Posted on 08/23/2005 7:42:16 AM PDT by Enterprise
"Fresno became a stop Monday night in the simmering controversy over Cindy Sheehan, the mother of an American soldier killed in Iraq who wants to speak with President Bush.
Sheehan opposes the war, but a majority of people attending the Fresno event said she does not speak for them. They came to support a caravan headed for Crawford, Texas, as part of a counterdemonstration to the anti-war encampment outside the president's ranch. The event was sponsored by Move America Forward, which touts itself as a support group for American troops in Iraq."
(Excerpt) Read more at fresnobee.com ...
While Killion doesn't agree with Sheehan, he speaks highly of her son, Casey.
"Her son gave his life for our freedom and he deserves to be honored," Killion said. "I feel sorry for her because she lost her son. He needs to be honored, and I don't think what she is doing honors his memory."
"Jim Robinson and his wife, Sheila, both of Fresno, left with the caravan Monday night.
"Her son would probably not want her to do this," said Sheila Robinson. "He was in the military and he knew that these types of things [his death] could probably happen."
Jim Robinson, a Navy veteran during the Vietnam War, added: "We definitely support President Bush, but this one is really for the troops."
I wish I had a transcript of the speech by Deborah Jones. She was well spoken and made it clear that she disagreed with the statements made by Cindy Sheehan, and that she strongly supports the troops. Her own son has served two tours in Iraq.
'the simmering media-created controversy'
Thank you for the report. I wish that I could have been there to support the caravan and see the Robinsons off to Texas.
There really wasn't a lot of "debate" there. One man posted a nonsensical sign on his van, and there was another elderly "socialist" but no one argued with him or showed him any disrespect.
That's ok. There'll be another time, another place!
Good morning, Enterprise.
Thanks for the report. I had fun last night and I think everyone else did too.
I was really impressed with Deborah Johns (Jones). She was very articulate and made the point that the media continues to push the negative.
I will see if I can get a list of FReepers present so I can give them a call.
Did you see channel 26 10:00 news last night. They did an excellent job of covering the rally. They even aired us singing God Bless America.
Well, we finally got it straight about Riverland! LOL
Your cheese, cracker, and turkey spread feed a lot of hungry people! Great job!
When I started storing the leftover cheeses, I realized I should have sent more with the caravan. I didn't realize how much cheese was on that one tray.
I think there were about 25 people at Riverland for snacks. That did get confusing and a little bothersome that we may have someone across the street waiting for us.
I drank 3 bottles of water last night. Must have been the crackers. :)
I think we had a good turnout .... not great, but good. I hope MamaBear and Jkphoto will post some pictures later. I left my camera in the car. :(
The war protestor on our side of the street was kinda pathetic. An old hippie.
That iced water was a relief after standing in the heat. I sure want to thank whoever brought it. (smirk)
The following FReepers were present last night.
Jim Robinson, Sheila and Chris
Syncro
SoldierPrayingMom
Enterprise
Gracie1
Stuart Weil
JKphoto
MamaBear
Saundra Duffy
Lager
JustAmy, MrJustAmy
PrissyMissy
At Bay
Impeach98 (with MoveAmericForward.org)
Hope I didn't forget anyone.
Also friends from our rallies who we have not seen for several months.
Elena
Sarah
John
LOL
I do too. Nothing better than nice iced water after standing outside this time of year.
Thank you!!!
There was that couple that came from Monterey.
John from Merced was there. He was interviewed by Bee reporter Marc Benjamin, but that interview didn't make the paper.
Were they Freepers? They must have been. I sure hope they check in. I didn't get there names.
Also, a gentleman who was in Fresno on business joined us. His son is in Iraq. He thanked me and I'm sure others several times for supporting his son.
Do you know if the two men from Visalia were FReepers?
There were also several people from the local Republican Party and some from the Republican Jewish Coalition
Was that At Bay? I'm not sure where he is from but his name is John.
I didn't ask if they were freepers. Stuart would know the names of the people from the local Republican Party and the Republican Jewish Coalition.
The man who I saw get interviewed was John Kaza from Merced.
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