Another head hangs lowly,Child is slowly taken.
And the violence caused such silence,
Who are we mistaken?
But you see, it’s not me, it’s not my family.
In your head, in your head they are fighting,
With their tanks and their bombs,
And their bombs and their guns.
In your head, in your head, they are crying…
In your head, in your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie,
Hey, hey, hey. What’s in your head,
In your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie?
Hey, hey, hey, hey, oh, dou, dou, dou, dou, dou…
Another mother’s breakin’,
Heart is taking over.
When the vi’lence causes silence,
We must be mistaken.
It’s the same old theme since nineteen-sixteen.
In your head, in your head they’re still fighting,
With their tanks and their bombs,
And their bombs and their guns.
In your head, in your head, they are dying…
In your head, in your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie,
Hey, hey, hey. What’s in your head,
In your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie?
Hey, hey, hey, hey, oh, oh, oh,
Oh, oh, oh, oh, hey, oh, ya, ya-a…
-The Cranberries
On the way home from Los Angeles yesterday, my daughter Carly, and I stopped in a store on the Grapevine to purchase some CDs for the longish drive (6 hours). One of the CDs we bought was a greatest hits album by The Cranberries.
It’s not me, it’s not my family. One of the songs is the above song, Zombie. The Cranberries were an Irish group that took on social issues like violence and drug addiction: serious problems in all societies, but especially their society in the 1990s. We were listening to the CD and after Zombie I looked at Carly and she was wiping tears off of her face. She said: “How can you listen to that song? You listened to it the day Casey was killed while you were cleaning the house.”
“It sure has deeper meaning to us now, doesn’t it?” I quietly replied as I started weeping.
Another mother’s breakin’ heart is takin’ over. I have been watching CNN this morning and I have learned more about the horrible family tragedy in Ohio and seen pictures of the flowers and cards left at the slain young pregnant woman’s home. I am learning of another tragedy in Utah where a prison inmate killed a police officer. There are fires in California. One news item that hasn’t appeared thus far is the 83 soldiers and hundreds of Iraqis who have been killed so far in Iraq in June because of George’s bloody surge. No one has mentioned the 20 American mothers who still don’t know their child is dead for lies. It seems that we news consumers can feel better about ourselves mourning a beautiful mother and her unborn baby killed by a callous murderer in front of their two year old son, then mourning thousands of people killed by the callous murderers in Washington, DC who care more about their corporate puppeteers than the lives they have destroyed.
It’s the same old theme since nineteen-sixteen: I was recently in Dublin and statues are erected to the leaders of the Easter Week Rebellion of 1916 when Irish Patriots rose up against a fateful British decision to forcibly conscript the Irish for the “Great War” effort. After the uprising the British Empire executed 16 Irish Patriots. However, I have a slight correction: it’s the same old theme since civilizations were formed. Imperial powers oppress, kill, demonize and marginalize people who dare to be in the way of their empires. In the 21st century you would think that “civilized” countries would be finished with killing people for profit, but sadly, it seems that we have learned and will learn nothing from all of the death and destruction caused by callous murderers who put on the cloaks of “respectability” of their elective offices and can serially slaughter in the name of the people of their states. How and why can these immoral wars continue? Because we are:
Zombie, Zombie, Zombie: One of the definitions of a zombie is a person whose behavior or responses are “wooden, listless, or seemingly rote; automaton” (dictionary.com). As Carly and I were wiping our eyes and blowing our noses yesterday, enormous gas guzzling behemoths were whizzing by us on I-5 rushing from point A to point B. Some had “Support the Troops” magnets and some had “W” stickers. I wonder if any of them reflect (for even a second) on what support for W and his pre-meditated, pre-emptive act of aggression has cost some people and if anyone they whizzed by yesterday (in smaller, more modest cars) were weeping because of their robotic allegiance to a dangerous imbecile. Even more disastrously, the immense majority of our brothers and sisters who disapprove of BushCo and its foreign policy (”if you’re not with us, you’re against us”), are apathetic consumer-ing automatons that allow the carnage to continue. And the violence caused such silence.
Our lives have been fundamentally altered forever. We never know when the grief will strike or from what direction it will come. The only thing we can be assured of is that it will always be there.
On I-5 yesterday it came from Zombie.
Cindy Sheehan is the mother of Spc. Casey Austin Sheehan who was KIA in
You sure got a lot of zombies passing you on I-5, Cindy. I bet all were heading south to San Diego Zoo—where they belong.
lets not forget the 3,550+ dead,(some reports have that # around 10k) the 38,0000+ wounded or the 7,000+ “deserters”
or the dwindling economy
or better yet China and Russia who HAVE nookoolar weapons.
go back to nappy land sheep, paris is getting out of jail tmrw! Oh yeah dont forget to spend………
While I certainly commend Cindy Sheehan for her amazing work and her dedication to the peace movement (my sympathies for her loss are a given), I must also say that since she “resigned” from being the poster-child for the peace movement, I have heard and read more from her than before her “resignation”. No doubt, Cindy has done amazing things in pulling together families, friends, and neighbors who may have lost loved ones in this horrible war (not to mention those who may not have lost anyone close, but still are opposed to this ill-planned invasion), but I can’t help but think sometimes that Cindy loves the spotlight. She stated that she was just tired and couldn’t do it anymore. She stated that someone else was going to have to pick up where she left off. She stated that she was giving up. Yet I can’t log onto Commondreams without reading yet another article or essay from her. Again, I think Cindy has done an amazing job and has done more for the peace movement than most of us could even dream of, and I commend her for all that she’s done, but a small (guilty) part of me can’t help but feel that she really can’t let go of the attention, regardless of what she publically says. I think her “statement of resignation” had the power to really make people think about how ALL of us should stand up and make a difference. However, I think that her “statement of resignation”, followed by the same activities as before her resignation, diminishes her words and the power of her words. I love you, Cindy, and I truly thank you for your amazing efforts to enlighten people and educate people, but the power of your resignation is beginning to get lost on me.
Cindy, I commend your passion and have shed tears for your loss. The loss of every soldier is a catastrophe as is every innocent. How do we achieve peace? What the cause of war? Follow the money. Start by eliminating the Federal Reserve. Vote Ron Paul.
kingsfan says “but a small (guilty) part of me can’t help but feel that she really can’t let go of the attention…”
Maybe she just can’t let go of the fact that her son was killed in an illegal war. How many times have each of us gotten so fed up with politics, are told that since that powerful shady bunch in Washington has been having its way since WWII when members of the Bush family and others supported Hitler and helped his top people relocate here and that there is nothing little people can do about it. Haven’t they murdered your president–the one who promised to stand up to them? They’ve gotten away with that, haven’t they? They murdered Robert and Martin Luther King. The fascists have been here a long time and to fight them, we are told, is futile. Eat, drink and be merry and let the ruling elite rule. Drink your koolaid. Then we get angry and speak out again–write a letter to a Senator who will send you a photocopied response letter, or we will write on a blog like this (as though we are actually doing something). Cindy isn’t marching and getting arrested–she is basically blogging like the rest of us. In a word, doing next to nothing. The fascists keep right on stomping us into the ground with their big black shiny boots. Let Cindy write her essays–maybe, just maybe it might prove true that the pen is mightier than the sword. The cynic in me doubts it. The right wingers have crucified her enough, calling her an attention whore. I think she is just a very frustrated woman who has very little in the way of resources to combat a murderous cabal that has existed in our country for a long, long time.
to kingsfan: writing does not take as much energy as organizing events, speaking at events, and getting arrested for showing up where you are wearing the wrong t-shirt.
surely, commondreams is not the spotlight and you probably don’t get a whole lot of attention here compared to headline news. the people who read this usually all agree with each other and feel the same way she does.
kingsfan, if you love Cindy Sheehan why would her continuing to speak up against the war bother you so much? I guess her occasional pieces on Common Dreams are really just her call for attention and a place in the spotlight and have no other purpose. (As if an editorial column on this website is being in “the spotlight.”) The power (not that it had much) and point of your posting was totally lost on me.
Cindy, I hope you never stop writing.
This 4th of July, Declare BushCo-INDEPENDENCE. YANK FREE!
It’s always good to hear from Cindy Sheehan. If she goes silent, Bush and Rove will drink a toast. Don’t ever let them forget that they are war criminals. Let’s praise her voice whenever it is raised. Her family was decimated by a blatant, ongoing war crime. She has every right to never fade away. And I hope she lives long enough to see the justice that will be done. Crimes so heinous cannot be ignored forever. The POTUS and his fascist comrades will pay for starting a war under false pretenses and all the misery that flowed therefrom.
Holymoly says: “Let Cindy write her essays – maybe, just maybe it might prove true that the pen is mightier than the sword. The cynic in me doubts it.”
The reason she writes, is the same reason I write.
Ever since we ‘woke up’, ever since we were ‘touched, inspired and moved’ by the insanity of needless warfare, (in my case the vile Vietnam war) we just need to try to change things around, no matter how tired we are from the battle…
Maybe it’s a ’soul thang’? I dunno, but if you’re built that way, you just do it, -it goes deep.
And I think the meaning behind ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’ is that writing touches people. Good writing, impassioned and sincere writing, has always moved others, and when many people are moved in the right sort of way, great things can happen. The history of literature shows us that very clearly.
However, when people wave a metaphorical ’sword’ around, generally speaking, only bad things happen.
~ That’s my take on it anyway!
Keep on with the good work sister Cindy, we are all in this together.
I’ll never give up, -not till my dying day, and I don’t expect you will either…
xx
TO KINGSFAN and all the other CINDY BASHERS to follow: If you don’t like what Cindy is typing out on her ‘puter - DON’T READ IT! And if you’re having trouble understanding her definition of “RETIREMENT” GET THE F**K OVER IT!
Keep writing or doing ANYTHING ELSE YOU LIKE CINDY! Many have fought and died for YOUR RIGHT TO DO SO! I’m certain CASEY grants you the LIBERTY and HIS SOUL IS SMILING DOWN ON YOU FOR ALL THE JUSTIFIABLE HELL YOU HAVE & WILL RAISE!
All you Bashers please turn to the BILL of RIGHTS and READ #1.
Kingsfan, you should think through your posts before you respond. Seems Cindy is home with her family and not on the peace march road, which she was on relentlessly for a few years. She went anywhere and did anything for the movement, and we had the fortune of bringing her on her first trip to Ohio for an event, and we had the pleasure of her company on two other events; US Labor Against the War in Cleveland, and the May 4th event in Kent commemorating the death of 4 Kent State students in 1970. She has made great sacrifice for the movement, and has a given something no one wished on another, the loss of a child.
Her post was poignant, thoughful, kindly given, and much appreciated.
The Foggy Dew
As down the glen one Easter morn
to a city fair rode I
There Armed lines of marching men
in squadrons passed me by
No fife did hum nor battle drum
did sound it’s dread tatoo
But the Angelus bell o’er the Liffey swell
rang out through the foggy dew
Right proudly high over Dublin Town
they hung out the flag of war
‘Twas better to die ‘neath an Irish sky
than at Sulva or Sud El Bar
And from the plains of Royal Meath
strong men came hurrying through
While Britannia’s Huns, with their long range guns
sailed in through the foggy dew
‘Twas Britannia bade our Wild Geese go
that small nations might be free
But their lonely graves are by Sulva’s waves
or the shore of the Great North Sea
Oh, had they died by Pearse’s side
or fought with Cathal Brugha
Their names we will keep where the fenians sleep
‘neath the shroud of the foggy dew
But the bravest fell, and the requiem bell
rang mournfully and clear
For those who died that Eastertide
in the springing of the year
And the world did gaze, in deep amaze,
at those fearless men,but few
Who bore the fight that freedom’s light
might shine through the foggy dew
Ah, back through the glen I rode again
and my heart with grief was sore
For I parted then with valiant men
whom I never shall see more
But to and fro in my dreams I go
and I’d kneel and pray for you,
For slavery fled, O glorious dead,
When you fell in the foggy dew.
Cindy’s piece suggests a new definition for a suicide bomber — Someone doing 90 in a humvee on I5 — killing us softly with their exhaust.
YEAH. WHAT UNCOMMONDREAMS SAID.
……….and what MICHAEL PDA says…………
Cindy is talking about us to us. We have to change. No longer can we not care, no longer can we waive our responsibility with the excuse of futility. We must change our basic habits and our habitual victim attitude. We must do what we can where we can–not only our basic energy consumption habits, but also our focus on “success” and money must fall away. Instead, we need to value significance in our daily lives. Relationships and connections; meaning and purpose are the antithesis to being a zombie.
WOW! I raised the hair on some people’s necks with my post. And I will gracefully admit that you all have some very good points (except for LibidoBandido - if you cannot have a respectful conversation without cursing at me or anyone else on here, then I care nothing about what you say or what you think. When I posted my response to this article, I tried very hard to be very respectful to my subject - Cindy Sheehan - which is why I pointed out that I did feel somewhat guilty for feeling the way that I feel. Perhaps you can attempt to show the same respect for the subjects of your posts). For you others that commented on my post with rational (and correct) points, then I thank you for the discussion. I, too, like to write, and I feel that it is a form of “therapy” for me and it allows me to get out my frustrations and my anger when I feel that there is nothing else I can do. So you all have a very valid point (again, with the exception of LibidoBandido). I stand corrected and I will agree (especially with holymoly and richtor77) that writing is perhaps the best (and now only) avenue that Cindy has to release her grief, frustration, and still attempt to organize change in the world. Again, thanks to most of you for your responses. (See…the difference between a Republican and a Progressive is that a Progressive can admit when he’s wrong or out of line!) PEACE! -kingsfan.
If anyone hasn’t heard that song before - you should.
It’s great.
The warmongering bastards presently in power in the USA must be fought every step of the way! The sun shines on those who fight them.
“…With their tanks and their bombs,
And their bombs and their guns.
…they are dying…
====================================
“Peace will be the result of understanding
and sharing, and not the origin of them…”
Djwahl Khul
===================================
“Without sharing there can be no justice;
without justice there can be no peace;
without peace there can be no future…
Man must change or die.
There is no other course.”
Maitreya, the World Teacher
http://www.share-international.org
=====================
Peacealluia!
The Church of Stop Shopping
http://www.revbilly.com/
WOW! Yeah, I’m still a fan of the Cranberries, and I felt that song expressed my frustration with all wars and conflict when it came out in 1994. It’s totally appropriate to the Iraq War and every other conflict, past or present, on this globe. From another song, by the Hooters,
“all you zombies show your faces …”
Yes, peel off that gauge of the dead and show them all you not putting up with this bs any longer. Bring those murderers to justice!!
Dearest Offended KINGSFAN, I am respectful to those who are respectful (or make sense). I am just sick of people (you in your 1st Post) trying to make up a plan for Cindy and write the Rules for her to live by. If my language offended you, the intent was successful. Now, perhaps you would be kind enough to retire.
It is presumptuous to say what you think is going on in Ms. Sheehan’s head. It is presumptuous to think that she is craving the spotlight. She is like everyone here; an individual who is exercising her right to voice her point of views. She may have withdrawn from the head of the peace movement march, but that doesn’t mean she has to withdraw in silence. If anyone is guilty about feeling that she is craving the spotlight, that is because you are being presumptuous and probably wrong about her motivations for expressing her views.
I felt like Cindy was writing a letter home, to people she loves and cares about, letting them know her thoughts and experiences, thinking we care. And we do, I do. I want to know she is still where she is caring. Cuz bottomline, that’s the difference between the zombie and us: we care. period.
Keep writing Home Cindy, I’m here. I’m listening. I wanna know what you’re thoughts are, what you’re feelings are. I wanna know you still care. It counts.
allisone
Dearest sickened LibidoBandido, I am beginning to understand you now: Me (wrongly) suggesting that Cindy shouldn’t continue to write is unforgiveable, despite my subsequent admission of wrongdoing. However, you suggesting that I discontinue to write is perfectly acceptable. Got it. But in an effort to remain respectful, I shall refrain from using the word that would seem to best describe your take. But in the name of fun, let’s play a version of hangman, and you can fill in the missing letter:
HYPO_RITE
Having fairly recently (two years July 14) lost my brother to a murder that, believe it or not could be on an equal footing with the senselessness of this ‘war’ I can really relate Cindy’s experience with my own and my Mothers. There is just nothing that can happen to you, ever, that will generate the kind of emotion the death of a son or daughter will. Its never ending… the tearful drive over the grapevine makes perfectly good sense to me because it happens to me constantly- you just cant help it! My Mother called yesterday in tears… I’m telling you two years is nothing to this kind of loss… absolutely nothing. I love reading what Cindy has to say- it really matters to me and I can relate deeply. Had I not lost my brother, the closest person to me it wouldn’t hit me so hard, the war always did from day one but the deaths were well…before July 14 2005 death always came either in the right order (Grandparents, Parents (although not as of yet… thankfully)children, onward forever) or happened in someones elses life. I thought I could understand the loss, walk in those shoes. I was absolutely wrong. My Mother writes as well, but in much less public spheres- Cindy lost her son to an immoral, senseless, US government fiasco and instead of being defeated she rose to challenge the killers of her son just like we are doing in court. I get a great deal out of Cindy’s writing and hope she continues.
Dear Cindy:
The 9/11 Truth Movement is gaining steam and for every day that passes someone of public recognition comes on board to legitimize the movement further. Cindy, the movement needs your participation as never before. You command respect and your words and action are meticulously followed. Please research the subject and lend your voice and integrity to this movement. It can not be stopped and the major news media including the “progressive gate keepers” will do whatever to discredit the messenger, but remember the truth lies deeper than you can imagine. If Bush and company have lied about everything under this administration why should we believe him on the event that so started this war on terror in the first place. The United States 9/11 Commission is a bona fide fraud to cover-up the true intentions of this administration and the true reality that transpired on that day. But, please don’t take my word for it research and investigate it thoroughly, there are plenty of books and websites devoted to this event. America wake-up and open your eyes wide you’ll never believe it possible, but it is true. It is all in front of us yet like a magician we have bought into the hypnosis of Bush/Cheney and the NeoCons diabolical war on terror. Oh, and as for boogie man Osama Bin Laden he could easily be found hiding in the basement of the White House.
IF WE PEACENIKS AINT OUT ON THE STREETS AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK, WITH OUR SILLY SIGNS AND SUNGLASSES, AND BEGGING TO BE HEARD, THEN WE ARE NOTHING BUT WHINERS. THIS MEANS YOU. Sorry to be so gross, but hey I’m gettin old and crochety, and already lived under 17 years of dictatorship, in a country where they thought it could never happen…..this aint no joke good folks!
H_K_zombie suggests voting for Ron Paul.
What he forgets to mention is that Ron Paul is a Republican
George Bush is also a Republican, same with Condi Rice, Dick Cheney and many others…
This makes Ron Paul unelectable.
Simple as that.
Yes, you are really a zombie, as your name suggests
Kingsfan,
“…but I can’t help but think sometimes that Cindy loves the spotlight”.
At least it’s a very good spotlight of the truth. Let’s see you put yourself in a similar spotlight to help a good cause.
Cindy must have retired from so much physical activity traveling and organizing. Obviously that could never include shutting herself to the call of her conscience and keeping quiet. If she did that, it would have made me think that what she did before was insincere.
Keep up speaking and writing, Cindy. The peace-loving people love to hear you.
kingsfan June 25th, 2007 4:30 pm
You know, I am sorry for any loss ‘each man’s death diminishes me’ but here is Cindy (April 1st 2006) of Casey: ‘ He did not hide when his COmmander in CHief (GW) sent him to a war based in lies even (though) he knew they were lies.’Nuremberg’s ’supreme crime’.
We have heard of her being beaten by the NYPD (that happens when you protest in NY, been there, done and seen that) she is tired, after under three years? SHe has bills for dehydration ‘I nearly died’ : water and a dark room, lady.
MAybe I am missing something,but I know a lady who is ninety years old and has fought for peace all her life. Recently she chained herself to the railings at the Fastlane Nuclear Rident Submarine Base in Scotland. The Police attempted to arrest her and asked kindly of she had a heart condition or any serious problems. ‘Only when I think about Trident’ she replied.
I am very sorry for Cindy’s grief and muddled committment to peace. I am sorry for her son, and both of them who knew it was a lie (if she was correctly quoted.)
ut she has made a few $’s and quite.Iam for the 90 year old and am sorry for sounding callous.I am above all for the people and children of Iraq, illegaly invaded as she said and still sonder how many of them Casey killed.
Sorry for any offence, but that is how it is. US and UK servicemen and women can walk from this illegal war,indeed, they have a duty under the Nuremberg Princiles to do so.Iraqis have no such option.If they (US and UK) stay, so be it.
I hope Cindy DOES want the spotlight! I hope it keeps shining on her. We need a hero and a symbol and SHeehan has been a strong, honest voice. My message to her: Don’t let the grouches get you down, woman, they’re always there to slam and even crucify. We need you to keep saying exactly what you’ve been saying, doing exactly what you’ve been doing. Cindy’s family: Please let us have her, please make the sacrifice.
- Mary from South Carolina
To jassim June 27th, 2007 11:58 am
“I am very sorry for Cindy’s grief and muddled committment to peace.”
But not sorry enough to allow her to be a human being. For some reason. Not understanding enough to CARE that she sought out the murderous limelight to fight for a cause, as if that effort wasn’t enough. I dare you to try it. But apparently she could never have done enough, to suit the likes of YOU, damned before she got started, because of where she started from. She stopped buying into the lies, but it’s not enough. She would have been an acceptable martyr of she’d have died perhaps, been brutalized or had a heart attack? How big of you. For attacking her like that, a person that stood up, friend, you’re just another coward. You and those like you, not much better that those commiting attrocities, actually. And yes that’s what I really think of you. One who hurts for no reason. Personal glee. Coward with a keyboard, like so many. Or another paid shill.
To Cindy. Bless your heart hon. You’re a brave soul, braver than me, and it’s a wonderful thing to see. I’m sorry for those too caught up in their own egos and issues to even give you that much credit. But don’t worry, they sound like fools to the rest of us.
I’M GLAD THAT THE ZOMBIFICATION ISN’T TOTAL YET! But it’s to the point where I’m looking @ emigration. The neo-nazis in Wall St. & D.C. have got the populace so doped up on material goods, false patriotism/nationalism, &, let’s face it, actual dope! I need to get down to Belize & watch the disintigration from afar. With both a political & criminal history I fear if camps are going to be utilized, I likely will be one of the first rounded up. I sleep very lightly & with my passport in easy reach. Godess have mercy on us all!
jassim wrote:
“…am sorry for sounding callous.I am above all for the people and children of Iraq, illegaly invaded as she said and still sonder how many of them Casey killed.
Sorry for any offence, but that is how it is. US and UK servicemen and women can walk from this illegal war,indeed, they have a duty under the Nuremberg Princiles to do so.Iraqis have no such option.If they (US and UK) stay, so be it.”
——
jassim,
You don’t sound callous. Hurt, saddened, sorrowful, and frustrated perhaps. But not callous. I appreciate your candor. And you highlighted one key truth, one key fact that should not be ignored, overlooked or denied, though it often is. It is this: the (overwhelming majority of) Iraqis have no choice but to be there, to stay in their country. Yet, ALL soldiers, all of the invading soldiers HAD AND HAVE A CHOICE. Their options may not be attractive, desireable, or appealing. But theirs was or is a choice, nevertheless.
Some people become hateful, enraged or vitriolic whenever that fact is mentioned. Maybe it’s because they feel guilty by association? As if some of the blood of the innocents is on their hands? Perhaps it is. And if so, it is then their issue to deal with. But often, instead of honestly dealing with it (as with many things), they choose to project their hatred, frustrations, failings, fears, cowardice, etc. onto others. This too is a sad, pathetic, tragic fact of life…
Take care, and thank you for your comments.
————
kingsfan,
Good on you for taking the higher ground. Progressive indeed!
Peace!
Thank you for those of the kind comments. Just to put the record straight for whatever4, whatever I am , I am not a ‘keyboard coward’ I have spent much of my life covering war zones, many years covering Iraq and have been nearly killed by US/UK illegal bombings ( missed by bareby minutes) twice, in Iraq.Others, in their hamlets,or in Baghdad, were not so lucky.
For my coverage I have had death threats far closer to home, as well.
Assumptions are often inaccurate.
whatever4, when were you last in a war zone? Or in Iraq?