The cost of the "War on Terrorism", combined with the tax cuts resulted in profound funding cuts that were to be used to prevent a Hurricane disaster in New Orleans.

Today I heard from Rachel Maddow (substituting for Al Franken on Air America) that in 2001, FEMA identified 3 potential national disasters that should be top priority in the United States: A hurricane/flood in New Orleans, a terrorist attack in New York and an earthquake in San Francisco. Certainly 911 speaks for itself. Now New Orleans. Hope the The N'Olins rich are happy with their tax cuts today! Before this natural disaster struck, I can just hear them talking about the unimportance and inefficiencies of government.

An exerpt from the above article:
"The 2004 hurricane season, as you probably recall, was the worst in decades. In spite of that, the federal government came back this spring with the steepest reduction in hurricane- and flood-control funding for New Orleans in history. Because of the proposed cuts, the Corps office there imposed a hiring freeze. Officials said that money targeted for the SELA project -- $10.4 million, down from $36.5 million -- was not enough to start any new jobs. According to New Orleans CityBusiness this June 5:

The president told us that we needed to fight in Iraq to save lives here at home, and yet -- after moving billions of domestic dollars to the Persian Gulf -- there are bodies floating through the streets of Louisiana. What does George W. Bush have to say for himself now?"

Hawks and Doves Share a Candlelight Memorial Vigil at Camp Casey 1

This is a beautiful end to challenging battle of spirits. One of my blogger friends posted the following at his website:

"I just took part in a beautiful ceremony. The conservatives on the other side of the ditch joined us in a memorial vigil for the fallen solders in Iraq. As a peace-offering, they donated a 20-foot pole with two flags on it: The American and a "Fallen Soldiers" flags. (The "Fallen Soldiers" banner has a white background with a rifle planted in the ground and a helmet over the stock.)

We prayed together, lit candles and sang patriotic songs. There wasn't a dry eye in Camp Casey, it was wonderful. At the end of the ceremony, as the flags and pole where returned to the pro-Bush side, we shouted: "Thank you!, We love you!, You are good Americans!"

For the record, it was the conservative side who who volunteered to donate the flags and pole when they heard we were having a memorial vigil. In my opinion, the reason they did this was that they recognized that we love America, and the soldiers, just as much as they do.

If Cindy's protest has started a dialog between us, it was worth the effort."

Thanks to alaskagyrl for the sad, yet beautiful photo from Camp Casey 2. The Camp is being broken up today with plans for departure tomorrow. The bus tour begins. Keep the faith. What a movement. It all started in a ditch, in the sweltering heat of Texas.

Prayers to the people devastated by the recent hurricane. All of the extra supplies at Camp Casey are going to affected areas.

San Diego Stands with Cindy

The day started with 200-300 protestors at the entrance to the North Island Naval air station.
Respectable turnout for such an early hour. We were there at 5am.

Got word that Donald Rumsfeld was at a Padres game yesterday and received some 'boos' from the crowd.

After W's speech at North Island (he compared the quagmire of Iraq to the reconstruction of Japan) he headed to the Naval Hospital. He apparantly spent 10 minutes there and left prematurely. Cause unknown.

More photos at: www.smallfacephotos.blogspot.com

BTW, the Bush supporters at yesterdays rally were apparantly given free beer by a right wing radio show. They were also given manufactured posters to hold and advised to rabble rouse. More beer (aka 'pay') afterwards.

Peace

Evening Memorial Vigil

Free speech continued in San Diego. We had a peaceful vigil on the island of Coronado, overlooking the ocean. Adjacent was the parking lot thru which W passed earlier today. Around 500 showed up for a vigil to honor the fallen soldiers in Iraq. Across the street were 2 dozen Bush supporters. They were mainly in their twenties, male, white, disrespectful and belligerent. They carried factory produced signs that all said the same thing. They were erry and may represent the last bastion of support for this embarrassing leader. Could he get no one else of substance to support his cause? I mean, he is the President of the United States.

More photos posted at: www.smallfacephotos.blogspot.com


Tomorrow at 5am we'll be outside the gates of North Island Naval Air Station, holding a "Pace" ('Peace in Italian) flag and banner that says: "No More Lies."

Peace

Alaskagyrl was the first friend I made at Camp Casey. Please check out her photojournalism at her site. Here is another great, meaningful photograph that we should never forget. May the graveyard not grow.

She wrote at her blog:
"The evening light blew my mind with all the roses....whew. One more magic moment and I might implode!"

Cindy's diary reports that there were an estimated 2500 at yesterday's rally. They stayed and stayed and came and came. A true movement with wings.

Doesn't the photo to the RIGHT say it all? Corporate manufactured signs on one side of the road. Handmade crosses of sacrificed soldiers on the other.(courtesy of alaskagyrl.blogspot.com)

From Cindy's diary today:
"Our rally had about 2500 people jammed into the Camp Casey II tent. The speakers and music were awesome. Joan sang a few more songs. I told the crowd that I totally understand George Bush's noble cause for continuing the war: I have to kill more Americans because I have already killed so many. Then I posed the question to them that we will pose to Congress and the small minority of Americans (38-40%) who still believe in George's oil war. How many more lives are you willing to sacrifice before you bring the troops home? I led the crowd in a deafening chant of "Not One More," aimed at George's vacation home."

Between 1000 and 2000 people have shown up to support Cindy this weekend

Crawford Updates (this is the independent media):

Lonestar Iconoclast
Truthout
Alaskagyrl
The Brad Show
AfterDowningStreet
Crawford Update Blog

Christian Left Protesting in front of Christian Broadcast Network.

"I work across the street from the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). Now, CBN broadcasts the 700 Club, where Pat Robertson made his infamous comments regarding Chavez.

Well, currently, or now it looks like it's wrapping up, there is a protest in front of CBN being led by the Hip-Hop Caucus and members of the faith-based community, including a rousing speech by Rev. Yearwood which I can hear from my building."

Virginia Bell blog

Indy Media article about the protest

The pressure appears to be building and W is showing signs of 'losing it' article by Doug Thompson:

"I’m not meeting again with that goddamned bitch,” Bush screamed at aides who suggested he meet again with Cindy Sheehan, the war-protesting mother whose son died in Iraq. “She can go to hell as far as I’m concerned!”

Bush, administration aides confide, frequently explodes into tirades over those who protest the war, calling them “motherfucking traitors.” He reportedly was so upset over Veterans of Foreign Wars members who wore “bullshit protectors” over their ears during his speech to their annual convention that he told aides to “tell those VFW assholes that I’ll never speak to them again is they can’t keep their members under control.”

Thanks to BradBlog.com for posting the above photograph and article. Listen to his live radio broadcast from the site. Good musical interludes and no commercials!!! Tomorrow's coverage should be interesting and probably inspiring.

Medical Professionals are needed at Camp Casey.
More people are attending this weekend to make a final 'last stand' with Cindy. More cases of heat exhaustion will occur. Check out the link for more information.

This is a must: Cindy's diary, available through 'the Daily Kos.'

All of today's entries are moving and should be read, but the first one posted brought tears to my eyes. Here is an excerpt:

"Joan sang the song Joe Hill In it Joe Hill says: "I never died." Well, looking out at the faces here at Camp Casey, and knowing that for everyone who is present here, there are thousands of others who support our work, I am convinced that Casey never died, and he never will. When I look into the eyes of the kind and gentle souls who have come here, I see Casey and the faces of all the others killed in George Bush's war for greed and profit. We will never forget them and we will honor them by working for peace.

Joan also sang Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.... "A thousand angels waiting there for me...." I know Casey will be waiting for me when it is my turn, and I know when I finally get there he's going to hug me and say: "Good job, Mom."

I've posted(above) a photo of the banner to which Cindy refers, in her blog about her arrival to the camp last night (August 24, 2005). Very moving.

Peace

Cindy arrived in Crawford tonight. Since I am not in Crawford anymore, I will find the best blogs to follow the story. Truthout.org will be there for the duration. They have posted some 'must see' videos: "More Families Arrive," and "Joan Baez" interviews. BradBlog has video footage of Cindy arriving at Camp 2, today.

The photo is courtesy of my friend, Kim who traveled to Camp Casey from Homer, Alaska. She has some great photos and comments from the heart of Crawford: alaskagyrl.blogspot.com.

For Casey.

Cindy to return to Crawford

"when the people speak out, it's the president's reponsibility to listen. He is there to serve us, not the other way around.

This isn't about politics. It's about what is good for America and what's best for our security and how far this president has taken us away from both."

No agenda except honor for thy son and honesty.

S

Joan Baez just told Scott Galindez (managing editor of Truthout.org; he is sitting next to me :) ) that she plans to stay through Friday. You can see a video of Joan singing "Where have all the flowers gone" on Truthout's site. Joan taught me a lot about non-violent resistance last night. She spent a lot of time with MLK and had some beautiful and inspiring stories which she shared with our graceful group. I can now say that I have sung "Freedom" with Joan Baez. Another dream come true. Moving beyond words.

Cindy is tenatively coming back to Camp Casey tomorrow!!!!!! I am relieved to hear her mother shows signs of improvement. Rumors are that the town of Crawford is continuing its fortuitous effort to figure out a legal way to break the camp apart.

I have only one hour left at Camp Casey. It pains me to leave. Last night was mind boggling, again. We heard the stories of 2 service people (Jeff Patterson(pictured above) and Amy Allison) who protested the 1st Gulf war and haven't given up the fight. When Jeff's dissent became public he was spit upon by numerous members of his platoon. 'That was a low point." Then the marines started to spit at each other and he realized that he wasn't alone. The message was to try and find service people who have similar conflicts with regard to this war. There are more than we think. This movement has involved many vetrans and they have the power to inspire change and influence the conflicted pro-war swing voters. Also, when people leave the service, they lose the structure and support system provided with the military. Groups like Vetrans for Peace and IVAW are helpful in filling that void. They are a progressive support system for those who have left the military. Everyone wins.

How I hate to leave. This experience has changed my life. I will write more of my experience when I get home.

Peace.

NBC just rolled in with 2 big trucks. Could there be something happening here? That is, with respect to a critical mass?

A set of helicopters just circled around our camp and landed on Bush's ranch. I know they saw the first Camp Casey (recall that I am at Camp 2). Their creepy drone was heard on the live radio broadcast.

A mother whose son was killed in Iraq, just called her living son who is here with news from Salt Lake City. She said “the city people and mayor have united in a movement to protest Bush. We have all waited for several hours awaiting his arrival. Over 2000 people! There was clergy, music, people in costumes, extraordinary events. We’ve never seen anything like this in Salt Lake City, before. Don’t believe its not happening here!"

"Believe in the power of the good." (Roxy Dawn - special, musician/friend.

Arrived at Camp Casey for another day. Now there is live radio from the Camp, based out of Houston: BradShow. He intends to be here for the duration of this protest.

He just finished an interview with Joan Baez. You can hear the archive on his site. This is beyond cool. What a world. Go Cindy go!

Peace.

Much more to share. Little time. The night was finished off with the gentle, peaceful, beautiful sounds of Joan Baez. Her dedication to peace and beauty is exceptional. She hasn't burned out and disappeared, like so many others. Fearless. It was so intimate to be with her. She stayed with us till close to midnight to watch an ex-Marine (Jeff Key) who served in Iraq and wrote and performed his story/play: The Eyes of Babylon. Very moving and incredible night.

Also, ...., there are some cool bloggers here who have taught me a lot. An education too boot! Feel angels are everywhere. Who would have thought in Crawford? Strange......"Where danger is near, so also is salvation."

Peace.

S

Many role models at this event. Liz Carpenter, an 83 year old, tried and true journalist who served under several presidents as journalist, advisor, consultant had much to advise. She said something like “You pick up a lot of wisdom along the way and I fondly recall quotes you can steel. LBJ wanted his speeches to have short sentences and easy concepts that people could understand, etc. I brought him a copy of a speech written that had a quote from Aristotle in it. He scratched it out and changed the quote to be attributed to ‘my dear old dad.’" A lesson on framing the debate. Know thy audience.

She also recalled that a diplomat in India used a Tagor quote to remind her "where danger is near, so also is salvation."

Here is a picture of Camp Casey 2. I may have already mentioned that the tent, ironically, was used in a Bush fundraiser a few weeks ago. Many, many tears have been shed beneath its strangely caravanesque cover.


The Iraq Vetrans Against the War (IVAQ) and Code Pink are set up inside. The Gold Star Moms are in front, next to the memorial. The camp has Bush's little chapel of hypocrisy within an ear shot.

The day after one of the most memorable of my life. Feeling a little tired, but inspired to push on.

Here is a photo of the Crawford Peace House. While standing there, waiting for a shuttle to Camp Casey, some bikers drove buy trailing small flags and one of them gave his middle finger to this house. We've been instructed to smile, wave and say 'hi' to everyone.

This house is air conditioned. That blast of cool air felt great!!! An oasis.

Rev. Peter Johnson of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference commented:
"If George Bush is right, than Ghandi was wrong.
If George Bush is right, than Martin Luther King was wrong.
If George Bush is right, then Jesus Christ was wrong."

Well, another blogger (www.brainshrub.com) at this conference made some changes in my computer and I am up and running. I am literally blogging from the protest site at Camp Casey 2. My perceptions, written earlier today:

Words cannot describe the experience of being at Camp Casey. If any of you have even a little inkling that you think you might want to attend, do not hesitate to come. There is no place on earth I’d rather be at this moment. If our world was different and we were not involved in the Iraq conflict, that would be better, but as that is not our reality, given, our current, tragic reality, I am honored to be here.

I drove into Crawford this morning and was greeted by a big sign with a faded photo of W and Laura: “Welcome to Crawford.” I parked in a designated area across the street from the Crawford Peace house and then took a shuttle to Camp Casey 2. Enroute, we passed Camp Casey 1. That is where Cindy first set up her camp. The ‘rows of crosses’ memorial is there and is really moving. At the Peace House, volunteers were making new crosses to replace the ones mowed down by a redneck, ex-con. Our van passed some men on motor cycles, some of whom flash their middle fingers at walking protestors.

At Camp Casey 2, a huge tarp has been erected to protect us from the sun! It is a gift from some cool donor. It was apparently very intense and uncomfortable before it was erected 4 days ago. It is hot and humid, but not as bad as I expected. The people here are amazing. There are many military families and soldiers.. I find it so moving to see the strength of the many motheres who are here. A new friend from Mass. Pointed out that the movement has more women than men. That women have to learn to raise their voices and speak out. Interesting.

I met a really cool woman who traveled down here alone from Homer, Alaska. People from her small community sent a bundle of money for Cindy and they made some beautiful banners that have been used by some of the mothers here who have lost their children in the war. This woman is an artist/photographer and fulfilled her dream to live off the land in Alaska. Now here, doing her part.

Every so often a nice breeze blows through. Much to my surprise this country is beautiful. Very green with thick grass, many musical insect sounds and lots of flowing fields that Tely (my horse) would just love to gallop through. I think I’ve seen several soaring golden eagles. I think I could live here! Perhaps W has an aesthetic bone somewhere in his body?

An empasssioned fold singer is on stage singing his heart out. I will be treated to Joan Baez tonight and perhaps some one else or 2 or 3. Last night Steve Earl performed. People keep talking about his performance. My brother introduced me to him a few years ago and I saw him perform w Joan Baez at that time. Interesting déjà vu. Love these great artists.

Hopfully the internet wifi will kick in and I can get this out before I get to my hotel. So cool to create on the go.

Peace,

S

Cindy had to leave Crawford to be with her mother who suffered a stroke today

My heart goes out to her. This won't change my plans. Seems all the more important. Peace and prayers to Cindy.

Families of 17 Troops, killed inIraq, want to take Tony Blair to court

Tony Blair could be forced to give evidence under oath after families of 17 soldiers killed in Iraq began a legal bid yesterday to secure an independent inquiry into the lawfulness of the 2003 conflict.

Cindy Sheehan has managed to pull me out of my cocoon. I feel obligated to share my conflicts and questions regarding this president and his decisions.

I am traveling to Crawford, Texas in a few days to support Cindy's efforts to get some answers from Mr. Bush. He is a person whose actions have resulted in the death of her son and thousands of others. If Mr. Bush can rationally explain why her son had to die, the movement will be quelled. If he can't explain his actions, then......what? Will his stonewalling, keep us in Crawford till the next election? I hope to answer this question with my journey.

Last night, we participated in a vigil in Ocean Beach, California. Hundreds of people, silently, peacefully and...toward the end, musically expressed heartfelt appreciation of Ms. Sheehan and condolences for the loss of Casey. She will live with this tragedy for the rest of her life. May none of us have to endure that horrific pain. May we all learn that is was not for personal fortune or greed. I'm scared, however,.......amid all this outpouring for answers tonight(1600+ vigils), our so-called President, went fishing ....................

This journey is a collective effort. The participants include Gladys and Gilbert Palast. They are special friends who have encouraged, inspired and helped me make this journey.