Vigils Calling for End to Iraq War Begin (Free Republic Mentioned)

AP via The Guardian ^ | Thursday, August 18, 2005 | Angela K. Brown

[kristinn]

CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) - Hundreds of candlelight vigils calling for an end to the war in Iraq lit up the night Wednesday, part of a national effort spurred by one mother's anti-war demonstration near President Bush's ranch.

The vigils were urged by Cindy Sheehan, who has become the icon of the anti-war movement since she started a protest Aug. 6 in memory of her son Casey, who died in Iraq last year.

Sheehan says she will remain outside the president's ranch until he meets with her and other grieving families, or until his monthlong vacation there ends.

Bush has said he sympathizes with Sheehan but has made no indication he will meet with her. Two top Bush administration officials talked to Sheehan the day she started her camp, and she and other families had met with Bush shortly after her son's death.

More than 1,600 vigils were planned Wednesday from coast to coast by liberal advocacy groups MoveOn.org Political Action, TrueMajority and Democracy for America. A large vigil was also planned in Paris.

As the sun set in Crawford, about 200 protesters lit candles and gathered around a wooden, flag-draped coffin at Sheehan's growing camp, about a mile from the Bush ranch.

``For the more than 1,800 who have come home this way in flag-draped coffins, each one ... was a son or a daughter, not cannon fodder to be used so recklessly,'' Sheehan told the crowd.

After the names of some of the dead soldiers were read, the crowd sang ``Amazing Grace'' as people stepped forward to place flowers on the coffin.

Before the vigil, Gary Qualls, of Temple drove to Sheehan's camp site and removed a wooden cross bearing his son's name. He said he supports the war and disagrees with Sheehan.

``I don't believe in some of the things happening here,'' Qualls said. ``I find it disrespectful.''

Near Philadelphia's Independence Hall, a few hundred people strained to hear the parent of another soldier killed in Iraq. ``This war must stop,'' said Al Zappala, 65, whose 30-year-old son, Sgt. Sherwood Baker, died in an explosion in Baghdad in April 2004.

Karen Braz, 50, held a pink votive cup and a sign reading ``Moms for Peace'' as she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with about 150 other people outside the New Hampshire statehouse in Concord.

``My son is 26. It could've been him,'' she said

Some critics say Sheehan is exploiting her son's death to promote a left-wing agenda. They say scores of Americans, including relatives of soldiers killed in Iraq, support Bush and his plans to keep troops there.

FreeRepublic.com, which holds rallies to support troops and to counter anti-war demonstrations, held a pro-Bush rally Wednesday night with about 20 people at the same time and same Washington park as a candlelight vigil that drew about 300, said Kristinn Taylor, co-leader of the group's Washington, D.C., chapter.

``For us the organizers of the vigil are phony-baloney, betraying the sacrifices that those men and women make in Iraq, by demanding that we pull our troops out now and leave Iraq to go to hell,'' Taylor said. ``This is a publicity stunt.''

Some 200 people joined a peace vigil in Cincinnati's Fountain Square. Demonstrators softly sang ``Give Peace A Chance'' and lined one side of the square with signs, drawing honks of support from some passing motorists.

A banner bearing the name, age, rank, hometown and date of death of all Americans killed in Iraq and Afghanistan was unrolled at a vigil in Charleston, W.Va. - stretching the length of a city block.

``Our pastors and preachers need to hear from us,'' said one of the speakers in Charleston, Mary Ellen O'Farrell. ``Ask your pastor to preach it from the pulpit. This war does not meet the criteria for a just war.''

Along with candles and flags, some of the 300 people who gathered at a park in Nashville, Tenn., brought banners of protest and support for Sheehan. One read: ``Thank you for your courage Cindy.''

About 200 people attended a rally and candlelight vigil on the steps of the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. Marie Evans said it was a chance for those opposing the war to let their voices be heard.

``There was no question in my mind that we needed to make a statement in Oklahoma, which is a very conservative state,'' said Evans, who carried a sign that read ``Their blood is on your hands.''

In Hawaii, Kalihi Valley resident Charmaine Crockett invited scores of people to her hilltop house to light candles in sympathy for Sheehan. ``I'm very moved by one person making a difference,'' Crockett said.

Actor Richard Dreyfuss attended a vigil in the Studio City area of Los Angeles with his son and about 500 others.

``Cindy Sheehan is making a starting point with the questions she is asking and it's not unpatriotic to ask them,'' Dreyfuss said. ``It's actually a higher form of patriotism.''

And at a vigil in Madison, Wis., Tammy Markee had some simple advice for Bush on how to handle Sheehan: ``Be a man. Give her the respect she deserves. Sit down and talk with her.''

On the Net:

http://www.moveon.org/

http://www.freerepublic.com/home.htm

[astounded]

Wow, I'm impressed. I've been here since 1998, officially 1999. So get over yourself.

[TaxRelief]

You're not speaking out against the war, you're speaking out against President Bush; Your name proves it.

Everyone knows the WMD reports were bad intelligence, but the war on terrorism is valid. You'd have to be blind and deaf not to realize how dangerous the forces of evil in Islam are. If we don't fight the war on their home turf, we'd be fighting it here. Is that what you want? Do you think we should sit back and do nothing while embassies, subways and tankers are bombed? Should we do nothing while majestic towers are brought to the ground sweeping away lives of innocent civilians?

Surely you jest when you suggest we find the "individuals" responsible? Does the mainstream media really have you convinced that these "cells" are not part of a global movement? Has the New York Times really persuaded you that there we are not at odds with a massive cult-like hive that is attempting to control the world? If there is a group of individuals behind this attack do you have any idea who they might be? (Follow the money...)

One can only conclude that your information is limited to Soros-controlled propaganda or you are deliberately sticking your head in the sand.

[TaxRelief]

To her, only his death matters -- her big loss. His life? It is nothing to her, except for the fact of her being the mother, the mother of a dead son.

You have hit a bullseye: She is a narcissist.

[TaxRelief]

Too many folks think the only freedom is "free speech". They come on to a site like freerepublic.com and instantly assume the "free" refers to "free speech".

They'd be more accurate if they assumed "free" referred to "freedom of assembly"; our right to associate without interference with like minded individuals.

Perhaps it refers to "freedom to petition the government" without imprisonment or fear of retribution.

For that matter "free" could just as easily apply to "securing a free state" or the right to bear arms, as detailed in Amendment II.

Perhaps to, "free" refers to our right to keep our lives, our personal property, our personal papers and our homes safe from violation as detailed in Amendment III.

Public schools brainwash kids into thinking "free" applies only to speech; and that "free speech" is also granted on private property (which it's not). Some time before adulthood, we hope that each American explores the more important freedoms granted in the Bill of Rights.

[gedeon3]

You voted for the other 'guy'? Kerry is not a man, kerry is not a woman. So who did you vote for, you coward?

[freema]

I feel your pain. I am so upset and very very angry. The support is not where it needs to be, but it is not ABSENT. This is a hard battle, but it ain't over yet. Trust me, Ms. Sheehan isn't the only one who's put her life on hold to get the word out. I have. I can not get to the rallies in Crawford, hoping beyond hope to get to DC, but it's not looking favorable. But I am spreading the word every minute and you will be pleased to know that many military moms are more and more familiar with the intricacies of this situation and are UP IN ARMS and IT IS GROWING by the second. Letters of support are being written to Ms. Healey, the President, the Marine Mom at the YOU DON'T SPEAK FROM ME TOUR and newspapers. Don't lose heart, Tonk. Your big Kerry post drives me nuts because EVERYTIME I see it I am inspired all over again and draw such strength from seeing it- over and over and over it reminds me to be persistant, tenacious, and not lose heart.
Thank God in heaven for you and for Free Republic.

Last night in 'going back to Vietnam' for the umpteenthmillion time since Kerry's issues were brought up last year I realized one would be a fool to not see that the name Sheehan could replace Kerry.

Larry Bailey, President-Vietnam Vets for Truth: "What unmitigated chutzpah! The truth is that the actions he took gave aid and comfort to those who were killing America's sons and daughters. He encouraged our enemies to rebuild and hang on when they were near defeat, as they were after the Tet Offensive in 1968. Did you know our POWs had John Kerry's words quoted to them by their interrogators?"

..."a group of Kerry's colleagues from the war gathered to denounce his fitness for the land's highest office, saying that during the war he was a "loose cannon."
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=38337

..."aggressive, but vain and prone to impulsive judgment, often with disregard to specific tactical assignments," Hoffman said. "He was a loose cannon."

"Kerry would be described as devious, self-absorbing, manipulative, disdain for authority, disruptive," said retired Capt. Charley Plumly, "but the most common phrase you would hear [was] 'requires constant supervision."

"...criminals?" he asked. "On a practical basis, John Kerry's breach of loyalty is a prescription of disaster for our armed forces."
John O’Neill
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=38337

Be encouraged and keep faith. A fellow Marine Mom sent me this yesterday-"I caught this on tv this a.m. as I was getting ready for work. Have to say it impressed the heck out of me so that I went looking for it on the net. Click on the link, then look over on the right side of the page for the link to 'Matt Lauer talks to the troops stationed in Iraq'."
The message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments:
Shortcut to: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032633/?ta=y
and this morning I saw another fantastic report about a soldier doing a shoe drive for Iraqi kids, Kicks for Kids, on the CBS Early Show!

Maybe it's all finally gotten to be a bit much for some in the MSM, too.

Jules

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[Valin]

From Animal House
http://www.acmewebpages.com/animal/quotes.htm

Otter: Bluto's right. Psychotic, but absolutely right. We gotta take these b*stards. Now we could do it with conventional weapons. But that could take years and cost millions of lives. No, I think we have to go all out. I think that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody's part.
Bluto: We're just the guys to do it.

[Valin]

Some critics say Sheehan is exploiting her son's death to promote a left-wing agenda. They say scores of Americans, including relatives of soldiers killed in Iraq, support Bush and his plans to keep troops there.

No spin here. No sir not a bit.

[justshutupandtakeit]

While I realize it is difficult to enlighten the clueless the fact remains that the war was NOT entered into because of WMDs that was only ONE of the reasons for it and not even the major one. Iraq under Saddam was the home of terror, it trained terrorists, it supported terrorists, it was IN FACT Terror Central.

Those of us who have followed recent American history understand full well that Saddam had to go or there would be more 9/11s (and YES he was associated with OBL and Al Queda which is why you see the terror activities in Iraq today), more Oklahoma Citys. It is a FACT that the principal instigator, Rashid the Iraqi, immediately fled to Baghdad after the first WTC attack and was welcomed and supported by Saddam. It is also TRUE that Saddam was seeking additional Yellowcake in Niger, something which Clinton operative Joe Wilson actually proved to be TRUE, and was merely waiting for the French and Russians to get the eyes of the UN averted to reconstitute his nuclear program. It is also a FACT that while the search for WMDs was going on the search team was attacked and its leader wounded, nine scientists were assassinated after talking to the team and at least fifty fled the country to avoid the killers.

Now fools may see no connection but those with a modicum of intelligence understand quite clearly that these murders were precisely to prevent those involved from speaking up and revealing where the weapons ARE. It took three years and the defection of his sons-in-law before the searcher found any of Saddam's WMDs after the first war. Something the RATmedia does not tell people about as well as the FACT that there were forbidden weapons found in Iraq.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"But then again I'm just a lifelong Independent who has been cast aside once the 2004 elections were over by a few long term GOP members on Free Republic."

"Your first allegiance should be with our folks in uniform. I applaud you for that. However, I find your above statement unfair."

Brother have you noticied how many Viet Nam Vets have been "driven away" from FR since the 2004 election ended?

Is that "fair"?

I've been "told" by several prominent GOP FReepers to
"get over it, Kerry lost, etc."

Well Hanoi Kerry STILL is in the US Senate in violation of
U.S. Constitution Amendment 14 Sec 3
http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.amendmentxiv.html

And the FBI has proof of his treason.

Hanoi Kerry Timeline of a traitor
includes FBI files

May 1970
Kerry and Julia traveled to Paris, France and met with Madame Nguyen Thi Binh, the Foreign Minister of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of Vietnam (PRG), the political wing of the Vietcong, and other Viet Cong and Communist Vietnamese representatives to the Paris peace talks, a trip he now calls a "fact-finding" mission.

(U.S. code 18 U.S.C. 953, declares it illegal for a U.S. citizen to go abroad and negotiate with a foreign power.)

http://www.archive-news.net/Kerry/JK_timeline.html

a) A person charged with absence without leave or missing movement in time of war,
or with any offense punishable by death,
may be tried at any time without limitation.

http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/ucmj.htm#*%20843.%20ART.%2043.%20STATUTE%20OF%20LIMITATIONS

[Marine_Uncle]

"He basically already eluded to that."
"Where did you read that?"

In an article posted here about her, some days back. It said thought the hubby also was an activist, he no longer wanted to be with her due to her obsessions. I am sorry, I cannot to what article I read it in. To many have flown by in past week or so.

[JLO]

I know what I do each and every week in the real world to support our military and I will continue to do so as long as I live and breathe.

And that's why you're so admired!

[<1/1,000,000th%]

Hundreds of candlelight vigils calling for an end to the war in Iraq lit up the night Wednesday, part of a national effort spurred by one mother's anti-war demonstration near President Bush's ranch.

Has Al-Qaeda responded yet?

[GOPJ]

You could put that on T-shirts and make a million...

Hippies standing around singing

"Give Peace A Chance."

We gave peace a chance.

It didn't work.

Google: September 11, 2001.

[JLO]

Thanks for that link, tgslTakoma
http://soldiersagainstcindysheehan.blogspot.com/

"It’s hard enough on those of us who are deployed without the likes of the fringe anti-war movement making the job that much harder.

Mrs. Sheehan, we’re sorry for your son, we really are. But please be quiet and stop undermining our efforts here. Your support for organizations that give money to the very people who killed your son is outrageous. And please stop using the grave of an honorable soldier as a soapbox."

[Special Agent Utah]

Nice Party

[La Enchiladita]

Buh-bye.

[La Enchiladita]

Fonda's ex Tom Hayden was seen with Cindy at the "mock impeachment trial" hosted by commie Conyers. Hayden more than likely coached Cindy on her campout and media-grabbing techniques. Tom knows his way around this stuff...

Kerry, of course, does not have the cojones to show up at Cindy's camp. The creeps running the show stay behind the scenes.

[MoochPooch]

Democracy for America?

How about democracy for Iraq?