There's something about the ditch in Crawford that I cannot explain. It is a place I need to be. It's about maintaining a vigil, a watch, over all the crosses on the side of the road in the hopes that there won't be another one added. But in the time that Bush has been on vacation, at least 82 soldiers have been killed. How many crosses will we have bearing the names of dead sons and daughters killed in Iraq before Americans demand an end to this war?
I went back to Camp Casey last weekend and brought my own son with me. I wanted him to see for himself what people can do, if they put their minds to it. I wanted him to feel the power of people gathered for a common cause - a good cause. I wanted him to see the veterans of wars past who know what our soldiers face when they are sent to war, and from that place of strength are taking a stand on the side for truth and peace. It was a different experience than the first time I was there. I was glad that the organizers agreed to keep Camp Casey where it is - there in the ditch on the side of the road. This vigil isn't about comfort and entertainment. It's about doing the hard work of resistance to a government that refuses to listen to the people they have been elected to serve. It's about struggle. It's not even about protesting and chanting anti-war slogans to counter what the pro-war people throw out. It's kinda hard to respond to chants of "We don't care!" that are yelled as a parent who has lost a child in this war is speaking of their grief and pain. I think that probably sums up the attitude of the counter-demonstrators - they don't care. They don't care that our nation has been lied to. They don't care that thousands have died. They don't care that innocent people have been killed. They don't care that Iraq is in a mess, that the constitution is a return to fundamentalism, that because of our actions there, Iraq is now overrun by terrorists. They don't care. They made that point loud and clear in Crawford.
So many of the people I met and now call "friend" are returning for a third time. I can't do it this weekend, but I'm trying to figure out a way to get there for the last couple of days that Camp Casey will be maintaining its peaceful and solemn watch over the crosses on the side of the road. I want to go back and help take it all down, with care and respect for what was created. I'm not sure if I will be able to, but I'm trying.
I commented before and Ill comment again. Have you realized that most protests take place outside of a public facility or structure. Not outside of a home where other people than whom your protesting live. As anyone thought of the fact that your infringing on the rights of others while you stage this? If you care so much about the quality of life, why are you damaging it for those who live there? I would suggest you think about it. Its kind of like the pro-lifers. They are against abortion, but they will shoot doctors that perform it. How is that pro-life? I a bush supporter. I support him in doing what clinton didnt have the courage to do. Protect and defend our country. Are you saying that what happened in 9/11 isnt enough to take a stand? I think it is, especially since that was the second time it happended on us soil. ( remember the first bombing of the trade center under clinton?) President Bush is suffering just as much as all of us, but it is a fight that needs to be waged. DONT ENLIST if you have a problem with it. Soliders are aware of what they are getting into when it happens. No one wants to die, yes this is true. However, people have been making the ulitmate sacrifice for their countries and countrymen since the dawn of time. Why on earth would you think that this is so unheard of? The civil war, ww1, ww2, vietnam, the list is endless. Alexander the great, ceaser, hercules, achilles. All men who fought feriocously for their beliefs. NO one is ever happy with the way their leader handles something.
Which brings me to another point. I dont see anyone protesting other countries for the lack of support in our lastest tragedy-hurricane katrina. We are more than willing to help other countries in their time of need and they demand that we do. But when our country is in crisis, where is the help. Put your efforts into a cause that needs it. The war is the war. If it wasnt us it would be someone else. My view, if your not going to help or fight, then you cant be the one to yell and scream when things arent how they should be.
Posted by: joey | September 01, 2005 at 11:51 AM
Hi Gale,
Saw this and thought of you...keep on keeping on! It's about Camp Casey!
PS. Is your email address still valid? I sent you an email...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9149509/
Posted by: melina | September 01, 2005 at 03:45 PM