Rep. Bob Etheridge, July 12, 2007 in the U.S. House of Representatives 

“But the Administration went to war without a plan to win the peace, and our military victory has been bogged down in a mindless occupation led by bitterly stubborn politicians here at home.”  Rep. Bob Etheridge, May 2, 2007 in the U.S. House of Representatives 

“What we need is a new direction. . . We must pass this legislation to send a wake-up call to the President that ‘Stay the Course’ is no longer an option.”  Rep. Bob Etheridge, March 23, 2007 in the U.S. House of Representatives 

“The failure of this administration has gone unchecked and unchallenged by the Congress of the United States for far too long.  We need a new direction in Iraq.”  Rep. Bob Etheridge, February 13, 2007 in the U.S. House of Representatives 

Chairman Linda Daves, North Carolina Republican Party, made the following statement: 

“Congressman Etheridge, what do you mean you ‘don’t agree’ with those who are making statements against the war?  You have been mimicking the words of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid for months now.  You may not remember your words but the people in the Second District do.   If you claim to be for the troops, you should be committed to victory.  However, from your statements, we can’t tell what you stand for.  I think it is time for you to tell the troops and your constituents where you really stand.”