MY ELECTRIC IS BACK ON AFTER KATRINA!

THE ELECTRIC JUST GOT TURNED BACK ON AFTER 3 days without AC. It is HOT here in Florida! We will sleep good tonight when the house cool's off. 

I haven't been on Hollywood Beach for Camp Casey. We have been busy cleaning up after the hurricane. I hope to make it down there for a few hours tomorrow with the family. Come and join me.

Now my Cindy update for today.

The Peaceful Occupation of Crawford (Day 20)

Exhaustion

-- a message from Cindy Sheehan, Crawford, Texas

I finally figured out George Bush's NEW reason for staying in Iraq. This reason has also been co-opted by the Move America Forward (forward to what: Fascism?) and the poor mothers who would be honored if their sons were killed in George Bush's war for greed and power.

Since the Freedom and Democracy thing is not going so well and the Iraqi parliament is having such a hard time writing their constitution. Since violence is mounting against Iraqis and Americans and since his poll numbers are going down everyday, he had to come up with something.

I have continually asked George Bush to quit using Casey's name and the names of the other Gold Star Families for Peace loved ones to justify his continued killing. He continues to say this: "We have to honor the sacrifices of the fallen by completing the mission." So the mission is now this: WE MUST CONTINUE KILLING AMERICANS BECAUSE AMERICANS HAVE ALREADY BEEN KILLED!!!

How can anyone, anyone in their right minds support this line of reasoning? I have been silent on the Gold Star Moms who still support this man and his war by saying that they deserve the right to their opinions because they are in as much pain as I am. I would challenge them, though, at this point to start thinking for themselves. Iraq DID NOT have WMDs; Iraq WAS NOT linked to Al Qaeda and 9/11; Iraq WAS NOT a threat or danger to America. How can these moms who still support George Bush and his insane war in Iraq want more innocent blood shed just because their sons or daughters have been killed? I don't understand it. I don’t understand how any mother could want another mother to feel the pain we feel. I am starting to lose a little compassion for them. I know they have been as brainwashed as the rest of America, but they know the pain and heartache and they should not wish it on another. However, I still feel their pain so acutely and pray for these "continue the murder and mayhem" moms to see the light.

I didn't do my blog last night because I was so exhausted. I am now lying awake at night thinking and worrying about a couple of things. First of all, how can we keep the momentum of Camp Casey going? Our first step is a bus tour consisting of three buses going through 3 different parts of the country, stopping at various places to do rallies and "visit" Congress people's offices. I had a brainstorm during my press conference yesterday -- our first stop will be at Mr.Tom Delay's office. I just opened my mouth and the words came out and the Bus Tour organizers re-worked the bus schedule so we could make that happen. But before we even issued the invitation to Tom Delay, his office had released a statement saying that he was "too busy to meet with me." In taking Camp Casey to Congress we are creating problems for the very people who voted to give George the authority to invade an innocent country and cause the deaths of so many people. We will eventually target every Congress person, pro-peace or anti-peace alike, Republican or Democrat, and ask them the same questions we are asking the president. Except with Congress, we are going to add one more thing: "Since there is no Noble Cause, you need to develop a speedy exit strategy and bring our troops home as soon as humanly possible." Check out www.BringThemHomeNowTour.org for more info on our bus tour and how you can be involved.

The second thing that worries the crap out of me is the almost icon status that I have achieved. I never set out to become the "Rosa Parks of the Peace Movement." I ventured out on August 6, 2005 to hold George Bush accountable and to raise awareness about his lies and misuse and abuse of power. I didn't set out to become anyone's hero. I am a regular mom who just wants peace and no one else to be murdered for the deceptions of our government. I love the love and support of America: it is what sustains me through these very difficult times and the reich-wing smear campaign. I am blown away and humbled that people are coming from all over the world to meet me and have their pictures taken with me. I am honored when people ask me for my autograph and I love meeting the little ones. I think we really need to focus our energies on the cause of peace, though -- and the message, not the messenger. I am not a perfect person. I am strong and I do have the cajones to tell the world that our "emperor" has no clothes, but it is done out of love of Casey and the others who have died and who are in harm's way and out of the simple fact that at the end of the day I have to look at myself in the mirror. If I didn't do everything in my power to end this monstrosity of an occupation in Iraq, how could I do that? I promised my boy that I would make the world a better place for his unborn nieces and nephews, and I mean to keep that promise.

We are going to have an eventful day at Camp Casey. We are holding a big rally and so are the "pro-continue the killing because Americans have died already" people. I am a little apprehensive about this. We know that the Sheriff's know that the other people are coming to stir up trouble and provoke us into violence. Well, that is not going to happen on the Camp Casey side. We will not resort to the same tactics as their leaders.

Camp Casey is a place of peace and love and we won't let ignorant citizens bring us down. At this point the smears are amusing me, rather than hurting me.

I will keep you all posted about today's events. Please pray for us that everyone keeps a cool head.

Peace!!!!

 

False Freedom Isn't Free by CindySheehan Thu Aug 25th, 2005 at 20:41:41 PDT

Day 19
The Peaceful Occupation of Crawford

False Freedom isn't Free

Today when I was driving back and forth between Camp Casey II and the Crawford Peace House, I saw a lot of signs that say "I'm4W" "Support our Troops" and the one I hate the most: "Freedom isn't Free." I have excerpted an article I wrote a few months ago called: A Lie of Historic Proportions. I am not feeling well tonight, so I am heading to bed before six a.m.

Iraq has been the tragic Lie of Historic Proportions of Washington, DC since before the first Gulf war. For years, Saddam was one of our government's propped up and militarily supported puppets. Many people have seen the famous footage of Donald Rumsfeld shaking hands with Saddam. I suppose the two are smiling so big for the cameras because they are kindred spirits. After all of the hand-shaking and weapon brokering, when did Saddam become such a bad guy to Bush, Cheney, Halliburton and Co.? (Insert your favorite reason here).

During the Clinton regime the US-UN led sanctions against Iraq and the weekly bombing raids killed tens of thousands of people in Iraq. Many of them were children, but since one of her children didn?t have to be sacrificed to the homicidal war machine, Madeline Albright, thinks the slaughter during the "halcyon" Clinton years was "worth it." More lies.

Anyone with even a rudimentary understanding of current events understands that this invasion/occupation of Iraq was not about Saddam being a "bad guy." If that logic is used, then how many innocent Iraqi people have to die before the citizens of America wake up and know that our government is a "bad guy?" We also know that Iraq was not about WMD's. They weren?t there and they weren?t going to be there for at least a decade, by all reports. Another reason, so wispy and more difficult to disprove, is that America invaded Iraq to bring freedom and democracy to the Iraqi people. When one tries to dispute this particular deception, one is accused of being unpatriotic or hating freedom. Even though correct, the statement "Freedom isn't Free" is very insulting to me. False freedom is very expensive. Fake freedom costs about two billion of our tax dollars a week; phony freedom has cost the Iraqi people tens of thousands of innocent lives; fanciful freedom has meant the destruction of a country and its infrastructure. Tragically, this fabricated notion of freedom and democracy cost me far more than I was willing to pay: the life of my son, Casey. The Lie of Historic Proportions also cost me my peace of mind; I do not feel free and I do not feel like I live in a democracy.

Casey took an oath to protect the US from all enemies "foreign and domestic." He was sent to occupy and die in a foreign country that was no threat to the USA. However, the biggest threat to our safety, humanity, and our way of life in America are George and his cronies. Congress made a Mistake of Historic Proportions and waived its Constitutional responsibility to declare war. It is time for the House to make up for that mistake and introduce a Resolution of Inquiry into the Downing Street Memos.

It is time to put partisan politics behind us to do what is correct for once and reclaim America's humanity. It is time for Congress and the American people to work together in peace and justice to rid our country of the stench of greed, hypocrisy, and unnecessary suffering that permeates our White House and our halls of Congress. It is time to hold someone accountable for the carnage and devastation that has been caused. As a matter of fact, it is past time, but it is not too late.

Alex the Great -KIA one year ago today

Alexander Arredondo 08/05/1974 to 08/25/2004  

GOD BLESS ALEX IN HEAVEN AND HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS HE LEFT BEHIND. HE WAS A WONDERFUL KID. PLEASE READ ABOUT HIM. Please help the Arredondo Family.  

 Fallen Heroes Memorial: Marine Lance Cpl. Alexander S. Arredondo  

From Melida (Alex stepmother)

On Thursday, August 25th, 2005, my husband Carlos turns 45.  He will have his family and son Brian at his side, Alex in spirit.  It will mark one year since Alex was killed on 8/25/05.   Please join us as we meet at the corner of St. Rose and South Street in Jamaica Plain in a candle light vigil on Thursday, August 25th, 2005 from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m..   

There are many reasons to join us:  

*  to remember Alexander and his family who used to live in this neighborhood

*  to show solidarity to all the troops who have been killed or wounded and their families

*  to show your support to Carlos who turns 45 on the 1 year anniversary of his son's death

*  to show support for troops who are putting their lives on the line for freedom

*  to encourage the president and public that a strategy on how to bring the troops out of Iraq needs to occur ASAP

*  to show that you believe peace is possible

*  to support the vigil being held in Crawford, Texas by Cindy Sheehan and all vets and families  

So, bring your candles!  Banners!  Cameras! Feel free to put this information on as many email lists as possible... In the event of rain this event will not be held.  

My Camp Casey on Hollywood Beach

I want to thank all of you who have come to visit me at Camp Casey on Hollywood beach. 

As you know we have a hurrican near. I won't be down on the beach for a couple of days untill the hurrican passes. I hope to see all of you again in a few days. I will continue the vigil as long as Cindy is in Crawford...and maybe longer :)

For those who don't know. I have been spending some morning and most evenings at Hollywood Beach on Garfield Street by the playground. I have Camp Casey in Florida sign, Support Cindy Sheehan sign, MIA/POW flag flying, List of all the fallen, letters from Alex Arredondo (KIA one year ago today) to his Mom and Dad and a Support Cindy book people from South Florida have been signing for Cindy.

I'll see you after the Hurricane.

Peace be inside all of us!

Cindy's message back at Camp Casey- Day 18

I got up really early today to head back to Camp Casey. On the way, I had some amazing conversations with people. In one of those conversations, I was talking to Tyler who was sitting next to me on one of the planes. We were not talking about me and what I have been doing. Randomly, he told me he had just been in Texas about an hour north of Crawford. I said: "Wow that's where I am going and that's where I have been all month." He said: "I know I own a television." I thought that was pretty cute.

I got to Camp Casey and I arrived with a mom whose son, John, was killed on January 26, 2005, and his wife and baby, who never met his dad. We arrived in Waco at about 4:30 to the local press. The White House Press Corps was still with the president.

When I arrived at Camp Casey II this afternoon I was amazed at what has changed since I was gone. Now, we have a huge tent to get out of the sun; caterers; an orientation tent; a medic tent (with medics); a chapel, etc.

The most emotional thing for me though was walking through the main tent and seeing the huge painting on canvas of Casey. Many things hit me all at once: That this huge movement began because of Casey's sacrifice; thousands, if not millions of people know about Casey and how he lived his life and the wrongful way in which he was killed; but the thing that hit me the hardest was how much I miss him. I miss him more everyday. It seems the void in my life grows as time goes on and I realize I am never going to see him again or hear his voice. In addition to all this, the portrait is so beautiful and moving and it captures Casey's spirit so well. I sobbed and sobbed. I was surrounded by photographers, I looked around until I finally found a friendly face, then the news people crushed in on me and I couldn't breathe. I didn't mean to have such a dramatic re-entrance to Camp Casey, but the huge portrait of Casey really surprised me.

I can take all of the right wing attacks on me. I have been lied about and to before. Their attacks just show how much I am getting to them and how little truth they have to tell. What really hurts me the most is when people say that I am dishonoring Casey by my protest in Crawford. By wanting our troops to come home alive and well, that I am somehow not supporting them.

So, after Joan Baez gave us a great concert tonight, I got up and I talked about Casey. About the sweet boy who grew up to be a remarkable young man. Casey was not always a brave, big soldier man. He was my sweet, sweet baby once. I told the people at the Camp named after him, that when he was about 2 years old, he would come up behind me and throw his arms around my legs, kiss me on the butt and say: 'I wuv you mama.' I also talked about the loving big brother and wonderful, nearly perfect son. Casey was a regular guy who wanted to get married, have a family, be an elementary school teacher, and a Deacon in the Catholic Church. He wanted to be a Chaplain's assistant in the Army, but was lied to about that also by his recruiter. The last time I talked to him when he called from Kuwait, he was on his way to mass.

For Casey to even join the Army, let alone being killed in battle was the thing that was most uncharacteristic of him. He was a gentle and kind soul who only wanted to help others. What did his untimely and unnecessary death accomplish? It accomplished reinvigorating a peace movement that was sincere, but not very active--or if active, not well covered by the main stream media.

Joan sang the song Joe Hill. In it Joe Hill says: "I never died." Well, looking out at the faces here at Camp Casey, and knowing that for everyone who is present here, there are thousands of others who support our work, I am convinced that Casey never died, and he never will. When I look into the eyes of the kind and gentle souls who have come here, I see Casey and the faces of all the others killed in George Bush's war for greed and profit. We will never forget them and we will honor them by working for peace.

Joan also sang Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. "A thousand angels waiting there for me." I know Casey will be waiting for me when it is my turn, and I know when I finally get there he's going to hug me and say: "Good job, Mom."

*********************************************************

War undoes a mother's work Sick of those 30-second "Cindy speaks" sound bites served up by CNN? You should have been here tonight at Camp Casey where we had the opportunity to listen to her speak at her leisure. Cindy began by telling us wonderful stories about her son Casey when he was little, like the time he stood on a prayer kneeler in church and sang out to the hushed congregation, "I'm Popeye the sailor man!"-- and for years afterwards, fellow parishoners would call him their little "Popeye." She told us about his strong sense of duty and responsibility nutured during his days as an altar boy and Eagle Scout: "He always wanted to help people and serve his country. His decision to join the army was totally unexpected in some ways, but then we knew he always had that commitment to his country."

Then Cindy reiterated her mission here outside Bush's ranch. She said she is determined that no other mother go through what she went through when her son was killed. Camp Casey is "the place where the end of the occupation of Iraq began!" Finally, she expressed what so many of us want to say to President Bush: "You might be able to lie to Congress, and to the media, but you can't lie to us! This war will end when mothers say no!!!"

Joan sings with Cindy looking on... Cindy was so thrilled to make it to Crawford before Joan Baez left. Joan asked Cindy if she had any requests, and indeed she did: Cindy asked her to sing "Joe Hill."

Cindy Sheehan and Joan Baez stand by as Lance Corporal Jeff Keys plays taps this evening. Have you ever seen a more beautiful grouping of people?

As I write, Joan Baez is sitting behind me warming up with "Imagine" and Cindy is meeting with other military families. Jeff is doing what Jeff does best-- hanging out with other campers and being his charming self. Life is good here at Camp Casey.

UPDATES ON CINDY SHEEHAN VISIT TO CRAWFORD
Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2005
(Reverse Time Order — More Recent Entries Toward Top)

7:30 p.m.
Michael Harvey reporting for The Iconoclast

Cindy Sheehan arrived at Camp Casey I to place flowers at the cross of her son. Smiles of welcome gave way to tears of compassion as she broke down at Camp Casey and was overcome by both emotion and the heat. See story and photos here.

7:20 p.m.
Gene Ellis reporting for The Iconoclast

A plea has gone out for both bottled water and donations to assure the continued supply of water for both Camp Caseys and The Peace House.

For those who care to help, bottled water may be brought to The Peace House or to either camp by arriving supporters or donations may be made through Pay Pal or by check.

According to Johnny Wolf, founder of The Peace House, most of the donations have been small. "But there have been so very, very many, we have been able to provide the tent, supplies to provide the meals, the kitchen facilities at Camp II, the supplies for both camps and The Peace House. We have used as many volunteers as possible to stretch the donations as far as we can. If new donations don't come in, by the time Cindy leaves, we expect to be almost bankrupt again."

Another plea was issued by the medical doctor who has been donating her time for the last few days. Dr. Maria Mulligan asks that any doctors, nurses, EMTs, or other volunteers please come for the weekend (or before), as she must leave on Friday.

2 p.m.
Gene Ellis reporting for The Iconoclast

Veterans returning to Camp Casey from the protest in Waco at the VA hospital will be served lunch.It’s another hot day in Central Texas. Supporters are hanging several banners. There is a small crowd right now. It is quiet at the camp, with about 50 people at Camp Casey II.

Camp Casey supporters have provided the following information:
Cindy Sheehan will arrive at the Waco Airport at 4:30 p.m. today. It is anticipated that she will make stops at both camps after her return to Crawford. All public activities will cease at 6:30. She will be granting no interviews today.

A mock helicopter pad is being erected at Camp Casey II to make the point that it should be very easy for Bush to come here and meet Sheehan.

Ann Wright was at a Commissioners' Court meeting yesterday. It was voted 3 to 2 to hold a public hearing (TBA) on the resolution as it now stands, which is to restrict traffic and activities on seven miles of road in the Crawford area. The resolution would affect stopping, parking, talking, etc. on these roads.

Ann Wright said, “The two commissioners who voted against the resolution felt it was overly restrictive because it is also bad for the farmers, ranchers, and residents in the area and would affect free speech, free access, etc.” She added, “For future protests, it is important to seriously consider these issues.”

Supporters met with three of the neighbors after the hearing and acknowledged their concerns. Wright called the superintendent of the Crawford schools to go over any ways they might make the situation safer for the children.

“We want to be sensitive to all the needs of the residents and their children,” said Wright.

Camp bugler Jeff Key, Iraq Veteran Against the War, has returned to camp. He shared that he got as far as the Austin Airport, couldn’t leave, and had to come back. The Iconoclast has an interview scheduled with him later today.

A separate tent is being erected for people with concerns different from Cindy Sheehan's.

With donations that have come in, pro-Bush supporters are gearing up to provide tents and porta-potties to anyone who wishes to join them at a site at the last curve before Camp Casey I. They have arranged for these conveniences in anticipation of the large influx of pro-Bush supporters expected this weekend.

1 a.m.
Michael Harvey reporting for The Iconoclast

At the candlelight vigil held last night, Lance Cpl. Jeff Key, a U.S. Marine Corps reservist, played taps on a trumpet. After a short prayer, Joan Baez sang "Amazing Grace."

Brad Friedman will continue his afternoon live radio broadcast from Camp Casey II today. Here is his site: http://www.bradshow.com/.

A group will be leaving Camp Casey II around 11 a.m. and arrive at the Waco Veterans Hospital around noon to push for continued funding of the facility.

 

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

SUPPORT THE ICONOCLAST BY SUBSCRIBING TO THE ONLINE REPRODUCTION (pdf) OF THE PRINT EDITION OF THE ICONOCLAST. THREE MONTHS FOR JUST $10. SEE FRONT PAGE.

 

CINDY RETURNS TO CRAWFORD Wednesday afternoon.
— Iconoclast Photo By Gene Ellis

CAROLYN JONES, a nurse from Dallas, was available on Wednesday to assist in the medic tent.
— Iconoclast Photo By Gene Ellis

DR. MARIE MULLIGAN of Sebastopol, Calif,. a board-licensed physician, is volunteering a few days at Camp Casey.
— Iconoclast Photo By Gene Ellis

KIM TERPENING of Homer, Alaska, was one of many bloggers in Camp Casey II Wednesday afternoon.
— Iconoclast Photo By Gene Ellis

JIM GOODNOW of Terlingua, Texas, one of the Veterans for Peace volunteers, tends the crosses at the two Camp Caseys.
— Iconoclast Photo By Gene Ellis

BRAD FRIEDMAN (right) received some help on his radio show from Isaac Green of Santa Fe, N.M., who came with his mother to Camp Casey.
— Iconoclast Photo By Gene Ellis

THE LABYRINTH at the Peace House provides a meditative oasis for harried visitors.
— Iconoclast Photo By Gene Ellis

POET, artist, and musician Rick Burnley of Plicitas, N.M. entertained new friends in verse.
— Iconoclast Photo By Gene Ellis

CROSSES AT THE PEACE HOUSE await names of newly fallen.
— Iconoclast Photo By Gene Ellis

BRAD FRIEDMAN (left) and Otis Maclay did a live radio feed at Camp Casey II last night just after a candlelight vigil.
— Iconoclast PhotoBy Michael Harvey

A CANDLELIGHT vigil was held at Camp Casey II Tuesday night. Above are scenes from that event.
— Iconoclast Photos By Michael Harvey

Coming Back to Crawford

By Cindy Sheehan
Huffington Post

I'm coming back to Crawford for my son. As long as the president, who sent him to die in a senseless war, is in Crawford, that is where I belong. I came here two and a half weeks ago for one reason, to try and see the president and get an answer to a very simple question: What is the noble cause that he says my son died for?
The answer to that question will not bring my son back. But it may stop more meaningless deaths. Because every death is now a meaningless one. And the vast majority of our country knows this. So why do more young men and women have to die? And why do more parents have to lose their children and live the rest of their lives with this unbearable grief?

The presidency is not bigger than the people's will.

And when the people speak out, it's the president's reponsibility to listen. He is there to serve us, not the other way around.

This isn't about politics. It's about what is good for America and what's best for our security and how far this president has taken us away from both.

I'm coming back to Crawford because -- now and forever -- this is my duty for my son, for my other children, for other parents, and for my country.

Statement by Former Ambassador Joseph Wilson

(Press Release)

The Bush White House and its right wing allies are responding to Cindy Sheehan and the military families’ vigil in Central Texas in the same way that they always respond to bad news– by unleashing personal attacks and smears against her.

This White House never wants an open public discussion, and it certainly never wants to be told that it is wrong. It always tries to change the message by attacking the messenger.

They did it with former Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill when he wrote a book that suggested that the White House used 9/11 as an excuse to invade Iraq.

They did it when Richard Clarke revealed that the White House ignored warnings about Bin Laden.

They did it in a most despicable way, as everybody now knows, when they revealed my wife’s identity as a CIA employee because they were unhappy when I spoke the truth and told the American people that President Bush’s claim was false concerning Niger’s giving uranium to Iraq, part of the trumped up rationale for our invasion.

So no one should be surprised that when these mothers and families who have lost loved ones in Iraq step up to question the President, the White House responds not with the respect due them, but with hateful attacks and smears. But enough is enough. Ours is a government of the people, by the people and for the people; and the people in the name of Cindy Sheehan are right in demanding accountability for the tragedy foisted upon our great nation by this administration. To smear her rather than hear her is un-American and undemocratic.


Joseph C. Wilson IV was U.S. Ambassador to Gabon from 1992-1995 and is an international business consultant.