Bless her, I hope she runs for national office. Again, I say to you people: Bush scares me, he is truly evil, a bad, bad person. His henchmen and minions and the secret leaders who tell him what to do are conspiring to change the world for teh worse and they are half-way there.

...and for all you brainwashed idiots who keep mentioning Cindy Sheehan's meeting with Hugo Chavez, I think Chavez is a great leader, with incredible intelligence, courage and charisma. Most of the countries in South America recently elected leaders who know Bush and his henchmen are criminals and killers, and they say so, and for that they are labeled "bad men" by the comedians on FOX entertainment channel. The bush administration loves democracy unless they don't like the leader, then they attempt to kill him or undermine his country. Democracy, bush style. I wish Chavez was the president of the United States. At least we would all get free healthcare and education.

If Chavez were the US president, this and other newspapers would be owned by the state and would be printing out the official government line. If you enjoy living in a controlled speech and press environment, then you would love him as president. As it currently is, perhaps you would love it in Venezuela. Sure, he was democratically elected. But just because the leader is democratically elected does not mean that the leader is good or just. I mean, look at Bush. He was democratically elected, right? When did the left become so enamored with wanna-be dictators? Sheehan hanging out with Saddam Hussein's lawyer? Maybe her message is worthwhile, but she's become a caricature of the loony left.

As much as Ms. Sheehan will dislike hearing it, any first year law student can tell you that the First Amendment freedom of speech is not absolute. The U.S. Supreme Court long ago determined that governments, including the federal government, may place reasonable restrictions as to time, place and manner upon otherwise protected speech. The President is Constitutionally obligated to report to the Congress (and, by tradition, the nation) on the state of the Union. (Constitution, Art. II, Sec. 3.) It is therefore reasonable for that obligation to take some precedence over the interests and agenda of an individual or individuals who wish to use that occasion to make their own opinions heard (or, in this instance, seen).
Ms. Sheehan's own account of the events demonstrates that she was not being singled out based upon her identity or even her message: upon seeing her shirt, the security officer simply called out "Protester." I have heard reports on a radio station in Chicago (WGN, which is owned by the Tribune Company)-- admittedly, not confirmed by this writer -- that the wife of a Congressional Representative was also removed from the Chamber (though reportedly not arrested) for wearing a shirt bearing a slogan in support of our troops. This, if true, demonstrates even-handed enforcement unrelated to the content of the speech at issue. Even members of both houses of Congress and of both parties demonstrate respect for the occasion and limit the expression of their views to either offering or withholding their applause on specific points. No one is questioning Ms. Sheehan's right to express her opinion; only her right to do so at that time, in that place and in that manner.

Stan, apparently you don't read, or can't read. Otherwise you would have 100 examples of censorship and government interference of the press from Bush's administration and cronies in the last few years alone. You say the papers in Venezuela are state owned, what's your point? So what, why does that make it evil. Hmm, let's give some examples: No US newspaper talks about the illegal renditions anymore, Venezuelan newspapers did. No US newspaper prints stories of the US using white phosphorous on Iraqi citizens, Venezuelan newspapers did. Hmm, no US newspapers print the uproar over the Downing St. memos, but guess what newspaper did? Look at FOX news, your bible, that's a state owned news comedy channel that re-states the white house line of the day, or intentionally misleads Americans by putting stories of missing white girls on while Bush administration officials are being indicted. Look Stan, learn to think independently, don't let those jokers on FOX decide what leaders are good or bad, do the research. I would take Hugo Chavez over Bush any day of the week.

Stan,

Its funny that you talk about State-run press. Sure, we don't have the same restricted press that Venezeula or other countries that do not have a free press, but how far away are we really?

With the New York Times basically printing White House press releases in the run up to the war, our press generally burying the Iraq war story or not reporting it at all, what do we really have? Maybe we don't have state-run press... we have something worse... we have lazy press. We have a press that allows the policies of this country to go unchecked and largely unquestioned. The Bush White House is good for corporate America (unless you're an employee) so why would they want to challenge it? They ARE corporate America.

So no, we don't have a State-run Press, we have a corporate run press. From where I sit I'm not seeing much of a difference these days.

J. Arrigo wrote: "The wife of a Congressional Representative was also removed from the Chamber (though reportedly not arrested) for wearing a shirt bearing a slogan in support of our troops. This, if true, demonstrates even-handed enforcement unrelated to the content of the speech at issue."

In fact, J., it demonstrates exactly the opposite. You're obviously online, so I'm surprised you didn't do a little Google News search to find out all the facts. Even cnn.com (not known for being a leftist bastion) announced in a headline, "Shirt tales differ."

The congressional wife was Beverly Young, a Republican. I'd say the political/philosophical difference between the two women is significant. The fact that Ms. Young was "asked to leave" (CNN's words) but not arrested clearly demonstrates unlawful, unequal treatment. The authorities handled the two women differently, a decision that appears to be based on the content of the messages on their T-shirts.

I am eager to learn if Ms. Young was physically removed and handcuffed, like Ms. Sheehan; I doubt she was. (OK, Swamp bloggers, would you please investigate?) Regardless, at the end of the day, there's still a big difference between ejection and (false) arrest.

I hope Cindy Sheehan sues.

That Ms Sheehan has had her son killed in war on the orders of Mr. Bush is terrifying, to her and the rest of the world, as is the death of any child. Mr. Bush might, some day, think long and hard about what he has asked people to do.

That Ms Sheehan has been heaved out of the PEOPLES' Congress building in Washington is a complete disgrace. She has every right to protest, most especially on the evening that the big, brave President (who has never seen action, for some odd reason) was going to make a speech to the representatives of the US people. Her attire was neither rude nor disruptive. Unless someone is afraid of her.

Exactly who is Mr. Bush afraid of? He does not seem to be afraid, any longer, of Iraqis. Mr. Bush is merely annoyed with Iraqis. Mr. Bush is a bit afraid of Mexicans, and President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, but is he afraid of Americans? The people who (he believes) elected him to the highest office in the land? Mr. Bush seems to be afraid of Americans. (And many, and more, Americans seem to be tiring of Mr. Bush and his antics passed off as 'leadership'.)

What a dreadful shame. Ms Sheehan, or any American, must be free at any time to wear a shirt numbering the dead in war. Any number is a tragic toll to proclaim. Mr. Bush has not even shown the decency to attend any of the funerals for sailors, soldiers or air crew under his command who have been killed doing their duty to his office. What a quotient of courage it seems to take to be Mr. Bush.

Events such as this show that Mr. Bush is now afraid of himself. And finally, in sadness and solidarity, much of the rest of the world is laughing sadly at him as he paints himself into a corner. It is to be hoped he takes no more good people with him on his lonely journey.

Ms Sheehan deserves more than an apology; she deserves to make a State of the Union Address herself, to the same Congress faced by Mr. Bush. Her message would, undoubtedly, be somewhat different than his.

Cindy Sheehan needs to get off the stage and go back under the rock she came from. The following are some of the anti-semitic remarks she made when she was sitting in her ditch in Crawford, Texas last summer:

"[My son] was killed for a neo-con agenda that only benefits a very chosen few in this world. This agenda and their war machine will chew up and spit out as many of our children as they can unless we stop them now. We should not let Israel/USA invade Syria or Iran."

"You get America out of Iraq and Israel out of Palestine and you’ll stop the terrorism."

"Am I emotional? Yes, my first born was murdered. Am I angry? Yes, he was killed for lies and for a Neo-Con agenda to benefit Israel."
"My son joined the Army to protect America, not Israel."

“George Bush and his neo-conservatives killed my son/ America has been killing people on this continent since it was started. This country is not worth dying for.”

Since she hates this country so much she should join her hero Mr. Chavez in Venezuala and trade places with someone from that country trying to escape to the U.S.

Where was all this press for the mothers that still have sons missing in Vietnam? Oh wait its not anti Bush so no one cares about them.

Her son made the choice to join the military. Those who join the military understand the risks involved. People in the military die, it happens. Two military personel died in a training accident this week. Was that the Presidents fault for forcing them to train?

Personaly if I was invited to any State of the Union, I would wear my best suit and difintaly not wear a shirt with writing on it.

Regardless of what I think of her political agenda, She is a Gold Star Mother. And she deserves the respect of all Americans for what she has lost.

Stan,
Actually, I think that state owned media is probably more prone to speak truthfully than media that depends on its state issued license for its financial well being.
Jeff

Stan: Venezuela has a much freer press than we do here in the US. It is NOT state owned, and is in fact very anti-Chavez. Check your facts!

The people that post comentaries about Venezuela's press, are at best ignorant, at worse disingenuous.

Most of the Venezuelan Press is, and has been in the hands of the opposition to Chavez, ie, Higher class industrials/ politicians of the corrupt old guard

So far they have been no closures in Venezuelan press. The caricature of the State controlled press in the Venezuelan 'dictatorship', the wide spread repression of the freedom of speech there does not fit the facts.

FOR ONCE, do not content yourselves to read what the INDEED biased and self sensored editorials of the Wall Street Journal and the NYT tell you.
LOOK for yourselves,
It is quite doable in the 21rst Century

When I was a child, the Constitution, particularly the Bill of Rights made our country the moral leader of the world.

What happened?

Her intent was to disrupt. She has done her son wrong and it is he that we should feel sorry for not her. She was not arrested. Thank you for odjectionally showing both sides. (SHOCKER)

Cindy Sheehan is a disgrace to America. Bush has not enforced a draft. Meaning, all the soldiers in Iraq are there because THEY WANT TO BE THERE.

Maybe Ms. Sheehan should think about her son's wishes instead of her own.

Maybe Ms. Sheehan should leave America. Seeings how she is oh so upset with how America has turned out.

I know that if MY mother was protesting against a government that I had risked my life for and unfortunately died, I would roll over in my grave. I don't understand why the left can't get it through their thick skulls that this is WAR and it IS NOT going away. TERRORISM is real! This isn't a tea party.

The left portrays the right as being war hungry lunitics. Well, we're not. No one LIKES war. It just so happens to be a necessary evil. This isn't a war about oil. This is a war about FREEDOM.

I think Cindy Sheehan should be ashamed of herself.

That's just my two cents worth.

I am so pleased to see this article reprinted in a Chicago Tribune company property. Did they have the courage to run it on their pages? The front page? Sheehand writes: "I have lost my First Amendment rights. I have lost the country that I love. Where did America go?" People who have not been feeling this ever since congress rushed through the Patriot Act have not been paying attention. Coverage of our vanishing Civil Liberties should be the number one priority of all media outlets at this place and time. Thanks for putting this on-line but I hope it made the daily.

Gee surprise surprise.....Cindy Sheehan knew full well what she was doing, that her actions would cause a stir and thus draw more attention to herself and her
cause, plain and simple. I'm personally tired of her
road show and disrespect for the President....its Bush....not Bushco Ms Sheehan......plenty of mothers
have lost sons to this war which would have been fought sooner or later in one manner or other.....I can sympathise with her loss but not the way she's going about it.

God bless America! I think people in america take their liberties for granted. In India a person like Cindy Sheehan would not have been just arrested and released. Instead, she would have been tortured(most likely killed in police custody),and her whole family would have been arrested and torured as well. In America, a person like Cindy sheehan is allowed to protest but like the previous post has stated, there is a time and place for these things. The American governemnt's functioning is adored by the world over. I don't know if Americans know how the Indian parliamet works, (most likely not because American media coverage of world affairs is almost non-existent unless it deals with oil-rich nations), but in the Indian parliament people start throwing their shoes at each other, start throwing punches etc. The State-of-the-Union Address is supposed to be an orderly speech intended for America to hear what the President of the United States has to say.

Be proud that we can protest in this country without the fear of torture and custodial murder. Don't get spoiled with what we have here.

peace.

In the case of both women removed, and the difference therein, there's some much simpler explanations than these nearly consiratory theories offered up.

Maybe the reaction was different because there was an overzealous Capitol cop that "caught" Sheehan's shirt and removed her. It could possibly be that the whole issue was NOT due to Bush's policies or the War in Iraq or anything else but some cops who were hell-bent on not allowing any messages from the gallery that weren't part of the planned event. Like it or not, the State of the Union is not a place for a free-for-all, which is what probably inspired Sheehan's treatment.

Five cops beat the stuffing out of a guy who they'd already put on the ground only a few days ago, somewhere in America. My outrage is reserved for him, not someone who claims to have only opened her jacket to cool off after a long walk up many stairs. I don't buy the "Mickey the Dunce" act. (Sheehan claims this, and that's just silly considering all the other publicity stunts she's been involved in, whether her point is valid or not.)

On the political and policy activism front, Sheehan, for what good she's done, also attracts the mental mayhem of some melodramatic, misguided and unschooled people (by example, 'theTRUTHtheLIGHT' in this comment post).

I hope she sues and wins for the treatment. I hope it doesn't prove to be a faltering attempt at being the country's latest wannabe martyr.

Is this not what she wanted in the first place? The fact that she was given the the ticket by an outspoken person like Wollsey proves that. Im sure this is more than she could have hoped for and will milk this for a few more minutes of fame. This is not to say I do not aggree with her, but the sky is falling and crying wolf helps no one. She started off great and has went down hill from there. She is no longer the grieving mother, but she falls back on that when it suits her. Just because she or her backers think it is so does not make it so. Same goes for Bush and his side, the truth is somewhere in the middle.

Several comments have expressed outrage that the Republican administration would remove a liberal protester from the state of the union address.

But what would Bill have done? If Clinton were still President, and a conservative showed up at the state of the union address with a t-shirt stating: "X number of Branch Davidians killed" or "X number of extramarital affairs," or "X number of deaths in Bosnia," or some other inflammatory statement relating to the Presidency, do you think Clinton would have left them in the room?

No. Any president would have removed a protestor from the room. Cindy Sheehan is actually an easy case, because everyone knows she was there to make a scene. That's what she does. The only reason any of us know who she is is because she habitually gets as close as she can to President Bush and then makes a scene.

Shame on the members of Congress who invited her. They knew exactly what would happen.

Someone who really cares about Ms. Sheehan should get her enrolled in grief counseling. It is truly tragic that her son died, and she needs to find an effective way of dealing with the loss.

I called Rep. Young's office yesterday saying I supported his wife's right to free speech as well as Cindy Sheehan's! When I read his statement this morning my blood boiled!

Young said he wouldn't be so mad if it were just Sheehan. "I totally disagree with everything she stands for," he said.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ wp...20100348_2.html
But by removing his wife, Gainer's officers clearly "acted precipitously," Young said.

I guess most Republicans have never been in a "Free Speech Zone"! I called his office and told them I hope he is tarred and feathered for not upholding his oath to the US Constitution to protect and defend ALL OF OUR LIBERTIES, not just Republicans! The Republic IS DEAD!

Boo-Hoo, Boo-hoo, boo-hoo-hoo! Serves her right, who does she think she is? She is a wirthless piece of crap and we do not need her stinking up our house!

The amusing thing is that Venezuela actually have free media that are quite vocal in bashing Chavez. I'm not sure why one idiot's statement (Stan's) was taken for granted.

The amusing thing is that Venezuela actually has free media that are quite vocal in bashing Chavez. I'm not sure why one idiot's statement (Stan's) was taken for granted.

THIS IS NOT AMERICA! We here in these 50 states are living in a corporate-fascist state of fear and control. Ms. Sheehan and her struggles only highlight one aspect of this. Mr. Bush and COMPANY may not have started this version of friendly fascism, but they certainly have made it more obvious, visible and mean. One day Ms. Sheehan will be championed as a modern-day Rosa Parks for conviction of purpose. Until then we will continue to be oppressed and our FREEDOMS & LIBERTIES diminished. For what I ask? There will be dark days ahead until we act like our (mythical)ideals command.

Watching the American fascist agenda successfully unfold has made me committed to become involved in our political process...not because I have time or money...but because I love freedom and liberty. I know that I am only one of millions and millions. I see the Bush regime as a catalyst for Americans to get involved in our peoples' government to take it back. So...thank you Mr. Bush. The people's revolution has begun. We will get our beloved America back...

Give it a rest already Cindy Sheehan. I don't think there is anyone who doesn't feel remorse for you concerning the loss of your son. He (your son) signed up to serve in the military and was asked to serve his country which he did honorably. Unfortunately he paid the ultimate price and I'm sure that he believed he was doing the right thing. Your spectacle at the State of the Union was totally uncalled for. If you were given a ticket and an invite to attend, why would you taunt everyone with such a deplorable shirt. Knowing what you have done for press coverage in the past, I'm sure that there is more to the story than what you are trying to lead everyone to believe. Whether you agree to disagree with the current administrations actions, the State of the Union was not the place to display your radical leftist ideology.

I am very confused about something that maybe someone in here could help me with. Ms. Sheehan referred to the People's State of the Union Address. Is this the proper name or is it the State of the Union Address? I was under the impression that this was for the President to address congress, but it is also open for the Public to hear what he has to say. I believe that if this is in fact for the president to address congress, then there should not be any "protesting" allowed, however if it is in fact the People's State of the Union Address then I believe that her rights may have been violated. Any help?

Cindy Sheehan ought to sue these officials directly. What a shame it is when the cause of freedom turns out to be false rhetoric. I have never been so ashamed or disgusted to be an American. When will America wake up? I am tired of this and deep down know that the negative and greedy acts of America have come home to roost. Thanks a lot.

oh so bushite. I presume he reads the statement, "we, the people of the American goverment..." as the royal we--me, myself and I.

he does have a way of making himself incredibly unpopular--

just think if any one of those firebrand forefathers had been there to protest-- or George Washington himself. He wasn't particularly fond of foreign entanglements either. "Sorry, old man, we can't have protestoprs in here with powdered wigs. Gotta maintain the decorum, ya know."

since when is taking off a jacket a crime? paranoia rules.

I prefer the first amendment myself. I am sure Bush would do away with the Constitution if he thought he could get away with it. It would be far easier to staff factories and corporations with cheap labor if the citizens of this country lost their rights. The military industrial complex is behind his agenda. There will be no peace with leaders that are funded by war machines. I would beg my fellow Americans not to elevt another scoundrel, but with black box voting machines (created by Bush supporters) and a smarmy electoral college- who are we kidding? We might as well let Bush hand pick his successors.

Apparently, Sheehan has decided that 15 minutes of fame isn't enough, and wants to try for 16.

Shees, that anyone can see her as anything but a lunatic is beyond me.

How she can disgrace her son in such a manner is truly das.

Earth to Cindy, come back please.

The state of our union is strong? Really? The state of President Bush’s union may be strong, but for the average American, the union is anything but strong. This is evidenced by the actions experienced by Cindy Sheehan and Representative Young’s wife Beverly. It amazes me how this administration censors dissenting opinion. Often times the President is insulated from this type of dissent by surrounding himself with well groomed crowds. Is he really afraid to hear the voice of the people over that of the corporation? When he spoke at Kansas State, in defense of the “domestic spying program,” he was confronted by a student that asked how cutting $12.7 billion from student loans was supposed to help the education of students. Seemingly disoriented and confused, he managed to spew some talking points that really didn’t answer the question. Maybe that is what he is afraid of. Perhaps he really doesn’t have answers to his critics, unless prepared ahead of time; therefore he has them removed so they don’t pose a problem. It must be a lovely world in which he lives. When will it be our turn?

The first point I would like to make is that Ms. Sheehan is incorrect in citing that the it is the Peoples State of the Union address. It is not, it is the Presidents address to Congress. It is not her platform for communicating her view.
Second, my condolence to her on her loss. Her son served and made a choice. He raised his right hand and said that he would obey the orders of the President of the U.S. and officers appointed over him. Her son made a choice, if she didn't agree with that she could have expressed her opinion to her son prior to him joining the military. Again her son made a choice, we are a volunteer Army. Soldiers join this military knowing, now more than ever, that they may go to war and God forbid, die. Her son made a choice, if she didn't like it she should reflect on her abilities as a parent and the influences she placed in his life. She should bring into question herself, and what kind of mother she was prior to him joining the military. Many young men join the Army to get away from home. She should reflect on how much time she invested in his life and how much time she flitted away. How much time she spent in front of a TV or shopping, she is obviously a very selfish person. It's all about her. She had time with him before he joined the military and could have fostered a home and life that he wouldn't want to leave. She could have given sound advice that he listened to if he respected her. I'm sure she would have advised him not to join the military. Unfortunately Cindy Sheehan has fallen prey to what most of America has as well. We spend as little time as possible with our children, we let cartoons babysit them. When they turn 5 they go off to school, and the time we spend decreases even more. Peer influence begins to override family values. The parent begins to care less and less and when the child turns 18 the parent can't wait for them to leave so the parent can do what they have been waiting 18 years for. Young men and women join the military, often not knowing what they are getting into, they just want to get away. Some like it and stay and others leave.
Now Ms. Sheehan wants to parade, let her start with herself and do some reflection, did she fall prey to the above mentioned comments, or did she foster an environment where her son wanted to stay. A good honest time of self reflection on how she spent the time with her son prior to joining the military is what Ms. Sheehan needs.
Ms. Sheehan has gotten caught up in being a celeb and garnering attention from politicians who use her for their own agendas. I feel bad that she is dishonoring her son's sacrafice and using it for personal gain.

I was in the chamber when Ms. sheehan was removed. She was being very hostile with security, she even tried to spit on the security guard, she is lying about what took place. One bit of advice, take a bath and put on some make-up before you go to court.

Wow! This whole thread blows my mind that there are people that really hate and think that they have the right to speak, write, or wear anything they want, when or were ever they want. I guess you can, but people will stop listening to you like the boy who cried wolf. I pity Cindy Sheehan. If you like Chavez and hate Bush, move to Venezuela, for the next two years.

theTRUTHtheLIGHT – Do you actually believe that? This country really is screwed up. Do you have a job? Or do you just hope that other people will work hard and support you? Free health care and free education equals worthless healthcare and worthless education. Let’s make everybody a winner equals everyone’s a loser.

Stan - A leader who is elected represents the view of the majority, and for those four years those view win. That is democracy. One side wins the other side loses. The problem is that one side is O.K. with losing and waits our turn to try again, but the other side whines and cries that where they won or not should have anything to do with how the view of the government are. I think you understand.

J. Arrigo – Amen, but no one will see it that way. They hate Bush and everybody that voted for him. Funny how they hate, haters isn’t it.

theTRUTHtheLIGHT – You really need to move to Venezuela. I think you would like it there.

just steve – Lazy press isn’t the governments fault. Quit thinking that it is. But you hate Bush, so every road leads to Bush. Hater.

L.M. – We don’t let crazy people near normal people, sorry Cindy.

martin aller-stead – You really think President Bush should go to every soldier’s funeral, as much as this might hurt, he is the most Power full man in the world and he has more important things to do. Of course you are going to say “what is more important than the men and women who have died for our country?” And I say, “The people they died for!” You, me, our children, the Afghan people, the Iraqi people. They are more important because the soldiers died for them.
Cindy Sheehan needs to go home, fix her marriage. Isn’t she mad at Bush for Lying to our country, didn’t she lie to her ex-husband, “death do us part” I do, she isn’t dead yet is she.

People will in the end see President Bush was a great president. Look at Abe Lincoln, during his Presidency people thought he was a horrible president, and now after 150 years we look and say he was one of the best. Cindy Sheehan will be forgotten, but her sons sacrifice will never be.

In every age there are a few who stand up (for the rest of us)and say that what we are tolerating isn't right. Often they lack the polish and the experience of those who know how to look wise in the public eye. What they have instead is the passion that has been cowed out of the rest of their contempoaries. While we need them to speak out, to add perspective and leadership, we often ridicule them, even vilify them.

Then of course years later we celebrate them. It has always seemed so. "You worship at he tombs of the prophets that you had killed."

What an interesting race of creatures we are. How difficult our fear makes our social evolution. In ten years, I predict we will celebrate Cindy Sheehan as one of the forebears who helped us get past another armed debacle. Some day we will learn to settle our disputes in a truly "civilized" way.

Cindy Sheehan got the charges dropped, but the damage is done and will continue!
Anyone who has studied Fascism knows that it doesn't happen overnight. There typically is a ratcheting down on things like civil liberties, freedom of speech, dissenting opinions and a ratcheting UP of things like corporate and religious control merging with government. We are undoubtedly on the way there and it IS happening whether you want to admit it or not.
An alarming percentage of "decent" Americans seem to be OK with this! It CAN happen here. It IS happening.
Borrowing a coal mining reference: The canaries are dying all around us while the fat pigs play happliy in the mud(money).

J. Arrigo is the only one who got it right. She broke a law and got arrested. Stop blaming it on "Bush and his cronies" and do something about it. Petition your congressman and change the law. Or run for congress if the mood suits you. Or as a last alternative, shut up and let more useful bits of data travel freely through the net.

If you REALLY REALLY REALLY need to blame someone, the only logical recipient would be the people who wrote that law.

by the way, i fell off my roof the other day. you know who's fault it was? gw

As for Republican Congressman Bill Young's wife, today's Washington Post reported the following:

"Young said he wouldn't be so mad if it were just Sheehan. "I totally disagree with everything she stands for," he said. But by removing his wife, Gainer's officers clearly "acted precipitously," Young said."

There's the difference right there. It's okay for HIS wife to wear a tshirt because he agrees with what her tshirt said, but it's NOT okay for Sheehan to show an opposing point of view on her tshirt.

And no, Young's wife was neither cuffed nor roughly handled according to all reports. So I dont see that the two women were treated the same.

Cindy Sheehan is upset because her son Casey chose to RETURN to Iraq and not stay at home with her as her mama's boy??

Casey, I'm sure, would be embarassed by all this. Isn't it curious that she isn't rejoicing that she has other children alive and well in this world? Get among the living, lady!!

Why won't the press find out what Mr. Sheehan's opinion is? Because he's a man and understands a son's chosen professional to proudly defend his nation?

It was Casey's choice to go - TWICE. Leave it alone.

Sue the hell out of them Cindy, one by one our rights are being taken away from us and handed over to the mega corporations of this country. Here’s a very important question! Why is Iraq in the shape it is in today?
Bruce Hillberry
ImSuing.com

This woman is as brave as the soldiers that have been ordered over to Iraq. What is the point of fighting a war in the name of protecting democracy and liberty only to deny these freedoms back home in Washington. Why is the most powerful man in the world scared of a brave little lady wearing a T-Shirt that no judge in any land would call offensive. This is just like Britain where the 82yr old Walter Wolfgang was arrested and physically dragged away in similar circumstances for terrorism offences simply for calling Tony Blair's justification for also being in Iraq as "Nonsense".

I almost believe little Miss Sheehan. Unfortunately since she is only after press and political leverage...she is sueing over something as meaningless as this....her credibility is zilch. This speaks volumes on her true intent and character. This is infantile behavior in its purest form.

She is a meaningless little slog of no consequence. Once the press finally figures this out then people may start taking things that the press says truly seriously.

Until that day good luck.

I AM DAMNED MAD!! Of course I have been damned mad for some time about the affairs of this administration. It still surprises me how Bush can get into so much trouble and give a speech and all these people accept his words that don't have all the facts included, are downright lies, and doesn't match all the misery we can see he has caused around us, such as lost insurance, high gas, lost jobs, lost sons and daughters,and I can just go on and on. Imagine all the stress and depression on individuals he has caused. I bet a few suicides are because of him. Cindy keep up the struggle. I haven't lost any sons or daughters but I AM DAMNED MAD!! I admire you for all you have gone through. All of it is a total shame. The Republicans must lose the majority in congress in 2006 so we can get on with the business at hand.

Sue the hell out of them Cindy, one by one our rights are being taken away from us and handed over to the mega corporations of this country. Here’s a very important question! Why is Iraq in the shape it is in today?
Bruce Hillberry
ImSuing.com

Cindy Sheehan has been the lightening rod for those of us who find this war not only horrifying but illegal as well.

I was not surprised to find her thrown out of the capital. Everyone had been informed she was there. The President was hell bent on putting on a terrific dog and pony show to jack up his ratings and the last thing he wanted would be the cameras looking into the balcony at his nemesis.

Given the length this administration will go to usurp civil rights does any of this suprise us?

I wonder, if Bush has 39% approval, what is his approval rating without THE SOUTH.

15% ?

10% ?

What a pathetic monkey... I am ashamed and saddened for the country I love.

Sheehan is a traitor to this country. She is the Tokyo Rose of our times. She has dishonored her Son, the US Militray and the United States. We've had enough of her and her liberal idiotic ideas. Please advice her to get mental help.

Martin-

No one would tolerate listening to her for very long. Her voice sounds like someone scratching a chalkboard

Stan:

Although Venezula's papers are still state owned, the first thing he did after coming into power was to grant freedom of the press. Maybe you'll be happy to know that Chavez takes *more* flak in his own country than bush takes here.

Let's get one thing straight for everyone that wants to blame "Bush's gestapo" for arresting Cindy Sheehan, like that ignorant congressman from CA said. The Capitol police are under the authority of the Congress, not the President.

Cindy Sheehan has turned into an embarrassment in my opinion. I will never be able to understand her pain of losing a son, but I sympathize with her and feel sorry for her loss. When she was protesting the war, I understood why. But now in my opinion, she is doing nothing to "honor" her son, it is all about Cindy Sheehan. She is totally in it for herself.

She makes embarrasing statements, ignorant statements, and overall makes the loony left look more loony. She compared Bush to Osama Bin Laden and said he was worse. Think you will hear that again in a campaign commercial? The left will rue the day they gave her power.

She shouldn't have been arrested, but I don't blame them for making her leave. The SOTU speech is not the place to make a statement, regardless of which party's president is speaking. And was she really roughed up? Or was that a half-truth to gain sympathy? Because I have seen pictures of her being escorted out, and the officer escorting her out, has his hand underneath her arm, he isn't grabbing it.

If the President is Constitutionally obligated to report the State of the Union, why does that speech not have to be a true measure of facts and not the twisted picture that is painted by the adminitration? I refer to (President selective in worldview) printed in this blog 2/1/2006

This administration is the most secretive, the most represive and the most incompetent administation in the history of out country. The founding fathers who fought for our freedom in the 1700's must be crying.

I can not believe that Cindy Sheehan continues to receive press coverage. The Marine Corps stands for Honor, Courage and Commitment all of which Casey fought for. Marines have been fighting for over two hundred years to protect the people of this great country as well as preserve the freedoms that we all enjoy. The very freedoms that Mrs. Sheehan is certainly entitled to. However, I can not belive that her continued public displays honor any of the fallen Marines or Soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan or of wars past. My brother is in the Marine Corps and I can not possibly know the depth of my sorrow if I were to lose him but what I do know is that I would honor his sacrifice with dignity. I am forever grateful for the men and women that are willing to give all for this country. I am also assured that providence has provided us a Commander in Chief with commitment to do the right thing even when it is the most difficult and I belive that history will clearly tell the story. God Bless the USA.

Unfortunately, the travesty of forcefully hauling Cindy Sheenan out of the State of the Union Address is a poignant manifestation of a famous Socratic paradox – ‘To do injustice is the greatest of all evils’ --- for it’s better to suffer evil than commit it. While some 2,500 years ago Plato cautioned fellow citizens accordingly, today the long held notion that an injustice to one is an injustice to all is lost on many of those charged with public leadership. It's just that simple.

Sadly, welcome to a diminishing mindset in this country. Yet, was it not against that basic injustice our democracy aims to protect the minority from the tyranny of the majority? Seemingly, the zealots among us are increasingly failing to recognize that salient principle, while ironically, having been granted a free reign to do so with impunity against the majority from their minority position. I dread imagine what our future world shall be like if we continue to rest on our laurels and acquiesce to neo-conservative diatribes and attitudes becoming the majority position.

In closing, I’m reminded of the relevance of the nineteen century argument by John Stuart Mill in The Contest in America, “As long as justice and injustice have not terminated their ever renewing fight for ascendancy in the affairs of mankind, human beings must be willing, when need is, to do battle for the one against the other.” Press on Cindy Sheehan you’ve emerged as a vitally necessary public conscience for our increasingly misguided country.

For all those who say they wish Hugo Chavez was our president, I suggest you google Human Rights Hugo Chavez and read the results. Then pack up your stuff and move to Venezuela.

America is the best country to live in, PERIOD. Wwe have the most freedoms and we are the most successful economy in the world. You might not like the President, but it is amazing how so many of you justify everything you dislike that happens as the President's fault. Get over your idiocy.

If you want free healthcare, go move to Venezuela, because we don't want it here. Free healthcare isn't free. Before you post more ignorant statements here, please go take an Economics 101 course. Then please, do move to Venezuela, and see how much better it is. You'll be back in 6 months. Lemmings.

Well put Mr Arrigo, but the problem is that the powers that be have relegated the places in which you can legally protest in DC to the size of a postage stamp. Protesters aren't able to get anywhere near an official event featuring the President where cameras and an audience will be. In a country of 3,537,441 square miles and saturated with media and commercial and big political interests all clammoring for the attention of the American People with their massive advertising and PR funds, where are the common people, the grassroots to go? So fine, give him the State of the Union to "report" to Congress (perhaps the lawsuit should be with regard to the accuracy of this constitutionally required report?) but the People, all of the People need a place to speak and be heard.

TRUTHtheLIGHT. .
Apparently for you, you ready only what you have been programmed to see and believe anything that is anti-Bush. Even by your own postings, your quick to support socialist and liberal media while its a well posted fact that 95% of the articles are spun so far left, they come back for a reach around.

As for the supposed E-mail from Cindy, even that has the twist to it. From the picture I've seen as she's being led out, a few questions pop up.

She is being led out by her right arm, with a smile on her face. Hmmmm arms behind her back roughly. And yes this is a picture you can TELL she is being led UP stairs. Even in the "E-mail" posted above, she says quote:

"On the way out, someone behind me said, "That's Cindy Sheehan." At which point the officer who arrested me said: "Take these steps slowly." I said, "You didn't care about being careful when you were dragging me up the other steps."

Dragged up the steps. Think about that one.

"I wish Chavez was the president of the United States. At least we would all get free healthcare and education. "

How about you work for you education/health care and quit expecting the free ride, on the backs of us people who actually work for our living.

Remember, when you point the finger at others, how many of your own are pointed back at you?

I agree that Cindy should sue and I can't wait to read about how Beverly Young was removed from the State of the Union. I too would agree with L.M. about the stark difference between how the two women were removed. Until we get the facts, I will hold my judgement.

It is shameful that the relationship between the People and its representatives have been turned upside down. When did those we elect get the gumption to supercede our Constitutional rights? Loaded question? YOU BET! Whether its wearing a tee-shirt or wiretapping or unjustly holding American's who affiliate with protest groups, one thing is clear. This administration is quite successful at not only intimidation, but outrightly flaunts their bravado (as in the case with the President's 'right' to wiretap without a warrent). We all need to stand up, question our government's action, and be real Patriots by defending our Bill of Rights and the Constitution of the US by removing those who not only abuse the powers afforded them by you and me, but use fear and propoganda to advance their neo-conservative agenda.

Finally I would add that Stan does need to get his facts straight. I recommend he view the documentary called "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised", which captured the coup attempt against Hugo Chavez as it was happening. The documentary clearly demonstrates that Chavez's opponents used the country's 4 media outlets to subvert and defame the democratically elected President. Chavez's reaction wasn't to close down those TV stations even though on the evening news the anchor said that Chavez and Castro were homosexual lovers. And Stan, you cry about state-run media...In fact the creation of a state-run TV station was a response to the 4 private TV stations that were blasting anti-Chavez propoganda everyday. Those 4 privately run TV stations still exist and their rights have not been curtailed and if anything, Chavez has used the judiciary and the legislature to rein in the ability of these propogandists from defamation of character through outright lies. That is the myth propogaged by this administration and the lemmings we call US corporate media.

I invite any and all comments and responses...We must all stand up and remind those in power that they are only there because WE ALLOW IT...too many American's have forgotten this very important point.

PEACE,

BOOYAH

J. Arrigo has it right; if you claim the right of protest is absolute (anywhere, anytime), say goodbye to doing any kind of meaningful activity - including the business of the country.

The nice thing about America is, you see, if you don't like Fox News, you can always watch CNN. Or you can start your own news organization. Perhaps Mr. Chavez will provide the seed money.

God bless you Cindy Sheehan!!!! When will Rummy and his killers get enough? Maybe when the body count is as high as Vietnam!!!

Cindy you have my regrets and sympathies. I regret letting Bushmanure take over the country. I voted against him and tried to tell my family but they would not listen. I see now that I have to do more. Where can I get the latest update on the killings in Iraq? It is still the wrong war, at the wrong time, in the wrong place as it was when Sen. Kerry was trying to rouse the country. Maybe now people will begin to think about impeachment for the current resident of the White House for breaking the law.

Cindy sweetheart, I feel bad you got hot and had to take your jacket off at the state of the union speech. Isn't it an amazing coincidence you were wearing that inflamatory T-shirt? or do you just not change clothes anymore?
I know you're used to living in a camp but Cindy, honey. It's time to get a change of clothes sweety. And a life.

Cindy Sheehan is missing the whole point. Her son WANTED to go and fight in Iraq, he WANTED to make a difference in the lives of oppressed people, and he WANTED to stand up for democracy for people everywhere. Her son, in the next world, must be now turning his head in shame and hoping that his mother will HONOR his personal sacrifice that he made of his OWN FREE WILL. I have five sons, and have lost one of those to death, though not in war. If my son died fighting for a good cause that he believed in I would certainly grieve but hope I would not behave in such a disgraceful fashion. Message for Cindy: mothers of the world grieve for you, but don't become bitter...become better.

Cindy sweetheart, I feel bad you got hot and had to take your jacket off at the state of the union speech. Isn't it an amazing coincidence you were wearing that inflamatory T-shirt? or do you just not change clothes anymore?
I know you're used to living in a camp but Cindy, honey. It's time to get a change of clothes sweety. And a life.

To the person that wrote about all the story that Venezeula report on. The is a stupid point, of course Venezeula papers are allowed to report negetive things on USA. It is Chavez that they are not allowed to write negetive stuff on. I find that Cindy Sheehan is demagogue. Cindy obsesion destory her marriage and family. When the other family release a statement about Casey being a hero and in support of the war. Cindy and her sister question their relationship and love of Casey. Cindy Sheehan feeling are all that matter to her. Cindy says that she won't go on Bill O'Rielly any more (I don't watch him or am a fan) because he treated her so badly but expect the Prestent to meet with her after the way she treat him. Cindy say she is not a tratior the enemy. Chavez stood next to the Venezuela President as he chanted Death to America's empire. The has been no draft in this war Casey sign up for the army. I know not everyone supports this war the only war but most don't support pulling out right now also.

Now hearing the true account from Ms. Sheehan I wonder and question the rights and authority of this administration. Who are these people? ...They cannot be Americans.

To Mrs. Sheehan and others I say - keep fighting and you will one day help return this country to what it used to be known for.

Freedom.

We are proud of you, Cindy. And we love you. Please keep your chin up, and keep up the stuggle. Bush is truly evil. Best wished to you.

The Corporate press is not "free". It costs about $3.00 for a newspaper on Sunday, in addition, the corporate press collects huge amounts of money in advertising.

What is seems to be "free" about the press today isa that they selectively suppress or print stories based on the corporate buy-line.

I don't buy newspapers or their corporate bull, or take their advertisers advice to the market.

I, like Ms. Sheehan feel we have lost what America stands for, but on the other hand, I think we never really had it. Especially since world wars I & II.

I think the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution put forth IDEAS that when put into practice result in a just and peaceful government. What we have today is the shadow of despotism - King George is no longer on foreign shores - he is sitting in the White House!

Obviously nobody is entirely correct or incorrect on this issue or any other, though you would like to believe so. I notice discrepencies in both parties and both are just as stupid as the other.

I see that its natural to want YOUR view to be accepted as correct but you know as well as I that everybody wants this. Who ever is in power, be it the president, majority/minority leaders, lobbyist group leaderes, CEOs of large corporations, media groups, or even a grieving mother who makes herself noticed via television and newspaper by way of some almost egregious acts, you can rest assured that they have a huge area of leverage on injecting their views into the public. Unfortunately everybody is gullable when it comes to something they WANT to here. I literally HEAR too many people saying this and that about what they heard.......well, "heard" isnt really fact is it?

Moral of the story is, dont believe what you hear or read, unless you were there to witness it with your own eyes and hear it with your own ears, and able to undoubtedly compare it FACT FOR FACT to ascertain the truth.

Sincerely,
A citizen that is not brainwashed by any party or any policially charged media from the left or the right

Yet another example of a basic truth: The dream that was America is dead.

Just sent to March Sandoval, Washington Bureau Chief for the San Francisco Chronical.

From: stephen@ddleague-usa.net
To: msandalow@sfchronicle.com
Cc: DDL Discussion List ; Michael Boldin ; Helen Schmidt ; WAMM -- Val & Mike Corral ; Richard Reeves ; Rep John Conyers ; Mike Ruppert ; Jim & Art Cullen ; Freedom Forum ; Carol Brouillet ; Bev Conover ; Anthony Coughlan
Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2006 9:05 AM
Subject: A Million Little Fascist Pieces

Re -- "2 ejections from House denounced -- Capitol police chief apologizes to GI's mom, lawmaker's wife", by Marc Sandalow, Washington Bureau Chief for the San Francisco Chronicle, 02 Feb 2006.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/02/02/MNGRAH1IF21.DTL

"We're very sorry, Cindy Sheehan, for violating your constitutional right to free speech at the SOTU. Now that our fascist values of zeo offense to Bush The Great are safe again from scum like you, you're free to go. But now you and your friends know what will happen the next time you pull this sxxx."

It's just another of the million little fascist pieces of anti-rights, anti-freedoms, and anti-liberties in the Bush-Cheney Illegitimacy. We won't forget. The come-uppance will be massive. Impeachment and removal will be only the beginning. Prosecutions under the 1945 federal statute, 18 USC 241 -- criminal conspiracy against citizen rights -- will fine and imprison thousands of the anti-American fascist thugs having their day in the Bush-Cheney sun now.

Stephen Neitzke
Tulsa, OK
Direct Democracy League
http://ddleague-usa.net

Do a search for Cindy Sheehan and David Duke. I'm sure your opinions of her will change drastically. She's not who you think she is.

I just want to understand why Ms. Sheehan's loss is any greater than those suffered by other parents of deceased veterans, in this war or any previous. Should all of those who lost lives in Somalia get to make their own "State of the Union" address, too, as Martin has suggested? What about for all of our troops under UN or NATO control? Those we lost during the operations in the former Yugoslavia? What about Korea or Vietnam? WWII?

By the way - For those not old enough to remember, we put our head in the sand when the Axis powers attacked in Europe and the Pacific, until they bombed Pearl Harbor. By then, the enemy had strengthened so much that it cost us many more lives than it would have if we had gone into Europe when the Nazis first took Poland. Instead, we said it's Europe's problem. We cannot afford such complacency again. There is no such thing as freedom without a price to be paid. And if you don't want to make the sacrifice of fighting in these battles, don't join the armed forces. It's not as if Ms. Sheehan's son was plucked from the civilian ranks and forced to become a soldier. That does not make his death any less tragic, but he knew he might be called to sacrifice for our country's security. But we cannot afford to wait for countries who harbor and compensate terrorists to strike first. And that's what Hussein was known for doing ($25,000 to the family of each successful Palestinian bomber).

I have nothing to offer Ms. Sheehan, and the thousands of other family members, other than my deepest, most sincere apologies about the tragic loss of their loved ones. But I know that their sacrifice over the last 3 years was part of fighting a battle now that may end up saving hundreds of thousands of American lives in the future. With the deposing of the Taliban, Saddam's removal, and Libya's subsequent disarming of WMD, I know my children will live in a safer world because of the sacrifice of these soldiers. I just wish I felt better about our exit strategy in the Iraq theatre right now.

It is a sad fact that a place that holds decorum in such regards would treat anyone with a ticket to attend with less respect than it would the President of the United States. None of this would have been a matter worth reporting had a security officer calmly attended to Mrs. Sheehan and requested that she put her jacket back on, zip it up and leave it up for the remainder of the presentation, or even asked her to come with them in a civilized manner. Why they would feel the need to manhandle anyone in this forum with such disgrace says a great deal about lack of respect these officers have for the American public in a house built by us and for us. The speaker and the message are mute based on the handling of this matter prior to the beginning of the address.

While several people make valid points, I would counter some of them with the fact that even in this forum, we can find legitimate arguments on the subject and therefore there is room for this subject to be argued in a court of law. No matter what your views on the President or the job they are doing for us, Mrs. Sheehan has never in what I have seen, witnessed or heard has ever been pushy and anything less than respectful with her protest. The officers owed her the same respect they demand from us. You may despise my stance on a subject matter, but do not loose respect for the fact that I have the right to a difference in opinion.

Our President needs to learn that lesson. Mr. Bush has had many opportunities to disarm Mrs. Sheehan’s protest. When she was visible outside his ranch in Texas, a good Southern Gentleman would have gone to speak with her. They may differ on the subject matter, but that is OK. Once he spoke with her, he could have simply held a brief news conference with Mrs. Sheehan declaring his increased sympathies for her and his great understanding for her position, but that he respectfully differs with her opinions. This may not have ended her protest, but he would have looked like the gentleman our President needs to be, but also like a good leader the world expects of the greatest nation in the world. The fact that he refuses still to this day to meet with anyone who has a difference of opinion with him makes him and the great office he holds look sad and mocks the principles this country and his position was created to uphold. If our President cannot accept criticism from someone in a closed door meeting, it is a wonder that the police and staff treated Mrs. Sheehan with such disgrace and disgust. What they cannot see is that they themselves are giving more credibility to Mrs. Sheehan and her protest than her own cause does.

Mrs. Sheehan, keep fighting the good fight. Sometimes a revolution is just what we need for great things to happen. My hopes and prayers are with you as you move forward and as the Great Martin Luther King pointed out, never loose respect for your stance, your opponent and always do so with non-violence. When your oppressors use tactics such as the ones used to eject you; you remain a bastion of hope and support for even more people who can find pride in what you do.

Yours truly,

T-InAtlanta

The state of our union is dreadful--and it seems on a downward spiral under the Present Resident's not-very-watchful hand. Hijinks like Ms. Sheehan's very public expulsion and Mr. Bush's recent outright lies to citizens about budget cuts in education demonstrate his lack of character and our lack of inquisitiveness.

I look forward to the day when the U.S. elects a President, so that we can resume diplomatic relations with the world, regain some of the respect this Administration has lost for us, and finally pay some attention to the American people who are *not* wealthy and well-placed. It may be that we can, within a decade, actually clean up some of the mess that Mr. Bush is still creating.

Though some would disagree, civil liberties are crucial to our continuation as a sovereign nation. We need to recover, if possible, some of that self-respect that we used to have in abundance, before the Patriot Act and the many rubber-stamping members of the Congress degraded it--and the nation.

The state of our union can still be improved, but it will need an immediate and continual display of backbone on the part of every American who loves actual freedom, not the shadowy vari