Gold Star families rally in response to protesters

The Washington Times ^ | 121-26-05 | Amy Doolittle and Arlo Wagner

[JZelle]

Margaret Johnson, 54, came to the District yesterday to remember her 29-year-old son and honor his sacrifice. Clutching a photograph of Army Capt. Christopher Johnson, the American Gold Star Mother said she couldn't be more proud of him. "He did make a difference in this world; I don't care what anyone says," said Mrs. Johnson, of Excelsior Springs, Mo. "I am here to speak for my son. I am here to support him. He knew the cost of freedom and that it was not free, and he volunteered to go to Iraq anyway." A member of the 25th Infantry Division (Light), Capt. Johnson was killed in a midair helicopter collision Oct. 16 in Iraq. He spent 10 months in Iraq and was getting ready to come home, Mrs. Johnson said. "He was good at what he did, and he loved it," she said as she wiped tears from her face. "This photo is a self-portrait. He was so happy." Mrs. Johnson was among an estimated 400 people who gathered on the Mall yesterday to show support for the troops in Iraq. Those who attended the Families United for Our Troops and Their Mission rally wore American flags and yellow ribbons.

[wvobiwan]

I love how the media (even Fox) says the anti-war rally drew 100k. Pictures of the crowd put the official estimate about at 15k, with most of those there for the concert. Only about 2k actually listened to the speakers.

[Egon]

There are two types of grieving parents:

1. Parents that want their child remembered for making a difference in the world-- proud of their service, their sacrifice, and their cause.

2. Parents that want to claim victim status for having their children killed by senseless acts of someone in authority.

These two states of mind cannot coexist. You're either one or the other. That is how you cope with your grief.

The first type of parent can't stand anyone that denegrates their child's service, their sacrifice, or the cause.

The second type can't stand anyone that takes away from their victim status by justifying the cause.

[JAWs]

          I swear, is it just me or does Sheehan strike you as maternal as Medea? I mean it's not just her shameless mugging for the camera- camera care of her slain son... it's that she wants change her son from man to victim child. Of course she did spend some time away from Casey trying to 'Find Herself.' I doubt she found anything of interest or value.
          Well, except to herself, maybe.

[Egon]

I swear, is it just me or does Sheehan strike you as maternal as Medea?

Yeah, I think she's in a third category:

3. Those who could care less about their children or their values, but want to claim victim or celebrity status anyway.

I don't think this was ever about Casey.

[battleax]

She is a disgusting pile of dog poop. imho she would kill him again if it kept her in the limelight. God Bless You Casey.
We love you and thank you for your sacrifice.