http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/4848624.htmlViewpoints, Outlook
May 30, 2007, 9:01PM
Anti-war movement: It's up to all of us to now lead
Sheehan may be leaving, but struggle is far from over
By KAY LUCAS
Cindy Sheehan's announcement that she is leaving the anti-war movement is surprising, especially right on the heels of renouncing her support of the Democratic Party. Her frustration and disappointment with this dysfunctional system that our politicians mistakenly still call a democracy is understandable.
I also understand the pain she has experienced from the many lies and disparaging remarks made about her from the right and the left. It is extremely difficult to deal with that kind of mean-spiritedness — especially when devoting so much of your life to a cause that, at times, seems futile. But the cause continues, as does the movement.
Like any parent who loses a child, she felt responsibility and guilt. Therefore, she used those feelings to make a difference in the world. She worked hard at it, and she did make a difference.
She gave the movement a voice and a face: that of an articulate, determined, grieving mother who demanded answers from her government ...............
to the end:
Burnout is a hazard of activism, the same as any "legitimate" occupation. However, for most of us activists, there are no financial benefits, only expenses. Our benefits must come from within. When we base our motives on expectations and outcomes in the short term, we will most often be disappointed. An anti-war movement is usually based on the outcome of ending a current war. The peace and justice movement seeks change within the basic structure of our society from that of an immature warring culture based on self-centered greed that benefits the few, to that of a mature culture seeking intelligent, enlightened solutions that will benefit the entire world for generations to come.
I understand the stress that leadership of any endeavor entails. So perhaps we should be asking ourselves how we can each claim some of that leadership role so that one individual does not feel overburdened with such a heavy load. Perhaps we should examine the agenda of a media that seem obsessed with creating celebrity and a society that seems to feed off idolatry and castigation.
The peace and justice movement comprises many different facets of humanity thirsting for positive change. There are — and must be — many leaders. We must all recognize the "leader" within ourselves to continue that journey for change in our society, our government and our world.
Our movement is strong and growing stronger because of the committed individuals involved. Let us all join in the conversation to continue to reinvigorate and reorganize the idea that peace and justice is not only possible, but also necessary for the very survival of our planet.
Lucas is director of The Crawford Texas Peace House, where she has continued her lifelong studies in peace, justice and the environment for the past four years.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/4848624.htmlKay never left to "spend time with the family". She is still there, so is Johnny and Hadi. Peace reigns in Crawford,
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