Humorous article concerning coverage of Cindy Sheehan

[Krista]

news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/005514 (http://news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/005514)

[JerryStopher]

Unfortunately, it's not really all that funny, is it?

[4dogknight]

I agree Jerry. I didn't find the article humorous but rather a clever but sad commentary of the shape of media in present times.

I remember the Rosa Parks incident clearly because at the time I couldn't understand why a group of people would be upset because she wanted to sit where she wanted on public transportation. Nor could I understand the intensity of their hatred. And yes it was pure hatred; you could see it in their faces just like you can see it in the faces of those who demonstrate outside women's clinics and against gay rights.

No Jerry I don't find the article humorous; I find it sad that it had to be written in the first place.

4dk

[Emerald2000]

It was actually pretty funny...in a sad sort of way. Smart writer.

[elliebea]

Satire can be humorous, DMB, so I don't blame you for posting it as such. I don't find it funny, but I do appreciate that you posted it!

It sure gives a perspective about what's happening, doesn't it? Also about the state of present-day media. I hope it wakes a whole lot of people up!

I've been reading for days nonstop it seems about Cindy Sheehan, blogs from Camp Casey, from the Crawford Peace House, from around the country (written to Cindy), and even from locations outside the country. The thing is amazing! Just to read what's actually happening there onsite, and about the personal strength of Cindy herself. This is clearly going to become one of those historical phenomena, the event that turned public opinion, or more accurately, opened the floodgates to opinion that already exists out there.

One of the most touching examples is that of a pick-up truck driver who barreled up to the location in a threatening manner, then turned his vehicle to point toward the camp until the unofficial 'camp manager' went over to talk to him. Turned out he was also the parent of a fallen soldier and wondered if his son's name was represented on one of the crosses. They went to look together for his name and upon finding it, he knelt and sobbed with her arm around him. Then he met Cindy Sheehan and developed a warm relationship, sharing beers and such, though he had arrived (and probably left) opposed to what's going on there.

This morning, though, another pick-up driver barreled through the crosses and knocked over 500+ of them, destroying 100.

Another thing is that a local, who has land closer to the Bush ranch (and across the street from the church Bush attends) has offered the use of his one acre (on both sides of a road) for the camp.

It's worth spending some time reading about it all. Just imagine if the internet and blogs had been available back when Rosa Parks took a stand?

Two best sites for updates:

www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=taxonomy/term/13 (http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=taxonomy/term/13)

www.truthout.org/cindy.shtml (http://www.truthout.org/cindy.shtml)

[Krista]

i don't find the situation in Iraq at all humorous, but I did find the way they pretty much got hannity, rush, etc spot on with the way they talk, hilarious lol.

Cindy Sheehan losing her son, is not humorous at all. And it is a sad situation.

And yes I agree that its depressing that it could be written and ring so true.

ETA, it annoys me that Bush gets a vacation when none of the men he's sending over to Iraq, get vacations. And I know that it isn't a "true" vacation, but he's still a heck of alot more comfortable than those men. He only has a little over 2 years left in the white house, it would be nice if he stayed there and did his job for the majority of it.

[madison]

Here is a link for those who want to 'celebrate' Cindy Sheehan:

<a href="http://www.moveonpac.org/event/cindyvigils/3868" target="_new">www.moveonpac.org/event/cindyvigils/3868</a>



I'm going to the candlelight vigil tonight. If anyone else is interested, all you have to do is enter your zip code, and sign up. If there aren't any in your area, consider hosting your own. Let's really SUPPORT our troops and bring them home.



YOU RACH, CINDY<a href="http://www.moveonpac.org/event/cindyvigils/3868" target="_new">www.moveonpac.org/event/cindyvigils/3868</a>

[Jaiden Hawke]

I just came home from a candlelight vigil in my small backwards RED town. It was wonderful to see people coming together to try to make a difference.

Let us all pray for our troops, in whatever way we worship, and bring them home safe.:angel

[GinnySmith]

I just got home too. It took me a while because I walked several miles there and back as my personal protest to using any form of petroleum to get me there. There were several hundred people at the vigil I attended.

I hope Cindy knows how many people support her.

[elliebea]

Hello Jaidan, and welcome!

Congrats and thank you's to you and Ginny for attending vigils. I've been reading all morning about them -- they're were vigils in over 1,600 locations countrywide including hundreds of thousands of people. That includes Lynchburg, Va (home of Falwell) where there were actually 80-some people and one dissenter.

For a little perspective on what Cindy Sheehan is all about, here's her daughter's poem:

A Nation Rocked to Sleep
By Carly Sheehan
Sister of Casey KIA 04/04/04
Sadr City, Baghdad

Have you ever heard the sound of a mother screaming for her son?
The torrential rains of a mother's weeping will never be done
They call him a hero, you should be glad that he's one, but
Have you ever heard the sound of a mother screaming for her son?

Have you ever heard the sound of a father holding back his cries?
He must be brave because his boy died for another man's lies
The only grief he allows himself are long, deep sighs
Have you ever heard the sound of a father holding back his cries?

Have you ever heard the sound of taps played at your brother's grave?
They say that he died so that the flag will continue to wave
But I believe he died because they had oil to save
Have you ever heard the sound of taps played at your brother's grave?

Have you ever heard the sound of a nation being rocked to sleep?
The leaders want to keep you numb so the pain won't be so deep
But if we the people let them continue another mother will weep

[madison]

Our vigil was beautiful. And it is a beginning. Also Senator Feingold wants us out of Iraq by Dec. 2006 - that's too long off for me.

<a href="http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/index.php?ntid=50974&nt_adsect=edit" target="_new">www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/index.php?ntid=50974&nt_adsect=edit</a>

[Krista]

Wow, thanks for posting that poem elliebea. Brings tears to your eyes.

[Emerald2000]

That's an awesome poem. Thanks for posting, Elliebea!

There's an articel in Newsweek about Bush meeting with other family members of dead soldiers, but it doesn't offer too much speculation on why he won't meet with Cindy Sheehan. It's dissapointing that he won't sit down and talk with her for just a bit.

[Yzerbear19]

It's dissapointing that he won't sit down and talk with her for just a bit. I think its because he already did talk with her back in 2004 or earlier this year.

I don't think he should either because if he gives in, it could set a bad precedent. Other people may try the same tactic, just wanting to "talk" and actually have other ideas. There is definitely a security risk, maybe not from Sheehan, but from others who will follow her example demanding to speak to the President. There are a lot of crazy people out there.

Yzerbear

[4dogknight]

The following just posted (on second page I might add) on usatoday.

Sheehan leaves Crawford to care for mother after stroke (http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-08-18-peace-mom_x.htm)

{snip}
"The grieving woman who started an anti-war demonstration near President Bush's ranch nearly two weeks ago left the camp Thursday after learning her mother had had a stroke, but she told supporters the protest would go on.

Cindy Sheehan told reporters she had just received the phone call and was leaving immediately to be with her 74-year-old mother at a Los Angeles hospital.

"I'll be back as soon as possible if it's possible," she said. After hugging some of her supporters, Sheehan and her sister, Deedee Miller, got in a van and left for the Waco airport about 20 miles away."

{snip}
"Michelle Mulkey, a spokeswoman for Sheehan, said Sheehan hoped to be back in Texas within 24 to 48 hours. Mulkey said Sheehan's mother, Shirley Miller, was in a hospital emergency room and Sheehan didn't yet know how serious her condition was.

Sheehan and the other demonstrators have camped in ditches along the road to Bush's ranch since Aug. 6. After complaints from some neighbors, they planned to start moving the camp site Thursday and Friday to a private one-acre lot owned by Fred Mattlage, who opposes the war and offered his property to give them more room and safety.

FBI whistleblower Coleen Rowley and Sen. Becky Lourey, a Minnesota lawmaker whose son died in Iraq, were expected to join the demonstrators later Thursday."

4dk

[madison]

If anyone cares to have a look at the people who showed up in Cindy's defense:

<a href="http://www.political.moveon.org/cindyvigils/pics.html?id=5913-6027946-ISA5O2r6a4VO6d0IZby.og&t=15" target="_new">www.political.moveon.org/cindyvigils/pics.html?id=5913-6027946-ISA5O2r6a4VO6d0IZby.og&t=15</a>

[EigthAv]

For the record,Alabama has progressed a bit since "those days". In Montgomery,where I live and where Rosa did her thang,there is a Rosa Parks Dr.,named in her honour.There is also the Martin Luthor King Expressway which is the part of I-85 which runs through downtown-Monkeytown. What happened back then wasn't funny at all.I have a bit more faith in O'Reilly than the article author.Unlike Rush,Big O isn't a yes man for the Neo Conservstives.I think he would've invited Ms.Parks on his show and probably sided with her. Some things are obviously wrong.<!--EZCODE BR START--><!--EZCODE BR END-->Every American soldier in Iraq volunteered for military duty(which sometimes includes combat).African Americans didn't volunteer to be treated worse than dogs and cats.So,in other words,to me,the big joke isn't funny.As a parent,I can't fault Cindy Sheehan. As a citizen of Planet Earth, I can't agree with going this far and now deserting Iraq.Bush is behind the proverbial 8 ball.Like Johnson before him,he has opened up a can of worms which he probably wishes he'd left alone.I've said it before and I'll say it again.We should use our military resources to clean up our own cities and backyards.Lead by example rather than interference.Without Federal interference Alabama and Mississippi might still be shameful.So how does a President ever know? Johnson attempted to take on North Vietnam,Poverty and Alabama all at the same time.Nowadays,Vietnam is probably a safer and nicer place for an Americano to visit,than London.Alabamians are less poverty stricken and way more enlightened.In 1967,how could any of us have known what it would be like in 2005???<!--EZCODE BR START--><!--EZCODE BR END--><!--EZCODE BR START--><!--EZCODE BR END-->There is still an easy way out.The people trying their hardest to make Iraq totally miserable could stop any day now.Lay down the guns,bombs and kamikaze devices.Sit on down at the table and discuss a sensible,peaceful resolution.Become part of the slution instead of part of the problem.

[elliebea]

Cox Cable Joins Nation's Largest Net Provider in Keeping Citizens in the Dark! (http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/1852)
By BRAD BLOG

Other ISPs doing the same thing -- here we go again! only bigger!!

Guest blogged by Winter Patriot UPDATE: Since the following item was posted, we have had confirmed reports of emails being blocked by other ISPs as well as Comcast. We'll post...

This wouldn't be the first time ISP's have blocked or shut up certain sites, by the way. I've seen it before.

[elliebea]

There is still an easy way out.The people trying their hardest to make Iraq totally miserable could stop any day now.Lay down the guns,bombs and kamikaze devices.Sit on down at the table and discuss a sensible,peaceful resolution.Become part of the slution instead of part of the problem.

Mike, I'm assuming that you're referring to Iraqis? You do include the necessity of coalition cooperation with that, don't you?

It would require a declaration on our part (plus a showing of intent of some sort) that we do not intend to establish permanent bases nor do we have designs on a permanent presence or 'hold' on Iraqi matters. We would also have to get our hands off of the spigot -- the oil spigot, that is. These are the issues that matter to the highly nationalistic Iraqis, who are the ones doing most of the fighting. Nonetheless, they have been attempting to make contact for purposes of negotiation. According to Larry Diamond (former Chief of Operations or some such in Iraq and the one who wrote "Squandered Victory") "“for almost two years . . . some insurgents have been sending signals through international intermediaries that they want to talk directly to the United States.” (contained in this Tom Hayden article about exit planning,
An Activist Guide to the Exit Strategy (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-hayden/an-activist-guide-to-the-_b_5882.html) )

Have you heard of posse commitas? I'm not thoroughly familiar with it, other than that it prevents our using the American military (except for the National Guard) for law enforcement purposes domestically. There's a very, very good reason for that. Around the world and throughout history, militaries have a way of becoming an authority unto themselves and in the best position to take over a country. That's how coups happen! We have civilian leadership in this country for a reason (though the current crowd is a bunch of scroundrels!)

The Hayden article is really good, by the way, though I know you've got linking difficulties. It's just a little too complex to select quote.

[Emerald2000]

"I don't think he should either because if he gives in, it could set a bad precedent."

I don't get it. He's already talked with mothers of dead soldiers! It doesn't have to be a big public affair. Most of the meetings Bush has had with family members have been intensely private. Also, Bush is someone who's extremely concerned with personal safetly, so I don't think he'd just sit down and "talk" with anyone who requested a meeting.

Everyone read Frank Rich's "The Swift Boating of Cindy Sheehan" in the Time's Week in Review today. Good stuff.

[Yzerbear19]

Emerald,

Bush *DID* meet with Sheehan once already in July 2004 at Fort Lewis according to this article:

seattletimes.nwsource.com...&items=128 (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002447400_mom21.html?syndication=rss&source=seattletimes.xml&items=128)

She wants ANOTHER meeting with him.

I agree with this part of that article:
"If you allow those who are the most vocal and most antagonistic to get a meeting with the president for fear that publicity will hurt you if you don't, you're creating incentives for your critics to become even more antagonistic and more vocal," Fleischer said. "Then, you're forever stuck in: Will you or won't you meet? You'll no longer lead. You'll just wrestle with meetings."
Its kind of what I was trying to say that if Bush meets with her it would set a bad precedent.

Yzerbear
"Even heroes have the right to dream . . . " ~ Five for Fighting

[Jayjen36]

That's interesting, but I'm not sure that I buy that. This particular subject, losing a child in a conflict (not saying war as it is supposed to be over) that is controversial and has no reasonable end in sight, is not the average complaint. Many soldiers have died and there is every reason to believe that many more will die before the end. A meeting with an angry mother wanting an explanation as to why her son had to die can't be so easily dodged now that she has the public ear. There are many in this country who want to hear his answer to that question.

There are many who are going to receive the news in the coming months that a son or daughter has been killed. As the death toll is going to keep rising I don't think that the president can run from this confrontation. Even if there is really nothing that he will be able to say that will satisfy this woman or many others, I think that something has to be said. And it should be said in her presence. She, her son and this country deserve more than a few quick sound bites. This is the reality of the course of action that this president has chosen. Dodging a meeting like this, and by doing so, the difficult task of looking those who've lost people to this action who are not in agreement him with "in the eyes" and explaining himself begs the question, does he really have any explanation? Can he say anything that will make the massive loss of life acceptable? He needs to have this meeting, if for nothing else, to say that he actually does have something of value to say. JMO though.

[madison]

It wouldn't be a legitimate war protest w/o Joan Baez<img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/glasses.gif" />

<a href="http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/P/PEACE_MOM?SITE=WIMAD&SECTION=HOME" target="_new">customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/P/PEACE_MOM?SITE=WIMAD&SECTION=HOME</a>

[manskater]

Hey I here more Bush supporters are being bused in to counter Ms Sheehan's protest. Well I guess since Bush does not have the guts to meet her Rove has to have others come in to try and make her protest seem insignificant. I think those wonderful Bush supporters like the one who shot his gun in the air near the protestors or the one who ran over the crosses tell us exactly where the Bush supporters stand.<img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/eyes.gif" />

[Jayjen36]

Geesh what a horrible idea. Although I suppose that staunch Bush supporters see this poor woman as little more than a nuisance, the fact is that there are a lot of people that believe that she deserves her meeting, and that WE ALL deserve some answers concerning the climbing death toll in this "war". From any side of the fence this seems like a real "bone headed" move on this administration's part. And it seems to me that the more people the Republicans bus in there the more attention this woman and her grievances get. They could really be shooting themselves in the foot here. There's only so much spin fox and the like can put on this, and the more they try desperately to spin it to the right, the more others will spin it to the left!

[madison]

I remember this. It was called Vietnam.

<a href="http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=519&ncid=519&e=1&u=/ap/20050823/ap_on_re_us/peace_mom_27" target="_new">news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=519&ncid=519&e=1&u=/ap/20050823/ap_on_re_us/peace_mom_27</a>

[Jayjen36]

Some caravan members called the anti-war protesters communists and said they were "aiding and abetting the enemy

Yeah Motherlode, that rhetoric seem eerily familiar. And calling the activists communists??? Does that make even the slightest bit of sense?

In fact the idea that it is dishonorable to protest for the return of your child from this war makes no sense. I can understand being proud of your child, I can understand being proud of their sense of dignity and duty, I don't understand how a parent who is in disagreement with what is going on and does have a son or daughter there can NOT voice their opinion that they want the action over and their child home.

Why should they keep their pain and doubts and outright objections to themselves? And I am very sorry if there are those who feel the those that object to this war are ruining troop morale or somehow aiding terrorism:rolleyes , but frankly they have every right to speak their opinions. And what sort of people would they be if, feeling as they do, they remained silent and just allowed what they feel is a great wrong being committed in their name to go unchallenged? The Bush supporters called the activist communists. I'd say that there is a much uglier name for those who see their government doing what they feel is great harm and saying nothing in order to fall in lock step with government authority.

edited for a forgotten spell check

[elliebea]

Motherlode:

It wouldn't be a legitimate war protest w/o Joan Baez

Unless you mean that kinda tongue-in-cheek, I have to say I disagree.

Joan Baez is a wonderful asset and no doubt a spectacular treat for the 2,000 or so who are on site at the two Camp Caseys, but the fervor, determination, energy, and effect of the movement would be just as powerful without her (or any other famous or not so famous person). This thing is coming from the people. (And this is 2005, and as you know, the war is in Iraq.)

I actually have some minor misgivings about her presence or that of any other famous Viet Nam protestor for this reason: among the 'sliming' tactics of the opposition to Cindy Sheehan and the movement is the charge that it's composed of aging hippies who want to rekindle the '60's. And nothing could be further from the truth! I've read that a visit to the camps is like (in terms of 'types' of persons involved) that of a PTA meeting (plus the emotions and the purpure, of course). It's unfortunately possible that those persons (famous for Viet Nam protests) could call up unpleasant memories for those who supported that war and hated the counter-culture. Americans really, really don't want to be reminded of that time and that national shame of VN.

What's happening in Texas is absolutely amazing! I spend a few hours every morning reading about goings-on at the site. Because of donations -- both money and provisions -- they've got sound equipment, a stage, all the high tech communications equipment needed -- to even broadcast live from the site over the radio -- plus update regularly online, all the necessary food, ice, and of course, water. They've even got a frig, two kitchen size stove/ovens, caterers, and needless to say, port-o-potties (15 of them).

More important are the personal connections being made. Some who came to express the opposing viewpoint have ended returning again and again, or just staying. Otherwise, important dialogue has started, at least in that location.

Joan Baez, in fact, had planned to be there only several hours -- but then planned to stay until today, Wednesday. Now it's going to be Friday before she leaves.

Cindy Sheehan is on her way back, too.

I know it's hard not to reminisce. There have actually been instances, for me, when I'm speaking of Iraq and nearly let the words 'Viet Nam' slip, in one case actually did.

[madison]

Ellibea,
I kinda meant that tongue-in-cheek<img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/glasses.gif" /><img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/ohwell.gif" />

[EigthAv]

It figures that Joan Baez would be there.I wonder how many other forgotten protest rockers will exploit the situation.Maybe they could all get together and turn it into a concert.

[elliebea]

It figures that Joan Baez would be there.I wonder how many other forgotten protest rockers will exploit the situation.

"EXPLOIT?!"

Do you even know the meaning of the word?! Since you used the verb form, here's the definition:

1. To employ to the greatest possible advantage: exploit one's talents.
2. To make use of selfishly or unethically: a country that exploited peasant labor.
So just exactly what is it -- the "advantage" that is -- that Joan Baez, or any other like-minded celebrity -- is gaining by sleeping in a tent in impossibly HOT conditions, subjecting herself to yet more mindless, hateful criticism from the likes of you?

Are moral commitment and conviction such abstract -- or nonexistent -- concepts to you that you discount their possibility in others' motivation to act? Are you lacking these traits yourself? (Your writing regularly indicates that they are, by the way.)
---

Motherlode -- Glad to hear it! Sorry for the rebuttal!

[EigthAv]

Ellibea........:lol :lol relax.I actually like Baez and several other dinosaur era protest artists.You think I'm going to stop letting Jumpin Jack Flash be my all-time favourite r&r number just because Grandpappy Mick has a new anti-Bush song out? Baez was mostly forgotten and now she is getting some attention again.She needs an unwanted war to get back into the groove.I'm looking for a Steppenwolf resurgence. Sorry,but I don't have a religious reverance for pop/rock or c&w artists.There is usually a "something in it for me" motive behind their public service moves.This includes the c&w dude who wrote the cornball song which became an alternative National anthem during Iraq War part I in the Big Bush days. He had been a semi-biggie during the Urban Cowboy phase and without the war to boost his song,would probably have just faded away.They do come out of the woodwork.I'm working on my first war protest song.Can't beat em,join em.:D I need the war to last long enough for the draft to come back.I'm better at the olde style lyrics which are not feasible without the draft.I need the $$$$$ so ya'll get with me and letz hope this thing lasts a while.................yes,it is a sick thought. I didn't want the war and now that we have,I'd love to see it end quick. Fighting each other and creating smash hits out of anti-government rubbish will prolong it and add to the nastiness of it all. If it becomes "another Vietnam"? This time around,I do have years of experience and if musicians and singers are going to milk it,then why shouldn't I wet my beak a bit?

[manskater]

<a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9075811/" target="_new">www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9075811/</a>
Thousands attend dueling rallies at CrawfordBush supporters hold rally to counter Cindy Sheehan's anti-war vigil

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>The crowd, which organizers said topped 3,000 but appeared closer to 1,500, chanted "Cindy, Go Home" and compared her to Jane Fonda, whose visit to a North Vietnamese gun site in 1972 earned her the nickname "Hanoi Jane."<hr></blockquote>

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>Cindy-Hanoi Jane," read one of the signs at the rally<hr></blockquote>

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>In one heated moment, members of the pro-Bush crowd turned on what they mistakenly thought were a group of anti-war protesters, cursing them, threatening them and tearing down their signs. A police officer rushed the group to safety.<hr></blockquote>

It is disgusting that these Bush supporters try to create a hostile environment. I guess they are just following the rule that this White House uses which is use "fear" and call those unpatriotic if they disagree with you.

[madison]

manskater wrote:<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>
It is disgusting that these Bush supporters try to create a hostile environment. I guess they are just following the rule that this White House uses which is use "fear" and call those unpatriotic if they disagree with you.
<hr></blockquote>

Really, and during the President's summer vacation no less!

[Jayjen36]

This is truly horrible news. When I saw the Bush supporters protesting on the news shows I noticed that they frequently shook their fists at the anti-war protesters, and I hoped that I was just seeing wrong or that it was an odd moment but I guess that wasn't the case.

It was a bone stupid move for the Republicans to send counter-protesters there! They have basically made the case for the other side. They want peace, they were their peacefully, then came the "goon squad" and started insulting this woman and the other protesters and tearing down signs and going after people, cursing at them??? WTH!! Well, it makes Bush and his supporters look like a bunch of hateful warmongering idiots! Of course of course 'not everyone is like that, most are peaceful and want peace as much as anyone:rolleyes ' well, not according to the picture this group is painting of Bush's "patriots".

I still fail to see why this woman's demand for answers about why her son and the rest of the children who will die for this war have to die makes her un-patriotic or a communist. It seems perfectly reasonable to me. And seems remarkably unreasonable that the man who has ordered these children to give their lives for his cause is unwilling to answer those questions.

[manskater]

Jayjen -- the problem is we have man in the White House who is behaving like a child who wants to have his way at the cost of the lives of others. <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/mad.gif" />

[Krista]

I will say I didn't realize that Cindy Sheehan had already met with President Bush, and said that she supported the war, etc after her son had been killed. That doesn't change the fact that I want the war to end, but it does make me wonder who got to her to change her mind so drastically that she went and set up camp outside his ranch.

Ive also heard that she has been putting up crosses for lost soldiers without the consent of the families of those soldiers. I don't think thats right.

But then again, if the war was over, none of this would be happening in the first place.

[moxie]

I will say I didn't realize that Cindy Sheehan had already met with President Bush, and said that she supported the war, etc after her son had been killed. That doesn't change the fact that I want the war to end, but it does make me wonder who got to her to change her mind so drastically that she went and set up camp outside his ranch.

She has said that when she first met with Bush, it was quite soon after the death of her son and she had different emotional concerns at that point. It was only later that she realized she had questions for him that she had not asked. Also, millions of other people in this country (including senators) have changed their minds about this war in the past year. Maybe we should ask them who "got them" to do that.

Ive also heard that she has been putting up crosses for lost soldiers without the consent of the families of those soldiers. I don't think thats right.

I see no problem with putting up a cross for every soldier who has died. I do agree that individual names should not be listed without consent. Certainly, if a family objects, the name should be removed (but the cross remain).

[Krista]

Yeah thats true moxie. Im one of them who changed my mind. Can't say it was anyone inparticular that did it.