Cindy,

I'm one of thousands that are grateful for your one-woman force of democracy. Keep up
the good work and the bold habit of a consistently strong message. Next to the watered down
dems you seem like, well, a real person.

Great job. Ignore the critics. Many are threatened by you. When you feel hostility remember
all those that love you for what you are doing.

Dear Cindy, please clone yourself. We need more people like you. If you can't do that, then please take good care of yourself. Love from a sister in the Pacific Northwest.

Addendum: I agree with one of the above posters who said we need a 3rd party. Actually, it would be a 2nd party since we only have one party in the U.S. Dem eunuchs and Rethugs -- two sides of the same coin.

Regarding the "bashing" of Pelosi and Conyers by supporters of impeachment, I guess the reason for so much anger is that since these formerly powerless Democrats have finally achieved power, they will not act in accordance with what they say they believe. Both of these "leaders" refuse to lead: Speaker Pelosi is using a small fraction of the power she has to determine which bills will or will not make it through the committee process and through a final floor vote; Chairman Conyers says that he will act upon a pending impeachment bill when a certain minimum number of Congresspersons ask him to move the bill. This is not leadership. As a former member of CORE (which, for the younger commentators, was a civil-rights organization that lost 11 members killed or disappeared during the 1963 "Mississipi Summer" voter-registration campaign), I vividly recall how unhelpful Congress was in overcoming racial segregation in our country. John Conyers was among the young black Americans who took bold action for social change. As an elder of Mr. Conyers, I don't think it is too much to ask that he walk the halls of Congress and solicit the votes he says he needs. And to the considerably younger Ms. Pelosi, I would only ask that she accompany her nice words with a lot more effective action. Something does not ring true when a House Speaker repeatedly casts a losing vote.

Cindy, If you are serious about running for congress against Monster Pelosi, then enough of the bloviations and git yer butt back to SF and start campaigning and organizing--or stop with the pretense that you are serious about anything other than being heartbroken (and rightfully so)over Casey's death.

Oh and by the way Cindy, Network (I'm talking about the movie starring William Holden and Faye Dunnaway from which you excised that quote) was made in 1976 and not 1971--So your analogies have just gone down the toilet.

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1800099643/info

What happened to Congressman Conyers since he wrote Constitution in Crisis? Now, he alone is preventing the HR-333 Bill from being voted on. In spite of what many believe, Conyers alone now has the power to begin the impeachment process. What could have happened to him in the past year?

Cindy:
After last night's performance by the chicken-livered democrats on FISA there is great gnashing of teeth over at DKos about how the party let them down, deserves no more funding etc.

Wonder if there will be some apologies forthcoming for you after the nasty comments sent your way. Sounds like you may have been on the right track.

(I know you have more important things to worry about - just sayin')

Poet: What have you done that is productive in regards to the problems Cindy has so well written here?

If there is an error in a date, does that detract from the issue? At least Cindy is not like me and others, just writing blogs, she is fighting and you are little if any help with your continual bashing. Does it make yu feel good Poet?

Kem
Sure hope we can still get Conyers to move on this. May be our only hope.

Considering the abject criminality of the Bushists and their DEM collaborators, Cindy's more than close enough for US government work. Color me Orange. IMPEACH NOW!

dear poet
i am in sf and organizing...i wonder why you are so hostile towards me?
i made a mistake in the date...the website i was on had another of Chaefsky's movies "The Hosptial" (1971) right before "Network" thanks for pointing that out...but i don't think it harms my analogies at all...somethings never change. i will correct that.
how would you know where i am and what i am doing?
how do you know who i have spoken to? are you bugging my phone and reading my email?
seriously! do you live in sf? do you want to help? email me at campcaseymom@yahoo.com
thanks
cindy

Cindy
I look at the individuals we have in political office and those vying for office and am appalled at the corruption and selling out to corporations and the lack of connection to the humanity they represent.
Cindy - I applaud your courage - you are a bresh of fresh air in these serious times.
We need to remember that this needs to be done as a group. Success is achieved as a group effort and to say someone as an individual is not trying hard enough or not serious enough is a cop out. People need to rally behind the individuals that can and WILL make a difference.
Best of luck Cindy and may your support grow and grow.

Actually, a lot of people HAVE been hitting the street for some time with zero impact, except that we can feel righteous in our indignation. We hold WEEKLY war protests where I live, and our City Council has passed resolutions against the war and the Patriot Act. In fact, resistance to Bush policies has taken on quite a number of forms, and the more vigorous they become, the less they seem to be noticed. Reports of the city council resolutions across the nation don't make the national news and our representatives in Congress seem to listen LESS as we scream MORE. We can, and should, pass local resolutions calling for impeachment, using the means of government that is most responsive to us, but I fail to see the Congress moving simply because they people are clamoring. I would agree that a NATIONAL ACTION is needed and recommend that everyone participate in the National Strike on September 10th and 11th as a means of showing our UNITY to the government as well as OURSELVES. There are many arguments that I've heard for while people can't stay home from two days of work, but none of them as good as the arguments for why we HAVE TO. Our national office holders need a reminder that there are 300 million people who run this country, not 537. They need to be reminded that they have a responsibility to the people, NOT to oil giants. Spend two days with your neighbors, hold a cookout, knock on doors and spread the word: NO MORE WAR FOR OIL, NO MORE 1984 at HOME.

www.unknown-arts.org/politics

www.unknown-arts.org/politics

One would think that a "Poet" would attempt "tough love", if that's what it's supposed to be, with more nuance than a passive-aggressive snarl. But we're all a bit overwrought these days, I suppose. I know I am.

Cindy, I don't know if you know the old Bascom Lunsford folk song "Mole in the Ground". I have the Holy Modal Rounders version, which I'd happily send you on CD c/o your campaign headquarters. It's not exactly Celine Dion, but it has this verse:

Wish I was a mole in the ground / Wish I was a mole in the ground
A mole in the ground / I'd root this mountain down.
I wish I was a mole in the ground.

And there's always that ant lifting the rubber-tree plant! Meanwhile, I'm investing my high hopes in your campaign. We'll root that mountain down!
-- Regards, LB

Cindy, you go girl! Don't worry about PretenderPoet, he is just a trouble maker.

I am very proud indeed that there are fellow citizens like yourself who are brave enough to stand up against the fascist rulers we have now.

If we cannot impeach these idiots, then surely our moral standing in the world is in the gutter.

I say, forget Pelosi. Sheehan for President in 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cindy,

I wish someone like you would run in my district; I'd support him/her as best as I can

Thinking more about it, I have the feeling that Sheehan will "lose" her bid to upset Pelosi. Because Pelosi will rig the vote like the Nazi Republican she really is.

"Actually, a lot of people HAVE been hitting the street for some time with zero impact..."

i keep wondering why ALL people willing to "hit the streets" can't organize ONE march? use the internet to organize such a march on washington - one gi-normous march. it would be a much more effective way to let our "representatives" know how we feel about the non-job they are doing.

the only effective way to stop the current administration, which looks like if will be in power indefinitely, is to hit it in the pocket book.

the bush admin knows this all-too-well and are using that exact tactic when they passed the law allowing forfeiture of assets.

how can you hit them in the pocket book? stop buying their gasoline. unless you are already ultra rich, you really have nothing to GAIN from enriching them further by buying their gasoline. stop buying their cars. if you don't have a car, you don't need gasoline (as much). think about it, not only will you save money, but you'll be saving the environment, which is money in the bank!

are we americans so devoid of energy that we need to rely on artificial forms of transportation? NO!!!! as americans, we have HUGE stores of energy reserves in the form of FAT. face it, you have energy enough to WALK TO WORK, and the best parts are that #1 it's absolutely free and #2 it's healthy. you not only will feel better, but you will look better. Stop going to walmart and buying foreign manufactured items. chances are, they are made in sweatshops, which allows for maximum profits for the already ultru-rich.

i've heard it said that to take these steps would be similar to Homor Simpson taking on "Rampage" Jackson in the octagon for most americans due to their dependence on the oil and auto industries.

if you want to see change, and rapid change at that, think about how you spend your money and stop giving it to the already wealthiest people on the planet. what could be smarter than that???

We're here talking in a "free speech zone" and global corporatization (and consequent drowning of constitutional principles) continues apace. There are two Americas; bloated capital/corporate culture and the people. They really have little to do with each other in terms of political power. One has power (wealth, technology, sophisticated marketing and analysis techniques) and one doesn't. The goal of all corporate candidate campaigns is the same as that of Tony Snow...to cover over the fact and to continue to receive the $millions and to serve power (with the attendant benefits).

I'll continue to protest. I wish millions would occupy Washington, DC until we regain our constitutional liberties. (We could do it on a "shift" basis.) But, until we go straight to the heart of the corporate/government/war connection with massive boycotts and a serious counter economy, it is not likely our success will be real. (Enough of us are conscious, but we are still milling around.)

Cindy,

You remind me of that guy who stood in front of that Chinese Tank in Tainamen Square in the late 80s. The courage of your conviction is amazing and you have balls the size of water melons (mean it in a good way).

You have stared down BushCo. when he was still a popular "Commander in chief" and walked around like he was Yosemite Sam looking for that bushwhacking Barracuda-Bugs.

You stood fast in your grief (in Crawford) when all of Congress (except Kucinich, Ron Paul and couple others) and good percentage of our fellow citizens, were acting as though, there has downed, on Dubya's head a revelation unbeknown-est to the rest of us primates.

Please run, because run you must if nothing else to let 'em boys and girls in the Belt way realize they ain't untouchable.

Hey POET:
When folks like you stand up at Conventions to say something... the rest of us groan.

We may not all agree with Cindy Sheehan on everything but that's not the point. Cindy could've told me that quote was from Das Boot and I could've cared less. She is an intelligent, dedicated, envoy of the hearts and minds of millions of Americans. She is on the side of justice, plain and simple. And our rulers simply are not.

To: Cindy Sheehan,
Please follow up your bold move out of the Democratic Party and consider a call for a NEW "third" party that represents the interest of the people and not corporate intersts! It is not possible to "reform" the Democratic Party!
Thank you for being a true leader! Thank you for challenging the status quo conservative thinking of so-called "progressive" activists!
-------------------------------------------------

DUMP THE DEMOCRATS!
UNITE INTO A NEW THIRD PARTY NOW!

We the people, opposed to the destruction of the planet and it's peoples, now atomized and powerless in "grass roots" and "special interest" groups, must unite our efforts and resources into a new party to replace the corrupt Democratic Party! A new party that rejects corporate funding in order to end the corporate plunder of the federal government.

A new party explicitly opposed to the Project for the New American Century. Opposed to unending war for profit and power. Cut the military budget by 50%, shut down the 700 military bases around the world. Re-instate taxes cut by Bush gang.

A new party that commits the entire resources of the country to end global warming, end imperialist wars, implements true non-profit universal health care. promotes mass transportation, develops renewaable energy, and produces the essentials for human survival.

A new party that promotes an economy that works towards fulfilling the economic needs of all the people, not just to profit a tiny minority of super wealthy. No more people living on the streets! No more hospitalized people being dumped into the streets when they have no money or health insurance! (See the film SICKO)

A new party to unite all of the oppressed people of this country. A new party that cuts across all the false social and cultural divisions that keep us forever powerless (racial, ethnic, age, language, etc.). A new party to unite us against the unending destruction of peoples and planet.

A SOCIALIST PARTY to promote the end of gangster capitalism, run-amok capitalism, which is supported by both Democratic and Republican parties.

A new socialist party to support the labor movement and all working people. We urge the labor movement to stop supporting the Democratic Party (already besotted by corporate money), and to focus its precious resources to fund a new national radio and television network. By being on the air 24 hours a day the labor movement can provide the latest news, information, education and current affairs analysis desperately needed by all working people. This effort, combined with the formation of the new party, will be a bold step towards reviving the organized labor movement.

For years we have listened to radio programs like DEMOCRACY NOW! that has discussed with numerous "grass roots" groups desperately struggling to make a positive change in society. Anti-war protest groups, civil rights groups, union struggles, affordable housing groups, teachers unions, health care access, seniors about Social Security, have involved millions of people. Now is the time to unite the energy and resources of the people into a new party.

The new socialist party provides a means of uniting the "special interest" agendas of each group into the platform of the new party. The new party candidates, selected from the various individuals and groups, would become the candidates representing their cause and the new party. The new party will contest for office at every level of government in order to take power. The new party will provide the new leadership and new programs this country desperately needs.

There is still time before November 2008 elections to start this process. Even the announcement and preparation for a founding convention of such a new party will shock both Democrats and Republican incumbents. They will know that their days are numbered!

The needs of all previous "minority" and "special interests" people now become the platform of the new party representing the vast majority of people. Can the existing activists of so-called "minority" and "special interest" groups overcome their existing powerlessness, and link up with each other to start this new party?

This all-inclusive struggle will attract millions of atomized working people, often non-voters and uninvolved people, who have been atomized, exploited, brain-washed by corporate media and ultimately destroyed by gangster capitalism.

Dear Cindy, Like others I salute your courage and often think of the film NETWORK, a time when collective outrage was still possible.
What I'd like to know is--as a Florida resident--how can I be of assistance to your campaign? Sure I can send a check, but is there anything else you need of us here in the forum? Many of us are sound thinkers and good writers. Can we be of any help to your cause, which most of us support? Thank you on behalf of all of us.

I'm not mad as hell anymore. After years of that (starting with Reagan, through Bush I, and Clinton's NAFTA and all the insanity with his impeachment,) and then this - almost 7 years of one worse thing after another - I'm worn out!

Marching does nothing - they don't care...Writing does nothing (except I did get one handwritten response from my Congressman! Didn't change his mind though.)

Boycotts don't effect billion dollar conglomerates - some don't even have competition anymore.

Repudiating the actions of this administration won't happen without impeachment, but the lastest rape of the Bill of Rights puts Congress in bed with Bush, Cheney, Gonzalez, et. al. for more sick perversions of our nation's laws and ideals. There will definitely be no impeachment.

This really is the end of the American experiment of democracy. The situation is pretty intractable. Not much to do but endeavor to perservere. It ain't gonna be pretty, but those who believe in the goodness of human beings and in the ideals of equality and liberty will have to keep the seeds safe for a new time. So, I'll keep writing and voting and marching...anyway.

No, not mad anymore. Sad, resigned, disgusted, yes. It really was inevitable that America become what it is becoming - it happens to all powerful civilizations and we aren't immune just because "in God we trust." Heck, look what happened to the "chosen people" and the "promised land."

Another great one, Cindy, thanks. It's incredible to see the moronic turds on Democratic Underground, the sames ones who called you an 'attention whore', whine about yet another corrupt move by their party in congress this week but still vow allegiance to them regardless. Such stupidity is incomprehensible to me. Democrats are the reason we're in this mess, and you're right, things have gotten worse since they won control in 06.

These hogs known as Democrats have rubber stamped everything Bush have asked them to, the mobsters he chose for the Supreme Court, his war of choice in Iraq, the bankruptcy bill that everyone forgets about, etc. RUN CINDY RUN, and wipe out DemocRATS in 08.

Poet's right. We don't need cliches ("mad as hell"). We don't need to hear the same whining and grumbling over and over again. Either say something new or insightful, or don't say it all.

A little more action and a lot less babbling is in order.

Oh, but don't quit trying to make a difference!

Hope is the only light in this darkness.

I'm just not mad anymore.

If America was filled with people like you, Cindy, it would not be so hated and feared and there would be a real chance for peace.

Perpetual war means perpetual profits for a few and never-ending misery for most of the world's people. Isn't it time we reversed the situation, got rid of the money-changers, gave everyone a fair go?

http://seeking-utopia.blogspot.com

Well at least the fact checker's union is on our side.

Great Article Ms. Shehan, thanks.

Can I address a side issue?

Can we stop demonizing Pelosi and Conyers? I was upset at their stonewalling too, but perhaps they are a bit wiser than us. Maybe it's smart to wait until demand for impeachment builds to a head. I certainly have no love for any of these baby-kissers, but I for one would rather have them succeed at impeachment than merely attempt.

AurigaRA, that's right, it may be our only hope. I don't like to just rely on hope, and I'm sure none of us do. How to get to Conyers is actually up to Pelosi and or, a lawsuit and charge him with violating the law.

Vicki, you may be correct on that, Cindy really is walking into the lion's den. What I admire her for, win or not, she's doing it.

Right now she may need to take a three day break from it all and go sit by the beach and relax. She's worn down, one can see it in her eyes.

Due to continual and most difficult work, Cindy is making a few minor mistakes that could come back to haunt her later on when the fight begns in earnest. Pelosi is a masteful politician with tons of money and tons of support from the party. It will be equivelant to David and Goliath and Cindy needs tons of support. Not just words, true support.

Is Cindy a politician? Yes, she is now. But that's not a bad word, if one is also a statesman, A states-woman in her case___ and that is what Cindy is. If we want change, support her, when she starts the slinging justifable rocks.

tics_3
"...keep the seeds safe for a new time"

Makes me incredibly sad.

A memorable and inspiring time of my life was in 1973 as a University of Wisconsin student when the students pulled together along wth organized labor to elect Paul Soglin as Mayor of Madison WI - ousting Mayor William Duke who allowed police brutality toward demonstrating students.
It was quite empowering. The idea that a group of people could have that degree of impact stayed with me.
Paul Soglin was elected mayor of Madison WI many times after that and is still active in WI politics.
And yes Cindy, you (we) can do it.

Dear Cindy:
You hang in there. There are all sorts of predators out there doing their darndest to wreak more and more havoc. I send you much courage and love as you continue the good fight.

If my people,who are called by my name,shall humble themselves and pray,and seek my face,and turn from their wicked ways,then will I hear from heaven,and will forgive their sin and HEAL THEIR LAND. 2 CH 7:14

Another possibility usually looms if you look for it.

All I can say Cindy, is that I worry about your welfare. Please stay safe. You are an inspiration to common people everywhere. That you were able to take your grief and channel it into positive action is truly remarkable. You truly are a mouse who roars, and you make all of us other mice want to roar with you. Go Cindy go!

Great article. Do not understand why HR 333 to impeach Cheney was not mentioned.
We need leadership in congress, Kucinich was the only one to stand up and do it...now 16 more have followed. Has your congress person? Mine, no. But I will continue to email her weekly and keep asking others to do so. I have gotten one form letter back.

Democrats = Bush enabler

Hi Cindy!!!

Evidently, we don't know how to "come out into the streets" . . . !!!!

Can you arrange to have some Frenchmen/women come here to show us how to do it -- ?????

Best wishes --

Cindy-why not run against Feinstein rather than Pelosi?

Jeremy Wells wrote:
DUMP THE DEMOCRATS!
UNITE INTO A NEW THIRD PARTY NOW!

and then goes on to outline a party platform. He calls for a new SOCIALIST Party. Well, dude, you don't have re-invent the wheel there are plethora of socialist parties in the United States. For example, check out the Socialist Party USA website at:

http://www.sp-usa.org

There are many state level socialist parties as well. Use google, use wikipedia. Support the alternative party which best fits your own values and ideology. Be honest with yourself, not a disingenuous Democrat.

For too long the Democratic Party has been the garbage can into which progressive and left-ish people have thrown their hopes and dreams. No more. We cannot continue voting for candidates of a party which run contrary to our values and interests. If you have anti-capitalist politics (and it sounds like at least some C-D posters do), don't support a party which is pro-capitialist but perceived as the "lesser evil". Check out:

http://www.internationalsocialist.org/pdfs/democrats_lesserevilism.pdf

Have good read, then act.

kem patrick wrote:
What happened to Congressman Conyers since he wrote Constitution in Crisis? Now, he alone is preventing the HR-333 Bill from being voted on. In spite of what many believe, Conyers alone now has the power to begin the impeachment process. What could have happened to him in the past year?

somebody dug up something minor on him about using taxpayer money to pay for a babysitter--or something like that--way less than any of the things that bush has done but not squeaky clean

A message to the DSCC! You will not get another dime from me, Period! You slimeballs! An illegal spying program and Congress does nothing, and then goes along with it. This proves that YOU democratic Congressional leaders knew all along, and are complicit. Then you help pass this piece of vile crap. It is hard to believe one of my relatives, a US Senator, in my eyes is a traitor. You slimeball, you are not welcome here anymore, and pass a message to your fellow colleagues that more than likely they are not welcome to come home. Why don't you take your happy ass and shack up with a Republican you slime. Your party needs to get a handle on your 16 Republicrats!

Coffeelover,,,,,,,,,,

I hate to bring this up. But one must remember that the last person to seriously challenge the military/industrial/intelligence agency complex wound up with his brains splattered across Deally Plaza... And Papa Bush is a product of that poisonous tree.

The people who have assumed power in the US are the result of an out of control breeding experiment that crossed surviving Nazis and their supporters with corporate interests after WWII. They not only know how to control the media, they are very adept at creating new and gruesome technologies for inflicting extreme pain and suffering without actually killing their subjects.

john conyers, please
nancy pelosi, please
tell me why you will not take up the ever more necessary case for impeachment

For Cindy: Among other comments here, the one I think may be the most valuable for you is the sugguestion to plan a few days at the beach. When I know there is going to be a stretch of hard stressful work ahead for me, I do my best to schedule a couple of down days in the middle of it somewhere. SCHEDULING it is the only way one can make it happen. Folks like you are doing the hard lifting, please take the time to give back something to yourself.

All the Best......

All the support from here, to the work Cindy is doing.

We are left with few examples of **good citizenry** in the Land of the Brave & of the Free - very few, but that concept will prevail although the structure of power around the average boys and girls is playing hard-ball at any given time to obstruct that type of evolution.

I deeply believe that what the Demo are doing is probably all they can do, again, being in the structure themselves and we need a structure, but good and inclusive of everybody - government as a good service provider in return for our tax dollars and their salaries.

Sad to see the dynamic of this Country and forces pulling instead to a mad, totally insane direction with the help of a half-truth media, a debate on critical issue always in a PR format, and a no debate -
Some people, I must say, let all this happen and it's out of question that for too many, the Country as something to take for granted, has been a concept that prevailed for way too long time, while the world around moved and kept dynamic factors exist - we embarked for decades in obscure foreign activities which have done no good to the People here - few have been informed of our policies in that area in a honest way and we might have to pay a price for whoever represented us in such a way - sad

Hey John, I kind of liked the suggestion of bringing the French Wemon out in the streets too.

Oh-oh here comes my gal and I'd already hit the submit button. Good advice from John Freeman Cindy.

I can't help but think that Conyers and Pelosi have been threatened Mafia style, (as in, if you impeach Bush,something bad will happen to you.)