Cindy Sheehan. The Plea, Promote Harmony Peacefully
Cindy Sheehan Quits
© copyright 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
Dearest Cindy . . .
I meant to write this letter days ago after reading your farewell "Good Riddance Attention Whore." I watched as the number of electronic communiqués in response to your essay mounted. I thought my message might be lost and perhaps was not important. I decided to forego a seemingly fruitless endeavor.
Yet, as I reflected on my reading of your words, and those writing in reply, I was haunted. Still, I hesitated. I was drowning in sorrow as I observed the interchanges. Ultimately, I concluded I can stay silent no longer, for if I do I endorse the verbal struggle. Oh, how I long for peace, harmony, and tranquility in every aspect of life. I hope to express my thoughts in a manner that honors calm and furthers a shared understanding. However, if the present is as the past, what are meant to be peaceful ponderings may provoke.
Cindy, the chatter surrounding your letter of resignation reminded of what struck me most in your offering. I experience as you mention.
[T]he "left" started labeling me with the same slurs that the right used. I guess no one paid attention to me when I said that the issue of peace and people dying for no reason is not a matter of "right or left", but "right and wrong."I experience this as well. More often than not, my missives bring talk of divisiveness. When I am critical of those that send our young and now older to combat, I receive comments of how "evil" the right is. I may frequently speak of the neoconservatives with disdain; however, I think the Left is no less liable. For me, any being that thinks war is ever an option allows for the practice.
I have also been slammed for calling the Commander and his Cabinet criminal. While I do believe that all beings have the potential for enlightenment, some are extremely slow to evolve. The ego delays their ascent. I have faith that each of us will make errors repeatedly as we travel through this Earthly existence; nonetheless, when these blunders take sweet and vulnerable men and women into battle, I think that iniquitous.
For me, it matters not the Party affiliation; harming another is errant. I experience as you have.
I am deemed a radical because I believe that partisan politics should be left to the wayside when hundreds of thousands of people are dying for a war based on lies that is supported by Democrats and Republican alike.I cannot comprehend the reprimands of one that thinks I am too harsh verbally, when I, without swearing explain my disdain for any being that is willing to hurt others. Merely calling for censure or impeachment, a nonviolent means for ending mass murder, is considered illogical and disappointing to this self-defined contrarian. Apparently for this self-proclaimed Buddhist, placing the onus on me seems apt. I am bombarded with barbs while men and women die on battlefields abroad.
It amazes me that people who are sharp on the issues and can zero in like a laser beam on lies, misrepresentations, and political expediency when it comes to one party refuse to recognize it in their own party.The mad cap fellow I mention and I would each agree with this statement. However, he would remind me that the philosophical form of Zen, Hinduism that I hold dear is deeply flawed for it differs from the religious sect of Buddhism he prefers.
I sigh deeply. I trust that as much as I appreciate many of this man's musings, the need to be right or reproach drains me. I want no part of such exchanges. I long for peace in every effort eternally.
I am not a competitive person and have no interest in engaging is dialogues where one is left the victor, and the other defeated. I prefer peace. For me, even an arraignment is an opportunity for growth. It need not be confrontational. I only wish to lessen the power of those that think we have the right to punish another nation or our own citizens by putting them to death, or torturing them until they talk. Yet, consistently I realize bringing about harmony is not the intent of many in the movement.
I have also tried to work within a peace movement that often puts personal egos above peace and human life. This group won’t work with that group; he won’t attend an event if she is going to be there; and why does Cindy Sheehan get all the attention anyway? It is hard to work for peace when the very movement that is named after it has so many divisions.When working with an organization devoted to harmony, the two persons prominent is coordinating the events argued vehemently. Those assisting with the installation project then took sides. There was no tranquility among the pacifists; yet, they claimed to be people of peace.
While walking with a group dedicated to calm, marchers called out to the law officers. These peace protesters preferred to fight the fuzz. The antics of those supporting an end to war actually promoted the same on local streets.
Cindy, I relent as you have.
[N]o matter how much I sacrifice, I can’t make you be that [peaceful, loving] country unless you want it.Persons and political structures are as they wish to be. I cannot change them; nor do I desire to try. I speak out for I trust that my silence will not benefit them or me. In my own life much has been said when I was not ready to understand the meaning or significance. I trust that people and policies are in flux. They are evolving as am I. I can only hope that my love of peace will be honored within my lifetime. I accept that this may not be so. Nonetheless, for me and I trust the same is true for you Cindy Sheehan, I will continue to do as I can. However, I cannot sacrifice my own soul. If I am to stay strong, I cannot continually allow others to deplete my spirit.
Cindy, I thank you so much for sharing your self, your strength, and for remaining vigilant. I believe peace will come. You will be among those that made the transition possible. I am grateful.
Sincerely, with great respect . . .
Betsy L. Angert
Posted by Betsy L. Angert on May 31, 2007 at 02:05 PM in "Take me as I am!", Activism, Bloggers Unite, Cindy and Casey Sheehan, Communities, Communities and Communication , Compassion, Conflict, Complex, Discussion, Dreams Live and Die , Emotional Decisions, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy and Evolution, Humans, Self-Destructive, Iraq War, Peace Movement, Peaceful Protests, Politics, War is in the Wind, War Kills [Mind, Body, Spirit], “When is Enough, Enough?”, “You are either with us or against us” | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Activist Unite. Veterans For Peace 2006 National Convention
Photograph and Composition By Betsy L. Angert ©
Years ago, I discovered Veterans For Peace accidentally. I was an active member of the Orange County Peace Coalition. A person I not yet met, placed a request into the Coalition’s cyberspace. James Ameen, veteran and co-organizer of Arlington West, Huntington Beach project, was looking for assistance. Mr. Ameen was planning a performance piece, an installation, and a work of art. He was documenting the deaths from this country’s most recent aggression, and memorializing these.
Mr. Ameen and co-coordinator, Tom Lash, another Veteran for Peace, were focused. They were seeking persons willing and able to contribute time and energy to their effort. The hope was that they, along with others, would enlighten a seemingly apathetic public. They would tell their personal tales of war and discuss the occurrences in Iraq.
I helped to construct, sand, and paint wooden crosses. I placed these in the sand on the beach each weekend morning. Twelve hours later, I lent a hand in loading these crosses into cars and then taking them to a safe storage.
Each week I collected and updated the information necessary for the display. I typed comments, created a database of passer-bys and interested parties. I placed flowers on these headstones and I met many Veterans and active duty service persons during this endeavor. Hours were dedicated to Peace and peace activism. There were plenty devoted to destruction that passed by the installation. They spoke of their beliefs; I listened and discussed my own.
For me, the time I spent engaging with Veterans For Peace was fruitful. Now, that experience might be yours. I received this announcement and I wish to pass it on to you dear reader. This is another opportunity for activist to unite.
Seattle, Washington, University of Washington Campus
August 10 - 13, 2006
"Sow Justice, Reap Peace: Strategies For Moving Beyond War."
Convention SpeakersJohn Perkins, Cindy Sheehan, and Dahr Jamail head an All-Star cast of speakers to the 2006 Veterans For Peace National Convention.
And that's not all. This is shaping up to be an incredible list of speakers, and it doesn't even include The Musicians!
John Perkins, Cindy Sheehan, Dahr Jamail, Ann Wright, Ray McGovern, Brian Willson, Jennifer Harbury, Elliott Adams, Stacy Bannerman, Antonia Juhasz, Pablo Paredes, Malik Rahim, Bruce Gagnon, Diane Benson, Monica Benderman, Camilo Mejia, Majorie Cohn, Diane Rejman, Simona Sharoni, Diane Wilson, Anthony Arnove, Bridgett Cantrell, David Cline, Michael McPhearson, Gerry Condon, Eli Painted Crow, Mike Ferner, Vivian Felts, Ellen Finklestein, Lynn Fitzhugh, Tina Garnanez, Jennifer Harbury, Ed Heim, Andy Heims, Evan Kanter, Dan Kenner, John Kim, Kathleen McFerran, Alene Morris, Steve Morse, Paul William Roberts, David Swanson, Bob Wing, Todd Boyle and more . . .
You will not get a recital of old, familiar material. You will get the state of the art, the leading edge of thinking. You will be in a conference room with Ray McGovern or Brian Willson or Dahr Jamail, in a discussion with other leading activists.
This will be the biggest convention of the year for any serious student of nonviolent political change.
Everyone in this struggle is welcome. Please join us!
Convention Workshops
Veterans for Peace Convention - August 10 - 13, 2006
Workshop Schedule
Thursday, August 10, 2006
2:30 - 3:45
• Chapter Organization/Innovations: Spreading the Peace/Anti-war Movement: Why is it so White and Middle-class? (Michael McPhearson and Bob Wing)
• Communication: Hearts and Minds: Spiritual Activism in a Time of War (Stacy Bannerman)
• Environment and Culture: A World of Hurt or Hope: The National Security Implications of Global
• Warming and Abrupt Climate Change, (John Seebeth)
• Human Effects of War: Finding the Way Back Home: Readjustment and Traumatic Stress (Drs. Bridgett Cantrell, Scott Michael, and Evan Kanter)
• Veteran Support: Vets4Vets, Peer Support, and Empowerment Groups for Iraq-era Veterans (Jim Driscoll. Kelly Dougherty, Garett Reppenhagen)
• Issues of War: War profiteering and U.S. Strategic Goals in the Middle East (Dahr Jamail)
4:00 - 5:15
• Chapter Organization/Innovations: Walking to New Orleans (Malik Rahim, Vivian Felts, Ward Reilly, Michael McPhearson et al)
• Communication: Creating Safety Through Connection: Nonviolent Communication (Kathleen Macferran)
• Environment and Culture: Agents of Destruction: DU and Agent Orange (David Cline et al)
• Human Effects of War: Writing About War by Live video feed from Toronto (Paul William Roberts)
• Veteran Support: International Panel (Frank Houde et al)
• Issues of War: Nuclear weapons (Carol Reilley Urner)
Friday, August 11, 2006
9:45 - 11:00
• Chapter Organization/Innovations: Counter recruitment
• Communication: How to Speak the Truth in Difficult Times (Alene Moris)
Environment and Culture: The Peace Movement, Knowing What to do Next (Elliot Adams)
• Human Effects of War: Health Consequences of War: Challenges Beyond the Battlefield (Drs. Gene Bolles and Evan Kanter)
• Veteran Support: An American Peace Veteran in Vietnam (Diane Rejman)
• Issues of War: The Politics of Obedience: Breaking the Habit of Voluntary Servitude (Brian Willson)
11:15 - 12:30
• Chapter Organization/Innovations: Waging Peace Workshops, an Overview (Elliot Adams)
• Communication: Voices of Women Veterans - (Ann Wright, Tina Garnanez and Eli Painted Crow)
• Environment: How Can We Avert the Converging Catastrophes of Global Climate Change, Global Oil Depletion, and the U.S. War Response to Oil? (Roland James)
• Culture: Creating a Culture of Peace (Ellen Finkelstein)
• Veteran Support: Alternative Medicine Breakthroughs and PTSD and PTSD and EMDR - the End of the Nightmares (Lynn Fitz-Hugh and Dan Kenner)
• Issues of War: Structural Causes of War, Todd Boyle, and Antonia Juhasz
2:00 - 3:15
• Chapter Organization/Innovations: Chapter Building (Patrick McCann)
• Communication: Practicing Nonviolent Communication (Bob Hendricks)
• International Issues: Israel/Palestine (Souliman al Khatib and Assaf Oron)
• Issues of War: Lies, Secrecy and Lawlessness - How to Stop the Coming Police State and Protect Yourself Along the Way (Ray McGovern and Ed Hein)
• Veteran Support: Resisting in the US and Canada (Gerry Condon and Pablo Paredes)
• Issues of War: Impeachment (David Swanson and Mike Ferner)
3:45 - 5:00
• Innovations: Passing the Torch: Training Youth to be Peace Activists (Youth panel from FOR)
• Communication: Media (Virginia Rodino)
• Culture: Unity Beyond War Time (Andy Himes)
• Human Effects of War: Torture (Jennifer Harbury)
• Veteran Support: GI Rights and GI Advocacy (Steve Morse)
• Issues of War: Axis of Evil v. Great Satan (John Amidon, John Kim and Keith Leitich)
We really hope you can join us. It promises to be an exciting event. Last year's convention in Dallas kicked off Camp Casey, the Bring Them Home Now Tour, and the Katrina Relief Effort in the Gulf. There is no telling what kind of momentum we'll generate this year. Come to Seattle and be a part of history!
For more information and to register please see the following links:
Convention Website:
http://www.vfpnationalconvention.org
Convention Flyer:
http://www.veteransforpeace.org/convention_flyer.pdf
Registration Page:
https://www.seattletech.com/registration/index.php?confno=815&stguniv=212&PAYMENTS=TRUE
Register By Mail Form:
http://hfs.washington.edu/uploadedFiles/Conferences/For_Attendees/VetsforPeace.pdf
Register By Phone: 206-543-7634
Thank you,
Veterans For Peace National Office
216 S. Meramec Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63105
314-725-6005
• Orange County Peace Coalition.
Posted by Betsy L. Angert on July 10, 2006 at 11:26 PM in Activism, American Patriotism, Cindy and Casey Sheehan, Exit Iraq Now, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Peace Movement, Peaceful Protests, Soldiers, Veterans For Peace 2006 National Convention | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Kristol Cracks Under Pressure; States Sheehan is the Leader. ©
Rarely do I write merely to rant. I work to comment, calmly, and yet, in this moment, I must rage against a political machine, the neo-conservative machine. Tonight automaton Bill [William] Kristol, editor of The Weekly Standard, chairman, and co-founder of the Project for the New American Century, was among the guests featured on the News Hour. He spoke in his typical controlled and composed manner. He attempted to be jovial and conversant. However, when when the topic of Cindy Sheehan was posed his demeanor changed, instantly.
When asked of the anti-war phenomenon Boston Globe columnist Tom Oliphant offered, what for me, is a truth. He said, “Cindy Sheehan became a metaphor for America's impatience, frustration, and ambivalence about the continuing American involvement. However, “It's much bigger than her.”
Kristol rebuffed this assessment, stating, “I think it's grotesque. I think the left has found a new weapon to oppose the president and the war, and that weapon is martyrdom, and they are using the death of a soldier in this case and the mother's grief over that death to try to, obviously, rally support, as Mrs. Sheehan has made perfectly clear to get the troops out of Iraq.”
All this was fine; I was enjoying the exchange. I am very familiar with Bill Kristol and none of his comments were unexpected.
It was his later statement that compelled me to write. Kristol extolled, “She's the leader of the antiwar movement now.”
The look on his face as he made this claim could have killed. Being a man that believes in bloodbaths, I feared where he might do. He was livid; his voice cracking, and his face flushed.
Earlier, he made mention that Sheehan joined the antiwar pressure groups approximately a year ago. Actually, his exact words were “Mrs. Sheehan has been active in antiwar activities for a year. She's a member of an antiwar group. She was on Nightline eight months ago arguing against the war in Iraq.” I wonder; how does this make her a leader?
Mr. Kristol. I acknowledge that you are a well-educated man, a [supposed] scholar, a graduate of Harvard University, and a man who has achieved much. Your pursuit and receipt of a doctorate degree is impressive. You have attained more eminence than most, and this is inspiring. Yet, when you conclude as you did I wonder. Do you really believe the antiwar movement began only a year ago or that Cindy Sheehan is its leader?
As a person that has been protesting these Middle Eastern wars since before the first bomb fell, I beg to differ. There are millions of us that have been against the mayhem for many years. Cindy Sheehan is not our guide; we are not following her. We are supporting her, the soldiers, and those whose lives we honor. Those of us that want peace revere humanity. We wish you and your President did as well!
• Mr. Kristol has published numerous articles and essays on topics including constitutional law, political philosophy, and public policy. He has co-edited several books. William Kristol composed The Neoconservative Imagination, with Christopher DeMuth. This book was published in 1995. He has also co-authored, Bush v. Gore: The Court Cases and the Commentary with E. J. Dionne, Jr., 2001, The Future is Now: American Confronts the New Genetics with Eric Cohen, 2002. Bill Kristol is well known for co-authoring, the best-selling book The War Over Iraq with Lawrence Kaplan.
Kristol is renowned among the “right.” He regularly appears on Fox News Channel and the neo-conservatives consider him an eloquent and leading political analysts. He serves on the boards of the Manhattan Institute, the John M. Ashbrook Center for Public Affairs, and the Shalem Foundation.
Posted by Betsy L. Angert on August 19, 2005 at 11:01 PM in Bill [William] Kristol, Cindy and Casey Sheehan, Peace Movement | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Vigils For Cindy. Viewing the Volumes of Support, Hearing the Voices ©
This post will not be filled with my own words; it will be the sharing of thoughts, those of others. Last evening, on August 17, 2005, MoveOn.org organized a nation-wide vigil. The event was meant to honor Cindy and Casey Sheehan. People were acknowledging the lives of each, a mother and her fallen son. She is grieving and he is physically gone from this Earth. He lost his life fighting for his country; he was an American soldier.
People attending the vigils were standing in support of the living, and eulogizing the physical passing of those slain in a questionable war. Many persons gathered. They mourned the loss of limbs, the loss of sight, and the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual toll war can take.
Crowds came to these ceremonies and each person was doing as Cindy does. They were protesting the Iraq war and American war policies. People came in droves requesting an end to the killing; they want an exit strategy, now! They want to be heard by the President of the United States. Whether King George II chooses to hear their plea, well, that is another story. His choice is his own; nonetheless, many throughout the nation chose to speak.
Words were few, visuals were plenty. I offer these in the form of a slide show. Please journey within. View the Cindy Coalition in peaceful action.
Below, I am also offering some of the many thoughts and feelings of those that participated. If you would like to read more of these, please travel to MoveOn.org.
While attending this observance people were asked, “What was the best moment” for you. They reflected and expressed what they thought the most meaningful experience of their evening.
Please share your own thoughts, feelings, and experience. I invite you to comment so that others might understand you, why you think as you do, practice as you believe is best, and are engaging as you are.
"Our candlelight vigil at Camp Casey was beautiful. There were hundreds of people here and we are hearing that hundreds of people were involved in vigils around the country. We at Camp Casey are so amazed and gratified that there were almost 1700 vigils around the country.” -Cindy Sheehan, Crawford, Texas
“Melanie House (whose husband was killed in Iraq) organized our vigil. She spoke briefly about her grief and about her hope that other wives and families will be spared the disaster that has come to her. She is very brave to be speaking out and I am very moved by her courage.” - Delia R., Simi Valley, California
“At the end of the period of silence our host read an editorial from this Sunday's Philadelphia Inquirer by Celeste and Dante Zapata about the loss of their son and brother, Sherwood Baker. It was a moving moment and certainly encapsulated the essence of our ‘not about politics, all about peace’ theme.” - Lisa L., Harleysville, Pennsylvania
“The most moving moment was when one of the military men in attendance read the names of the Michigan military deaths and included personal comments about each of the soldiers mentioned.” - Ann L., Howell, Michigan
“I met a woman with photos of family members serving in the military pinned to her shirt. ‘This is my brother and his son, both serving in this picture. The other is my sister's son, who's going back for a third time to Iraq.’” - Northfield People for Peace and Goodwill, Northfield, Minnesota
“Well, more and more people kept showing up, and that was the best part. To know that you are not alone, and that there are others in your own community who are so supportive of Cindy Sheehan, and finding a new way.” - Kate M., Scappoose, Oregon
“The best moment was probably the half hour after the vigil ended with the tolling of the old church bell in the steeple. A few people left, but most stayed, talking in small groups, not wanting to give up the feelings of friendship, common purpose and hope they found there.” - - Caroline A., Kent, Ohio
“At the conclusion of the vigil, the coordinator introduced herself and asked for a minute of silence to remember all of our fallen soldiers. It was a dignified, respectful gathering.” - Elizabeth S., Westfield, New Jersey
“Two or three Vietnam veterans happened upon our vigil and join in with love, tears and peace in their hearts. They were very grateful. A mom whose son is leaving in 5 weeks for Iraq was there and was comforted by all the love and connections. A young woman put a photo of here brother in Iraq on our small altar.” - Katherine S., Lake Worth, Florida
“Being a new resident of a conservative Florida city I was concerned that the turnout might be miniscule; tears came to my eyes when I arrived and saw a significant number of participants with candles and signs lining the street!” - Leah F., Lakeland, Florida
Posted by Betsy L. Angert on August 18, 2005 at 06:13 PM in Cindy and Casey Sheehan, Iraq War, Nation-wide Peace Vigil, War and Peace | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Cindy’s Coalition Broadens; The Bush Brigade is Dissolving ©
They buried their son on Monday August 15, 2005; they mourned for a day more. Then, the parents of fallen soldier, Marine Lance Corporal Edward Schroeder II, spoke out. They meet with the press, on Tuesday, August 16. Through the media, Paul Schroeder and his wife Rosemary Palmer pleaded with the President. They said, Please “send more reinforcements to Iraq or withdraw U.S. troops altogether.”
Ms. Palmer spoke tearfully. Irritably she stated, Mr. President "We feel you either have to fight this war right or get out.” The soldier's father expressed his belief; his son and other Marines are “being misused as a stabilizing force in Iraq.” Mr. Schroeder continued, "Our comments are not just those of grieving parents. They are based on anger, Mr. President, not grief. Anger is an honest emotion when someone's family has been violated." His wife added accusingly the idea of “staying the course is” is rigid and not realistic. The mother said the “war has gone bad.” America’s young are dying. She offered "Whether he leads them out by putting more troops on the ground or pulling them out - he can't just let it continue." Nevertheless, the President does.
When asked of the Schroeder-Palmer remarks, the office of our Commander-and-Chief said he declines to comment. The White House reminded the press and the public that the President addressed this issue last week. Allen Abney, administration spokesman offered, Baby Bush stands by his earlier statements. He will do as Rosemary Palmer declared he could not, he will carry on the war effort just as he has.
The Schroeder’s be damned. Cindy Sheehan, the mother of fallen soldier Casey Sheehan be cursed, all those that support a change in strategy, according to the President, know nothing. Yet, these know nothings are growing in numbers. They are building a broad coalition; the Bush alliance is disbanding.
Since August 7, 2005, Mrs. Sheehan has been holding vigil. She is waiting for the President to speak with her, not as he did in June 2004 when she was one of many, merely the “Mom” of a fallen soldier. She wants a genuine meeting, a give and take; she is not interested in obligatory gestures. She stands strong in protest, just outside the Bush Ranch in Crawford, Texas. Support for Cindy Sheehan is growing.
[Tonight, candlelight vigils are being held throughout the country for Cindy and Casey Sheehan.]
In the recent media meet with Paul Schroeder and Rosemary Palmer, the couple spoke of Mrs. Sheehan. They stated, "We consider her the Rosa Parks of the new movement opposing the Iraq war.” Sheehan, the Schroeder-Palmer family, and other military families are uniting. They are joining the activists and the peaceniks. As casualties are mount as American boys and girls come home in body bags, a new coalition gains ground. This one asks for peace, demands action, and does not promote greater aggression.
Families such as the Schroeder and the Sheehan’s want the President and the Pentagon to present an exit strategy, to propose a new plan. For these families and for others, it is clear, the current policy is flawed; it is not working. Daily deaths in Iraq are evidence of this.
The parents of young Edward, young Casey, and the parents, wives, sons, and daughters of other American soldiers believe, the battle was bad; though it was not as awful as victory. The President declared the war a “success” in May 2003. However, since that date, more soldiers have been killed. The slaughter increases each and every day.
Currently, there is greater rebellion, greater strife, and less unity in Iraq. The elections did not bring democracy as the President proclaimed; they brought division. Americans are beginning to realize this. They see the war on their televisions; they read of the rebellion in their newspapers, and, most importantly, as the bodies of their beautiful babies arrive home in flag draped coffins, they know that this war was not worth the effort. The toll is too high.
Citizens in the United States are waking up. They accept reports that the administration lied. The public now believes that we entered the war on false pretenses. There were no weapons of Mass Destruction. We the people of the United States were led to believe that Saddam Hussein attacked the World Trade Towers and that he was the enemy. However, they learned. He was not the man behind the attacks. King George II knew this all along. He lied.
In recent months, polls show that US citizens wants out of this war. Nearly three-quarters of Americans think the number of casualties in Iraq is “unacceptable.” Six in 10 say the war was not worth fighting. More than four in 10 believe the US presence in Iraq is becoming analogous to the experience in Vietnam. Perhaps most portentous for President Bush, 52 percent said war in Iraq has not contributed to the long-term security of this nation. America is not safer.
See The Washington Post Poll Finds Dimmer View of Iraq War, by Dana Milbank and Claudia Deane
Not only are citizens in this country rejecting the war and expressing a desire to leave, those in other nations are as well. In other nations, the people spoke out sooner and leaders heeded the calls.
After the bombings is Madrid on March 11, 2004, the people of Spain protested loudly. Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero took action. The Spanish leader pulled troops out of Iraq in April 2004.
On November 4, 2004, Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany made an announcement. He too, declared withdraw. All 300 Hungarian troops stationed in Iraq would exit by the end of March 2005.
Poland announced several weeks earlier, it would start to reduce its 2,500-strong contingent in January 2005. The Polish were considering a complete withdrawal by the end of year.
On the same day that the Schroeder-Palmer family spoke of the need for an exit strategy, the main opposition party in Japan declared their own. The party leaders stated, should they win the upcoming election, they too will plan a pullout from Iraq.
Italy has stated that they will withdraw from Iraq. The Italian government plans to begin removing troops in September 2005. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi told Rai state television the pullout would take place "in agreement with our allies". Italian forces comprise the forth-largest foreign contingent in the US coalition. They have 3,000 troops in this war-torn nation.
There have long been rumors that the United Kingdom is considering an exit. The majority of people in the UK have never supported the Iraq war. Millions were protesting on the streets of London before Bush/Blair released the first bomb.
In truth, the Broad Coalition that Bush spoke of never existed. Ivo H. Daalder, Senior Fellow, Foreign Policy Studies wrote of this in the Brookings Daily War Report, March 24, 2003. In his exposé titled, The Coalition That Isn't, Daalder, offered,
Take the list coalition countries the White House is updating daily. Sure, there are some important allies aside from Britain—notably Japan, South Korea, Spain, and Italy as well as number of "new" Europeans. Only three countries of these allies are actually contributing combat troops and capabilities (2,000 Australian troops, a Danish submarine and naval escort, and 200 Polish troops and refueling ship)—all in all less than one percent of the total number of troops in the region. The rest of the list is a motley crew of supporters—including such powerhouses as Afghanistan, Albania, Macedonia, Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau.
No, the big-bad-broad-coalition never was, and with time, the sham of it will no longer be. Each day it becomes leaner, not meaner. However, fortunately, the true coalition is building; it is growing behind parents such as Cindy Sheehan, Paul Schroeder, and his wife Rosemary Palmer. May the coalition for peace be our guide and just as in the childhood rhyme, may the big “cheese” stand, alone.
I refer you to an excellent resource. The Global Policy Forum.
Wikipedia, Multinational force in Iraq, is also a good source of information.
US and Coalition Troops in Iraq, June 2005 offers an interesting story.
Possibly the best resource is IRAQ INDEX, Tracking Reconstruction and Security, in Post-Saddam Iraq, the Saban Center for Middle East Policy, The Booking Institute may be the best resource. The following statistics are taken from this source.
COALITION CONTRIBUTORS and the numbers of MILITARY PERSONNEL IN IRAQ.
As of May 6 - June 15, 2005
➢ US 150,000
➢ United Kingdom 8,000
➢ South Korea 3,600
➢ Italy 3,000
➢ Poland 1,700
➢ Ukraine 1,650
➢ Georgia 850
➢ Romania 800
➢ Japan 550
➢ Denmark 530
➢ Bulgaria 400
➢ Australia 400
➢ Remaining 17 coalition countries 1,520
Update . . . You may wish to visit MaxSpeak. On Thursday, August 18, 2005, he wrote of another call for withdraws from Iraq. Wisconsin Senator, Russ Feingold, made this request. Max muses; will this be the position of others in the 2008 election. Please read 08.
Posted by Betsy L. Angert on August 17, 2005 at 12:43 PM in Blair/Bush, Cindy and Casey Sheehan, Iraq War, Paul Schroeder and Rosemary Palmer | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
McCain Claims, Bush Not Missing in Action ©
Though I did not see or hear the dialogue, when I heard of it, I was struck. Senator John McCain, a former Prisoner of War, admittedly, does not always agree with the President. However, today, this compassionate conservative offered his support.
In an interview aired on Fox News the Senator stated, “I have seen him, I have seen his care, and I have seen him grieve. And I'm sure he wouldn't like to hear me say this, but I saw him afterwards. He was very, very grieved. And that's the job of the President of the United States. He fully appreciates the tragedy of the loss of these brave young Americans.”
However, Cindy Sheehan does not believe that Mr. Bush cares.
• If you have not before, Please listen to Cindy and hear her plea. Look into her eyes; see her face, her tears, and her pain. Again, I offer the link to an advertisement paid for by the Gold Star Families for Peace. I think this a worthwhile viewing. The singular spokesperson is Cindy Sheehan. She speaks to the President and asks him to care as he has not in the past.
Mrs. Sheehan said the June 2004 meeting lasted ten minutes. Mrs. Sheehan was among a group of families meeting with Mr. Bush and Senator John McCain. She said of the President, “He called me Mom.” She states, that felt disrespectful. It created a distance and for this deeply grieving mother, for this person, Cindy, it was a show of insincerity.
Mrs. Sheehan offered she did not feel as though she was a unique person to this supposedly compassionate man. Cindy Sheehan wanted to have an opportunity to ask questions and to state her genuine concerns. This was not possible in the time or space allotted. Sheehan asserts reports of her sentiment and her appreciation for the “the gift of happiness,” were distorted.
Please refer to the original reference, as published in TheReporter.Com.
Bush, Sheehan’s share moments By David Henson/Staff Writer
Mrs. Sheehan believes the Reporter article misrepresented her and her feelings. It put forth an image that promoted the Bush war agenda. She states that does not want her story to be used as propaganda. The President needs no more proses. He has plenty advancing his intention to kill. She does not want her words to be among these.
However, the Sheehan situation is, in some cases, advancing the President’s cause. People are pouring into Crawford; many are coming to express their disapproval of the Sheehan family.
Matt Drudge, a man considered to be an “Internet gossip” is also gaining greater fame from the Sheehan story. Drudge is claiming that this protesting mother has “Changed her story on Bush.” Media Matters for America challenges his assertion. They are “Tracking a lie through the conservative media” and reporting on Cindy Sheehan "changed her story on Bush"?
There are so many liesThere are so many “lies,” “tall tales,” and “truths” in the wind. Mrs. Sheehan is only asking for an audience with the President, asking him to address some of these issues. Yet, her request for transparency and compassion are denied.
Mr. McCain speaks of compassion, his own and the President's. Yet, he states in this Fox News interview he has no memory of Cindy Sheehan. This fascinates me. Was the meeting so meaningful that it was not memorable and if so, can we trust his recollections of the President? I would be interested in hearing Cindy Sheeha