Feelings about Cindy Sheehan's return to Camp Casey

Feelings . . . right now . . . at this very moment, I'm feeling many different emotions. I'm angry, confused, determined, resentful and most of all, I'm feeling pity . . . I pity the poor souls out there who just don't get it.

The main topic of discussion on CNN today seems to be Cindy Sheehan's return to Camp Casey. And trying to show a little balance, they immediately go to military families who are for the war after every piece on Cindy. Each and every one of these people refer to Bush's little war as "just" or "noble." I've listened to comments such as "these boys are fighting for our freedom" and "Cindy Sheehan is doing a disservice to her son and all the other soldiers who have given their life for our country."

I want to know what is "just" about the United States committing a pre-emptive strike against a sovereign nation that posed absolutely no danger to the United States? What is "noble" about dying so huge corporations can make money off the "worst part of man" known as war? Are there others curious as to what freedoms these boys are fighting for? And how can Cindy do a disservice to her son and the other soldiers when all she's asking for is the truth? Will the truth somehow harm those who were forfeited so Bush could prove he was a "war President"?

I have a suspicion that many of these families don't want the war to be a lie. They're hoping against hope that this really is a noble cause . . . because if it isn't, then what did their loved one die for? I am angry that Bush's hubris has put these families in this position.

Why are so many people unable to see the war for what it really is when a myriad of others can see Bush's misadventure so clearly? I am confused by the stupor of Americans who fail to believe their own eyes.

It is Cindy's steadfast commitment to going after the truth that allowed me to meet with others in my city who feel as I do about this unfortunate war. I attended the "Stand with Cindy" vigil in Fort Wayne, and through the people I met, I will soon be headed to our nation's Capitol to take part in the Peace March on Washington in late September. I am determined to be a part of a future history that turned the tide of this overly conservative mess our once fair nation has become.

We used to be the model the rest of the world looked to. We set the standard for how a nation could be compassionate, peaceful, just and powerful. The problem . . . we allowed ourselves to become what we used to deplore. I resent the people who refused to see the truth and cast their valuable vote for a man who exudes smarmy imperiousness.

But mostly, I feel sorry for the thousands of people who have lost someone in this illegal and immoral conflict. I feel pity for those who allow their anger to cloud their better judgment. During Cindy Sheehan's press conference today, she said she respects the views of other families who have lost a child, even if those views are in opposition of her own. After this non-combative statement, I heard from a father who considers what Sheehan is doing as un-American. I feel sorry for this father's loss . . . and I feel pity for a man who doesn't understand that Cindy is actually representing what is best about America. We, as Americans, have a right to speak our opinion. For the longest time, this was unique in the world.

Another thing this grieving father fails to understand is this is a nation "for the people and by the people". If this is our nation, we should have access to the President. He works for us. Bush seems to think we are his pawns to do with as he may. If he wants to destroy what little respect our country had with the rest of the world just to prove we can go it alone, then he needs to be called into the office and given a warning by his boss . . . we the people.

Feelings . . . right now . . . at this very moment, I'm feeling relief.