I have personally spoken to Cindy Sheehan on the phone

[matcom]

It was arranged by my friend William Pitt. It was a thrill.

I found her to be a LOVELY and CARING person. We talked not JUST about her son but about a wide range of issues. She is a true Liberal and a fantastic person IMHO. She gave me her full attention, was engaging, and cared what *I* had to say.

If SHE has the name recognition to get into the Capitol, I applaud her.

I sure as hell couldn't get an audience with the Dem leadership. I'm glad she could. Influence is power. It is sad that WE don't have that kind of influence but we don't. For that reason, she DOES speak for many of us. She lost her fucking CHILD to gain that access.

Radical? Yup.

I'll not say more on this subject but will read the responses with interest.

[Redstone]

1. Radical? No, not radical. Just the way America is SUPPOSED to be.

I'm with you on this one.

Redstone

[shance]

21. Thank you Redstone and Matcom. We need more Cindy Sheehans****

And fewer Armani suits expressing their yawn inducing platitudes, with no intention whatsoever of creating the vital changes necessary for Americans and our nation.

[Whoa_Nelly]

2. WTG, matcom!

We need more Cindys. Maybe then the message for ending this insanity will get through.

[Tom Joad]

3. I have never met Harry Reid, but his statements in December stating support

for an escalation in Iraq were dispicable, and worthy of the fullest condemnation, and the fact that he is a "leader" in the senate is disgraceful.

There is reason to protest.

[rodeodance]

15. I believe he has reversed himself on that one.

[madfloridian]

4. Well, then we either love all her actions...

or be subjected to name calling and being told we are not anti-war.

Got it.

Shutting down our Democrats constantly when people are without insurance and proper medical care is wrong.

I will never forget a time here when she made fun of some Democratic leaders who took time to meet with her in private. They were courteous and kind. She made fun of their responses. In public. She was derisive toward them.

Something is wrong with that picture.

[Upfront]

31. Agree.

Anyone who thinks passing items like the minimum wage and the rest of the 100 hour agenda is not important has there head up there ass. Give them a some time.

[madfloridian]

36. Hi there, friend.

We lost one of our DFA New Year's Eve, and we lost a neighbor of many years yesterday. We are kind of sad.

[midnight]

90. Sorry for your sadness. I'm not sure who DFA is?

Try to imagine waiting years while a war that has killed your son lingers on, and is being fueled with more young people.

[midnight]

89. Grief is a very odd path. I hope we do not have to travel it any

time soon.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

5. I know other people who have

similar opinions of her.

Their opinions of you, however! :evilgrin:

[BuyingThyme]

6. I have spoken to Cindy Sheehan face to face.

Same here.

[madfloridian]

7. She shut down a press conference of our Democrats.

How is that ok? How will they get their message out, or does this mean she already has decided the message is all wrong.???

Does she realize that others in the country have serious health care needs? Or does it matter. I would like to hear what they have to say first. She won't let that happen when she shuts down a conference.

[shance]

13. You have to be kidding Floridian. Do you how much she has tried to talk

with our leaders? Do you have any idea?

I do. Its a joke the way our Congressional "leaders" pat citizens on the head and then do an about face and totally ignore what has been expressed.

The only way those in office will listen apparently is by sheer embarrassment of their charade of governship.

[madfloridian]

26. She made fun of some who met with her privately.

Dean was one of them. She laughed about him publicly. The only one she praised after meeting with them about the war was John Kerry.

She made fun of Dean and some others. I know because I posted about it and got blasted out of the water.

[shance]

38. I remember some of Cindy's supporters and other activists treating Dean unfairly,

and believe me, it made me mad. But I have never heard Cindy say inappropriate and/or unfair criticisms/accusations about the Guv. I have been one of his staunchest supporters, as certainly have you.

I have heard Cindy be somewhat critical of some inconsistencies on his part. Perhaps we are talking of different instances, however, when I heard her speak, I didn't find her remarks insulting. I found her to be earnest and fair.

With that said, I will defend them both. I think Governor Dean has breathed oxygen and life back into this country. He is someone whom thousands if not millions of Americans and people abroad look up to, admire and respect. So much that I don't think we have seen anything like it since the Kennedys. I am actually as protective of him as are you Floridian against those who unfairly attack him.

With that said, I believe he could delve further into the overall cruelty, trauma, irreversible abuse and destruction that occurs with war. Now more than ever, with poisons like depleted uranium and other nuclear based substances. We are talking irreversible, and major outbreaks of deformities and abnormalities affecting children and our ecology overall. I'm hoping at some point he will consider this with more depth.

If you have some links regarding these attacks, please let me know. Otherwise, I believe it was more of some of her supporters and or some who are in the anti-war movement that fueled some unecessary flames.

In truth, I do believe Governor Dean is in a difficult place. However, I believe and hope he will see that his greatest and staunchest allies, minus a few naysayers, are those who are actively opposing this war.

[madfloridian]

42. That is not in his job description...according to congressional Dems.

That is what he was trying to get across to her. But it did not matter.

[AikidoSoul]

51. Please prove what you're saying here

If she "made fun" of him -- that's a subjective comment. She's a fair and good person. Let's see the context and how others view that event.

Where's the proof? This is heresay.

[madfloridian]

67. I posted about it.

Same old stuff. I was wrong, Dean was wrong, Cindy was right.

It is bad enough here today. I am not about to post that stuff right now, maybe later.

I don't dislike Cindy, I just don't think she is perfect, and I don't think she should be shutting down press conferences of our Democrats.

I realize that makes me less popular here than ever, but I just have learned not to care.

At DU you learn that there is a wave of stuff one must endorse or die...soon it is over and on to the next love or die thing.

I hate this war, and I have written frequently about that.

[knowledgeispwr]

91. Some very true words about DU sometimes...

At DU you learn that there is a wave of stuff one must endorse or die...soon it is over and on to the next love or die thing.

I wish it weren't that way. It drowns out discussion, rational debate, and thought.

[rodeodance]

14. getting out of Iraq is not much talked about by Dems.

[Beaverhausen]

20. How would you even know? everyone here talks about Cindy non-stop

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x3032493

There- a dem talking about getting out of Iraq. Happy now?

[John Q. Citizen]

29. I hear you. But if we got out of Iraq 3 years ago, think of the money we could

into health care.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

43. our Democrats?

My Democrats support Cindy 100%.

[David__77]

44. "Our Democrats" must take the right position on Iraq.

It is absolutely an acid test of the Democratic leadership that they oppose the occupation and use all means to end it.

"Our Democrats" should welcome the opportunity to condemn the Iraqi misadventure and to rally around the cause upheld by Cindy Sheehan.

[madfloridian]

45. See what I mean?

Love Cindy's every action or else.

I respect most of our Democratic leadership, have qualms about a few. BUT Cindy is treating all of them with disrespect before they are even sworn in.

Hey go after me. Looks like this is the new way to not belong here.

Wow.

[David__77]

48. Children are being murdered every day in Iraq, and you care about "disrespect?"

I don't get it. This is not a "take it or leave it" issue that's part of a laundary list of concerns. This is about the murder of a nation by the United States. We as citizens bear responsibility, yes. But those in power certainly do. They should be filled with rage and grief. "Respect" and "disrespect" should be the least of anyone's concerns when lives are at stake. History will judge the people of this country and its elected leaders.

[madfloridian]

49. Cindy is not God. I am not the devil.

What the hell is wrong you guys that you demand we support every action of hers?

Don't lecture me about Iraq...or about war. I remember Vietnam all too well. Don't go there.

I remember Korea, the hopelessness there.

Don't label me, don't treat me like I dirt because I think what she did in shutting down a press conference was wrong.

[noamnety]

83. very well said. (nt)

[NoSheep]

86. Very well said indeed. I don't see anyone going to the extremes

they are being accused of here. I don't think the people who say they think Cindy was justified are saying they'd agree with her in every single case. It really isn't true that agreeing with her now predicates agreeing with her all the time. I feel those who agree with her now see that the war isn't waiting for congress before it kills more people.

[AikidoSoul]

54. You keep saying these kinds of things

I've never seen any objective reports of this kind of behavior. You know, the what, where, when and how of it -- the context -- and then the exact words. Otherwise it's just your subjective, perhaps even biased interpretation of events.

And let's get real here. There's not one Dem alive that doesn't deserve some criticism, or doesn't deserve to be made fun of once in awhile.

When people screw up -- that's what happens.

But again -- she seems to be a very nice, very loving human being. I don't like seeing her trashed or put down.. and certainly not written off.

She's a hero to many people. Having the guts, will and determination that she has is admirable.

One thing I have noticed. Cindy Sheehan has physically aged about 20 yrs since she first started camping out in Crawford. She's been through a lot.

[AZBlue]

80. "Cindy is perfect. She does no wrong and never makes a mistake."

"Now, step faster, you're making the marching line lag a little, come on now, get in rhythm...."
:sarcasm:

When did DU become an acronym for group think and intolerance??

[GeorgeGist]

75. Actually...

the chicken shits shut down their own press conference.

http://www.thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/010407/cindy.html

[tnlefty]

76. From what I read here it was a conference featuring the war-

loving Rahm. I truly missed anything that she derisively stated about Dean or others who have been against this clusterf*^k. You seem a little beleaguered so I'll try to find your posts.

[madfloridian]

81. She shut down a press conference of our Democrats.

I was not referring to now, not to what she said now about others. I was referring to last year. I am not really beleagueered, just a wee bit cross at being required to toe the line.

I don't like Rahm, in fact I more than dislike him. There is oh so much there in my journal about him and about Carville his buddy buddy.

[rman]

85. It remains to be seen if they are "our Democrats"

- as a party that is, notwithstanding a couple of good individuals - or whether they are Corporate-lite Democrats.

[Hippo_Tron]

94. Iraq and health care are very much related, we tried guns and butter once and it didn't work

We can't fix domestic issues until we stop pouring money into Iraq.

[liberalnurse]

8. Thank you Matcom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My ears have been leaning back tonight from all the Cindy bashing.

Your fine effort has made me feel much better! :loveya:

You are Brilliant! Magnificent! A true Knight! :yourock: :applause: :woohoo:

[cali]

9. I'm sure she's a lovely person but you're misrepresenting what

happened today. She didn't get an audience. She busted up a dem press conference on ethics. And she sure as hell is blowing any chance that she actually will get any kind of an audience with the dem leadership in the future. She's shutting down any access she may have had.

[Lars39]

16. Actually, she did get an audience, they just didn't feel the need to stay.

The rest is up in the air.

[cali]

22. In what way did she get an audience?

An audience implies that she had some sort of meeting set up with the dems. As far as I know she interrupted a dem press conference with a protest. That's hardly the same as an audience.

[Lars39]

24. She showed up.

[proud2BlibKansan]

10. Oh I love Cindy

and I am so glad you got to talk to her. She is a warm, sincere and very caring person. Plus she is damn smart.

[rodeodance]

11. thanks for the post. and a big REC

[flordehinojos]

12. i will copy and paste here what i posted on another thread:

cindy sheehan is a woman who does not get easily intimidated or manipulated into submission.
she knows what the core of her being (and the rest of many of us here in america are clamoring for):

NO MORE OCCUPATION OF IRAQ.

BRING THE SOLDIERS HOME.

STOP THE BUSH LIES.

STOP THE MONEY WHICH SUPPORT THE BUSH LIES.

RETURN OUR GOVERNMENT TO ITS DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES.

CEASE THE BUSH DICTATORSHIP.

LET AMERICA BE AMERICA.


i applaud cindy sheehan.

and i will add, cindy, you are our david to bush's goliath. thank you.

[rodeodance]

18. yes, thanks to Cindy for being who she is.

[madfloridian]

17. So everyone has to love her or be on the outside here?

That is what it looks like today. This worries me. Shutting down Dem conferences when others care what they will say is not good.

It has nothing to do with being a nice person or losing a son...it has to do with stopping others from hearing what our Dems say.

[Beaverhausen]

25. I'm with you - the division she caused here today is not good IMHO

Of course we all support her cause, but not all of us support how she gets her message out.

We should be celebrating today instead of fighting with each other.

[AikidoSoul]

64. Cindy DID NOT CAUSE the division here today

These are differences of opinion about what she did. Please... let's not blame her for anything else. Differences of opinion are o.k. Remember?

[madfloridian]

68. That is what we are trying to say.

That we don't all have to like what she did today.

[mzmolly]

19. I have grown to love Cindy Sheehan, but she needs to make sure she is

not counter productive. Democrats have said that they intend to enact policy to "end the war." I wish she'd work WITH us, not against us. We all want the war to end.

[AikidoSoul]

66. Cindy is working with us

She just doesn't have to be quiet. That's what too many people do too much of. She makes noise and she gets attention about one of the most important issues of our time. She keeps reminding the Dems that the war is based on a complete lie. The NEED TO BE REMINDED because they are about to vote on whether they are going to give billions more to the war.

Get it?

How's that not working with us?

[mzmolly]

73. I don't want her to be quiet, but I don't want her to distract from the goal either.

If SHE is the news, and not the war, we've got a problem.

[Maestro]

23. Agreed.

I read the other threads with bewilderment. I mean, really, if my son had died, I would have broken up any meetings Dem or repuke to get my message across! As far as the accusation that she is profiting from her actions, I don't buy it. She commands top dollars as a speaker as she should. If she can spur more money being given to the anti-war movement, more power to her!

[az chela]

34. I talk to Cindy all the time on the phone and usually every

night on the computer.
For those who condemn her methods you have to understand Cindy has not been trained
for what she is doing.
She does is out of love for Casey and her country.
She says things that get misunderstood as she is not a politician but she is one hell of a writer.
She does not write speeches ,she usually doesnt plan her actions out very far ahead,she just does what her heart tells her.
A lot of people will disagree with her and thats their right just as she has a right to say what she does.
Our country was founded on freedom of speech,something Bush has no knowledge of.

[AikidoSoul]

59. Ditto on her qualities -- thanks as chela

I admire Cindy and what she is doing

[mzmolly]

74. I shall keep this in mind. Perhaps a post is in order.

She's doing what she's "moved" to do in honor of her son. That I can respect.

[Maestro]

53. Tell her to keep it up for me.

:hi:

[shadowknows69]

27. With you, and Cindy 100% Matcom

The lady's bravery shames many of us.

[femrap]

28. I remember the first time I saw Cindy....

she was down in the basement of the Capital at John Conyers 'hearing.' She was with Ray McGovern, Joe Wilson, and John Bonifaz.

I taped it.

Don't think for one minute that our Dems don't understand what she is doing. She lost a son. John Kerry will talk to her. Conyers, etc.

She is the leader of this anti-war movement. She didn't set out to do that. She just is. Most Americans agree with her. Maybe you don't like her tactics, but remember: 'Well-behaved women rarely make history.'

So many at DU didn't see the Vietnam anti-war movement...I would suggest reading a book on that or a book on social movements. Heroines like Cindy are mandatory for a movement. We wouldn't have a movement without people like her. Get it?

Lead, follow or get out of the way.

[Redstone]

30. Funny how people who have NOT had a child killed in Iraq are so eager to pass judgment on

someone who HAS.

Not you, matcom, just some in this thread.

Redstone

[cynatnite]

35. Funny how some people just don't agree with things other people do...

:eyes:

[Redstone]

37. But how can you say what someone should or should not do, if you're not

in the same situation they are?

I'm (half) white. If I say something to a black person, and he or she doesn't like it, it's not up to me to say they should not feel offended. They're black, and I'm not. Therefore, it's up to THEM to decide what's offensive to black people, NOT up to me.

Redstone

[madfloridian]

39. Wait a minute....our Demcratic congress answers to all of us.

And all of our needs. I am very anti-war, but I don't want our Democrats to have their press conferences shut down.

[AikidoSoul]

63. Oh for crap sake -- hang it up. "I don't want" , "I don't want".."I don't want"

it sounds like the whiny musings of a little baby .....

death, blood, bodies, little children mangled and destroyed, crippled for life ... what do you suggest she do to make sure the Dems are reminded that this is a disgraceful war based on lies? If she yells something at the Dems -- in a conference or not -- she has my support 100%

Too many of the Dems are in bed with the war machine. A little noise from Cindy is FAR LESS OFFENSIVE THAN NO NOISE AT ALL all!

[madfloridian]

69. That's what I mean. I am a whiny baby if I disapprove of what she did

Now I resent that very much. I have been writing newspapers, talking to reporters, and even pissed off one editor today because he said I only cared about getting out of Iraq.

Then I have the nerve to say Cindy should not shut our Dems down and I get blasted out of the water.

[Lars39]

65. Then why are so many now refusing our emails because we're not

their constituents?

[madfloridian]

82. Crashing their websites?

It does that you know. They are voted in to speak for their constituents, and when the sites go down it affects that.

[madfloridian]

40. Deleted Duplicate post.

.

[Pastiche423]

32. A big kick, recommend and thank you, matcom!

[ismnotwasm]

33. Good for you

I remember sending her a letter of support the first time she was down outside that disgusting "ranch" of bush. Such a brave person. I remember a particular photo that broke my heart. She was holding a picture of her son, with this look that practically personified grief. She looked so alone. (Anybody know the one I mean? She was kind of looking off in the distance)My daughter came back SAFELY from Afghanistan. I still have my child, I can't (or maybe I can) imagine what I would do If I had lost her. Would I be as brave, as strong? Would I stand by my values no matter what mud was slung, no matter how powerful my opponents were as she has done? I don't think I have what it takes. And I'm a strong women.

I've always admired her and I always will. She is the kind of person who DOES change the world, she's never backed down.

I've been alway from DU a bit, BTW. Let's just say I'm a bit surprised at the tone of certain topics (I shouldn't be, I know)

I'm glad this thread is here. Thanks matcom.

Looks like it's time to support Cindy with letters and whatever else I can. Let's bring our troops home!
:hug:

[az chela]

41. People think that Cindy has this wonderful life but I know the truth

I have talked to her so many times when she was lonely and depressed and missing Casey so much she wanted to lay down and die but she wont give into those feelings
for very long and she is up again and running.She has been hurt physically by the police,slept on concrete floors in jail,been called every evil name in the book and has received a lot of death threats.
Sometimes I get so upset with her because she pushes herself to limits most of us could never do.
I love Cindy,she is my adopted daughter,and I have been on the phone with her when she would cry and when she couldnt sleep and when she was released from jail and NEVER have I heard her say I GIVE UP.
She will keep trying til she ends this war and gets the war criminals out of the white house.
If you cant support that, then get off your ass and make a positive difference your way.
Help bring our troops home NOW.
If there were a 100,000 Cindy's in this country we would not be in a war or a nation under surveillance or a country with an asshole in charge who pisses on our constitution.
So I say to Cindy,go ahead and do it your way cause you are getting results and with enough support the dems will start paying attention

[az chela]

46. Just got an email from Cindy Sheehan

And she is feeling great!!!!!!
She sent michael Moore's site with the article about today.
WWW.MICHAELMOORE.COM

[mzteris]

47. who let you out

of the Lounge? B-)

People can like her and still think she's gone a bit too far.

I think she's over the top. You don't. Does that mean we can't still be friends?

[az chela]

52. As I said we can choose to agree with her or not that is what

this country is all about ,we can all have our own opinions.That does not mean that I dont agree or disagree with you,it is my opinion.That would never keep me from being friends with someone any more than it would Cindy

[mzteris]

55. thanks.

Unlike some others on DU who want to tar and feather those who aren't worshipping at the Cindy altar.

I don't dislike her - I just think she should be a bit more judicious in the battles she chooses. Wasting your energy - and influence - wantonly, does no one any good.

I know she's just a mom (like me) and not a "professional" - but maybe it wouldn't hurt to take a step back and think a bit.

Again, thanks.


edit: spelling.

[AikidoSoul]

71. Please don't say "worshipping at the Cindy altar" -- it's a freaking insult

and not only trivializes that which does deserve worship, but trivializes what she is doing that deserves respect....not worship. That's an unfair and a crappy thing to say.

[mzteris]

72. you obviously haven't been reading

DU posts today.

It may sound "unfair and crappy" to you - but it's true.

Why can't I say I disagree with her without being accused of being a republican or a sell-out or a bloodthirsty ghoul or a sheep or power-mad Dem??????

[az chela]

50. Matcom,

I sent this to Cindy and she said to tell you thanks

[Lars39]

57. Will Pitt has a wonderful thread, too:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x3036329

Big hugs for you both. :hug:

[walldude]

79. Check your ICQ sweetie.. I tried to get you earlier..

been a busy day :eyes:

[bridgit]

56. Californians are very open, honest people in spite of our 'handle'...

I think it's a way for the rest of the country to go :patriot:

oh...name dropper!!! :rofl:

[bobbolink]

58. With all due respect, if she has the "influence", I sure wish she'd

change her stance on Universal Health Care!!! :(

[Rex]

60. She speaks for me, I doubt I could ever acomplish the things she has.

I think that is why she gets so much contempt from people - she works her butt off for change.

And now that I know she gets Matcom approval. :) Well that just validates how I feel about her.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

61. I Just Don't Know What To Think Sometimes.

I really thought I was completely against her actions today but when I read your OP I can't help but sympathize with her and respect her for what she does. I must admit it is really hard to argue against her. It doesn't feel good. I know what she's sacrificed and how genuine and warranted her passion is. I guess I just wish she'd start taking it in a bit more productive direction, but at the same time maybe she actually is speaking as loudly as so many of us should be.

Ah fuck, I'm confused. I don't think I can support what she said today 100%, but I'm not sure I can continue to argue against it either. I just don't feel comfortable doing either right now. I think I need to ponder it a bit more.

[az chela]

70. Cindy is focusing on ending the war and bringing our

troops home.She supports many other good causes but this is her number one priority and until the troops are home and bush is gone that is where her focus is

[LittleClarkie]

77. I can sympathize. I can respect. But I don't have to always agree

and that doesn't mean that I am "against" her, "bashing" her, or the like. It only means that she's not infallable, and I might merely disagree with her methods.

I'm not sure she will ever be as effective as she was in Crawford. Her protest was poignant and without partisanship. It was just a mom wondering why her son died. She made Bush and the other Conservatives who ridiculed her look small. That protest had a power that I'm not sure even she can match.

As for me, I didn't walk the streets getting this current crop of Dems elected not to see them get a chance to do their stuff without targets painted on their backs already.

Meanwhile, I'm slightly conflicted because I really don't like Ralm Emanuel (sp?)and don't feel a ton of sympathy for him and those who've attacked Howard Dean.

[FedUpWithIt All]

62. I met her briefly in DC

I found her sincere and gracious. I for one cannot IMAGINE where we would be in the fight against the corruption in Washington if it was not for this woman's courage. There was a time when it appeared she stood nearly alone. She has to be the greatest example of the power of one i have ever seen in my lifetime. And now that she is continuing to do what she has always done (the same things we once applauded her for because they DID make a difference, if only by inspiring us) it makes her a target here? :shrug:

I will admit i have not been reading all of this closely but i see nothing wrong with her telling the incoming Congress what we expect. If this is the only bone to pick with her i will pass.

[walldude]

78. Thanks matcom.. good timing too, it's been a busy Cindy day

And for those of you who seem to be upset about an opposing point of view I'll say this. There is nothing wrong with your point of view but myself and many others today saw posts calling Cindy a crackpot, crazy, asinine spectacle and one revolting thread saying she was the "Bev Harris" of the Iraq war and that she was only doing this for attention and money. What do you expect? You expect people not to respond to those kind of right-wing tactics? A civilized debate is one thing and I've had a few today, but that kind of shit is uncalled for.

[MoseyWalker]

84. great that that happened

but, what did she say of interest?

you lucky you!

[Generic Other]

87. hugs

to you all.

[Morgana LaFey]

88. Um, actually, she got loud and boisterous about having lost her

child in order to get access. She definitely deserves it, too.

[bigwillq]

92. Wow, that's cool.

How you describe her is just as I imagined.

She is a true patriot.


:hi:

[xchrom]

93. i LOVE you matcom! k&r

and NO not in that way.

[EFerrari]

95. How RADICAL is she when most of the country agrees with her?

And, I am so jealous.

WTG, matcom.

:toast:
:hug:

[warrior1]

96. I love Cindy

She's my hero.