Morning Press Confrence

Cindy and vets hold morning press conference
At this mornings's press conference, Cindy, military families and veterans, including National Guardsmen, sent condolences to the men and women of Louisiana who are facing Hurricane Katrina. Cindy called for all remaining Camp Casey materials to be sent to the disaster site, and veteran called on fellow vets in Louisiana to help with disaster relief. More information about the coming bus tour was announced.

Paralyzed Iraq veteran Tomas Young called on President Bush to meet with him to explain why his best hope to walk again, stem cell research, was not being pursued. Tomas was wounded in Iraq the same day that Casey Sheehan was killed.

 

More Pictures from the weekend

Cindy Sheehan talks to one of her children on her cell phone while sitting on the side of the road leading to President Bush ranch in Crawford, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2005. Sheehan's vigil to see President Bush is entering

Cindy Sheehan, left, puts her arm around actor and peace activist Martin Sheen at Camp Casey 2 near President Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2005. Sheen joked that Sheehan was meeting the acting president.

President Bush supporters drive past Cindy Sheehan's anti-war camp near President Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2005

Cindy Sheehan, left, and Rev. Al Sharpton greet each other after he arrived at Camp Casey 2 near President Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2005.

A McLennan Sheriff Deputy warns an unidentified Cindy Sheehan supporter that she will be arrested if she does not stay on the Camp Casey 1 side of the road across from the pro-Bush protesters near President Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2005. Several thousand people descended on President Bush's adopted hometown Saturday, either attending a rally supporting him or arriving for the last leg of an anti-war demonstration near his ranch.

Cindy Sheehan places her son Casey's boots in front of a cross in his name at the anti-war protestors newest campsite near President Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas, Friday, Aug. 26, 2005. Standing at right is campsite volunteer Tiffany Burns of Los Angeles, Calif.

 

 

Well known come to Camp Casey and Theres a Wedding

 

Martin Sheen visits Camp Casey

Following our wedding earlier in the day, Martin Sheen visited Camp Casey and led a Catholic rosary that incorporated the reading of the names of 50 U.S. servicepersons killed in Iraq. Interspersed in the reading of the names, a chorus sang religious hymns from many different faiths. Upon taking the stage, Martin Sheen declared that many had been silent far too long about what's happening and he hoped that Cindy would be the catalyst for changing that. After posing for a photo op with members of Iraq Veterans Against the War, he joined the nightly Camp Casey sunset taps ceremony.

 

Genevieve and Peter tie knot at Camp Casey

This afternoon Genevieve and Peter of Austin, Texas were married under the big tent of Camp Casey II. After coming toCrawford last weekend, the couple decided to move up their scheduled wedding and forego some of the ceremonial trappings to marry among friends, some old and many new. (Photo: Genevieve center, Peter obscured by flying rose petals in background, and their two sons in foreground.)
Al Sharpton joins interfaith service

 

Representatives of a dozen faith-based communities and beliefs gathered this morning for an interfaith prayer service. Each took a moment to express in their own words why this war must end. "We should not declare God to be on our side, but we should be on God's side," said one clergy member. Rev. Al Sharpton closed the service with a moving call to take history into our own hands. Maybe folks didn't have the courage to do what Cindy did, but the least we can do now is stand with her now, he urged.

After the service, over 4,000 roses were placed on the crosses in front of Camp Casey II. Each rose was paid for by an individual who gave $3 via Working Assets.

Today is also the 42nd anniversary of the Civil Rights March on Washington. I was talking to Maggie from New York City earlier. She has been here awhile now, so I asked her what's happening? Without hesitation, she reply, "Grassroots democracy in action. This is thrilling and unstoppable. It feels like the Civil Rights Movement of the 50's when I was a kid. I have that same feeling now." After a pause, she added, "I hope that I'm right."

UPDATES ON CINDY SHEEHAN VISIT TO CRAWFORD
Sunday, Aug. 28, 2005
(Reverse Time Order — More Recent Entries Toward Top)

NO ENTRIES WERE POSTED ON SUNDAY, AUG. 28.

At approximately 7 p.m. Saturday night a lightning storm hit parts of Central Texas and lightning struck the tower upon which The Iconoclast's internet service provider satellite was mounted, disabling it.

The newspaper's internet edition was unable to go back into service with updates until late Sunday afternoon.

Instead of posting updates, the newspaper elected to post regular stories, although they were posted rather late.

Here are the links:

Saturday wrap-up story.

Russell Means Visits Camp Casey

Martin Sheen Visits Camp Casey

In other matters on Sunday, a wedding was held during the early afternoon, Al Sharpton visited Camp Casey II during the morning, as did Ben Boothe.

Musical entertainment took place during the day.

 

STONE MARKER — Ron Teska of Greene County, Pennsylvania, has been working on this marker for three days, all hand-tooled, at Camp Casey II.

 

Clark talks about GSFP and Cindy Sheehan

Full Article here: Opinion: Clark on Iraq Strategy

Houston, Tex..: How would you respond to Cindy Sheehan and the other family members who believe their children have been sacrificed for a lie?

General Clark: I have the deepest sympathy and empathy with Cindy Sheehan. My son served in the Armed Forces and I worried about him every day. And, I carried a burden of guilt about his service, as I am sure most mothers and fathers do. Because, after all, we either encourage them, supported them, or sustained them in making this commitment to their country. My prayers and condolences are with every family who has lost a loved one in Iraq or Afghanistan, or seen him or her come home forever scarred or crippled. And I thank them for their loved ones' service and for their sacrifice. And I understand the depth of their feelings I believe, because every American trusts our leaders to use our men and women in combat only, only, only as a last resort. And in Iraq, this wasn't the case. And we will probably never learn the full array of motives that lead our nation's leaders to take us to this war. I warned at the time that it was "elective"--we didn't have to do it. There wasn't an eminent threat. So why did we? Cindy Sheehan, every mother and father of our service members, and every American has a right to know. It was a strategic blunder to go there. Now America sees it in hindsight. But those in power have responsibilities to do the right thing, and when they don't they should be held accountable. Cindy is doing everything she can to hold them accountable. President Bush should talk to her and tell her the truth.

Cindy's Message Day 21 - Not One More

Not One More
Day 21
The Peaceful Occupation of Crawford

A photographer friend of mine went down to Crawford to the Pro-War, Anti-Peace rally today. There were about 1500 people there he said. He also said that it was the most "third reich" spectacle that he had ever seen in America.

My friend said that the speakers were whipping up the crowd into a frenzy of hatred for me (like they already didn't hate me?) and for the peace movement. My friend said that the entire theme of the rally was: "Cindy is killing American troops by her anti-American protest." Oh really, isn't George Bush killing innocent Americans and Iraqis by sending them to fight in an illegal and immoral war for power and greed? I think the real culprit is my neighbor: George.

I am really sad that there are still people in America who think that someone exercising her freedom of speech is anti-American. People who say we DON'T have the right to dissent are un-patriotic and un-American. My friend said that the rally was really the scariest thing he had ever seen. Except for one funny part when some people were walking through the crowd with a "Say No to War---except when a Democrat is President" (whatever that means???) sign. I guess the people at the rally only read the "Say No to War" part and they were ripping up the signs and chasing the gentlemen out. The unfortunate sign holders were trying to tell the counter-protesters that they were on Bush's killing side, but the crowd wouldn't hear them.

Our rally had about 2500 people jammed into the Camp Casey II tent. The speakers and music were awesome. Joan sang a few more songs. I told the crowd that I totally understand George Bush's noble cause for continuing the war: I have to kill more Americans because I have already killed so many. Then I posed the question to them that we will pose to Congress and the small minority of Americans (38-40%) who still believe in George's oil war. How many more lives are you willing to sacrifice before you bring the troops home? I led the crowd in a deafening chant of "Not One More," aimed at George's vacation home.

I kind of feel sorry for George; holed up in his ranch. Not being able to go out unless he flies over in his helicopter. If he drove out of the ranch, he would have to see people who disagree with him. But every time he leaves the ranch now, he faces people demanding answers to the question: What Noble Cause?

George is going golfing in Arizona on Monday, then to San Diego on Monday afternoon and Tuesday. Be sure we will have people in those locations bird dogging him. He deserves to be made uncomfortable: he is making the entire world more than uncomfortable.

We are relaxing a little bit tonight after the rally. A very nice young man who was wounded and put in a wheel chair by Bush's war on the same day Casey was killed came out tonight. He is spending his honeymoon with his new bride here at Camp Casey. Which reminds me...we are having 2 weddings here tomorrow: One at Camp Casey I and one at Camp Casey II. We have had so many children and babies come out too...it is the cycle of life.

I was visited by a 2nd Lt. from Casey's 2-5 Cavalry that told me to keep up the good work and Casey's old roommate came out from Ft. Hood to meet me. He may have to go back to Iraq soon. He hopes he doesn't have to since he will be out in 6 months, but he is pretty sure he will be stop-lossed.

It was so hot today in Crawford. So hot, it seemed like there wasn't enough air to breathe. Then a storm came and gave us some blessed relief.

Update: Some pro-war people came up to Camp Casey II around 10pm and Ann Wright had to call the sheriff because they were getting a little rowdy.

I got this email today. I just had to share :)

  Subject: Message to Cindy Sheehan Date: 8/28/2005 1:41:49 AM Eastern Daylight Time From:

esmith@grandeproducts.com

CC: vise.president@whitehouse.gov comments@whitehouse.gov

I too have a son and I appreciate the hopelessness and pain that you feel for your lost one. I need to know if you have forgotten about the almost 3000 people that died on 9/11? You need to support our troops and the president. The United States needs backbone.  A recent quote from Bin Laden, “ The difference between United States and me is that I love death and the United States values life” This is seen on TV by National Geographic 27Aug05. In addition, due to Geneva convention terrorists pray to be captured by United States because they know we can not hurt them. You must understand that if you love to walk on the street w/o a curfew then you need to support the president. Now is the time to show that as a country we mean what we say and say what we mean. Similar to the days of Truman. He new that Japan wanted to surrender but he still dropped the A-Bomb. Please stop being selfish and look at the bigger picture. We need to add more troops and squash the enemy like a bug for our own sake.

Eric Smith

407-242-4340

407-334-8763

 

Eric Smith,   I don't know why you are emailing me a message for Cindy Sheehan. If you want to write her there are plenty of places you can contact her.   meetwithcindy.org  or  www.gsfp.org   I can see you are a person who refuses to see the truth. This does sadden me that people like you refuse to see what is going on in our country but, this is America and we are all allowed to believe and think as we will. You believe the lies and propaganda being told to you, I believe the truth. 9/11 had nothing to do with Iraq. There was no connection. The ones that blew up the towers are friends to the president, they were not from Iraq. Now, I fear the kids from Iraq who are growing up today will want to hurt us because we blowing up their country, we stole their money and torture their parents. These kids now will come in my children's future to pay us back for what we have done. We have many enemies in the world now. We will not be able to live on this planet without people wanting to get back at us for what we have done. You said "You must understand that if you love to walk on the street w/o a curfew then you need to support the president." What do you think is going to happen if and when there is another attack that they want to scare the hell out of the citizens here?  Bush allows 9/11 to happen and he will allow another attack to control people like you into fearing he is the best for our country. Remember every time his numbers get low something bad happens here in this country. He will be the one to enforce marshal law. He wants to be King George - Ruler of all...." Now is the time to show that as a country we mean what we say and say what we mean."  Like I said ruler of all the world. Everyone should live like us..right? "Please stop being selfish and look at the bigger picture. We need to add more troops and squash the enemy like a bug for our own sake." I do wish you would stop being selfish and look at the bigger picture. Look at the hate we are breading, the loss of respect we have on this planet. What's going to happen when China call theirs note due from all the money we have borrowed from them? We don't have enough people to fight the world. And as I always say, the ones that want the war should send their skin to play in the game. The ones that don't want their skin in the game...BRING THEM HOME NOW!   1,872 Killed in action. The number is much higher than that. This is the number of the ones who died on the battle field. If they die on the way to the hospital or on the way home to the states they aren't counted. I have heard the number is close to 6,000. I doubt we will ever know the truth.  We are told there is 14,021 wounded. I hope since you are so passionate about this war you help the families of the fallen and help the ones who's lives have changed forever from this "war".  I true human would do everything to help these people. I true human wouldn't want torture and death being done in their name. A true human would want to do to others as they would want done to them. A true human loves his neighbors, they don't want to kill them. Killing begets more killing. Love begets peace. What do you want killing or peace?   Please don't email me again. Cindy

Peace Bus Tour Needs A Little Help

Bring Them Home Now Tour 2005

From Camp Casey, Crawford to Washington, D.C.;

From George Bush's door step to Communities along the way, We Demand That:

• Elected Representatives Decide Now to Bring the Troops Home
• We Take Care of Them When They Get Here
• We Never Again Send Our Loved Ones to War Based on Lies!

On August 31st, the last day of the encampment, the Bring Them Home Now Tour will lauch three buses from Crawford, TX, each carrying military and Gold Star families, veterans of the Iraq War and veterans of previous wars. These buses will travel different routes across the country, converging in Washington, D.C. on September 21st, for the United for Peace and Justice Mobilization September 24th-26th.

Please go to the tour's website http://www.bringthemhomenowtour.org for more information on the route, opportunities for hosting events and next steps in the fight to end the war.
Help! Cindy, the military families and vets are calling for a very special loan/donation from their wonderful supporters: for the success of the "Bring Them Home Now" bus tour kicking off in Crawford on August 31st, we need to borrow TWO campers/RVs to drive many, many miles, arriving in D.C. in before September 24th. Alternatively, we would love to accept donations for the rental :) If you or someone you know might be willing to make this very important loan/montetary donation, please call organizer Lisa Fithian at (213) 840-1972 or e-mail her at fithianl@igc.org.

THANKS!!!
 

Past 2 Days at Camp Casey Crawford

UPDATES ON CINDY SHEEHAN VISIT TO CRAWFORD
Saturday, August 27, 2005
(Reverse Time Order — More Recent Entries Toward Top)

4:20 p.m.
Gene Ellis reporting for the Iconoclast

Joan Baez sang about four times this afternoon, a couple of the songs being Joe Hill, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.

Cindy Sheehan spoke at the rally and at a press conference just after that.

Sheehan said that before she came down here, someone told her, "You should go down in a pasture near Bush's ranch and thousands of people would come and you ought to call it Turdstock, so let's call it Turdstock."

She said that one question in her mind when she first arrived in Crawford was, "When will America care?" Now, she says, she knows that America cares.

Sheehan talked about her plans to take her message to the communities, that it is a grassroots movement that's growing and growing. She said, "I couldn't stop it now if I wanted to. It's got a life of its own. We'll take it to the cities, then the House and the Senate." She reiterated that the insurgency is fueled by our presence.She says she thinks it will stop if we leave.

The serving of barbecue has not yet started. The arrival of persons to have crosses removed has not happened.

There are still thousands here. Few, if any, are leaving. People keep arriving.

1:30 p.m.
Michael Harvey reporting for the Iconoclast

At Camp Casey I, the Bush side is chanting "George Bush!" and the anti-war side is finishing their sentence by chanting "War criminal!"

The Bush side is loudly calling out, "Where is your anti-semitic leader?"

One pro-war sign says, "Cindy and Osama sitting in a tree." Another says "Who's paying you?"

A bunch of cars are passing by honking, as they have been constantly today.

Now the Bush side is yelling, "I'm for W."

There are close to 200 people out here now (both sides combined).

Music and barbecue is planned on the Camp Casey side this afternoon.

1:17 p.m.
Michael Harvey reporting for the Iconoclast

At Camp Casey I, it is hot, probably 110 degrees. Members on each side of the triangle are yelling at each other, veterans for the war on one side, veterans against the war on the other. They are taunting each other.

The crowd is growing and parking has become a big problem.

At the pro-Bush side of the encampment, a hot-dog stand has been set up.

1:15 p.m.
Gene Ellis reporting for the Iconoclast

Joan Baez has returned and just led everyone in singing Amazing Grace at Camp Casey II. When she finished she said, "Christian right, eat your heart out."

She is slated to sing interspersed throughout the rally this afternoon. The barbecue is still to follow, as is the continued rally. Various artists from Austin are slated to perform later.

Another busload of people has come in. Several helicopters are flying about.

12:45 p.m.
Gene Ellis reporting for The Iconoclast

There are probably 2,000 people or more in the big tent at Camp Casey II. There is a rally under way on the stage with a man, and now the entire audience, singing God Bless America. Coordinator Ann Wright spoke for a few minutes earlier. A huge luncheon is set out with people lined up. Another busload of people is driving up right now. Parking is pretty much maxed out now.

Ann Wright is currently speaking again. You can smell barbecue cooking. Programs on stage are continuing during the day. Gatorade and water is being passed out among the crowd.

People just keep piling in. It is very hot.

There is going to be a wedding tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Camp Casey II. The bride says she will find and wear the cleanest T-shirt she's got and the money that would be have been spent on the weddingwill go to the Peace House and Cindy Sheehan's group.

 

11:00 a.m.
Gene Ellis reporting for The Iconoclast

This report is from Camp Casey I. There are about 20 state trooper vehicles out here, not including a number of sheriff's department vehicles.

Right now, there are about 100 individuals on the Camp Casey side of the triangle and about 60-70 on the pro-war side.

On the drive here, there appeared to be about 20 people at the pro-Bush encampment just outside of Crawford.

Law enforcement personnel reported that one arrest has been made at Camp Casey I. A pro-Bush supporter reportedly attempted to harrass a Camp Casey supporter during the night and was eventually asked to leave by law enforcement. Then again this morning, officers say the man returned, becoming obnoxious and mouthing off. After the man mouthed off to an officer, the man was arrested and charged with interferring with the duties of a public servant. The man's name has not been released.

Currently, dancing and musical entertainment is under way at this camp. Dennis Kynd is performing for Camp Casey.

 

 

 

UPDATES ON CINDY SHEEHAN VISIT TO CRAWFORD
Friday, August 26, 2005
(Reverse Time Order — More Recent Entries Toward Top)

6:30 p.m.
Gene Ellis reporting for The Iconoclast

On Saturday, the population of Crawford is expected to swell by thousands. At Camp Casey, entertainment on the stage is planned all day. People are being encouraged to come to that location instead of Camp Casey I.

The intense heat and the possibility of clashes between pro-war and anti-war supporters may make Saturday a dangerous day. Caution is being urged and people are instructed to keep their tempers at bay.

4:15 p.m.
Gene Ellis reporting for The Iconoclast

Cindy Sheehan held a press conference this morning. She was joined by three Gold Star fathers. Sheehan asked again how many more must die and said that Iraq was not about defending America. She said that people got off the apathy fence. She talked about the bus tour after Camp Casey to begin a three-week engagement.

There are two new RNs in the medic tent today, four medics available for both camps, and a cardiologist who came as a supporter is available.

A native American and Iraq veteran very much against the war was present.

Lunch was served. Ann Wright, coordinator, spoke about the challenges that Sheehan's group will face with the opposition groups or counterprotestors that are expected tomorrow.

The two Camp Caseys and the Peace House are expecting 1,000 to 1,500 supporters tomorrow. Five busloads are expected from Austin, Dallas, and Houston alone. There will be a rally at noon under the big tent at Camp Casey II.

There will be a barbecue later, perhaps at 2 p.m. Wright stressed that "we are a nonviolent group here in a peaceful spirit wanting to speak to our President these last 20 days."

There are some roads that may be closed to the shuttles, but not to other vehicles tomorrow.

There was a peacekeeping workshop that is just finishing. Johnny Wolf spoke, giving tips on how to keep one's cool.

The Rev. Peter Johnson, of the SCLC, who worked with Martin Luther King, instructed peace-keeping volunteers on the subject of non-violence.

It's very, very hot. There are currently about 200 people under the tent.

Editor's Note: Permission is granted to reprint the information and photographs appearing in this feature about Cindy Sheehan's visit to Crawford and activities at The Peace House. Attribution would be appreciated. Recordings, if any, may also be reproduced, with credit. — W. Leon Smith, publisher, The Lone Star Iconoclast

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"HOW MANY MORE MUST DIE?" asked Cindy Sheehan at her Friday morning press conference at Camp Casey II.
— Iconoclast Photo By Gene Ellis

TINA GARNANEZ of Farmingham, N.M., an Iraq Veteran Against the War, joined Cindy Sheehan's protest movement today.
— Iconoclast Photo By Gene Ellis

JUAN TORRES (left) of Chicago and Steve DeFord of Salem, Ore. are members of Gold Star Families.
— Iconoclast Photo By Gene Ellis

DR. JEFF RITTERMAN, cardiologist, and Vivien Feyer, psychologist, both of Richmond, Calif., are assisting the at Camp Casey until Saturday evening.
— Iconoclast Photo By Gene Ellis

EMILY SHARPE of Savannah, Ga., works on Cindy Sheehan's blog.
— Iconoclast Photo By Gene Ellis

JOHNNY WOLF cautioned peacemakers, "Don't feed the bears" by engaging in verbal or physical conflict.
— Iconoclast Photo By Gene Ellis

VOLUNTEERS with the Peace House were sensitive to the dietary needs of Cindy Sheehan supporters.
— Iconoclast Photo By Gene Ellis