Cindy Sheehan smiling.
Posted on 08/08/2005 3:36:09 PM PDT by kristinn
A year-old article in a small California newspaper suddenly became one of the hottest media stories in the country today, generating wildly different interpretations from supporters and detractors of the Iraq war. This afternoon, the newspaper posted a story on its Web site, along with its original story, which may only add fuel to the fire.
The dispute is inspired by the ongoing protest vigil by Cindy Sheehan, whose son was killed in Iraq last year. Sheehan, whose son Casey was an Army specialist, remains camped out near President Bush' ranch in Crawford, Texas, determined to get a meeting with the commander-in-chief.
Today, at a press briefing about Air Force One en route to New Mexico, reporters asked repeatedly about Sheehan's request. White House spokesman Trent Duffy suggested the meeting was unlikely, since the president met with her last year. "And he was glad to meet with her at that time," Duffy said. "We always mourn the loss of every life."
He also pointed out that the White House had sent two top officials out to meet with her this weekend, and said she "expressed on more than three occasions that she was very appreciative for them coming out."
But it is Sheehan's meeting with Bush last summer in Seattle--and an alleged change in her opinion of it--that sparked controversy earlier today.
At the time of her meeting with Bush in June 2004, Sheehan's hometown paper, the Vacaville Reporter, covered her reaction. As charges flew this afternoon, David Henson, author of the original story, told E&P this afternoon, “I stand by my full report as an accurate reflection of the Sheehans at the time of the interview. I wouldn't want to speculate about Ms. Sheehan's point of view. My article accurately reflected her position at the time.”
For months, Sheehan has strongly criticized the president on the war, adding that she was disappointed in his demeanor -- he allegedly acted like he was at a party -- and comments during her 10-minute meeting with him. This morning, The Drudge Report published quotes from Henson's Vacaville story (which at that time was no longer on the paper's site). This, Drudge suggested, showed that Sheehan had changed her account of that meeting radically.
Drudge quoted Sheehan saying at that time about Bush, “I now know he's sincere about wanting freedom for the Iraqis. I know he's sorry and feels some pain for our loss. And I know he's a man of faith.”
He also noted that Sheehan had taken comfort from meeting. “That was the gift the president gave us, the gift of happiness, of being together,” Sheehan said, referring to the benefit to her family.
But liberal Web sites quickly pointed out that the original story also revealed that Sheehan and her husband, Patrick, had debated before the meeting whether to ask pointed questions about the war and whether to vent frustration over their son's sacrifice. Ultimately, the Sheehans decided not to criticize Bush in the meeting.
"We haven't been happy with the way the war has been handled," Cindy said at that time. "The president has changed his reasons for being over there every time a reason is proven false or an objective reached."
In re-posting the original story on the paper's Web site, Editor Diane Barney said: "It's important that readers see the full context of the story, instead of just selected portions. We stand by the story as an accurate reflection of the Sheehan's take on the meeting at the time it was published.'”
I admire the way you think. LOL
BTTT
Anybody archive the photos? Perhaps they still can be caught in the Google cache.
What is the site?
Yesterday there was a thread that had an interviewer asking Cindy how the rest of her family was coping....she mentioned a son named Andy and said something to the effect "Andy is becoming Casey"
I'll try to find it.
I'm no good at pasteing....but here is the title of yesterday's story that mentioned the other son, Andy.
(Cindy Sheehan) Mom Protesting Iraq War Meets Bush Aides
Associated Press via WTOP Radio ^ | 8/6/2005 | DEB RIECHMANN
Posted on 08/06/2005 5:15:28 PM PDT by markomalley
Why does she think she's entitled to more meetings than most of the other families of our fallen heroes?
God forbid Bush oils this squeaky wheel.
Little Cindy-boo-hoo.
Is her website one of those archived on WayBack? If so, it would be interesting to see what she had posted on it then, and compare it to what she has now.
David Henson, author of the original story, told E&P this afternoon, “I stand by my full report as an accurate reflection of the Sheehans at the time of the interview. I wouldn't want to speculate about Ms. Sheehan's point of view. My article accurately reflected her position at the time.”Nuff said.
Thank you. I've read both and continue to say that she is doing nothing more than disgracing her son's sacrifice and trying to line her pockets in the process.
Everyone is capitalizing on the Sheehan-Crawford camp out.
http://www.crawfordpeacehouse.org/
Ha! I am so heartened to hear that - that they have separated because of her attacks. That her younger son wants to join the military. Justice is so sweet.
I have been successful in forgetting that little weasel.......
That story doesn't have the comment about her second son.
It might have been a reply to the thread.
Thanks. I wonder why code pink doesn't parade her son Andy, before the cameras? I guess he wouldn't make good pr for their cause.
Justice is so sweet.
Ain't it just. :-)
Thanks, I'll be watching for it.
I just saw your post. I'll go there now, thanks.
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