Posted on 08/22/2005 8:50:40 PM PDT by tgslTakoma
VACAVILLE, Calif. - A caravan proclaiming support for U.S. troops began a tour through California on Monday, stopping in the hometown of Cindy Sheehan, the anti-war mother who gained national prominence during a vigil outside President Bush's Texas ranch.
Conservative activists and military families embarked on the tour they call "You don't speak for me, Cindy!" They planned rallies in several California cities before heading to Crawford, Texas.
About 30 Bush supporters staged a rally outside the offices of the Vacaville Reporter newspaper.
"It's time to lay down the anger. We need to continue to uphold those people over there, to uphold those men and women with their boots on the ground," said Deborah Johns of the Northern California Marine Moms, who helped organize the caravan, which is sponsored by Move America Forward, a Bay Area-based group.
Sheehan began a protest vigil Aug. 6 on the road leading to Bush's ranch, an act that has encouraged anti-war activists to join her and prompted peace vigils throughout the country. Sheehan's 24-year-old son, Army Spc. Casey Sheehan, was killed last year in Iraq.
A verbal confrontation erupted when the caravan arrived in Sacramento and was met by anti-war protesters chanting "Bring them home."
Sheehan supporter Dan Elliott, 71, confronted caravan members by waving a sign reading "Death is not support" and heckling Johns as she addressed the crowd.
"You are ruining the morale over there," responded Greg Parkinson, a Bush supporter.
Some caravan members called the anti-war protesters communists and said they were "aiding and abetting the enemy." Those comments enraged Sheehan supporter Dee Ann Heath, who said she has two sons serving in Iraq and another preparing to leave.
"I don't support the war, but I support my sons," she said. "I simply want them to come home."
In Vacaville, Toni Colip, 50, said her son, David, went to high school with Casey Sheehan and is now in the Marines, although not in Iraq. She said her son opposes Sheehan's activities and has asked her to support his military service even if he is injured or killed.
"He said, 'Don't dishonor me, don't walk on my grave,'" Colip said.
The pro-Bush caravan plans to join fellow supporters who have set up their own camp in downtown Crawford as a reaction to the Sheehan-inspired vigil. Bush was in Salt Lake City on Monday, where he spoke to a national veterans group to rally support for the war.
Sheehan vowed to remain in Texas until Bush agreed to meet with her or until his monthlong vacation ended Sept. 3, but she flew to Los Angeles last week after her 74-year-old mother had a stroke. She is expected to return to Texas in a few days.
Several of those in the caravan said they understood Sheehan's anger but disagreed with her protest.
"This is not the way to honor her son," said Lori Judy, 49, of Vacaville, whose son, Tim, served in Iraq.
August 22, 2005 11:01 PM
"If your (grand)Mommie is a commie
Then ya gotta turn her in!.."
:o)
Why is there access to media limited to left-wing propaganda? Is that constitutional? Is there something we can do to change that situation?
Does MAF claim to be a "pro-Bush" caravan? Or a "Support the Troops" caravan?
That statement makes absolutely no sense. How is she supporting her sons, who obviously chose to do what they are doing, if she's whinning about wanting them to come home?
Leni
When someone sends an unsigned message, they show what cowards they are. I wish everyone who has received these vile things would bring them to the rally, and we could burn them all in front of the cameras!
"There's no way anyone can support the troops without supporting the mission."
I bet she is also one of those who say our troops are killing innocent women and children and then yelling, 'we support our troops!' It irritates me to no end that the media never brings up this contradiction.
"There's no way anyone can support the troops without supporting the mission."
I bet she is also one of those who say our troops are killing innocent women and children and then yelling, 'we support our troops!' It irritates me to no end that the media never brings up this contradiction.
Sorry about the hiccup. ;)
Obviously a Kerry Democrat.
Hi! I'm a proud Marine mom and I'm livid after seeing that postcard!!I have some pretty good media connections,maybe I could help in exposing these liberal "wenis" acts of treason!!I'm sorry for anyone who has gotten that crap sent to them,I guess the senders didn't have real jobs!!
Hi! I'm a proud Marine mom and I'm livid after seeing that postcard!!I have some pretty good media connections,maybe I could help in exposing these liberal "wenis" acts of treason!!I'm sorry for anyone who has gotten that crap sent to them,I guess the senders didn't have real jobs!!
As a Marine Mother, you should notify the ONI about receiving this hate mail. I don't think the ONI will laugh at it.
Where the card was printed, Garberville, Ca, is a septic tank loaded with old hate America hippies, vile homosexuals who hate America and a host of pot smoking green envirals.
Welcome to FR. I just read your profile page. Wow! You're one busy Marine Mom! Thank you for all you do. I won't be in Crawford (no time, no money) but I'll be watching for on scene reports here on FR. Now I'm going to look for those angel sculptures on the web...
This woman exhibits the same defect as Cindy Sheehan. Their sons demonstrate selfless commitment to country that is worthy of praise and honor. Casey Sheehan made the ultimate selfless sacrifice. The mothers are displaying the ultimate selfish attitude. To them, right, wrong, good and bad don't matter, it is all about "I want...".
LMAO!!!
If you have a kid in Iraq and support the troops' mission, you are despised. If, however, you openly attack the President or the mission, the reporters will crawl on hands and knees through the gravel for 100 miles to grovel and kiss your butt.
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