I've tried to avoid the subject because I really don't think it's right to intrude on a person's grief. But it is looking more and more like this isn't about her lost son, but rather her own celebrity. Political opportunism at it's worst.
Read Frank's piece as it is powerful and some of the best writing I've seen on this subject.
Mark's Remarks
I tend to look at the primary sources, like the rest of Casey Sheehan's family. From the Drudge article Matt cited above:
The Sheehan Family lost our beloved Casey in the Iraq War and we have been silently, respectfully grieving. We do not agree with the political motivations and publicity tactics of Cindy Sheehan. She now appears to be promoting her own personal agenda and notoriety at the the expense of her son's good name and reputation. The rest of the Sheehan Family supports the troops, our country, and our President, silently, with prayer and respect.
Sincerely,
Casey Sheehan's grandparents, aunts, uncles and numerous cousins.
Bottom Line: This is not about Casey, this is about Cindy and her ego. I feel for this woman. She has lost a child. However, her expression of grief is neither productive, helpful, or healthy. Why does she think she deserves more than any other mother who has lost a soldier fighting for freedom in Iraq? Why does she deserve a personal one on one with the President when other soldiers' families have not had any extra time or extra one on one sessions.
This President takes very seriously sending troops into harms way. He has spent countless hours visiting with the injured troops and their families. He spent time with the Sheehan family, and Ms. Sheehan thanked him and said very nice things about it. Then, she started hanging with Joe Wilson and the gang. I wonder what garbage they filled her with.
Either way, if Ms. Sheehan really cares for the legacy and memory of her son, someone who gave all for the cause of freedom and seeking new liberty for oppressed people, she would stop this. If she cares about the troops still living, Casey's Comrades, she would stop this. This sends the wrong message to our soldiers. If she truly learned anything from Casey and his sacrifice, she would know this. However, it is not about Casey, it is about her.
Looking at the info provided in the Varifrank piece Matt referenced, it becomes clearer this is all about Cindy and little about Casey, in regards to the idea that Casey was "tricked" into joining the Army:
Cindy Sheehan has also said her son did not want to go to Iraq. She is wrong, and she knows it. Here is a bit of information you wont here on CNN about Casey Sheehan ( from Lee Kaplan – FrontPage Magazine):
“While one might dismiss some of Sheehan’s hyperbole due to grief over her son’s death, a little research about Casey Sheehan revealed that contrary to being tricked by military recruiters, Casey Sheehan had re-enlisted in the U.S. Army voluntarily when he was 24-years-old, after serving his first hitch successfully. Casey Sheehan was in fact a hero who received a Bronze Star. He was attached as a mechanic to the artillery division of the 1st U.S. Cavalry in Iraq. When a convoy of soldiers from Casey’s unit was attacked in Sadr City by insurgents, Casey volunteered to join a rapid rescue force to get them out. His commanding sergeant told him he did not have to go into combat, because he was a mechanic and not an infantryman. Casey was quoted telling his officer, “I go where my chief goes.” He was tragically killed during the rescue attempt. The source for this story?
Cindy Sheehan herself.
Ms. Sheehan, do the right thing. Go home. Honor Casey's memory, don't bastardize it for your own ego or assauging your pain. it is not fair to Casey. It is not fair to the others who sacrificed all. It is not fair to those still fighting, because you are giving the enemy ammunition to demoralize our soldiers, to confuse them, to siphon their strength. I didn't know Casey, but I know soldiers. I don't think Casey would want you to do this. We know the rest of the family doesn't think so. Of course, that doesn't matter, because this has become all about you. Sad.
