This I Believe

[proud2BlibKansan]

I have been a Democrat all my life. My whole family was Democrat, a good liberal Democrat Catholic family. My dad was an American History teacher and he spent my childhood teaching his daughters to not only love their country but to speak out against the government when necessary. My uncle was an activist priest who not only helped write Head Start legislation, but also lobbied against violence in Central America and discrimination against women in the Catholic Church. I can remember knocking on doors for Kennedy when I was 7. The first time I ever saw my mother cry was when I was 10 and they killed my president. By the time I was in high school, the Vietnam War was raging on and I can remember my parents arguing that LBJ wasn't doing enough to end the war. They weren't the least bit surprised when he decided not to run in 1968. And then my mother cried again when Martin Luther King was killed and 2 months later, more tears when Bobby was killed.

This I believe, that our heroes are too often shot down in the prime of their lives.

My whole family hated Nixon. When I was in high school, he came to Kansas City and my school handed out free tickets to go see him at Municipal Auditorium. My dad thought I was nuts that I wanted a ticket to go see him. But I was a teenager, I hadn't really been paying attention to politics, and it was the president! So I went. And when we got down there, they had overbooked the auditorium and literally thousands of other high schoolers with free tickets in their hands were standing there on the street, angry that they couldn't get in the auditorium to see the president. Across the street, there was a large group of people holding signs against the war in Vietnam. It was early, I was out on a school night and there were some really cute boys in that group across the street. And my parents were against the war. So I went to my first anti-war protest. I met some of those really cute boys and they invited me to come down to Volker Park on Sundays and join their regular protests. So I became part of the anti-war movement in my hometown. I was 16.

This I believe, that speaking out against an unjust war is a right of every American citizen.

In 1972, I was 18 and the voting age had just been lowered from 21 so I could vote in my first election. I was so excited. I studied all the candidates and early on decided that McGovern was the man for the job. My dad went with me to register to vote. I think he had a tear in his eye, seeing his oldest child finally grow up and be a part of the political process he so treasured. It was summer and I was home from college, and we spent many evenings on the porch, my dad and I, talking about the war and the draft and the need for it all to be over. And yes, we talked about how bad Nixon was and the Watergate breakin.

Then about mid-summer (as I remember it), McGovern chose Tom Eagleton as his running mate. Being from Kansas City, we knew a lot about Eagleton and we were thrilled with his selection. He was almost a hometown boy! My dad had even met him a few times. This was so neat!!

Then McGovern dropped Eagleton because he had a history of depression. Say what? My dad and I no longer had civil conversations on the porch that summer. My dad thought it was McGovern's right to choose whoever he wanted, my mom was livid and knew this move would destroy McGovern's chances and I was furious that a history of depression meant that a man could not be vice president. It was unfair and I never got over that. So in October, when my absentee ballot arrived at my college in the mail, I noticed there was a place I could write in a candidate. My favorite TV show was Laugh In, one of the stars was running for president and so I wrote in 'Pat Paulsen'. My dad called to remind me to fill in my ballot and get it in the mail on time and I told him I had already sent it in.

I can still hear my dad's voice on the phone when I told him I had written in Pat Paulsen. He was mad. He told me I was his daughter who had always marched to a different drummer and he wasn't surprised but he was ashamed that I had wasted my first ever vote for president.

This I believe. I will vote for whomever I want, regardless of what my dad would tell me to do. And the Democratic party will often disappoint me.

Then I got married and had kids and spent about 20 years being a mom and a teacher and politics didn't seem as interesting anymore. I voted in every election, I studied the candidates and the Democrat always got my support for president. I always voted for school levies and tried to figure out who the Democratic candidates were in local non-partisan races. And my dad and I had more arguments on the porch during the Reagan years. My mom liked him, my dad thought he was a great American and I thought he was evil. "Don't be so dramatic, dear!" I heard that many many times. But in the grand scheme of things in my life, politics were not all that important.

This I believe. Ronald Reagan's term was the beginning of the end of the American dream my parents were so proud of. And I am mad at myself that I didn't pay attention carefully enough while he was president.

Years passed, my kids grew up, my dad got Parkinson's and slowly died in 1999. Then an insane man from Texas, a man my dad had described as "very dangerous" ran for president. I can still remember how sad I was in December 2000. How could the Supreme Court do this? Oh well, time to pay attention to other things instead.

Then we invaded Iraq. I watched the whole thing on CNN. I was stunned. And I decided I had better do more than just be stunned. So I volunteered to be a moveon activist in 2004. I worked phone banks and I knocked on doors and I sent money and I did everything I could to drive out the bush regime. And on the day after the election in November 2004, I cried. I was no longer sad; I was mad. So I got on the internet every night and read everything I could get my hands on so I could figure out what had happened. Within a month or so, I knew how wrong all this was. And I knew how evil the Republicans were.

This I believe. The 2004 election was stolen from America.

Then in August of 2005, my friend suggested we go down to Crawford Texas and join Cindy Sheehan in the ditch. I thought my friend was
nuts but I was on vacation and had nothing better to do. So I went.

That's when my life changed.

I have been back to Crawford 4 times since then. It's not only about Cindy. I keep going back to see the people who run the Peace House and to see the people who are at Camp Casey. Their passion is infectious. While I raised my kids and didn't really pay attention, these people marched. Against violence in Central America, against the buildup of the military industrial complex in this country, against the School of the Americas. They sell t-shirts and have garage sales to pay for their plane fare. They give away frequent flyer miles when another activist can't afford a plane ticket. They pack more people in a hotel room than my poor college friends did when we traveled to out of state concerts. And they believe very passionately that saving our country is their duty and the most important thing any of them can be doing at this time.

This I believe. The people who criticize Cindy Sheehan have absolutely no idea how powerful a movement she has built. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. We who work with Cindy know how very true that Margaret Mead quote is.

And now in 2007, after what I have learned, I firmly believe that bushco is the worst thing to ever happen to this country. My dad would probably tell me the civil war was worse and we would undoubtedly be on his porch arguing about this. But I know he would be proud of me for putting my money where my mouth is and my feet on the ground. I know he would detest bushco and their war on the America he was so proud of. And I am so glad my dad is not here to see what is happening. I have a feeling it would make him cry.

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

1. JFK, Jr.

I know someone who swears that JFK, Jr. was basically Assasinated, because he was about to be announced as Al Gore's running mate in 2000, and the powers that be would not have it. It would have meant 16 years of WH control for the Democratic Party.

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. I have watched them kill my heroes for nearly 50 years now

No doubt whatsoever. This is one thing my dad and I NEVER argued about - JFK was murdered and we will never know who actually did it. Same with Bobby. And Dr. King. And JFK Jr.

[broadcaster]

50. Me too..I saw it also...

When JFK was killed, I was just in Jr. High and was physically ill for days.

I woke up to a sunny morning in college, flipped on the radio to find
that RFK had been killed, and on and on.

I'm not feeling so well these days.

[proud2BlibKansan]

87. Welcome to DU!!

I understand exactly what you are saying. :hi:

[wicket]

45. damn

:cry:

[bentley]

51. I believe JFK Jr. was assassinated too...

I thought, I was the only one who thought it...

[madokie]

61. count me in on that too

[sce56]

67. Tin Foil Time Behind every Bush is a terrorist

Could you imagine if Ronald Reagan had died in his first year of office Bush Sr would have been president for three bonus years before running as the incumbent, He could have been president for eleven years! Some say he was running the show after the assassination attempt since Reagan never fully recovered his strength after the hit. Bonus question who was John Hinckley's brother going to have dinner with the night after the attempt on Reagans life? http://www.hereinreality.com/hinckley.html Neil Bush

Watch JFKII and The Assassination of JFK Jr. available on DVD here
http://www.jfkii.com/default.php





Bush Son Had Dinner Plans With Hinckley Brother Before Shooting
The Associated Press Domestic News
March 31, 1981, Tuesday, PM cycle

John Hinckley, brother of Neil Bush's scheduled dinner date

HOUSTON
The family of the man charged with trying to assassinate President Reagan is acquainted with the family of Vice President George Bush and had made large contributions to his political campaign, the Houston Post reported today.
Scott Hinckley, brother of John W. Hinckley Jr., who allegedly shot Reagan, was to have dined tonight in Denver at the home of Neil Bush, one of the vice president's sons.

The newspaper said in a copyright story, Scott Hinckley, brother of John W. Hinckley Jr., who allegedly shot Reagan, was to have dined tonight in Denver at the home of Neil Bush, one of the vice president's sons.

The newspaper said it was unable to reach Scott Hinckley, vice president of his father's Denver-based firm, Vanderbilt Energy Corp., for comment. Neil Bush lives in Denver, where he works for Standard Oil Co. of Indiana.

In 1978, Neil served as campaign manager for his brother, George W. Bush, the vice president's oldest son, who made an unsuccessful bid for Congress. Neil lived in Lubbock throughout much of 1978, where John Hinckley lived from 1974 through 1980.

On Monday, Neil Bush said he did not know if he had ever met 25-year-old John Hinckley.


From what I know and I've heard, they (the Hinckleys) are a very nice family and have given a lot of money to the Bush campaign."
SHARON BUSH
"I have no idea," he said. "I don't recognize any pictures of him. I just wish I could see a better picture of him.

Sharon Bush, Neil's wife, said Scott Hinckley was coming to their house as a date of a girl friend of hers. "I don't even know the brother. From what I know and I've heard, they (the Hinckleys) are a very nice family and have given a lot of money to the Bush campaign. I understand he was just the renegade brother in the family. They must feel awful," she said.

The dinner was canceled, she added.

George W. Bush said he was unsure whether he had met John W. Hinckley.
Notice the SS agent driving clearly looking back to see the hits then waiting for the head shot to step on it

[proud2BlibKansan]

85. I went to that book depository in Dallas just 2 weeks ago

And there is NO WAY that ONE man could have fired THREE SHOTS from that window in that time frame. No way at all. The other interesting thing is that as I stood there and looked out of that window, every single group of people who came to the window was talking about how the shooting just couldn't have happened the way the Warren Commission said it did.

I never believed the story anyway and seeing it from that window just affirmed my belief. It was a major WOW moment.

[wizstars]

112. The Twenty-Second Amendment limits a president to ten years...

if a president dies in his first or second year, the VP who succeeds him is ineligible for a second full term.

[eagler]

84. That many people to die under such mysterious conditions

can be no coincidence. And don't forget the plane crash that Ted survived and of course the notorious Chappaquidic. (spelling?)

[thetaoofterri]

130. Jesus, I really thought I was the only one...

who thought JFK, Jr was assassinated. I didn't dare open my mouth to anyone, but my husband. Everyone would have thought I was nuts. Now I don't feel so crazy.

[shance]

2. Wonderful, heartfelt post.

Thank you for sharing this.

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. Thanks for the kick

It is a speech I am giving in 2 weeks. I think. But I might change my mind before then. LOL

[PA Democrat]

29. I hope you don't change your mind. That was beautifully written.

[proud2BlibKansan]

31. Well I was looking for feedback

and the positive comments have been fabulous.

Thanks!!

[blayne]

123. I agree.

Don't change your mind; it was beautifully written.

[12string]

136. Give that speech

It is well written and I wish I could be there to hear it.I am
a 52 year old male so the memories you have bring me back to
the same place and time.I also started protesting the war in
Viet Nam in 1970 when I was 15 years old.I grew up watching it
on the evening news and it seemed as if it would never
end.Then as now I can not comprehend war.I am fortunate.The
draft ended when I was 19 and didn't have to go.How people of
this generation could have supported Bush in his atrocity in
Iraq I will never understand.I kept asking how  this could
happen.I still don't know.Give your speech.I'll be on my porch
crying with your dad.

[zabet]

3. k&r n/t

[Madspirit]

5. k&r ...Thank-you...n/t

[proud2BlibKansan]

30. Thanks I enjoy your posts immensely

I hope you realize that. :)

[Madspirit]

40. ...and I yours Thank-you

:hug:

[Rick Myers]

6. Excellent post.

:kick: and R

A great statement!

[proud2BlibKansan]

9. Thanks Rick

[countingbluecars]

8. Great post proud2Blib.

I can relate to much of what you write here. Thank you for all you do. I need to get more active in the peace movement.

[proud2BlibKansan]

11. You do more than most

:)

[leftchick]

10. Hear, Hear Proud!!!

and I am proud of you and all of the anti-war activists.

I believe in all that you have stated and that....:yourock:

:)

[proud2BlibKansan]

28. And you rock too!!

You are one of my favorites! Thanks so much for your hard work and great words all over the internet.

[Nightjock]

12. I am 45, happily married to a wonderful woman with 2 great kids

but I think I love you! Wow.....
That was awesome. I was on the fence about Cindy's recent actions but not anymore. I'm with you!Thanks.

[proud2BlibKansan]

19. I love you too

and my husband hates to talk about politics!! :)

[proud2BlibKansan]

33. About Cindy -

This has been really hard for those of us in her group who ARE lifelong Dems. Please know that. But we also know better than to try to talk Cindy out of anything. It's kind of funny, we just follow her and watch her back and eventually, we realize she was right. Every single time. I know it sounds like we are a bunch of sheep following her around but that's not how it is at all. Cindy knows that any of us will walk away when we feel the need, because we are, like her, strong minded and independent thinkers.

And we are a family. While she was marching yesterday, my phone was ringing off the hook and when I wasn't on the phone or here on DU, I was monitoring some RW websites for threats against Cindy. Watching her back. And I really oughta post what I found. They are just so sick.

So I am rambling but hope some DUers will understand why we are so protective of Cindy.

[John Q. Citizen]

126. Conyers has a great record, I like him. But he spoke out of both sides of his mouth

on impeachment.

Friends don't let friends bull shit them, and holding Conyers accountible for his forked tongue on impeachment was the right thing to do.

It was the liberal thing to do. It was the patriotic thing to do.

How I wish the right wing would hold their heroes accountable when they try to double talk their constiuents. But that's not how the right wing operates. They just roll over and worship.

We don't.

I had no problem in the slightest with what went down on Monday. I was proud of the activists who held Conyers accountible. It was the right thing to do.

[malaise]

13. Lovely post

K & R

[roamer65]

14. Wonderful post!

I think your dad would be saying "absolutely worse than Nixon" if he were here right now and that's where you two would defnitely find common ground.

:hug:

[proud2BlibKansan]

96. I am so glad he is not here anymore

He would just be going nuts. And his blood pressure would be at its peak.

[H2O Man]

15. Thank you.

I really enjoyed reading this. I read it twice before nominating it, and making this post. I'm sure I'll read it again before the night is through.

[proud2BlibKansan]

69. Oh from you that is truly a complement

or is it compliment? LOL

[H2O Man]

73. And I have

actually re-read it twice since I posted earlier. This is a wonderful essay. I appreciate having had the opportunity to read it. Thank you again.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

16. Bravo. K&R

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

17. YOU are such a beautiful, courageous, awesome person!!!

Your post has more substance, human substance, than any I have read, to memory, EVER.

May I have your permission to print it out and share it?

:hug:

Thank you, so much, for sharing extraordinary pieces of your life with me.

Thank you. Thank you.

[proud2BlibKansan]

21. OMG Of course you can share it.

Wow thanks for the great words.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

26. Thank you, kindly.

:hug:

[madame defarge]

18. Have you thought about submitting this to...

NPR? They have a program called "This I Believe"

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4538138

You might have to edit it down enough to fit within their time frame, but it's most definitely worth it.

[proud2BlibKansan]

20. We are doing a This I Believe program at our DFA meeting in 10 days

That's why I wrote this. Thanks for the suggestion. I need to time it to see how long it is.

[Toasterlad]

48. Oops. Never Mind My Suggestion Below, Then.

:blush:

[Usrename]

22. Thank you.

For this post.

And, for your work for our future.

[w8liftinglady]

23. excellent post.K and R

[Forkboy]

24. One of the easiest posts to kick and recommend that I've had the pleasure of reading here.

:applause:

[proud2BlibKansan]

25. Wow thanks

I almost didn't post it. LOL

[Uncle Joe]

27. Thank you for sharing, proud2Blib

Kicked and recommended.

[Tuesday_Morning]

32. Beautiful post.

Bravo :applause:

[proud2BlibKansan]

34. Thank you

[northofdenali]

35. A hearty K&R, proud2Blib - powerful, powerful post.

I'm glad you've okayed printing it out, because I know a bunch of folks whose only internet access is at work. I'll be sending it to several more folks on my email list, as well.

:toast::yourock::toast:

[proud2BlibKansan]

37. Wow I am flattered

Hope I didn't spell anything wrong. LOL

I already figured out it wasn't Laugh In, it was Smothers Brothers. Minor error. Sorry.

[Breeze54]

36. I remember too, proud2Blib!

Remember the bumperstickers from the Nixon elections and during his criminal occupation of the WH?

"Nixon- 49 / America- 1"

(MA was the only state to vote against Nixon!)

And then there was the fine Nixon-era bumper-sticker,

Nobody wants a crooked Dick.

And this one that was in the shape of Massachusetts, and simply said;

"We told you so".

Well; we're telling you all again!!! ;)

-----------------------------------------------

I think you have to have been a neighbor of mine!

Maybe at least a sister but that can't be!

We're the same age and same experiences. :hug:

Fantastic post!! :kick: & Recommended!

[proud2BlibKansan]

38. SShhh We can't talk about what ELSE we did while we protested the war back then

My dad would be ashamed of me. :)

[Breeze54]

39. My Dad was pissed off at all his kids back then but

he came around, finally! Took lots of table pounding and arguments at dinner but, we won! ;)
But he was working for the Army back then and he just wasn't seeing the whole picture, until
both his oldest sons were drafted to Vietnam. :(

I'm proud of you!! :hug:

[proud2BlibKansan]

42. My sister tells me all the time my dad would be upset with me

and I tell her he would be proud of what I am doing but he would worry about my safety.

[Breeze54]

46. I agree on both! He'd be proud and concerned for your safety.

Aren't all Dads? There are nuts out there, in DC and in Crawford.
I mean, look at that joker in South Carolina last week, but you
can't let them stop you or us! I couldn't afford to go all the way
down to TX but I did meet up with Cindy in DC, Sept. '05.

March to the White House 09/26/05


March to the White House 09/26/05


Van at Peace March Sept. 24th, '05

[proud2BlibKansan]

71. Ah! There's Dede and Cindy!!

Great pics. Thanks so much.

[Swamp Rat]

41. Thank you very much

:hug:

I would have been there with y'all in Crawford, but Katrina hit... :(

Btw, I am reading a Margaret Mead book right now, "Coming of Age in Samoa." ;)

[proud2BlibKansan]

43. I got to hear Margaret Mead speak when I was in college

Wow she was just so inspirational. It has been 35 years and I still remember how amazing she was.

[Swamp Rat]

44. I hope she inspires me now

to finish this DAMN THESIS!!! :D

[Toasterlad]

47. Really Well Done, P2B

One suggestion: I'd take out the "This", and just leave it as "I believe". I think it's stronger that way. I'm not sure if you're conciously using the NPR segment as a reference, or not

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4538138

Also, it makes me think of the Simpsons, and "This Things I Believe". :hippie:

It's REALLY nicely written, though! :thumbsup:

[proud2BlibKansan]

70. Thank you Toasterlad!

[Wednesdays]

49. Awesome! "This I believe" phrase reminds me

of a passage in the speech attributed to Chief Seattle:

"This we know: the earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself."

[Time for change]

52. I get the feeling that your dad would not only be very proud of you

but he would also be very proud to be part of the fight to take our country back.

[truedelphi]

53. Great and wondrous life you've led K&R

[WinkyDink]

54. Aside from the trenchant content, your essay is brilliantly constructed. Thank you for sharing it.

[spanone]

55. K&R

:hug: :grouphug: :hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug::hug: :grouphug:

[DutchLiberal]

56. Excellent! I recommended it!

It was a great read. Thanks. :)

[iamahaingttta]

57. The Civil War WAS worse... so far!

We ain't out of this mess yet.

My earliest memories are MLK's funeral, and a couple of months later my father running down the hall yelling "They killed Bobby Kennedy, they killed Bobby Kennedy!!!"

And people wonder why...

"I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore!"

[Jed Dilligan]

64. Was it?

I would rather be in a devastating conflict where my country was right, than in a distant conflict where we are wrong.

[MichiganVote]

58. Ok so I'm a Johnny Come Lately but here's my problem with what you've written...

You write,

"The people who criticize Cindy Sheehan have absolutely no idea how powerful a movement she has built."

So why is that? Why is this powerful club so unknown only to those who criticize Sheehan?

You see here's my problem. I believe in the right to protest and 99.9% of the mothers who have lost their son's I grant them the moral high ground. I may disagree with some of what is said or done but I respect their right to pursue it.

But you assert something, proud, that bothers me. And you assert it at a time of considerable paranoia among Democrats. For over six years we've been maligned and sidelined by a president who holds 'by invitation only' gatherings. An administration that has spied on countless americans, lied and so on. Their powerful "club" has also had a message, a means, money and the thing that you propose as critical to leadership---power.

So here we are. Everybody has an identity determined by someone else's agenda. Is it even possible to have an identity without an agenda? We're tawdry liberals among the smart set, lazy Dino's among the "progressive" set, blind sheep, the crap goes on and on. And now some undetermined number are dumb as a post b/c they are not aware, don't know, maybe don't appreciate this vast and powerful organization that Sheehan has built.

Sorry, short of some blogs, news accounts, and commentary, I don't see it. So the Sheehan outfit is either another wanna be movement indulging in puppetry or just another opportunity to disenfranchise people and then kick them in the nuts for not being UP on the latest. The very method employed by the bull shitting crowd in the WH now.

[cureautismnow]

59. Your beliefs are right on target.

And I applaud your dedication to the movement. You can never go wrong when you do the right thing. Keep fighting the good fight. :applause:

[Exiled in America]

60. I respectfully disagree with your conclusion, and offer reasons for my disagreement:

It seems to me as if your entire post was a pretext for your last paragraph, which is fine I guess.

But I must respectfully disagree. I haven't ever "trashed" Cindy Sheehan. But I am not afraid or ashamed to say that I am not a supporter. This I believe: I believe that somewhere along the way, Cindy Sheehan lost perspective. I do not for a second believe that anything I am about to say reflect some conscious action on her part. I don't think she is manipulative and I don't think she is an opportunist.

Nevertheless, I believe that at some point in time Cindy lost the ability to separate the issues from ego. I believe that Cindy has so conflated herself with the "cause" that she has lost all perspective. Over time, everything connected to Sheehan became more and more self-focused and self-absorbed. It became very "inward" facing and about her rather than "outward" facing and about the issues. I think this has been a detriment to the larger cause of peace and the cause of seeking accountability from this Administration.

I must also say something else: I was a state-wide campaign manager in 2006. I've worked in the political and non-profit arena in my state for some time. I have also worked for the ACLU. A while ago, the local chapter of the ACLU was putting together a campaign to rally support against the war, and for a commitment to protecting our basic freedoms. It was part of the organization's attempt to build a better grassroots movement in the community and help organize the community to fight for meaningful change. It was done in partnership with other major organizations in the state. The ACLU asked Cindy Sheehan to speak and a rally and event as part of this effort.

Now, Cindy could have decline for many understandable reasons. She could have cited a scheduling conflict - no, actually in point of fact she would have been free not to give any reason at all at that would be find. But she didn't - she accepted. On one condition.

That she be paid $10,000.00 for speaking plus all travel expenses. Ten Thousand dollars. Now, I've been flown from the west coast to D.C. for meetings and to participate in seminars, and I can tell you what you already know: there is no possible way to rationalize 10,000 as "necessary for expenses." A ten thousand dollar fee is, inarguably for profit..

And under other circumstances, that would be fine. But in this case, Cindy Sheehan regularly writes and speaks about simply following her conscience and wanting to do everything she can do to aid the movement for peace and for accountability for this administration. Well, I take exception to that claim when she charges prohibitively expensive fees to speak. If she was serious about the selflessness of her cause, she would charge only what was necessary for basic expenses. As it was, the ACLU and other orgs couldn't have her come out. Ten Thousand dollars was far too much money for a northwestern state to manage. So the people of the state had to suffer because Cindy needed to have 10,000 to come speak to them.

I found that to reflect very poorly on Sheehan.

I am part of a small group of committed citizens as well, sir or madam. And my small group of committed persons could greatly benefit if others were in it for the cause and not the money.

[proud2BlibKansan]

80. One of the most common things we hear from people when they meet Cindy

is how down to earth and personable she is. And that she has no ego. She is not in this for fame or fortune. She really truly is just a mom who lost her kid.

I don't know what to tell you about her fee. I think that is outrageous. The only thing I can think of is that she doesn't always have the smartest people by her side. She has been "helped" by some strange characters. That desire to be close to the rock star will always attract the crazies. I know that if I wanted to have her come speak to my group, I would rather deal with her directly than with a "handler". That is just a hunch of mine but your story has affirmed that I am thinking correctly. And I agree this story reflects poorly upon her, even if it wasn't her that suggested the fee.

I also have been told many times by many nationwide activists that for most of them a plane ticket and a hotel room is all that is necessary to have them come speak. The message is far more important than the potential profit. But you have to agree there is a cost attached to their work. And yes, ten thousand dollars is crazy.

[lumberjack_jeff]

62. Very well said. You rock. n/t

[proud2BlibKansan]

74. Thanks Jeff!!

I think you rock too.

[Horse with no Name]

63. I'm proud to know you

And your Dad would be proud of you.
You and I have had a few disagreements along the way...but overall, I highly respect your opinion (even when it is different) and totally agree NOW with what you say.:hug:

[proud2BlibKansan]

75. Your post on impeachment was spot on yesterday!!

I have copied it and sent it out to many people. Thank you so much for your wise words. :hug:

[puebloknot]

65. "...how powerful a movement she has built." With her bare hands..

... metaphorically, speaking. People are hungry for authenticity. Cindy has it.

Disclaimer: This is not a post promoting Cindy's run for office. It's an acknowledgement that the Power of One is at work in this country!

[fortyfeetunder]

66. From Recommend #50

Beautiful...are you submitting this to NPR?

[proud2BlibKansan]

76. I hadn't considered it but I will look into it

Thanks!

[burythehatchet]

68. intimate

[smiley_glad_hands]

72. Too bad CS won't attack the right people. eom

[proud2BlibKansan]

77. She isn't attacking anyone.

She is exercising her rights as a citizen to appeal to her elected representatives.

[smiley_glad_hands]

79. And attacking Democrats, not repugs, in the process. eom

[proud2BlibKansan]

81. sigh

She spent years lobbying the republicans. But they don't control the House anymore.

[Breeze54]

83. Dems are not infallible.

Look at the 29 that voted to attack Iraq!!

A big 'D' next to one's name doesn't make them faultless.

[PoconoPragmatist]

78. Excellent Read!! K&R!!

I actually wrote in for President, too. In 2000.

No, folks, I didn't write in Nader. I wrote in Bill Bradley.

Basically, my reason for this is quite simple. I was living in Kentucky, in april, 2000 and planning a move to Texas.

As a result of the timing of the primaries, I was denied my primary vote in 2000. Kentucky held theirs aft6er I left...Texas held theirs before I arrived. so I was locked out of my party's process for choosing it's nominee, just because of the timing of my move. This is garbage.

since I was moving to Texas...which was a safe state...no WAY was Gore going to win Texas...and Texas can't split electorals...I voted Bill Bradley, in protest for being denied my primary vote...which would have been cast for Bradley.

Prior to living in Texas, I'd lived in New Jersey, and Bradley had been my Senator. I knew him, and his track record. I had been to his office in Washington DC to lobby his office on various legislation I was interested in...and was always reciegved courteously, and was always attentively listened to on these trips. Other elected officials I met with were not so professional, courteous, polite, or attentive. I remembered how well Bradley's office had treated me, and I wanted to vote for him in the primaries, but was denied participation in my party's primary process, because of the unfortunate timing of my move.

So I voted Bradley, knowing it was a wasted vote, and I did not care. It was a vote I was proud to cast...a vote I cast on principal...and because I truly believed in the man I voted for. of course, my vote mattered to no one but me, because Texas, of course, went Bush. nevertheless, I was proud to cast a vote for the man I believed in in 2000.

I will do so again in 2008, when I vote for John Edwards.

[EFerrari]

82. I wish I could be on that porch with you both.

:hug:

:applause:

[proud2BlibKansan]

86. I have a confession to make. . .

I live right up the street from that house where my parents lived. We moved here in 1993 to be close to my parents and help my mom take care of my dad. Then after my dad died, we sold that house. 5 years ago at least. And to this day, I deliberately go out of my way to NOT drive by that house and look at that porch. It makes me so very sad. That is my dad's porch, where he sat every night in the summer and watched baseball. For 40 years. That furniture on that porch is not his and there is no TV there anymore. I just can't bear it.

Grief. Does it EVER go away?

And yes, you would have LOVED to sit on that porch with us. :hug:

[EFerrari]

88. I don't think it goes away. Maybe, we just learn to love it

a little at a time as the pain abates little by little.

:toast: to your dad and to you

[leftchick]

110. now you are making me cry

my Mom and dad live in the same house I grew up in, for forty-two years now. I leave on Saturday for my twice yearly visit. My Dad is now 88 with failing health and memory. Every time I go home I sit on my Daddy's porch with him and chat like we used to. This time I am hoping he remembers who I am. I am grieving before he is even gone! I imagine it never leaves.

:cry:

[Highway61]

113. Excellent read

I forwarded to my daughter who isn't as passionate as I would like about politics...but she IS on the right side of the fence.

As for Getting over grief....I lost my daughter 4 years ago. No you NEVER get over it....you learn to live with it. With each day it may be better than another day but it is always there. Bless you and thank you for all you efforts...your Dad IS very proud of you!

[me b zola]

89. k&r

[Irishonly]

90. Beautiful Post

I don't think I could add anything more. I am a couple of years older than you but our lives seem very similar.

My dad was a yellow dog, union democrat. I wouldn't like for him to see what has happened to our country either. He was a WWII vet and I will always remember him giving the principal of my high school such a lecture on free speech when I was threatened with suspension for wearing a black arm band on the anniversary of Kent State.

I always said I would vote for whom I wanted but I have always voted democratic. I remember after the 2000 election thinking and hoping everything I had try to teach my daughter had been in vain. She will be old enough to vote in the next election and I am proud to say she is researching. She takes voting seriously.

I figure we have to keep fighting the good fight. I have to believe we will win.

[proud2BlibKansan]

92. My dad was also a WWII vet

and he passionately HATED war. He hated war movies and wouldn't let us watch them when we were young. He was the only one of his generation I knew for many years who opposed the Vietnam War.

[Irishonly]

118. Yes

My dad believed WWII should have been the last war.

[rateyes]

91. I'm with you, and also

proud to be a liberal. :toast:

:kick: and Rec'd.

[WillyT]

93. Aw Darnit... Ya Made Me Cry With That One, Ya Did...

Sigh...

Absolutely beautiful post.

Parallels my life very well.

Miss my dad very much, and the only thing good about his being gone, is he doesn't have to see what has happened to the country he loved and fought for.

Thank you for this.

:grouphug:

:hi:

K & R !!!

[proud2BlibKansan]

97. I have been crying for the last 2 days Willy

Pass the kleenex!

[Bullwinkle925]

94. I'm a believer too.

Spot On!!

:yourock: :hippie:

[Maat]

95. Great post!

I truly enjoyed reading about your experiences.

[ConsAreLiars]

98. Thank you. (K&R) and n/t, - there's nothing more that needs to be said.

[obiwan]

99. Thank you.

I am the same age you are, and it's been a good long while since things seemed "right".

[proud2BlibKansan]

100. Yes it has

I am thinking 1963 - October.

[opihimoimoi]

101. K&R.....Altruism lives

Gonzo is almost GONE

BushCo in Tatters

Karen Hughes irrevelent

Cheney 12% Approval

Condi Ignored

Pub Candidates losing to Mongo in every poll....

Dem Candidates looking better and better.

Newt still attempting a hopeless comeback

DeLay inserts foot in Mouth...AGAIN

Chertoff Inept Crony

So was Brown

But...I see a Light...its Truth shining through the BS of the GOP

[Enthusiast]

102. Thanks for sharing that.......

I am just about your age, a little older. I actually did vote for McGovern in my first presidential election. I remember him being savaged by the media for his stance on the war. What a joke, considering his record of heroism in WWII. These fascists have been with us for a long time.

[avrdream]

103. Thanks for those words.

[Decruiter]

104. "absolutely no idea how powerful a movement she has built"

Right up front I am apologizing to all I might offend but I find your remark to be offensive.

"This I believe. The people who criticize Cindy Sheehan have absolutely no idea how powerful a movement she has built. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. We who work with Cindy know how very true that Margaret Mead quote is."

Especially the part about "we" have no idea how powerful a movement she has built."

Anne, Proud2bLib, we were on the street in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and finally Cindy showed up in August of 2005. I take offense when you say we have no idea how powerful a movement Cindy built. The movement was there, we had been for several years.

Cindy has been a spark, a catalyst, Cindy did not build the peace movement and I get ever so tired of you saying she did.

Check out Medea, Code Pink, Global Exchange and Kevin Danaher. We were protesting before protesting was cool, right here in Dallas, going after Exxon, Halliburton, Bush and this sorry ass war on terror.

Cindy did not start this movement, Cindy stepped in and the movement was waiting for someone like her to come along.

It is just the way it happens.

Peace.

We are all here for a reason.

Talk to Kay.

[proud2BlibKansan]

115. At the very least,

Cindy doubled the ranks. There are so many like me - now active. She got me off my ass. The stories are all so similar. I was there in spirit only for so long. Now I am really there. Perhaps I would be regardless, but I give Cindy credit. And thanks to Kay and many others, there was somewhere for us to go. So yes, we owe so much to those who have always been there.

I hate Texas but would move to Dallas in a heartbeat if I could - just to be closer to Kay. I hope she knows that. She is my role model. :hug:

[Lilith Velkor]

129. Thank you.

[Hippo_Tron]

105. I support Cindy's cause, I don't agree with every tactic she has used

Particularly the latest stunt she has pulled with the sit-in on Conyers' office. Theatrics have a time and a place, and it is not good to use them on your sympathizers and potential allies.

As I stated in another thread, Martin Luther King didn't storm into President Kennedy's office and demand instant results. They met and discussed the issue like civilized people. King realized that Kennedy had a lot of political hurdles to overcome, hence it took him until 1963 to give full support to major civil rights legislation. But he knew that Kennedy would come around eventually, because Kennedy believed in his cause. Thus, he saved the theatrics to use against the enemies of the civil rights movement.

Conyers is about as sympathetic to Cindy's cause as they come. I'm sure he would've met with her if she had requested a meeting. Her theatrics worked great when camping out in front of Bush's ranch because Bush is the enemy of her cause. Conyers is not the enemy and she needs to realize that.

BTW, I enjoyed your story.

[Jeanette in FL]

106. Excellent Post, Proud

I think that our generation, those of us who are in our 50's and 60's were privy to an extraordinary time in history. It shaped our political philosophy and made us hypersensitive to secretive and lawless governments.

We witnessed our political leaders murdered right before our eyes and the cover-ups that ensued. We saw our potential futures disappear in a heartbeat. We saw our classmates drafted to fight an illegal war, never to come home, even if they did come home. We vowed it would never happen again, not in our lifetimes.

That is why we fight so hard. It is impossible to instill that kind of passion and knowledge unto others who weren't here. It is our responsibility to fight this fight and pray that others will follow our lead and learn from our examples.

Thank you so much for posting your beliefs. You captured our generation's collective wisdom and historical perspective, amazingly.

[zehnkatzen]

107. k&r. Good post.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

108. Tears in my eyes here dear proud2Blib. I never say this, being irreligious, bless you.

:hug:

[Warren Stupidity]

109. Thank you.

[The Wizard]

111. As a retired English teacher

and part time pain-in-the-ass (my wife says full time), I would change the following:
We who work with Cindy know how very true that Margaret Mead quote is."
to read, "We who work with Cindy know the very truth of that Margaret Mead quote." It might even be easier to say in a speech. Feel free to disregard; my wife does it all the time.
There may be some grammatical errors in this post, but hey, I'm retired.

[proud2BlibKansan]

114. Good suggestion - thanks

[Anita Garcia]

116. Hi p2b k & r

for the record...it ain't no small group anymore!

[proud2BlibKansan]

132. Hey you!!

Well at least we know we are a LOUD group. LOL

[nolabels]

117. "bushco is the worst thing to ever happen to this country"

People should get a grip, and stop projecting what they want on how things really are. None of whatever the bushco cabal is doing should surprise anybody that reads or even make for the thought some kind of evil is taking over that wasn't already here. I put it in the perspective of that here and now is all there is, what was before is not here and won't be back (at least just like was).

I try realize just like everybody should, that making (or projecting )our problem as the worst as anybody ever had and that no body should have to to deal with all this crap is just a so much of a common cop out. It seems to make for worse and more difficult to overcome for which it shouldn't be. I don't say the the problems are not real or we should quit worrying about them but more of the idea that assumption of a that other guy* who sang this tune

John Lennon - Watching The Wheels

People say I'm crazy doing what I'm doing
Well they give me all kinds of warnings to save me from ruin
When I say that I'm o.k. well they look at me kind of strange
Surely you're not happy now you no longer play the game

People say I'm lazy dreaming my life away
Well they give me all kinds of advice designed to enlighten me
When I tell them that I'm doing fine watching shadows on the wall
Don't you miss the big time boy you're no longer on the ball

I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go

Ah, people asking questions lost in confusion
Well I tell them there's no problem, only solutions
Well they shake their heads and they look at me as if I've lost my mind
I tell them there's no hurry
I'm just sitting here doing time

I'm just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go
I just had to let it go
I just had to let it go
(snip)
http://www.songmeanings.net/lyric.php?lid=8688


* the idea of the other guy is that Lennon seemed have to realized and some ways kind wanted a normal life like many of us are now living.

[mantis49]

119. Good essay.

I don't like to pick, but shouldn't it be "Democratic" in this sentence? "My whole family was Democrat, a good liberal Democrat Catholic family." The word is used as an adjective in these cases. Democratic modifying family in both instances.

[happygoluckytoyou]

120. TONY SNOW HERE----> AND THIS I BELIEVE

THE GOP IS SMART ENOUGH TO WIN AND THEN DIVIDE THE SPOILS...THERE IS SO MUCH TO GO AROUND
THE DEMS ARE STUPID ENOUGH TO DIVIDE AND THEN LOSE...AND GET NO SPOILS

WE THROW IN THE GREEN PARTY...
BLOOMBERG....
RALPH N....
GUNS AND GAYS... GOD AND GIRLS...

ANYTHING TO DIVIDE...
HOORAY FOR CINTY SHEEHAN FOR TAKING ON NANCY P...

SPLIT THE DEMS...
AND THE GOP GETS TO SPLIT THE WEALTH...

AND IF YOU VOTE DEMOCRAT....THE TERRORISTS WIN...

GOD I LOVE THIS JOB

THANK YOU
TONY 'THE SNOWMAN' SNOW

[RandomKoolzip]

121. Huh?

:wtf:

[aikoaiko]

122. I can't imagine calling a politician a hero -- tmes sure have changed

Maybe I'm too cynical or hard but I can't even imagine crying over a single politician being assassination. Angry, yes, but cry out of sadness, no.

[femrap]

124. After reading Ray McGovern's

post about the meeting with Conyers yesterday, your post was exactly what I needed. It's true....a small group of committed people can make change. After all, just look at what that small group of neo-cons have done.

Cindy is a brave women...I admire her so much. She endures some of the most hideous ridicule from the most stupid of the MSM and blogosphere. She knows that working toward a peaceful resolution to conflict is morally right.

And you're right....it all started in 1980...that was the beginning of the end. We got to see Reagan's bad Karma come around and bite him in the ass.

Edited to add: I changed my avatar to Susan B. from Conyers. I am not only disappointed by his actions, I feel betrayed.

[onewholaughsatfools]

125. this i know

Great writing here and so wonderful to read, I would say most
of us good american families have walked in your shoes, I am
proud of you and your purpose keep going, together we can
correct all the horrors that the leaders of this country have
created.  Blessings to you and yours......never, never, give
up.......

[rhiannon55]

127. Wonderful moving post, proud

I'm glad we're neighbors...you do Kansas proud (so to speak--lol). And I'm glad to give this post a kick and its 90th rec!

:kick:

[proud2BlibKansan]

133. Thanks rhiannon

Kansas is a fun state nowadays. Did you hear about the GOP loyalty oath? :rofl:

[rhiannon55]

134. I had heard of it, but hadn't read it until two minutes ago

http://newappeal.blogspot.com/2007/07/kansas-gop-launches-loyalty-oath.html

Those repubs are running scared, aren't they? And in Kansas, of all places! I LOVE it! :rofl:

[LWolf]

128. K&R, and thank you.

[colorado_ufo]

131. You are an inspiration.

Life has a way of meddling with all our plans and ideals. But when you put your ideals ahead of the daily demands of life, that is when your life truly assumes its meaning.

[Mabus]

135. I'll see you Saturday at the Boyda event

I'll be standing with you. I want to ask her why I worked to help get her elected when she's not listening.

[KansDem]

137. Thanks for this thread, proud2Blib!

An inspirational message during these dark and ambiguous times! It's amazing the political paths we tread during our lifetimes. You have been a Democrat all your life, yet I registered Republican in 1972 (also one of the first 18-year-olders to vote), but switched to Independent and voted for McGovern. I was an "Indie" for 20 years and registered as a Democrat in 1992 to vote for Paul Tsongas. I stayed with the party for Bill Clinton and have been "Dem" ever since (it's hard to be any other with the Bushistas running amok). We here at DU have all arrived at the same place on many diverse and separate paths.

Good luck with your speech!

[proud2BlibKansan]

138. Thanks.

You are the second person today who told me you were a Tsongas fan. I haven't heard that name in years. Now twice in one day! LOL