Yesterday was another amazing day at Camp Casey. I rode up with PDittie and the Mrs, BabylonSister and my daughter. By the time we arrived at the Peace House, the parking lot was full and the counter demonstrators had filled up the streets of Crawford. We outnumbered them by far - more than 2000 people from all over the state and country were at Camp Casey yesterday. We were diverted to the Weston Hotel who graciously allowed us to use their parking lot and facilities. A volunteer named Bridgette and her mom shuttled us to Camp Casey 2. They are former Houston residents.
The first thing I noticed was that empty boots from the Eyes Wide Open exhibit had been added to Arington West. Jim Rine (San Jacinto Veterans Brigade), who had brought the flags of the fallen soldiers last week was there again. Later I ran into him talking quietly to an Iraq War vet and his wife who were Bush supporters. I don't think he changed their minds, but he did a great job of making them see that we really do support the troops.
There was live music and I could hardly believe my ears. That just had to be Joan Baez singing! And it was. She has been at Camp Casey every day since Monday. I couldn't help wishing that more prominent folks - politicians and celebrities alike had been willing to stand with Cindy.
When Cindy spoke, everyone stopped and listened. She was as eloquent as ever and spoke of her new love for the great state of Texas. For the critics reading this, when you see her and hear her speak, it is apparent that she is not some puppet of the extreme left, but a mom, who's heart has been broken and who wants to do everything she can to prevent other moms from sharing her pain. That's all. This is about bringing our young people home from a no-win situation - as soon and as safely as possible.
Several DUers were there - Derby 378, Sonias, aQuArius, NoPasaran, GinBarn and WolverineDG, among others. The tent was so full of people it was hard to move around. My daughter went off in search of buttons and souveniers. She was especially drawn to the Veterans for Peace table where we all picked up t-shirts with photos of Arlington West on the front and this quote by Margaret Mead on the back:
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Joan led the group singing "We Shall Overcome". Someone I'd never met before grabbed my hand. Everyone was holding hands and singing in a peaceful resolve that the Bush administration will have to reckon with sooner or later.
Mackenzie (my daughter), PDiddie and the Mrs. were disappointed not to have had a chance to see the Peace House. They were able to catch a ride there with WolverineDG, who was driving a shuttle and had stopped by Camp Casey 2 for a lunch break. While they were gone, I found my friend Nan, who had driven up by herself because our car was full. She had gotten the last parking space at the Peace House and pitched her tent in the last available space at Camp Casey 2. She already was wearing a Stand with Cindy t-shirt and was settle in. Like everyone else, she was just thrilled to be there.
Some of the counter protestors decided to drive by while we stood by the road with a couple of huge banners (apologies for the crudeness of the composite photo)
Joan Baez came on again and sang "Joe Hill" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down". I managed to get within a few feet of the stage. Awesome.
I found Houston's Amy Branham. She was talking to another Gold Star Mom who had gotten an email from a man that has been camped out in London protesting the war since it began and was trying to get the message to Cindy. I also ran into Nadia McCaffery and Jeff Norman of US Tour of Duty who had spoken at Thursday's town hall meeting. I thanked them both. They both told me how surprised and pleased they were with the warmth and support they had received Thursday and marveled that one of the policewomen working the event had held a candle during the prayer. Jeff wanted to know if US Tour of Duty should make a return appearance in Houston this fall. Of course I was thrilled and offered to facilitate any way I can.
Ruth and I started talking to Cole Miller, who founded NoMoreVictims.Org, who is truly doing God's work:
NMV was founded in September 2002. We work to find medical sponsorships for war- injured Iraqi children and to forge ties between the children, their families and communities in the United States. We believe one of the most effective means of combating militarism is to focus on direct relief to its victims. We are committed to developing information and strategies that empower local communities to engage in direct aid and advocacy.
Please visit Cole's siteand support his efforts to both put faces to the tragic results of the Iraq invasion and improve the lives of those affected.
We were all looking forward to seeing Air America Radio's Randi Rhodes, but had to leave before she arrived. I learned later that she'd been at the Peace House later in the day but don't know if she made it out to Camp Casey. I hope she did.
I ran into HCDP volunteer Beth Zeffert who had her granddaughter with her but wanted to volunteer to wash dishes so I too Christine while her husband Steve got something to eat and had a chance to wander around and take some pictures.
William, a 14 year-old who had been adopted by our Austin friends had brought a T-shirt we all signed. He was able to present it to Cindy.
I got a chance to give Cindy a hug. I promised her a huge crowd for her stop in Houston on Friday. Help keep me honest. I will post details of Friday's events as soon as I get them.
Cross posted at
http://www.houstondemocrats.com/archives/2005/08/another_day_at.html
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