Activist says leaders without family in Iraq have no personal stake

[sabra]

http://www2.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BOS8971/

Activist says leaders without family in Iraq have no personal stake


AMHERST (AP) -- Peace activist Cindy Sheehan told University of Massachusetts students in a Veteran's Day speech Friday that government officials who don't have family serving in the Iraq war "have nothing at stake."

"So it is no problem for them to say we need to wait for the next election, for a better time..." to end the war, said Sheehan, whose 24-year old son, Casey, died in Iraq last year.

...

Sheehan kept the tone light but continued her criticism of President Bush.

"When Bush first opened his mouth and lied to us he immediately lost his right to lead us," she said.

[Solly Mack]

1. It's true

I know people in general have a stake when their country does what America has done and is doing...

I know (so-called) "leaders" have a political stake...

but until you've lived in fear and dread of the phone ringing, the doorbell chiming, or official vehicles parking in your driveway - you have no clue...none. Every minute of every single day the phone doesn't ring is a good day. Every minute of every single day the doorbell stays silent is a good day. ....then you worry that they aren't calling because they are dead....so you hate the phone. You curse it's very invention. It's like a panic attack that never goes away...not even in sleep.....when you can sleep.

[applegrove]

2. Very true. And likely an outcome of the internet et all. Was a time you

could not have any control unless you were there on the ground. Now.. not so much. And the decisions and lack of care ... show through.