Bush sets record-longest vacation in recent history

[Laugh O. Grams]

Kind of like Terri Schiavo...I see.

Ouch!!!! Just when you thought it was safe to get all holier than thou and start preaching!!!!

 

[Professor Mouse]

One of my DD's was happy to hear that Viggo Mortensen visited Camp Casey in support of Cindy Sheehan. As my DD put it, this makes up a little for Hidalgo.

Here is a letter that Cindy posted on the Huffington website. This is George Bush’s accountability moment

This is George Bush’s accountability moment. That’s why I’m here. The mainstream media aren’t holding him accountable. Neither is Congress. So I’m not leaving Crawford until he’s held accountable. It’s ironic, given the attacks leveled at me recently, how some in the media are so quick to scrutinize -- and distort -- the words and actions of a grieving mother but not the words and actions of the president of the United States.

But now it’s time for him to level with me and with the American people. I think that’s why there’s been such an outpouring of support. This is giving the 61 percent of Americans who feel that the war is wrong something to do -- something that allows their voices to be heard. It’s a way for them to stand up and show that they DO want our troops home, and that they know this war IS a mistake… a mistake they want to see corrected. It’s too late to bring back the people who are already dead, but there are tens of thousands of people still in harm’s way.

There is too much at stake to worry about our own egos. When my son was killed, I had to face the fact that I was somehow also responsible for what happened. Every American that allows this to continue has, to some extent, blood on their hands. Some of us have a little bit, and some of us are soaked in it.

People have asked what it is I want to say to President Bush. Well, my message is a simple one. He’s said that my son -- and the other children we’ve lost -- died for a noble cause. I want to find out what that noble cause is. And I want to ask him: “If it’s such a noble cause, have you asked your daughters to enlist? Have you encouraged them to go take the place of soldiers who are on their third tour of duty?” I also want him to stop using my son’s name to justify the war. The idea that we have to “complete the mission” in Iraq to honor Casey’s sacrifice is, to me, a sacrilege to my son’s name. Besides, does the president any longer even know what “the mission” really is over there?

Casey knew that the war was wrong from the beginning. But he felt it was his duty to go, that his buddies were going, and that he had no choice. The people who send our young, honorable, brave soldiers to die in this war, have no skin in the game. They don’t have any loved ones in harm’s way. As for people like O’Reilly and Hannity and Michelle Malkin and Rush Limbaugh and all the others who are attacking me and parroting the administration line that we must complete the mission there -- they don’t have one thing at stake. They don’t suffer through sleepless nights worrying about their loved ones

Before this all started, I used to think that one person couldn’t make a difference... but now I see that one person who has the backing and support of millions of people can make a huge difference.

That’s why I’m going to be out here until one of three things happens: It’s August 31st and the president’s vacation ends and he leaves Crawford. They take me away in a squad car. Or he finally agrees to speak with me.

If he does, he’d better be prepared for me to hold his feet to the fire. If he starts talking about freedom and democracy -- or about how the war in Iraq is protecting America -- I’m not going to let him get away with it.

Like I said, this is George Bush’s accountability moment.

I would really like to hear a decent explanation why the Bush twins are not in the military other than the fact that they take after their daddy (i.e. are cowards). Again, if this war is so nobel, then all of the yellow elephants out there need to sign up.

 

[BuckNaked]

Sorry Kyle, but the key word you didn't bold was "including". Nice try though.

I noticed that too...also Kyle's reference to a war declaration...which this document wasn't.

 

[leighe]

I just have to say that I am not a huge supporter of the war in Iraq and can completely understand why so many people have problems trusting President Bush. However - I just saw Ms. Sheehan interviewed on CNN and thought "What a nut." She seemed to contradict herself a lot. I don't think we should be in Iraq but I think the statement "George Bush killed my son" is just ludacris. I knew nothing about her before seeing the interview and my first impression was that she was intent on drawing as much attention to herself as possible. I thought it was almost disrespectful to her son.

 

[BuckNaked]

See, I heard her on the radio this afternoon, (I had not heard her speak before) and I had the same impression.

 

[mariamouse]

Professor Mouse-- I completely agree!

My mom said the exact same thing this evening while watching the news- during the presidential campaign this November, I pondered the idea of whether I could be drafted some day (I am 16, but believe the Iraq war could span many years). My mom replied that she would have to see the Bush twins in the army before sending any of her three daughters over there.

Truthfully, I am certain my parents would move before allowing me to fight in this war.

maria

 

[tone.def]

My Dad said that back in the day, guys used to shoot of one of their toes to not get drafted if it came to that. Got any better ideas?

I'd like to see Barbara and Jenna in some army garb - it'd be their colour! Dark green is going to be the next black this winter!

 

[bsnyder]

War protest splits Sheehan family; President: Pullout would be mistake
From staff and wire reports - The Reporter, Vacaville, CA



Family members of Cindy Sheehan, the Vacaville woman camped outside President Bush's ranch in Texas protesting the war in Iraq, reportedly have denounced her actions.

In an e-mail to a San Francisco radio station, Cherie Quartarolo, a sister-in-law and godmother of Sheehan's son, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2004, said: "We do not agree with the political motivations and publicity tactics of Cindy Sheehan. She now appears to be promoting her own personal agenda and notoriety at the expense of her son's good name and reputation.'

Casey Sheehan, an Army specialist, was killed in an ambush in Sadr City a week after his arrival in Iraq. His mother since has become a focal point in the partisan battle over the Iraq war, drawing the praise of many anti-war activists and the ire of those who see her as misguided.

In the e-mail, Quartarolo says she is speaking on behalf of Casey Sheehan's paternal grandparents, as well as "aunts, uncles and numerous cousins.'

Casey's father, Patrick of Vacaville, was not mentioned. He has acknowledged that he and his wife are separated, but he has declined to comment on his wife's high-profile protest in Crawford, Texas.

The family's statement, however, added, "The Sheehan family lost our beloved Casey in the Iraq War and we have been silently, respectfully grieving.

"The rest of the Sheehan family supports the troops, our country and our president, silently, with prayer and respect.'

Meanwhile, President Bush said today he understands and respects the views of anti-war advocates like Sheehan, but said it would be a mistake to bring U.S. troops home now.

"I understand the anguish that some feel about the death that takes place,' Bush said.

"I also have heard the voices of those saying: 'Pull out now!' " he said. "And I've thought about their cry and their sincere desire to reduce the loss of life by pulling our troops out. I just strongly disagree.'

Immediate withdrawal "would send a terrible signal to the enemy,' the president said.

"I sympathize with Mrs. Sheehan,' Bush said. "She feels strongly about her position, and she has every right in the world to say what she believes. This is America. She has a right to her position, and I thought long and hard about her position. I've heard her position from others, which is: Get out of Iraq now. And it would be a mistake for the security of this country and the ability to lay the foundations for peace in the long run if we were to do so.'

By Thursday, about 50 people had joined Sheehan's cause, pitching tents in muddy, shallow ditches and hanging anti-war banners; two dozen others have sent flowers. Her name was among the most popular search topics Wednesday on Internet blogs.

Sheehan began her standoff on Saturday, declaring she would stay for the entire month that Bush plans to stay in Texas if he won't meet with her. Since then, dozens of other activists have traveled from across the country to join her, including at least three other parents who have lost children in the war.

"The president says he feels compassion for me, but the best way to show that compassion is by meeting with me and the other mothers and families who are here,' Sheehan said today. "All we're asking is that he sacrifice an hour out of his five-week vacation to talk to us, before the next mother loses her son in Iraq.'

 

[BuckNaked]

My mom said the exact same thing this evening while watching the news- during the presidential campaign this November, I pondered the idea of whether I could be drafted some day (I am 16, but believe the Iraq war could span many years). My mom replied that she would have to see the Bush twins in the army before sending any of her three daughters over there.

1. There is no reason for a draft.
2. Women aren't drafted (though they should be eligible, just like men, IMO)

Truthfully, I am certain my parents would move before allowing me to fight in this war.

If it comes to that, then bye!

 

[Island_Lauri]

I just have to say that I am not a huge supporter of the war in Iraq and can completely understand why so many people have problems trusting President Bush. However - I just saw Ms. Sheehan interviewed on CNN and thought "What a nut." She seemed to contradict herself a lot. I don't think we should be in Iraq but I think the statement "George Bush killed my son" is just ludacris. I knew nothing about her before seeing the interview and my first impression was that she was intent on drawing as much attention to herself as possible. I thought it was almost disrespectful to her son.

This is her statement:

"This is George Bush’s accountability moment. That’s why I’m here. The mainstream media aren’t holding him accountable. Neither is Congress. So I’m not leaving Crawford until he’s held accountable.


People have asked what it is I want to say to President Bush. Well, my message is a simple one. He’s said that my son -- and the other children we’ve lost -- died for a noble cause. I want to find out what that noble cause is. And I want to ask him: “If it’s such a noble cause, have you asked your daughters to enlist? Have you encouraged them to go take the place of soldiers who are on their third tour of duty?” I also want him to stop using my son’s name to justify the war. The idea that we have to “complete the mission” in Iraq to honor Casey’s sacrifice is, to me, a sacrilege to my son’s name. Besides, does the president any longer even know what “the mission” really is over there?"


Doesn't sound so crazy to me.


You can read her entire statement here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/theblog/archive/cindy-sheehan/this-is-george-bushas-a_5472.html at the Huffington Post.

 

[BuckNaked]

This is her statement:

"This is George Bush’s accountability moment. That’s why I’m here. The mainstream media aren’t holding him accountable. Neither is Congress. So I’m not leaving Crawford until he’s held accountable.


People have asked what it is I want to say to President Bush. Well, my message is a simple one. He’s said that my son -- and the other children we’ve lost -- died for a noble cause. I want to find out what that noble cause is. And I want to ask him: “If it’s such a noble cause, have you asked your daughters to enlist? Have you encouraged them to go take the place of soldiers who are on their third tour of duty?” I also want him to stop using my son’s name to justify the war. The idea that we have to “complete the mission” in Iraq to honor Casey’s sacrifice is, to me, a sacrilege to my son’s name. Besides, does the president any longer even know what “the mission” really is over there?"


Doesn't sound so crazy to me.


You can read her entire statement here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/theblog/archive/cindy-sheehan/this-is-george-bushas-a_5472.html at the Huffington Post.

Reading a printed statement and listening to a 15 minute unscripted interview with this woman are two completely different things. However coherent this written statement is, it certainly isn't how she sounded on the radio today.

 

[leighe]

"The president says he feels compassion for me, but the best way to show that compassion is by meeting with me and the other mothers and families who are here,' Sheehan said today. "All we're asking is that he sacrifice an hour out of his five-week vacation to talk to us, before the next mother loses her son in Iraq.'

This is the part I don't understand. Hasn't she had one meeting with the President and others with members of his staff? While I think she has every right to protest the war and disagree with the President I don't see what she stands to gain by another meeting with him. I seriously doubt he's going to say, "You know what? You've convinced me. Bring 'em all home." Is she saying she'll leave if he meets with her or just if she manages to change his mind?

 

[Island_Lauri]

1. There is no reason for a draft.
2. Women aren't drafted (though they should be eligible, just like men, IMO)

If it comes to that, then bye!

Oh I am sure a 3rd tour of duty will do the soldier's good.

Women aren't drafted YET - just like Women aren't in Combat Roles - except that many of them are still being killed in Iraq just the same.

 

[tone.def]

Truthfully, I am certain my parents would move before allowing me to fight in this war.

Welcome to Canada!


Hey BuckNaked - why on earth aren't you in Iraq??? Get your American butt over there and serve your country!

 

[ThAnswr]

While I understand what you're saying ThAnswr, I also don't think that losing a child (or anyone, for that matter) suddenly means that a person is immune to criticism for their actions.

Honestly, Brenda, you don't understand at all.

But, carry on.

 

[ThAnswr]

I haven't kicked her at all. I think she is out of line to expect some kind of personal attention from the President (again), but she can sit down there till the cows come home for all I care. As long as she isn't breaking any laws, let her have at it.

But if she is going to put herself out there, knowing that one side is going to use her for political purposes, then she and her supporters should be neither surprised nor offended when the other side cranks up the political machine as well.

Of course, crank up those political machines. And keep cranking them up.

 

[BuckNaked]

Welcome to Canada!


Hey BuckNaked - why on earth aren't you in Iraq??? Get your American butt over there and serve your country!

Thanks, I'm ready to go anytime I'm called! I've been active duty Air Force for more than 18 years now. Whenever it's my time to go, I'll be more than ready.

This is the part I don't understand. Hasn't she had one meeting with the President and others with members of his staff? While I think she has every right to protest the war and disagree with the President I don't see what she stands to gain by another meeting with him. I seriously doubt he's going to say, "You know what? You've convinced me. Bring 'em all home." Is she saying she'll leave if he meets with her or just if she manages to change his mind?

She isn't going to be happy if he meets with her, because he isn't going to change his answers to what she wants to hear. She was very clear about that in her interview today.

 

[BuckNaked]

Of course, crank up those political machines. And keep cranking them up.

And who was it that cranked up the political machine first? That would be Sheehan herself. You expect the other side to sit back, do nothing and say nothing while she's milking this issue for political reasons every single day?

 

[Island_Lauri]

Reading a printed statement and listening to a 15 minute unscripted interview with this woman are two completely different things. However coherent this written statement is, it certainly isn't how she sounded on the radio today.

The radio where they do 2 second clips and add their own comments in between. You also should take into consideration that this is a very emotional subject for this woman to TALK about.

 

[ThAnswr]

Sometimes God's grace doesn't extend quite far enough to cover everyone. There are probably people posting or reading here who know full well the sting of war's impact on their family. So, do they get a free pass, too?

From me, absolutely.

I don't believe it is "brick-throwing" to say using a family member's death in combat for partisan political purposes is wrong. Ms. Sheehan acts like she's the first and only person to have this experience or that because of this experience she is somehow specially entitled now.

Isn't it just terrible the sense of entitlement Ms. Sheehan has. Oh my, my, my.

I hope time will bring clarity to her. I hope she realizes before it is too late that there are too many political vultures circling her, hoping to use her for their own advantage and too ready and willing to toss her aside when her effectiveness wanes. She's suffered enough loss for a lifetime to have it compounded by being turned into a political pawn. Her son's sacrifice is too great to be turned into a club to try to beat out some political advantage.

I hope there's plenty of clarity to go around because Ms. Sheehan isn't the only one who needs it.