Opinion and Analysis

CINDY "CRAWFORD" The road outside, leading to the President's ranch surrounding the Cindy Sheehan story is paved with egg shells. There are detour signs directing travelers around the possible toes that may get stepped on, and a bent ego is signaled by Dangerous Curve ahead. The left side of the road is vehement in propagandizing the grief of a mother who lost her son in combat. The right side becomes narrow, and only points out the hundreds of mothers who handle their grief exactly the opposite way of Mrs. Sheehan. Who is going to clear this political debris? 59 year old Larry Northern had an idea, and a bad one at that. Using his truck he swerved down both sides of the road, mowing down some white crosses, symbolizing those who lost their life in combat. He earned himself a charge of Criminal mischief. Christopher Hitchens plowed a clearing of a different sort, in an article published on Slate.com (Hot link below)It is the best analysis of the entire episode I've read yet. Parajournalist Daily Kos is right out in front of the story endorsing Mrs. Sheehan's outrageous anti-semetic remarks. She says her son was fighting an illegal war and not fighting for America; but instead was fighting a war for Israel. Israel and oil. In 1948 the U.N. recognized Israel as an independent nation. The very next day neighboring Arab States, including Iraq attacked Israel; but were defeated. Was that war illegal?Sadaam sheltered Abu Nidal, and the bomb maker for the 1993 WTC bombings, and on the first anniversary of 9/11, Sadaam's regime called for suicide attacks on Americans. Not to mention Resolution 1441, and and the bi-partisan support of Congress; our elected officials who approved interceding in Iraq. I am sorry Mrs. Sheehan; this war is completely legal. Has Mrs. Sheehan's grief been hijacked by the anti-war, anti-Bush conglomerates like Moveon.org? Coincidentally, they are sponsoring one of the rallies. I've seen these tactics before. In Michael Moore's mockumentary, Fahrenheit 9/11 he shows a proud military mother, expounding on her heritage of brave family members who have served in our esteemed armed forces. Then; sadly, her son dies. Next, he has her parading in front of the White House in an obvious, pre-meditated, and embarrassing display of feigned grief. David Kopel, a life-long Democrat, who supported and voted for Ralph Nader in 2000, wrote an essay for the Independence Institute; a Colorado think tank founded on the principles of the Declaration of Independence, called the 59 Deceits of Fahrenheit 9/11. Parajournalist Daily Kos should read it. What does Mrs. Sheehan's family think of all this? Here is a statement that they released on the Drudge Report:"Our family has been so distressed by the recent activities of Cindy we are breaking our silence and we have collectively written a statement for release. Feel free to distribute it as you wish. Thanks, Cherie In response to questions regarding the Cindy Sheehan/Crawford, Texas, issue: Sheehan family statement: The Sheehan family lost our beloved Casey in the Iraq War and we have been silently, respectfully grieving. 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. The rest of the Sheehan family supports the troops, our country, and our president, silently, with prayer and respect." Sincerely, Casey Sheehan's grandparents, aunts, uncles and numerous cousins.Casey was killed five days after arriving in Iraq last year. He was 24. His mother, Cindy has been camping out in Texas since Saturday, and vows to remain until she meets with Bush or his vacation comes to an end. "I sympathize with Mrs. Sheehan," Bush said today. "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." The president said pulling out "would send a terrible signal to the enemy." "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." Incidentally, Mrs. Sheehan's husband, Patrick Sheehan is filing for divorce. Then there are the stark contrasts between her objectives, and her statements. Mrs. Sheehan has already seen the President, two months after her son was killed in action. She remarked to the "California Reporter," in June, 2004 that, "I know now that the President is sincere about wanting freedom for the Iraqis. I know he's sorry, and feels some pain for our loss and I know he's a man of faith." However, last week she was quoted by the same paper as saying that, "He (The President)acted like it was a party. He came in very jovial, like we should be happy that our son died for the President's misguided policies."FINAL NOTE: Parajournalist Daily Kos also snared an interview with Casey Sheehan, prior to his death. Casey states that he's anti-war; or at least the war he's been sent to fight. The same was true of the soldier in the Michael Moore film. The military isn't for everyone, and it's certainly not a Democracy. If anyone has a beef with the government, it's the parent's of that brave soul; Pat Tillman. Casey's mom wants to speak to the President to have him stop saying that our men and women are dying for a noble cause. Has anyone even reported how Casey died?Army Spc. Casey Sheehan , 24, of Vacaville, Calif. Died in Baghdad when his unit was attacked with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. Assigned to the Army 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.Thank you Casey-JP
Christopher Hitchens' Article
Dave Kopel:59 deceits of Fahrenheit 9/11