watching my husband cry

[Mari333]

everyday. Is too much for me. Today we recieve an email from his son that Michael's compound is being mortared in Baghdad. My husband has that to deal with that all day today ...then, when my husband goes to the store, he is driving along and a guy in a truck gets up on his bumper and starts honking at him and then passes him screaming at my husband.
the back of our car has a picture of our stepson on it, his service picture, and many Peace signs. So
Basically, we are a military family with a kid in Baghdad being attacked by mortar rounds today, and we are being attacked here by assholes in trucks because we are against this war.
My husband just came home, sat down, and started crying.
Ive had it.
I have really had it.

[absyntheNsugar]

1. My heart goes out to you Mari

And your husband showed remarkable courage for not going postal on that guy - I know I would have snapped.

[Joanne98]

2. I'm so sorry

This whole thing is awful. Some people are so ignorant.

[_Jumper_]

3. Ignore the sickos

Those people don't have a clue as to what the war was about.

[JohnLocke]

4. What an ass! (nt).

[Rowdyboy]

5. What unbelieveable pigs these people are...

My heart goes out to you, as it has for some time. God bless you and protect your boy. May we get rid of these Bush bastards so your son and all the other kids can come home.

[democrank]

6. Mari, I wish I could comfort you.

Please know that I`m thinking of you and your family and hoping for the best. Don`t give up. Keep believing in your message of peace. So many people are with you.

A hug from Vermont.....

[NJCher]

7. awww, Mari

Just because you are in an area where you have to live around a lot of fools, don't think the whole country is like that. There are whole parts of the country that hate * and his war and the fact that our young people are over there. The end to the American occupation may be coming sooner that we all realize.

it is horrible that you have to worry like you do. My heart goes out to you.


Cher

[terisel]

12. Thanks for your post

It helps me keep writing and talking to people about what is happening. You, your son, and your husband are very courageous.

on edit: I think I posted this as a reply to 7 instead of the original message, as i had intended.

[nostamj]

8. i'm sure the POS felt very patriotic

when the truth is he's utterly PATHETIC.

i'm so sorry to hear that such filth is exacerbating your pain.

[Qanisqineq]

9. I understand what you are going through

fortunately, I do not live anywhere near an army base and instead live in a very liberal college town. Everywhere I go, I see "No Iraq War" signs, even a year later. However, I do receive emails from the wives in his unit talking about the "wonderful, fair coverage" on FOX news and how wonderful the asshole is. Alas, this summer I will be living next door to these people.

I used to always hear the mortar rounds and gunshots in the background when talking to him on the phone. Just remember something my husband always tells me... the Iraqi's have very bad aim. VERY bad aim.

[Mari333]

Thanks..I think we need to move out of here

I hate this area...its mostly GOP and people here hate us because Bu$h is being shown for the asshole he is.
There isnt much support tho..no one..people leave us alone and just scratch their heads or attack.
we need to get out.

[Qanisqineq]

25. I was on my way to moving

in with my husband for the FIRST time (and we've been married 3.5 years) after I finished graduate school. Then he got word he was being deployed and I decided to stay somewhere I was familiar with until he got back. Boy, am I glad. I have no family anywhere near here and most of my friends have graduated and moved on, but am so relieved that all my co-workers will bash Bush in a heartbeart. (His family is nearby but they HATE me and I them) I am friends with all the army recruiters here and a few of the ROTC guys at the college, they all hate Bush and think we should pull out of Iraq ASAP.

I will admit, I do not post any signs on my car... it isn't paid-off and I'm not taking any chances! ;)

By the way, does your stepson have a digital camera? If not, I would highly recommend sending him one. Are you on any email lists with his unit? You might find it worth it. I, on the other hand, wanted to throw up every time I read them. They do send out updates on the unit and some include "what I hear from my soldier".

Keep your chin up!

[Mari333]

65. I wont speak to the unit members

they are kids..Im 52, Im old enough to be their mom. The number I got for these unit members was ridiculous..they are kids too whose husbands are over there. They said they are against this war also..but they are more afraid then I am to speak out
I am pretty much alone out here where I live...not one supportive person here..I come onto DU because the people here know the truth...its my family now, I dont have any family left who I can call family amongst what used to be friends.
Theres also mfso.org and they are good people. Thats it.
I am worried about my husband. He doesnt eat, he doesnt sleep, he coughs and is sick all the time. If anything happens to Michael, Im afraid he wont survive. Im the one who screams my anger. He doesnt do it like I do. He stuffs the anger and he is always depressed. He is at a point where Im seriously concerned for his very life continuing.
And thats just the truth.
((hugs))

[Mari333]

10. I think we need to move to a better more liberal area

this place is too much, too many freepers here. Cant take it anymore. Anyone have suggestions? we really need to get the hell out of here and to a more liberal area. Im serious. My husband agrees. we cant even go to the store. Its happened to me so many times.
People are cruel. I need to leave this area.
suggestions about liberal areas are appreciated. we need to move. I cant watch my husband cry like this anymore. Its too much.

[displacedtexan]

18. Baltimore is 90% Dem.

I feel so good living here, completely surrounded by liberals!

[mbee]

70. There's plenty of R/W nuts in Baltimore County though. They

went for Ehrlich big time and now our state is going to get in a big mess with all the slots crap, etc.

[blm]

23. Do it, Mari....it's only going to get worse

when the campaign heats up. Bush will have the base chomping at the bit to cause trouble before too long.

You deserve at least SOME peace of mind in your daily life.

I'm in a very red county in South Carolina. I look forward to moving when we can.

[Jane Austin]

29. Come to Austin!

You'd find lots of kindred spirits here.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

33. If you are Michiganders, isn't Ann Arbor a university town

and more likely to be liberal/openminded? (U of M) Sort of like Austin is to the rest of Texas?

[MSchreader]

46. You always have friends in Michigan

If you need a shoulder (or a sounding board), you're friends in Detroit are here.

Martin

[0rganism]

53. Eugene, Oregon

Oregon is the only thing on the west coast resembling a swing state; help us swing it back to sanity! Eugene, or Portland, or Salem, anything reasonably well-populated and west of the Cascades...

You will not inspire any road rage for having anti-war stickers on your car in Portland, I can tell you that much.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

64. My God where do you live?

You can see from my avatar where I live and I don't get a single negative reaction to the anti-bush stickers on my car.

I am so sorry that is happening to ya'll. What a total ASS.

[Career Prole]

11. Fuck them!

{{{{{{{{{Mari's husband, Mari, and Michael}}}}}}}}}}}

[nostamj]

13. if you're feeling up to it... Guy James is live right now

sure he'd welcome the rant today...

call toll free at 1-888-602-7500,7501, 7502, 7503, 7504

[Mari333]

19. k I am

[nostamj]

22. great. i alerted Guy.

he's FIRED UP today...

and you are ONE DAMN BRAVE LADY....

[VolcanoJen]

14. Mari, I don't know what to say.

Your post is crushing.

:-(

:hug:

[displacedtexan]

15. You just have to wonder, don't you...

how people can be so mean until they actually experience the kind of grief you and your husband are dealing with every day?

Why weren't they taught to be aware of what other people must be going through when they see that picture of your son in uniform?

Writing a forum piece for your local paper might help.

Just remember, we're all here for you!

[NC_Nurse]

16. I wish there was something I could do

to ease your pain and worry. I know I would be a bsket case if my son were there (he's just about to turn 16). I'm praying for him and you and your husband.
As for that jerk on the road, I wish him instant and intense Karmic return!

[thinkingwoman]

17. this too shall pass

hang in there. You and your family have many people praying for you and for your stepson's safe return. People you don't know. People who don't post. People who don't even read here.

Our little town just got three back safe and sound from one-year tours in Iraq. Many more remain over there.

But this will pass. It will. Hang on. The world needs those of us who care and understand.

Oh, and may the "leaders" of this nation get exactly what they deserve for the rest of their lives for putting good people like you through this.

[Deja Q]

20. If Hitler could be conquered in the end, so can *

November 2004. We will win.

We'd better win.

Or else the whole shootin' match is lost.

Expect something big to happen in late October. * will allow another terror attack to occur and spin events in his favor. There's an ideal target too, closed down conveniently because of "budget" problems...

[thinkingwoman]

24. amen, and...

I love your tagline in your signature.

LOL

[sweetheart]

80. It is beautiful to see this outpouring

of goodwill. It gives me great hope over the real future of america.

That such goodwill remains tucked away in nooks and crannys.

That people die in a war of empire against poor dark skinned
peoples is sick. I would be sick just to know my kid was over
there.

Taking refuge in enlightenment, may all the buddhas, gods and
godesses of all religions bless you and all living things.

SHIVA RAM SHAKTI RAM OM RAM

[Pathwalker]

21. Aww Mari... I am so sorry!

I live in a Freeper area in Michigan too, and they are indeed cruel idiots! (Sending you a hug!) Having a son in war is awful, I know, and these people just make it worse. One thing that helped my husband and me was to MOCK THEM. At home, in private. Have a contest to see who can make each other laugh first with insults against them. Make fun of them, imitate them (with twitches, chest puffing, pants pulling - all the stupid shit they do), and GET YOUR FRUSTRATIONS OUT!!! Profanity is acceptable! They'll never know, but you will LIGHTEN your load. It helped us.

Otherwise, go to Ann Arbor for a day or two - you'll leave realizing you're not the most liberal person in Michigan...and you're NOT ALONE! You'll just LOVE their bumper stickers; Selection 2000 - a kinder, gentler coup!, two-story peace signs, etc.

Peace be unto you and yours.

Anj

[Jane Austin]

26. When

When is your son scheduled to come home?

[Bozita]

28. He just got there a couple of weeks ago.

[Jane Austin]

34. Oh, Damn

Well, he'll need lots of love, prayers, letters, emails and more from you to keep his spirits up.

I hope you can fill some of your time with those things to make it all go faster.

In the meantime, you have to take care of yourself and your husband.

Can you give him backrubs? Sounds superficial, I know, but it sure cures whatever ails my DH.

BTW, if your husband is actually crying, he might need anti-depressents to get him over the hump. They can work a miracle sometimes.

I'm here if you ever need to talk. I have no experience in wars, but lots with depression. :(

Edited for typo.

[mike1963]

27. Wish I could think of something to say...but can't so here's a hug from OK

Non Illegitimus Carborundum.

Try not to let the SOBs make you crazy. You might be somewhat lonely but you sure aren't alone - we're all with you in this.
:hug:

[redwitch]

30. so sorry

my friend told me yesterday that her nephew is in Baghdad now- she has been against this war from the start, and now she is worried sick too. Hugs to you and your husband and prayers for all of you too.

[rockymountaindem]

31. I'm listening to you online right now!

[nostamj]

45. you can hear Mari's call here

at about 6:30

www.whiterosesociety.org

scroll down to today's Guy James Show. she's in the second hour. but the whole show today was pretty fierce.

Guy was on a ROLL...

bless benburch for his invaluable service!

[PaDUer]

66. I can't get this link to work...

anyone know why?

Mari, my heart aches for you, especially since the nite we spoke on the phone, or shall I say "early morning"..I can hear your voice when I read your postings..Mari, you're a hard brave honest woman, and I know you're out there all the time w/ your stepson's pix to let the people know what you and your hubby are going through. I'd be a basketcase as I told you, but honestly, we can't ever let up on these pukes who sent your stepson and the other thousands who've gone due to these warmongering scums. Those who've hurt you will have their day, they won't get away with it. If you need someone to talk to, you have my phone number, call me anytime morning, noon, and nite, I'm here for you! HUGS:-)

[nostamj]

67. i tested the link to WRS and to today's GJ show

and both worked fine for me.

dial-up and AOHELL Media Player.

hopefully benburch will see this and have other ideas....

[Trajan]

32. Mari ...

I have quietly read your numerous heartfelt posts regarding your stepson's stationing in Iraq ...

It breaks my heart when I hear of your pain and fear ... I am so sorry for you and yours ...

Mari ? ... EVERYONE has a breaking point ....

Please: .. when things get too big to bear ... When the pressure grows TOO high .... Find refuge : psychic refuge ....

Somehow, someway ... STOP taking so great a load ....

You already have so much to worry about with your son: ... You dont need to become a target here as well ...

Remove your bumperstickers, and reduce your visibility .... please ..

WE will take up the slack: I promise .....

There is NO need for you to fight EVERY battle ...

Please .. for your own sake, and for your son's as well: ... focus on what's important, and leave the other battles to us ...

We love you ....

[Mari333]

48. No I wont remove my bumper stickers I wont stop fighting

I wont take Michaels picture off my car I wont change who I am or what I believe in I wont
I wont allow those bastards to shut me up I will scream even louder if they do I wont let anyone hurt my husband I wont I wont I wont I will say what I have to say and I will turn them into the police, those assholes who attack us, I will sue them for harassment! How dare they! Im sick of them, they have no right to attack us!
Every time they do this, they make me more angry they make me speak out EVEN MORE!!!
I will become Bush's WORST nightmare I will!!!! I will become his WORST NIGHTMARE!!!!

[vetwife]

35. I am behind you Mari

I am so sorry and I feel you will be a strong advocate for
those afraid to speak out !
I heard you Dear..and you are doing great !
Speak your heart and passion..We are with you !

[vetwife]

43. Veautiful description Comfortable Cowards !

With your permission I will use it over and over !

[Badger1]

36. Toast and a hug

to you and all of your family from Wisconsin.

[Rex]

37. I'm sorry to hear that.

A good friend just left for Iraq from Fort Hood Thursday. His baby girl turned 2 in Febuary and I was the best man at his wedding. I keep thinking to myself that if I would have stayed in the Army that it would be me going as well. Tell your husband to do his best to ignore the narrowminded bastards of this world. They ain't worthy of his tears! My heart goes out to you and your family Mari333.

[Desertrose]

38. comfortable cowards...so TRUE!!

Mari my heart goes out to you.....

I can't imagine...I am crying.....

:hug:
DR

[Bozita]

40. Yes, comfortable cowards ... lotta emotion in those words

I need more Kleenex. Must be my allergies.

[nostamj]

39. mari..... your call just broke me up

and those of you who missed it... the archive will be available at about 6:30 at

www.whiterosesociety.org

[Robin Hood]

47. Jezzus, Was that you mary on the Guy james show?

If it was you broke me and my wifes hearts as we listened to the show from Oregon. We were on the verge of tears.

[Poiuyt]

41. Hang in there, Mari

When I heard your call on Guy James, my thoughts ranged from anger to tears. I was crying along with you and your husband. And I am livid at the thought of these false patriots both in Washington and in your hometown.

Mari, please know that we care for you and will do what we can to rid this country of bush and his evil henchmen.

Love,
Your neighbor in Wisconsin.

[Robin Hood]

42. Once again proving that Support our troops is code for

Support George bush no matter what.

I'm sorry that yu have to endure this. It's just awful. What a nightmare.

[Q]

44. Vietnam and Iraq...

- Those of us who protested the Vietnam (police action) and the Iraq invasion/occupton were right all along. War should always be a last resort and nobody's kid should have to be maimed or die for oil and empire.

- This is something the mindless and the brainwashed will never understand...that only tyrants would send America's children to die in a war that never needed to be fought.

[Tinoire]

49. Oh Mari! I am so sorry

Just know that our prayers are with your family and with your step-son.

I am so sorry for the ignorance and hatred you have to deal with. Definitely move somewhere more liberal if you can; you don't need this crap.

So so sorry.

[K8-EEE]

50. Sending Peaceful, Hopeful Vibes Your Way

You have our support here -- and from a lot of others too I'm sure. I expect the GWB-ers to get meaner the more lies come out and the more people get wise to it. We must try to rise above.

Will remember your family and especially your stepson in my prayers at Mass tonight, will light a candle for you.

[kdmorris]

51. Oh Mari, I'm sooo sorry.

I'm in tears for you. I wish there was something I could do to help. :hug:

[proud patriot]

52. Marri333 please read this

I don't know if you have ever read about my car .

In red white and Blue window chalk on my White volvo
stationwagon I have these words .

very back window
"Support the Constitution , Troops , and America Vote Bush Out"

left back window
"Bush doesn't support veterans"

"550+ dead Americans for a Lie"

right back window
"proud to be American"

"Love America Loathe Bush"

My Car has Yellow Ribbons on all four corners
of the ski rack . I have a Flag with a yellow
ribbon hanging from my rearview mirror .

I'm doing all I can for you and many other families .

Four Generations of my Family have fought (some wounded)
For The Consitution , America's Freedom and Security .

my best to you and your husband . :loveya:

[Mari333]

54. I just sent this letter to our local newspaper

Today my husband and I recieved an email from our child in Baghdad. His email was one of terror. He is an MP, Army reservist, stationed at the Abu Ghuraib prison 20 miles west of Baghdad.
He told us that they are being mortared, that incoming is occuring daily. He promised me that he would keep his helmet on and that he would keep his vest on so he wont be killed or wounded.
Today, my husband went to the store in South Haven to pick up some groceries. We are against this occupation of Iraq, we are against this fraudulent war based on lies by the Bush administration. Our car has many stickers on it, peace signs, and stickers that say "No Blood for Oil" and "Support the Troops, Bring Them Home".
Yet, today, when my husband went to the store to buy groceries, he was attacked by someone in a truck and almost run off the road. Our car also has our child's picture on it, his name is Michael Shepard, he is a Private in the Army Reserves, an MP in the 428th Military Police. He, too, is against this occupation of Iraq. He went out of fear. He went because he was afraid of the military putting him in jail if he didnt go. He, and we, will NOT vote for Bush in November.
To the people out there who attack us, who try to run us off the road, the people who have tried to run me off the road and yelled at us and screamed at us for being against this fraudulent war..

How dare you. How dare you attack a family whose child is standing over there 20 miles west of Baghdad and is under mortar attack. How dare you. You are comfortable cowards, you beat your chests and scream about supporting the troops and then attack a military family such as ours whose child is in Iraq, whose child is sending us emails that he is diving to the ground under mortar rounds. How dare you.
I have had my car keyed, my car door kicked in, I have been the victim of almost being run off the road 4 times by vehicles who didnt like my peace signs.
People who support this fraud of a war are comfortable cowards. They sink so low as to attack even us, the military families who oppose this war in Iraq.
God help you when YOUR son or daughter is called up or drafted by this administration and sent off to a war based on lies and greed. God help you when your own townspeople attack you for being against this war when your child is under fire daily.
If you want to support the Troops, vote Bush OUT in November. He will kill my son, your children, and everyone else his administration can before this is over. In the meantime, look hard into your souls before one more child in Iraq dies for this war based on lies.
Im tired of crying, my husband is tired of crying, we are both tired of wondering if our child will live through today, and wondering if someone will be there to hold his hand if he dies, or is wounded..wondering if someone will tell him we love him if something happens to him
To those people who try to run us off the road, to those people who scream at us or attack us as we drive to the store or to do our daily business...Until your son or daughter is over there under mortar fire in Iraq, until you have walked in our shoes, or suffered the fear we live daily....Until then, leave us alone. And again
How Dare you. Shame on you for attacking us.

Mrs Marianne Brown
South Haven Michigan

[Poiuyt]

56. Excellent Letter, Mari

I am so glad that you are sending this. Maybe, it will make people think just a little. Unfortunately, the kind of people who have attacked you probably don't read the newspaper.

[nostamj]

59. more likely CAN'T read a newspaper

and rely on Faux News...

great letter. great (heartbreaking) call today. i'm still in tears.

[spanone]

55. The assholes will never win!!!!! Here's a hug..... : }

[AspenRose]

57. Prayers for you

Mari, my cousin is in Iraq right now. He's only 21 and he has a kid here back home. It is all I can to do to hope that he will return safely for his kid's sake. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Tell your husband he doesn't agonize alone.

[LeahMira]

58. How unfair!

People like the guy in the truck have no idea what they are doing to others.

The one thing I know is that even though all the good things have to come to an end, so do all the bad things. This insanity of war will end. Hang on to hope and hang on to one another.

[freeforall]

60. I'm sorry that you and your husband

along with all other families have to go through this. It's bad enough that your son is over in Baghdad. To have to endure attacks from people in the community is very sad.

I'll say a prayer for you.

[vetwife]

61. Marie. do you care if I pass that letter around ?

I want this story heard and told. Do you care if I post this letter everywhere I can. From Vet sites to our local newspaper and I will be on C-Span as I was one of the 25th winners and they taped me already and cut most of what I had to say but the school bus is coming next week here. I will read that letter with your permission.
I will omit any identification, No names.
Amanda Kato
Take it Back
I was on the Guy James Show earlier today too.

[Mari333]

63. pass it around all you want and use our names!

I dont care My gloves are off Im mad Im tired its life and death now...My husband and I say go ahead and use our names! Michael is in Iraq and he is totally behind us in this...not a problem! Use my name! I dont care! Its life and death now.

[vetwife]

68. OK ...My project this week !

I do need you to email me.I do have a little something for you.
Please email me at [e-mail]

[Festivito]

62. Maddened, frustrated and upset.

And, that's just me.

I can't imagine how you guys must feel.

My best to your whole family.

[mbee]

69. At least there are humane persons here in DU that you can talk to so

tell you husband not to lose heart. These are from the party of the rich and the dumb. This is one reason we have to never give up the fight for education. They need the uneducated to keep their bogus regime going. Education is their enemy!

[kentuck]

71. I'm sorry Mari....

We share your concern and sympathize with your family.

[Bozita]

72. Where's Will Pitt? This'd be a great follow-up column at Truthout.org

He did a super piece on Mari back around Thanksgiving time.

[The Whiskey Priest]

73. In a world gone mad, there are many contradictions.

And there are few who can cut through that Gordian Knot

[Hailtothechimp]

74. Victory is around the corner

I feel for what you're going through. I cannot think for a minute that this country will allow 4 more years of this.

[Bake]

75. God bless your family, and prayers for your son

Bake

[indigo32]

76. I'm so sorry Mari

My thoughts are with you and your family.

[9215]

77. What can you say or do?

I just want you to know that there are many here at DU who care.

You have alot to offer. Someday I hope the record of this will resonate on a more aware and intelligent society.

Peace and kudos for fighting the good fight.

[Piperay]

78. So sad...

here's a :hug: for you and your husband.

[RandomUser]

79. I'm sorry to hear that, Mari

People can be cruel, stupid, and absolute assholes. Neither you, nor your husband, and especiallly Michael, deserves such unthinking idiocy.

[BlueCollar]

81. Mari

I don't know what to say...just know that here in Texas there are those that are thinking of you and your family...

and we'll be in Crawford next Saturday to remind Texans that we're not at all happy about what is going on in Iraq...

God Bless ...

[G_j]

82. Military Families vs. the War

www.truthout.org/docs_04/031204E.shtml

Military Families vs. the War
    By Paula Span
    The Washington Post
    Thursday 11 March 2004

Organized Opposition Is Small, but Some See It as Historic

     EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. -- On the night last month he learned that his son had died in Iraq, Richard Dvorin couldn't sleep. He lay in bed, "thinking and thinking and thinking," got up at 4 a.m., made a pot of coffee. Then he sat down at the kitchen table and wrote a letter to the president.

     When the invasion of Iraq began, Dvorin -- a 61-year-old Air Force veteran and a retired cop -- thought the commander in chief deserved his support.
"I believed we were destroying part of the axis of evil," he says. "I truly believed that Saddam Hussein was a madman and that he possessed weapons of mass destruction and wouldn't hesitate to use them."
  
  By the time Army 2nd Lt. Seth Dvorin was sent to Iraq last September, however, his father was having doubts. And now that Seth had been killed, at 24, by an "improvised explosive device" south of Baghdad, doubt had turned to anger.
     
"Where are all the weapons of Mass Destruction?" Richard Dvorin demanded in his letter. "Where are the stockpiles of Chemical and Biological weapons?" His son's life, he wrote, "has been snuffed out in a meaningless war."
...more...

[laruemtt]

83. i am so sorry for what

you and your husband are going through. may you find whatever comfort you can in knowing we here as well as millions all over the world support you. {{{{{mari}}}}}}

[Adelante]

84. This is so sad

My heart goes out to you and your family. :loveya: