Vigils, Vandalism and Intimidation

I attended one of several vigils in my area in support of discovering "what noble cause" Casey Sheehan died for. With me, at the vigil were people young and old...we lined both sides of a street with candles, signs and flowers. In the crowd were parents of other military members. One dad's shirt read "Proud Airforce Dad." He said that his son and family were "counting down the days" until his son re-entered civilian life next month. The other dad, I knew. His son, a Marine reservist had completed a tour in Iraq last year. This year, he attends film school. Dad firmly hopes he is not called back and can continue his schooling. His mom is currently in Crawford and plans to return home on Friday.

Earlier in the week, a Bush supporter decided to mow down a few crosses at Camp Casey in Crawford. I guess he considered this a display of support for the President. Another man, posing as a law enforcement official made threats to the folks at Camp Casey. Both were arrested.

Our demonstration, too, had a few local Bush supporters "make a statement". One pretended to veer his car toward those lining the street, laying on his horn and giving all, the one finger salute. The demonstrators, who numbered about 200, seemed largely unimpressed. The event organizer read a letter from Cindy Sheehan....and a poem from Casey's sister (posted on another thread in this blog). I lit candles for three soldiers: my son, the son of a friend who left for Iraq earlier in the week and one to remember Casey. Casey's candle would not stay lit.

Pictures will follow - later.

Adventures in Camp Casey

Well, it would seem that the "Freepers" from Texas left...a neighbor signaled his displeasure by shooting off his gun....and his mouth. The media pictures were priceless - a red pick up truck, a box of shells and a case of beer.

Cindy was pictured embracing a counter-protestor who also lost his son in Iraq. I guess that pretty much sums up what our President doesn't get: Grief trancends politics. Staying "on message" isn't going to cut it. As parents of soldiers we have questions. Often they are saved for those last moments before we sleep. They are very scary questions. Cindy is asking them. Bush, whether or not he knows it, is answering them. Too bad it is the wrong answer.

The Wild Eyed Liberals down in Crawford

Ah....another one of those "wild eyed liberal" protesters who took over the ranch in Crawford

Archie Goodwin, WWII Vet, served his country. He believes that the President should talk to Cindy. He believes that someone lied...and like many others in the US - we would like to know just who that was.

The picture is from CindyWatch on the Lone Star Iconoclast website: Bush's "hometown" newspaper. Oh...they endorsed Kerry for President last year.

Nearly A Week: Bush a "No Show" at Camp Casey

Several friends have joined Cindy in Crawford.

President Bush drove past on his way to raise a couple of million dollars for his political friends.

The police, in riot gear, held the dangerous group of bereaved families and supporters behind a yellow police tape line. The President did not stop.

Word has it that "counter-protesters" are on the way. I wonder if the "true believers" will be invited on the ranch for a pig roast....