Hall won't cancel Crosby fundraiser act
By Brian Tumulty
Journal Washington bureau

October 24, 2007

WASHINGTON - Rep. John Hall, D-Dover, is refusing to cancel a planned performance Sunday at a campaign fundraiser in Bedford by longtime friend and fellow musician David Crosby despite Crosby's recent statement that when a U.S. soldier arrives in Iraq "he finds out the job is killing somebody else's mother and sister."

Crosby appeared on the program "Hardball" last week, commenting to host Chris Matthews on young Americans volunteering to serve in Iraq.

"On the one hand, you have got a young kid who is patriotic, who loves his country, believes in it," Crosby said. "And he's being told, yes, this is the truth. And we have got to go in there to protect your mother and your sister."

Crosby added, "And he goes over and he finds out the job is killing somebody else's mother and sister."

Hall mum on comment

Hall, who supports an orderly withdrawal of troops from Iraq, declined Tuesday to discuss Crosby's statement.

Instead, Hall's spokeswoman defended Crosby.

Lalor thinks the congressman's failure to repudiate Crosby's remarks indicates he isn't ready to stand up against a slur against American servicemen. "What's happening here is worthy of action and discussion, especially given the lengths that Congressman Hall has gone to win points with the veteran community," said Lalor, noting Hall has been courting the veterans' community as a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.