War protester urges students to stand up for what they believe in
Anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan spoke at Boulder Unity Church Thursday night and introduced her recent book, Peace Mom: A Mother’s Journey through Heartache to Activism.
Sheehan’s son, Casey, was killed in April 2004 in the Iraq war. Since his death, Sheehan has been actively protesting the war and has made countless attempts to get an answer from President Bush as to why her son died.
During her speech, Sheehan encouraged other people to make a difference by speaking out against what they find wrong.
“It’s up to us to stand up and use our voices,” said Sheehan. “It’s our right and responsibility as American citizens to do this.”
Although she is still grieving the loss of her son, Sheehan acknowledged that she is not the only one who lost a loved one.
“When Casey was killed, your son was killed,” she said. “When innocent people of Iraq are killed, our brothers and sisters are being killed.”
She reminded the audience that Iraqis are suffering from losses, as well. The difference is that “it’s their country. They want the troops out. If George Bush wants to follow democracy, he would remove them.”
One of many facts Sheehan mentioned regarding the Iraqi war was the cost. She stated that each hour, $10 million is spent in Iraq.
“How many kids can we send to college in one hour?” asked Sheehan.
Despite her many anti-Bush statements, Sheehan also reminded the audience, “the Democrats have been busy giving power away.” She continued to remind the crowd that they must stand up and tell politicians they are sick of their lies.
Sheehan called for a peaceful revolution in which the public would “demand their country back without violence.”
“We can’t tell our kids not to solve problems with violence if our country solves problems with violence,” said Sheehan.
The crowd welcomed her blunt anti-war and anti-Bush statements.
“I was inspired by how radical she is in a gentle and compassionate way,” said Nikki Kayser. “I appreciated her comments about how we are all personally responsible.”
In her efforts to stop the war, Sheehan created Camp Casey in August 2005 outside of President Bush’s ranch in Crawford, Texas. The peace camp, which is now open constantly since Sheehan purchased five acres of land in Crawford, was originally founded in an attempt to meet with the president.
Although many believe Sheehan is against the troops, one of many goals she hopes to obtain through her activism is bringing the troops home.
“If it was in my power, I would bring them all home tomorrow,” she said.
Sheehan followed up with statements making it clear that the main focus of her activism is gaining a voice, and for others to do the same.
“I really admire her for continuing her struggle,” said Joy Nordstrom. “She seems tired. She’s really asking for people to do more.”
Sheehan addressed how corrupt she believes the government to be, when she referred to the people running America as “soul stealers.”
“With our consent, they’re taking away our rights,” said Sheehan. “Without saying anything, we’re giving up our rights.”
She then reminded the audience of the outcome of World War II, which took place because nobody said anything to stop what was happening.
According to Sheehan, if done in a peaceful way, Americans can “demand our country back. We way outnumber the people who are destroying our country.”
Throughout her speech, Sheehan reminded the crowd of how and why she is rebelling against the war and that each individual who agrees should do the same.
“Don’t believe that one person can’t make a difference because I’m one person,” said Sheehan.
