A week ago, Rep. John P. Murtha (D-PA) drew heavy criticism when he referred to western Pennsylvania as "a racist area." Because we're in a close election where telling the truth is only bound to hurt you and your party, Murtha was forced to apologize, issuing a statement about how race is a factor, but voters are starting to look beyond it yada yada yada etc. Today, further explaining his initial remarks, Murtha offered the following thought: