One of my friends recently said to me, "I'm surprised you haven't written anything about Cindy Sheehan." Truth of the matter is, I have felt sorry for this woman. She is clearly being used as a pawn of the far-left radical socialists. She is allowing the tragic death of her son as a platform to advance anti-American ideals that are incredibly damaging to the war we are fighting.
Here she is being carted away by the police after being unwilling to move from an illegal protest location in front of the White House.
The woman is all smiles. If her son is looking down on her from heaven, I'm sure he is terribly embarassed by his mom. Disgusting.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
September 27, 2005 07:35 PM
From one American to another, what is anti-American about Cindy Sheehan's ideals?
September 27, 2005 07:47 PM
Hi Amyla,
The world is now as close as a remote control. Her actions, and the actions of other liberals, are emboldening the enemy, making it more difficult for us to win this war. Her actions are CAUSING more problems, and are probably responsible in part for the deaths that continue to occur in Iraq.
The type of behavior would have been unheard of during WW1 and WW2, when Americans pulled together, put aside their politics, and stood behind the President and our troops.
We are NOT the enemy! The people who knocked down our buildings are the enemy! The tyrants who torture and kill their own people are the enemy! But from listening to Ms. Sheehan and the socialist, liberal media, you would think America is the Big Bad Wolf, and that we are the cause of the problems in the world. We are the greatest nation on earth, and people like Ms. Sheehan, and other socialist liberal activists, are slowly tearing us apart.
Joel
September 27, 2005 10:00 PM
Joel, you seem like an intelligent man.
You must realize that the world isn't so black and white to be able to say this is the enemy or that is. The people who blew up the WTC are dead. Many innocents (Americans and Arabs) have died since then at our hands. I can't imagine how you could possibly think that what Cindy Sheehan is doing could have cause the death of one soldier or one Iraqi. Your explanation did not state how this is so. Don't you agree on some level that blowing Iraq up is not the only way to deal with this issue? The label of "liberal" and "socialist" embodies many types of people... not all of whom agree with Cindy Sheehan. Lables make it so easy to de-humanize people. BTW, the man who wrote the Pledge of Allegiance was a Socialist. I just don't think Cindy has as much power as you give her credit for in causing the deaths of people. I think she is just being used as the scapegoat for people who question. What happened to free speech? Is that supposed to be suspended during times of war?
September 27, 2005 10:58 PM
Amyla,
When I speak of liberals, I am speaking of liberal leadership for the most part. They are the ones who hold influence and sway over the minds of those they seek to control.
Yes, the people who blew up the WTC are dead, but there are many more out there. If you read the papers, you'll realize they are trying to kill us in Iraq.
It doesn't take much imagination to see that the terrorists view the vocal dissent in our country and think they have allies here! It emboldens them to continue what they are doing.
As for Francis Bellamy being a socialist, the word has a different meaning today. For more on the history, here is a good link. http://history.vineyard.net/pledge.htm
I'm sure Bellamy would turn in his grave being compared to modern-day socialists which are largely anti-Capitalist, the philosophy on which our western self-determination and economic system is built upon.
Free speech is fine. But it isn't free. There is a cost and Ms. Sheehan is making things worse.
Joel
September 28, 2005 12:47 AM
Thank you for your response, Joel.
I still, however, cannot draw a correlation between Cindy Sheehan's behavior and deaths in Iraq.
With regard to your statement:
"When I speak of liberals, I am speaking of liberal leadership for the most part. They are the ones who hold influence and sway over the minds of those they seek to control."
Could that not be interpreted in the opposite way? In the way that conservatives are also trying to sway over the minds of those who they seek to control? Are we not we discussing extremists of all kinds?
"As for Francis Bellamy being a socialist, the word has a different meaning today."
I believe that if Francis Bellamy had wanted the words “under god” in the pledge, then they'd be there. In his time, the nation would probably not have questioned it at all. I have read the link that you included in the past but I re-read it to be certain that I didn't miss something - I didn't. Bellamy makes clear that the true reason for allegiance to the flag is the 'republic for which it stands.' He objected to the changes attempted to the pledge in his lifetime so why not the changes after his death?
"If you read the papers, you'll realize they are trying to kill us in Iraq."
Joel, there's no need to be sarcastic. I read several papers and follow several news broadcasts – even those that may disagree with.
I agree that we have a security issue here at home. If people in this country want to kill us, why haven't we been spending more money on securing our homeland and those coming to and going from it before allocating billions of dollars to be spent overseas? It seems this would be a much less costly operation, one where fewer of our soldiers and innocent victims in Iraq would be killed. But the homeland security operation has been swept under the rug for more news in Iraq and local law enforcement is being tasked with less and less money to do this work. We still have no true homeland security and when that next attack occurs, and of course it will – from someplace – we're going to be unprepared. There is no plan in place to protect the American citizens from another attack. We will never kill all who want to do this country harm. There has to be another way.
There have been many in the past who have taken part in and led illegal protests for what they believed to be the betterment of this country. If we condemn this freedom now, are we saying that we've learned nothing from our past? We cannot revert back to the times of WWI and WWII - these are different times and the citizens of this country cannot be expected to unlearn the truths that we have learned. Our government has made errors with regard to international relations in the past, including wars, and lied to the American people about it. Lied to the Conservatives, the Moderates, and the Liberals. It would be nice if things really were as they seemed in those times but we know now that they were not and due to the increased speed and access to information, like it or not, citizens are more well-informed. That cannot be reversed, nor should it, and we'll all have to see where that takes us. If we condemn someone for the deaths of others then we are telling voices raised to be silenced. I don't want to live in that sort of country and I don't think you do either. The people we're in Iraq to kill are conservative extremists. To them, we're liberals. No one person can cause another to murder - for this government or any other government. That is the individual decision of every patriotic American.
September 28, 2005 01:20 AM
Amyln,
I'm not a huge "pledge" person. And the removal of "under God" is not something I would fight for, regardless of Mr. Bellamy's stance. I think the battle is more a sign of the sickness and godlessness which pervades our culture. But this is not something that can be forced on anyone. It is a personal decision.
I've already made my case for why her 15 minutes of fame are damaging. I can't say it any plainer.
I totally agree with you that we have a major security issue here at home. I am deeply troubled by the ease in which illegals come into our country and take our jobs, leach off our government and commit crimes. There is a proper way to handle "coming to America" and we are not standing firm in the procedures that have been put in place. Incidentally, the liberals tend to court the votes of the illegals, who also illegally vote.
I am also reminded of our failures every time I go to the airport and see another government run operation that could be much better served by the private sector. I've been wanded one too many times just because of random checks. I've seen old ladies wanded because of random checks. And meanwhile, it is politically incorrect to racial profile.
The problem in Iraq is that we are not using heavy artillery to finish the job. When we nuked Japan, the war ended. I'm not suggesting we nuke Iraq. But we know for a fact that Syria and Iran are harboring terrorists. But the mainstream media is so busy talking about the number of deaths in Iraq and Ms. Sheehan, they are neglecting all the incredibly GOOD things that are happening in Iraq. The people are SO thrilled that we came to their aid! They LOVE us over there. I speak with my friends in the military and they are so dismayed at the way they are being portrayed by our own news media and our own politicians.
It's not about dissent. It's about doing what's right because its the right thing to do, regardless of whether or not it is politically expedient. Politicians on both sides are out of control, but I've never seen anything so vicious as I have in the scripted and orchestrated efforts perpretated against our President by the radical left.
Anyhow, I appreciate your point of view. And now I shall move on with my next entry :-)
September 28, 2005 07:48 AM
Joel,
Though I am not a "christian"
I have tried to point out so many times I hold closer to my heart than anything else, Jesus love of above all, peace, understanding and forgivness.
Using the Atomic Bomb on Japan is nothing to be proud of. It was a careless, callow, and weak action on our governments part. We killed hundreds of thoudands of innocent civillians.
Your answer of using heavy artillery is of the same sort. It is undeniably(try all you want) the most UN-Christian thing to do.
Christ would never condone our violence, or thier's. Protecting our country with extreme prejudice is one thing, Pre-emptive strike in a different nation is another.
It is far more believable that Jesus is looking down on us with shame and disgust, than Cindy's son would be towards his mother.
Terrorists or not, Jesus would never have bombed anyone. Period.
September 28, 2005 12:36 PM
I agree with Newman in his last comment.
I did not, however, mention my feelings about people coming over the borders and "take our jobs"- while I respect your views on this, I think there is a lot more to that issue.
I'm also fine with ending this discussion.
Thank you for your responses.
-Amyla
September 28, 2005 12:54 PM
Joel, you are such a jerk. Since when is standing up for what you believe in "disgusting?" You know nothing about her son and how he's feeling "in heaven." You are as un-American as they come. Why don't you celebrate the fact that Cindy has the right to protest and speak freely.
September 28, 2005 04:26 PM
I appreciate your strong feelings, Jim. When Casey Sheehan signed up for the service, he did so voluntarily and unashamed. He was a brave soldier who died in the service of our great nation. But what his mother is doing is causing many problems for our military, not the least of which has to do with their moral as they continue to fight the fight.
I do celebrate freedom of speech (though many liberals are extremely limited on WHO can have free speech....), but there are limits to free speech, especially when your speech emboldens the enemy.
Newman, I have to agree that war is a very difficult topic. No one likes for innocents to die. But when you are dealing with savages that want to kill you and are not appeased by anything less than your death, there are no other choices.
Don't think Jesus would nuke a country? In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to wipe out entire groups of people... including their women, children and animals. As for the New Testament, the time is not here yet. But I suggest you read the book of Revelation. There's going to be a whole lot of "nuking" going on worldwide, with millions of victims. That will not be a happy day for unbelievers...
Look, this is a topic that brings out our passion. I happen to believe that Cindy Sheehan, the radical liberals and the mainstream media, are damaging the cause of freedom and the foundations of our country. And I have the right to be disgusted...
September 28, 2005 09:24 PM
Hmmmm... "that will not be a happy day for unbelievers".....
Sounds EXACTLY like the Islamic versions as well. Death to the infidels - UNBELIVERS.
Hmmmm....Maybe Christianity and Islam are not so different after all. Both religions believe that ONLY their way is right and anyone who does not believe their thinking will suffer horribily in the end. The only difference is that to Islam the infidels are us and in Christianity it is them. And in the end God will punish all non-believers and destroy them in hellfire and brimstone while all those that believed are saved. Hmmmm - doesn't sound very compassionate to me. Sounds like murder to me. Sounds like control to me. Sounds like exclusion and intolerance and fear of those who think differently to me. Can't you see the obvious hypocrisy that is inherent within the religion you wholeheartly believe? Or does faith counteract common sense? Think on these things, Joel, before you condemn other people in other countries to horrible deaths....
September 28, 2005 11:37 PM
Robert,
I don't look at it that way at all. My faith doesn't tell me to kill ANYONE. The Islamic fanatics believe that God wants us dead. God LOVES the Islamic people, according to the Bible. They are the children of Ishmael and are a blessing to Him. It doesn't mean He approves of what they have attempted to make of Him.
Islam is actually a descendent of Judaism.. came about at the same time. And Christianity is the completion of Judaism.
The statements I made are from the Bible. If you have a problem, don't shoot the messenger. A previous poster cited Christ as an example, and I just pointed out that if you are going to adopt some beliefs from the Bible, you can't pick and choose like a buffet. And Scripture is very clear that it is not going to end good for millions of people.
But it isn't about control at all. My God is a God of free will. We get to choose. For some, that choice will be Him. For others, it will not. There is no fear in my faith. And that is what allows me to experience TRUE freedom :-)
September 28, 2005 11:40 PM
One more comment if I may point out something...
I say that Cindy Sheehan's actions and behavior are disgusting. Jim calls me a jerk for saying so, and condemns me for not understanding "free speech".
Am I the only one that sees the glaring irony here?
Joel
September 29, 2005 12:24 AM
Joel,
Jesus would not have nuked a country. You can't find a single passage in the new testament which is where his teachings are featured.
Not to mention the fact that what god is described as doing or promising are HIS actions, not man's.
You can't justify man's wrath with GOD's.
Unless you're telling me man has the same rights as god now?
Sorry man, but according to the new and old testament, man doesn't have the right to take lives, only god.
I would really hope you would hold fast to your Christianity, but it seems your real grip is focused on being "Conservative"
Hope all is well, and rather than just responding as you usually would, realy think about it.
Jesus would NEVER support a war.
Judgement day yes, but WAR is man's ordeal and Jesus would have died for his peacful beliefs rather than kill to defed his teachings.
September 29, 2005 12:26 AM
And the irony is glaring.
September 29, 2005 01:53 AM
Newman,
This is most certainly a difficult area for individual Christians. But the government is not subject to the same rules as individual Christians. In fact, many liberals fight tooth and nail to state that government must NOT be under Christian morality. Regardless, the Bible does speak to government's role.
God instituted civil authorities to keep order on earth. He set boundaries on these authorities to enforce His laws. It is their job to protect its citizens from those who would seek to harm us, both inside and outside our own borders.
Here's a question for you. If you believe our nation's position on the military is wrong, what would our country be like if we didn't have cops... or imagine that we turned the other cheek to all criminals and did without prisons. You'd have chaos.
God knew that without some sort authorities, men would totally wipe each other out.
Even Jesus recognized the authorities in Rome, both Roman and Jewish, and submitted to them. So obviously he made an example of our need to listen to governmental authorities.
You say there are no verses in New Testament dealing with war?
Romans 13:1-5
Certainly, the case for war can be made.
September 29, 2005 12:11 PM
Joel, you make some good points, but do you not see that the real truth is that men USE the Bible to support their own beliefs. It is all about interpretation. All people EVER do is quote scripture and say "this is what it means." The Bible is actually one of the biggest MISUSED pieces of information in the world. It was written BY MAN FOR MAN and it has been edited and rewritten at the whims and follies of other MEN. King James editied it how he pleased, cutting some parts entirely and adding others.
Do I agree that war is a necessary evil - Absolutely. Do I believe we need laws and police and government? Absolutely. But it is just interesting that you say Jesus would support nuking a country. The hypocrisy of God is glaring. He tells all His creatures not to kill, that one of His highest laws that will be punishible by Hell is murder, yet it is okay if people kill in His name and for what He wants. Hmmmm - sounds like God is the biggest hypocrite here - or maybe He just has a really big ego that is boosted when people kill in His name. Hmmm? Sounds like CONTROL to me.....
September 29, 2005 12:24 PM
Robert,
I did not say Jesus would nuke a country! I was just pointing out that God has done some incredibly devastating things to those He said deserved it. Incidently, according to scripture, we ALL deserve a good nuking! Thankfully, God has made a way out :-)
I have read plenty on the history of Scripture, and while it was written and compiled by men, I have more than enough evidence to satisfy that it was written by inspiration from God's Holy Spirit. I am also satisfied that archeology and history has proven that no major theological doctrine has been changed throughout the years. Finally, I am satisfied that the Bible has retained it's original text and meaning longer than any other book in history. The Dead Sea Scrolls stand as testament to this fact.
You are entitled to view God as an egotist if you want. It doesn't affect who He is, nor does it affect my view of who He is. There are plenty of Scriptures that address your mindset, but there isn't much point in quoting them now, is there? :-)
BTW, glad to see you are still hanging around.
October 3, 2005 03:24 PM
Joel,
I get your newsletter about adsense and every bit of it makes sense.
However, your characterization of Cindy and those that protest an illegal war, is way overboard.
As well as your assumptions about the war.
Just some facts you might want to check before you go blasting people who speak up;
Iraq did not have anything to do with the attack on the World Trade Center.
Iraq did not support Osama Bin Ladin.
There were no Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq.
Iragis had more security and freedom before we invaded. Now they have to contend with our troops kicking in their doors and taking their fathers and sons to a prison to be never heard from again. Does GTMO sound familiar to you?
Iraqis didn't have to contend with British troops commiting espionage against them either by setting off car bombs at religious ceremonies.
We invaded Iraq under FALSE pretenses. Bush lied, thousands died, including innocent woman and children and you have the unmitigated gall to claim that Cindy Sheehan's protest is causing the death of our soldiers in Iraq.
Why haven't you protested against the illegal action of Bush and all the people he has killed from his actions and words?
And before you call me a socialist or liberal or even try to intimate that these terms are anywhere near being nefarious, I served our country for 12 years, in each branch of the military. I also served as a State and Federal Police Officer after that.
I am a patriot, I am an AMERICAN! That's why I speak out against lies and injustice, no matter who does it. Loyalty to someone who committs those atrocities is un-american and is a traitorous offense against the American sense of justice and fairness, oh yeah.... and honesty.
October 3, 2005 03:33 PM
Rich,
First, let me thank you for your service to our country. I appreciate your courage and salute you for your sacrifice and commitment.
With that said, I view the facts on Iraq, WMD, Osama, 9/11 and other topics, differently than you do. I see the connections and have come to different conclusions. I respect your right to believe as you wish. I humbly disagree.
Joel
July 4, 2006 03:59 PM
Screw Sheehan!
As of July 3 she is on a hunger strike. Lets hope she goes the whole 9 yards.
I'm sick of looking at her.