DUMMERSTON — It seems serendipitous that, as the Obama administration pushes for a “limited” U.S. war on Syria, one of the most vocal peace activists ever is scheduled to speak in our area.
Cindy Sheehan lost her son Casey to the U.S. war on Iraq in 2004. One year later, Cindy came to international attention as she and her supporters camped out in protest on land adjacent to President Bush's Texas ranch.
We are all weary of war that never seems to end. A few months ago, I saw Cindy speak and, as I looked around the audience members, I was struck by their reaction.
A few thought she was not “analytical,” and she definitely does not fit into a liberal political category. I observed that most, including myself, enthusiastically saw a woman on fire with a passion for ending war - war that killed her son.
I wanted some of her passion to rub off on me because I have never suffered a loss such as Cindy's, and it's hard maintaining one's own peace activism in the face of so many distractions. I was not disappointed.
So I invite you to witness Cindy Sheehan for yourself. She will be speaking on Friday, Sept. 27, between 7:15 and 9 p.m. at Amazing Planet Farm and Justice Center, on Williamsville Road, off Route 30 in Williamsville. Her talk is entitled, “Peace Mom: A Mother's Journey Through Heartache and Activism.”
The public is invited, and donations will be accepted to cover her airfare from California.
Cindy's talk is the opening event of the Sept. 27-29 Annual New England Gathering of War Tax Resisters and Supporters, to be held at the same location. For information, call 802-387-2798.