This is where the hopes and dreams of these has-beens and wanna-bees lie .......
Posted on 08/25/2005 3:41:19 PM PDT by weegee
CRAWFORD -- There's a bunch of people standing across the street from the Yellow Rose, waiting to see if it'll blow up.
An hour earlier, someone called the Crawford Police Department and said the general store was going to go up in smoke. If it blows, it will incinerate the giant bell and Ten Commandments tablets displayed in front. It will destroy the cannon and red-white-and-blue horse perched upon the white cement-block structure, which looks like an old military fort.
A sheriff's deputy stands in the middle of the four-way intersection at the town's entrance. The roads are partially blocked, but there's no evacuation. Across the street, families fill the tables at a restaurant-gas station-convenience store called Coffee Station. No bomb is going to keep them from their fried chicken and burgers.
Vans from Camp Casey I and Camp Casey II (they're called "peace shuttles") take a side street before the four-way to drop off passengers at the Peace House.
The shuttles run all day from the camps to the tiny white house across the railroad tracks, where protesters can take a break from the camps, eight miles up the road.
Cindy Sheehan -- the military mom whose determination to meet President Bush (for a second time) resulted in her setting up camp next to his vacation home here -- has gone to Los Angeles to tend to her ailing mother. But her absence has done nothing to dampen the spirit in the camps. If anything, the movement has grown bigger each day. Steve Earle and James McMurtry performed the night before; Joan Baez was planned for tonight. Unless, of course, the Yellow Rose blows up, in which case everyone might just pack up and go home.
The bomb threat also has cleared Fort Qualls, the Camp Casey antithesis adjacent to the Yellow Rose. According to his father, Gary, Lance Corporal Louis Wayne Qualls was part of a convoy ambushed by insurgents in Fallujah in November 2004. During the silence after the firefight, the 20-year-old Qualls ran toward a series of houses to flush out any remaining attackers. Qualls startled an insurgent who was loading a rocket-propelled grenade launcher. As the insurgent fled, he was able to get off one shot, which is all you need with a grenade.
Every time Gary Qualls takes a white cross with his son's name on it from Camp Casey I's memorial, the protesters put up a new one. Gary Qualls doesn't want them using his son for their cause. But, like Cindy Sheehan's son Casey and 1,800 others, Louis Qualls is dead, and their deaths can be appropriated by anyone for any reason. That's all this is about now, regardless of what Cindy Sheehan wanted when she first came to Crawford.
Swirling around the W-is-dumb and freedom-isn't-free blather is an atmosphere of death and the giant sucking sound you get when you try to apply meaning to it.
And now there's a bomb scare, and the cameras are raised. But I'm hungry, and it looks like this is one tardy time bomb. I head into Coffee Station for a sandwich to tide me over until the explosion.
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A triangular patch of dying grass and gravel separates the Camp Casey I booths and tents from a dozen or so pro-war folks.
Both sides respect the fact that the triangle is for the deputies, who are forced to stand around in long pants, maintaining the peace in 480-degree heat. Neither side yells at the other, but they both hold up big signs boasting about how many family members each has lost in various wars. It's schoolyard politics. If they did shout at each other, both sides would probably chant something like "Nyah-nyah-na-boo-boo." Because when it comes down to it, minds are made up, and it doesn't matter who has the sweeter slogan. Their picket signs might as well be blank.
Fortunately, there is one thing the factions agree on, and I am proud to be part of that bridge. Both sides hate the media. The Camp Casey I contingent flipping veggie burgers on one side of the triangle will have you know that a handful of kowtowing corporations runs the media. The media are afraid to challenge the administration, lest they get hit in the pocketbook.
On the other side of the triangle, the folks who cannot grasp the concept that Camp Casey is against the war but for the troops will complain about the Liberal Media. The Liberal Media love to tell you how many soldiers die each day, but they leave out stuff about the electric grid and shiny new classrooms. It's a wonder anyone wants to talk to me, since they're all certain the media twist the facts. But give them the chance to talk about dead soldiers, and it's on.
The dead soldiers died so the ungrateful people at Camp Casey could have the right to protest.
The dead soldiers died for lies and oil.
The dead soldiers died to protect us from another 9/11.
How many more dead soldiers have to die?
There is so much death surrounding the triangle at Camp Casey I that it's a relief to see the giant white circus tent a few miles up the road at Camp Casey II.
This camp is closer to Bush's ranch and sits on property owned by Fred Mattlage, a distant cousin of Bush neighbor Larry Mattlage, who scared protesters last week by firing his shotgun in the air in front of them. He said he was preparing for dove season.
Camp Casey II is where the action is. They have port-a-potties and a big free buffet with cold iced tea and lemonade. And on Saturday night, before McMurtry and Earle take the stage, family members of dead soldiers tell their heart-wrenching stories. They talk about how Bush has time for bicycling, but not for talking to Cindy. Cindy's name is holy here; it always gets a round of applause.
Tammara Rosenleaf of Helena, Montana, is the first to speak. She moved to Texas to be close to her husband, awaiting deployment from Fort Hood. Her speech is emblematic of Cindy's purpose. She says she has a book of phone numbers for the plumber, electrician, etc., so she knows who to call in case of a minor household emergency. But there's no number in her book telling her who to call if her husband's killed. Who does she talk to then?
And that's why Cindy says she's here. She and other family members of dead soldiers met with Bush in Seattle last year, but she says she wants an opportunity to ask him a specific question: Why did my son die?
On Sunday, I ask Rosenleaf if there's even an answer.
"I think that there could be," she says. "I think that Mr. Bush knows why he's really in Iraq."
The folks at Camp Casey don't want any old answer to Cindy's question. They want the answer they want to hear.
They wouldn't want Gary Qualls's answer, which is that Casey Sheehan died for America's freedom and Iraq's liberty. And Qualls wouldn't like Rosenleaf's answer, just like he doesn't like the fact that gay rights groups have aligned with Cindy, because he says gay people are not equal.
And both sides will fight over where Lance Corporal Louis Qualls's white cross should stand. Depending on who plants that little piece of wood, they'll either be explaining why he died, or they'll be asking.
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Walking into Coffee Station, the first person I see is George W. Bush.
The cardboard makes him look smaller, but that grin is unmistakable. He's right next to the candy stand, as if to say, "Sorry about the bomb scare, partner. Here's a Snickers. I hear it really satisfies."
I pass on the candy and leave Coffee Station with a sandwich and tater-tots. But I'm barely two tots in when the deputies and police give the all-clear. People straggle back into the Yellow Rose and Fort Qualls. As a reporter from the Waco NBC affiliate interviews the Crawford police chief, a guy holding a big American flag clangs the bell in front of the Yellow Rose.
The guy probably considers it the sweet clarion call of liberty, and it's probably why the dead soldiers died, but it's also loud and obnoxious. It seems like a good time to leave Crawford. Sure, there's a bomb scare and Joan Baez, but not much else is going on.
A 24-year-old man named Casey Sheehan and a 20-year-old man named Louis Qualls were killed in combat, five months apart. The father of one says he understands why; the mother of one says she doesn't. When whatever's going on here is over, both parents will go home and grieve for the rest of their lives. At some point, their sons will cease to be symbols, and maybe then they can rest in peace.
"Gary Qualls doesn't want them using his son for their cause. But, like Cindy Sheehan's son Casey and 1,800 others, Louis Qualls is dead, and their deaths can be appropriated by anyone for any reason."
Does this numbskull really think this is funny?
Mr. Quall was grieving and coming to terms with his grief when the "Ditch Witches" group decided they would use his sons name for thier own personal cause. Mr. Quall never asked for his son to be a symbol for the POS Cindy, only that his son be allowed to rest in peace. So now that the POS CIndy has decided to make his son an issue Mr. Quall is stepping in.
From what I hear, the left has taken to vandalizing the store with paint.
Why it is not considered religious intolerance (especially since the mere presence of the 10 Commandments would classify it as "religious" in every courtroom in the land), I'll never know.
This is where the hopes and dreams of these has-beens and wanna-bees lie .......
Are there really pro-war folks?
Do they carry signs saying, "We love war"?
Do they have bumper stickers saying "Honk if you love killing"?
Do they proudly wear lapel buttons with atomic mushroom clouds?
Or, are they citizens with with sons, daughters, husbands, wive and friends who have served or are serving their country?
Are they citizens that eschew the carnage but know that a line must be drawn in the bloody sand?
Don't let the media define us with cheap simple words.
Another "Wee Willie" Pitt wannabe? (See Pied Piper Pitt Grandstands in Crawford.)
A tobacco juice facial would be perfect for Cindy SheMan, the modern day Jane Fonda.
If one side is "pro-choice" the other "must" be anti-choice.
If one side is "anti-war" (they are not, and I will explain), then the other side "must" be pro-war.
All in how they cast one side's position.
The left is NOT anti-war. They are anti-American-war but time and time again reveal themselves to be positively pro-Palestinian war (with some leftists coming out in actual support of suicide bombing).
While I have seen citizens in nations around the world protesting the American war in Iraq, I have not seen any international protests against ANY of the other 30-odd armed conflicts that always seem to be fought somewhere on the planet.
Then we see the hands of international Communists (with a capital C) organizing many of these protests (complete with pro-Stalin banners at times).
They are Lenin's useful idiots even if they are unaware of the masters they serve.
No one holds back from venting against Nick Berg's dad or Rachel Corrie's parents. Patty Hearst was no longer considered a "victim" after a point.
Cindy's own family has been cast aside by her rabid political hatred. They suffered the same loss and begged her to come home. The father was not a Bush voter. She's a barking moonbat and being exploited as any crying mother in the middle east is (ever see the photo of the grieving mother with 20 camerament all 3 feet from her face and smiling people all watching on?).
This reporter is an obnoxious RAT punk. The more these smart-ass lefties piss off decent people, the less influence they have.
Total BS. There would be no 'Camp Casey' or 'Mother Sheehan' if it weren't for the media.
I think this author thinks he can fool us by pretending to write something 'fair and balanced'; he failed on both counts.
Ah.. yeah. The author of this article is above "mere mortals", and we should listen to more of his elitist ramblings. Not.
Actually, both fathers understand why (see my tagline)
Geez! Are we sure this wasn't really written by Sean Penn?? Really sarcastic tone.
Casey Sheehan would puke if he knew what his mother was doing to dishonor his serivce. This blog is written by the men in battle who knew him. Casey choose his career path, re enlisted and voluneered to go on a mission to save other soldiers who were trapped per soldiers who knew CASEY..
www.blackfive.net
Posted by Blackfive | August 22, 2005 in | Military | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Army Specialist Casey Sheehan - Someone You Should (Have) Know(n)
Casey Sheehan grew up in a devout Catholic home.
Army Specialist Casey Sheehan - Someone You Should (Have) Know(n)
Casey Sheehan grew up in a devout Catholic home. He served as an altar boy and then as a key member of his church's youth group for years.
When he was old enough, Casey joined the Boy Scouts, becoming the very second Eagle Scout out of his troop.
He enlisted in the Army when he was twenty years old. He decided to be a mechanic. He would undergo Combat Lifesaver training - a class on how to give IVs and treat trauma only second in intense learning to combat medic training. He was also certified to assist with giving communion to soldiers while in the field.
Specialist Sheehan re-enlisted in the Army in 2004 knowing full well that he could be sent into a combat zone.
Casey Sheehan was a Humvee mechanic with the 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment.
On April 3rd, 2004, forces loyal to Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al'Sadr stormed police stations and government offices in Sadr City (a city of over 2 million). They knew the Americans would come, and they wanted a fight. Muqtada Sadr was working them up into a religious frenzy. And he had his thugs murder anyone who he thought might stand in his way - even other Shi'ite clerics. His forces were known as the Mahdi Army.
American forces quickly surrounded Muqtada al'Sadr's quarters.
On April 4th, 2004, al'Sadr's Mahdi forces blocked roadways and bridges with burning tires, vehicles and trash. Visibility was less than 300 meters anywhere in the city. They began to attack American vehicles on patrol throughout Sadr City - some were protecting Shia worshipers (Holy Arbayeen) while others were escorting city government vehicles.
A battle raged across Sadr City. Insurgents assaulted American troops while looters and mobs formed and stormed through the streets. Word spread quickly across the American FOBs that there was trouble.
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment were ambushed with RPGs and pinned down and dying. While fighting off an attack himself, the Commander of the 2/5th, LTC Volesky, called for help. A Quick Reaction Force (QRF) was formed of volunteers - their mission was to go out and rescue the American troops.
Casey Sheehan's Sergeant asked for volunteers. Sheehan had just returned from Mass. After Sheehan volunteered once, the Sergeant asked Sheehan again if he wanted to go on the mission. According to many reports (and according to his own mother), Casey responded, "Where my Chief goes, I go."
The QRF was launched. Not long after entering the Mahdi area, the QRF was channeled onto a dead-end street where the roofs were lined with snipers, RPGs, and even some militia throwing burning tires onto the vehicles. The Mahdi blocked the exit and let loose with everything they had.
Sheehan's vehicle was hit with multiple RPGs and automatic-weapons fire.
Specialist Casey Sheehan and Corporal Forest J. Jostes were killed.
A second QRF was formed - all volunteers - to go rescue the first. Specialist Ahmed Cason was hit in the second QRF - but kept fighting until he bled to death.
Seven men died with Casey Sheehan on Sunday, April 4th, 2004.
They were Spc. Robert R. Arsiaga, Spc. Ahmed Cason, Sgt. Yihjyh L. "Eddie" Chen, Spc. Stephen D. Hiller, Spc. Israel Garza, Cpl. Forest J. Jostes, and Sgt. Michael W. Mitchell.
It was Palm Sunday.
Palm Sunday commemorates the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem. Back then, the palm frond was a symbol of victory - laid beneath the feet of those of the highest honor and triumph. Some believe it was this honor fit for a king that forced Jesus's enemies to act and crucify him.
In recognition of Casey, the Catholic Chapel at Fort Hood, Texas (where Sheehan was stationed) named the Knights of Columbus chapter the "Casey Austin Sheehan Council".
Casey also received the Bronze Star for his Valor that day.
Palm fronds for the most honored.
[Click here for the Someone You Should Know index.]
Posted on 08/25/2005 9:05:16 PM CDT by CHICAGOFARMER (Conceal Carry
"time and time again reveal themselves to be positively pro-Palestinian war (with some leftists coming out in actual support of suicide bombing)."
weegee, that's true. Yesterday someone said that this time we have the leftist's playbook....this time we also have people like you who rapid fire turn the leftist's words right back on them. NICE JOB!
smilin grandma mac
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