Posted on 09/20/2005 6:23:12 PM PDT by ForOurFuture
Cindy Sheehan, a fallen soldier’s mother whose pursuit of a meeting with President Bush made her a national anti-war figure this summer, will speak at the university Sept. 27 — a stop in her journey to attempt to talk with Bush.
Sheehan drew national attention when she camped outside Bush’s ranch in Crawford, Texas for weeks, demanding to meet with him and discuss why his administration is still engaged in what she calls an “unjust” war in Iraq.
Sheehan, along with university professor Shibley Telhami and antiwar activist Kevin Zeese, will speak at 8 p.m. next Tuesday at the Memorial Chapel. The panelists will talk about the personal and financial impact of the war for about an hour and then field questions from the audience.
“This talk is to break the silence that’s surrounding us and provide a real opportunity to provoke discussion and debate,” said Ted Howard, director of the Democracy Collaborative, a university-sponsored consortium that helped organize the event. “Most students probably have some connection to the war. What Cindy offers is a very personal story. ”
Sheehan’s story of losing her son in the war inspired many supporters to join her in Crawford at “Camp Casey,” named after Sheehan’s son, who was killed in Baghdad in April 2004. Her stance against the war, however, also brought many Bush supporters to Crawford. Bush declined repeated requests for a meeting because he doesn’t support her campaign to bring the troops home. Sheehan’s campaign ended Aug. 31 when she began her trip toward Washington, where she will participate in next weekend’s large-scale anti-war protest held by United for Peace and Justice. Sheehan has been traveling to different cities, including Buffalo and Philadelphia, speaking about her story and why she thinks Bush should pull out the troops in Iraq. She comes to the university as a favor to Zeese.
Some students say her visit will reignite campus debate over the war in Iraq.
“I hope that students appreciate the different perspectives on the war and hear the voice of someone who’s been touched by it so personally,” said Melanie Share, publicity director for the College Democrats and a sophomore government and politics major. “I think we all agree, Republicans and Democrats, that something needs to be done.”
However, some students said they don’t plan on attending the event because their views conflict with Sheehan’s.
“I just think it’s more of a personal matter,” said Amber Kuh, a junior animal and avian science major who is a member of the College Republicans. “I’m not going to support her cause. I think students should consider all sides of the debate, and I don’t know if it’s going to be balanced.”
Howard, an event organizer, said students should go to Sheehan’s talk regardless of their political views. This talk, he hopes, will educate students and inspire critical thinking about the war.
FYI ping.
I see there's going to be a question and answer period. Somehow, I feel sure that you and the rest of the DC Chapter can come up with a question or two---LOL!
Is she out of jail yet?
Howard, an event organizer, said students should go to Sheehan’s talk regardless of their political views. This talk, he hopes, will educate students and inspire critical thinking about the war.
I thought the university had some sort of ban on outside agitators.
Could be a free speech issue.
Aren't you tired? Can't make this one...as much as I'd like to.
Make that two.
Does anyone know the DC Chapter Protest Warrior guy's name? Forward it to him, he'll probably show since there will probably be plenty of demonstators there.
DITTO...make it 2.
Class of '68.
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She was just arrested yesterday and I hope they throw away the key!
"I Wanna Talk About Me!" or a title like that.
Did you hear about her little problem at Daily Kos? Even the liberals are getting ticked.
Oh, and I'm going to steal this little bit of yours that I quoted in italics. Very funny!
Good. Now when my alma mater calls me for donations I can tell them "not if you're sponsoring Cindy!"
Note: If you are in an area of Maryland or Virginia that is far from DC, please let me know immediately and I'll remove you from this list.
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Sheehan posted a message on dailykos.com which said "I am watching CNN and it is 100 percent Rita .... even thought it is a little wind and a little rain ... it is bad, but there are other things going on in the country today .. and in the world."
Yes that's a funny song. Toby Keith loves his country and Cindy stands with our enemies. I saw Toby Keith live a few years ago when he performed before our troops (and their friends) and he broke out his other great song "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue." The guys loved it.
TK is a great American! :o)
Steal away. I got it straight from her behavior. When I see her disrespecting her son and being so vicious I'm thankful again for my wonderful parents.
I saw people quoting about a little rain and wind but Cindy is so ridiculous that I thought they were joking. I thought not even Cindy would say that.
To anyone with any background in the field (I don't) or opinions on the matter is she bonkers? Is this a nervous breakdown? What is your opinion?
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