Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Republicans Hate Free Speech (and Cindy Sheehan)
For those playing the home version, the area known as Camp Casey is a makeshift camp started by Cindy Sheehan on August 6. Cindy's 24-year-old son Casey was killed last year while serving in the Iraq war. Cindy started the protest vigil on Prarie Chapel Road, the two-lane road leading to President Bush's ranch. Cindy, of Vacaville, California, has vowed to remain at Camp Casey through Bush's monthlong ranch vacation unless he meets with her and other grieving families.
With the exposition taken care of, let's review the most recent acts of Republican depravity.
A number of anti-grieving-mom rallies have been staged by Bush supporters.
One angry conservative was arrested this week for destroying a memorial to the fallen troops. Apparently, the only way angry Texas Redknecks can express themselves is by destroying things (or people) with chain-dragging pick-up trucks. The destruction of crosses and flags is normally offensive to those on the right. Apparently, there are exceptions. Most troubling about this part of the story is that it took the press two days (much longer than usual) to get the suspect's name. I would suspect it has something to do with his close ties to the Republican Sheriff and Precinct 4 Commissioner.
Another angry conservative fired shots across from the vigil. He wouldn't confirm or deny that he was sending a message.
Speaking of the Commissioner, he and his fellow Commissioners (which, here in Texas, run county government) had an action item on their most recent agenda that would have banned the folks at Camp Casey (or anybody else) from their roadside posts for two miles around Bush's ranch. Current county ordinances ban anyone from gathering along that particular roadside for a quarter-mile. The Precinct 4 Commissioner is pushing another proposal that would ban anyone for more than four miles. I have yet to come across the results of the Commissioners' Court meeting, but I suspect today's news makes it a moot point.
That brings me to the positive developments I mentioned at the start of this post. An Army veteran is allowing Camp Casey to relocate to his property. That will take the vigil off the roadside and put it about a mile away from Bush's ranch. Their current location is more like two miles away from the ranch. With the relocation comes news that more prominent people are joining the vigil (see the above link for more details).
Tonight, in some 1500 locations across the country, compassionate and supportive Americans will gather in candlelight vigils to honor Cindy's work. Those that can't attend can take part in an online vigil. I'm currently scheduled to attend the vigil in Plano, Texas, but my work schedule may keep me from it.
As for my take, Bush should meet with this grieving mother. She sacrificed her son for his war. All she wants is one hour out of his monthlong vacation. He's had time to ride his bike and attend fundraisers. Surely he can give her an hour.
