How can we help Cindy? Some thoughts - let's brainstorm this.

[KyndCulture]

Ok, I've been blogging this story faithfully for 2 days now on RadioNewsAmerica.com and keeping up with the posts here on DU and dKos... And I got to thinking a little bit ago -- What is Cindy really trying to accomplish here and how can we help her - we the blogosphere and the internet activists.

So I thought, she knows damn good and well he is not going to swagger out there on the road and have a sit down with her. She wants the MEDIA, she wants a circus!!! Think about it for a minute, stay with me here..... She is angry and grieving, and the chimp's fake bullshit compassion isn't going to soothe her and it isn't what she wants... She wants to wake up the American zombies in front of fox news... she wants to bring attention to the war and BIG attention to the lies.... She wants Casey's death to bring an end to the war by waking people up from their damn comas....

SO how do we do that for her? How can we help her get the attention that this deserves? This isn't about her getting comforting words from the chimp. I'm a mother of two children and I know that there are no words that any earthly being could utter to me to take away the pain of losing one of my babies.... This is about bringing attention to the lies and about bringing meaning to what Casey fought for and utlimately died for.

We need to get her whatever she needs, a celebrity, a politician, the fucking cast of all the survivor episodes - whatever it takes... Cindy wants to talk to the media.....So lets figure out how to get the media to her.

Since we are all well aware that the media can cover one story for a whole 24 hour period why can't it be this one???? Ya know? If we make this big enough that they can't ignore it.


What do you guys think?


I'm seriously brainstorming here about what it is that Cindy wants and how we can help her.

[ClassWarrior]

1. Very insightful, Kynd.

We need to get on the media blaster and demand coverage EVERY DAY...

And Texas DUers - and any other DUers for that matter - need to join Cindy in Crawford if they can. Can you imagine she spawned a tent city of several hundred angry citizens?

NGU.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

55. I think a song in her honor would be a good thing right now...

The Ballad of Cindy Sheehan.

Certainly enough material for the song right now, let alone if she sits on bush's door step throughout August.

Anyone suggestions?

[Melodybe]

59. Make sure that there is someone with a video camera rolling at all times

if you get threatened, get it on camera.

[SwimmerFilms]

68. I am driving there Tuesday.

I will be filming every second. It's what I do.

[seabeyond]

85. are you going tues, i told husband just now. i may need ot drive down

tues. maybe monday. will read some more. just got back on net today. see if anyone is orginizing anything

[jayctravis]

70. Surely Crawford has delivery...

Different people could call to bring them food and water/beverages.

Flower shop. Send them plants to arrange by the side of the road...one for each serviceperson killed.

[BeTheChange]

100. I was thinking...

http://www.winkflash.com/content/faqs.asp#4

Winkflash is incredibly cheap for poster sized images. Does Cindy have any images of her son she could blow up and put on big signs along the fence? How about other pictures from families that have lost sons? Im sure Cindy has a list of all those folks.

The only problem is shipping time, but even if it was over by the time we got them, atleast she would have them for her next speaking date. One of the gentlemen in Crawford with Veterans for Peace, whose name has regretfully slipped my mind told me about this: http://groups.snowcoalition.org/northseattle/iraq-crosses.html

It would be crazy to get a sympathetic neighbor in one of those fields to let them put crosses out for the soldiers that have died.

[BrklynLiberal]

2. Call shows and keep mentioning it?

Letters to editors.

Call station programming and ask why it isn't being covered.

[HockeyMom]

3. Where are the Iraq Veterans Against the War?

[WebeBlue]

107. IVAW are there, with Cindy. n/t

[HockeyMom]

121. Good, Thanks.

[speedoo]

4. She needs legal assistance.

We need some lawyers who know Texas law to advise her of her rights. The cops and secret service have been pushing her around. Unlawfully, in my non-prfefessional opinion.

We need to be VERY careful about any celebrities or politicians. Her message is very powerful without them. Max Cleland or Kucinich might be OK, but that's about it, IMO.

[ray of light]

6. I saw she has an attorney.

[Quixote1818]

9. Her lawyer is a DU member and posted here last night and this morning

nt

[Horse with no Name]

119. That's what I was wondering

How cool is that!
Who is her attorney?
I missed it.

[funkybutt]

113. Cindy is in constant contact with her lawyer

He will be joining her in Crawford Wednesday.

[achtung_circus]

126. That lawyer needs to visit the Land Titles Office

or the Texas equivalent and determine the precise ownership of land. If the Secret Service or the Sherriff says that parcel X is private property someone needs to be able to say bullshit. A lawyer who understands Texas trespass law is needed.

[ray of light]

5. Ideas--reposted from another thread

for now we can do this:

1. Send more people to protect them.

2. Make it tent city! (I would be willing to join, but I can't therefore I'm stuck encouraging locals to please, please go.

3. TELL the world. Tell them Cindy's story. Make it THEIR story--the story of a mom's love and devotion and grief and ask them the eternal questions: "What would YOU do if this had been your kid?" AND "What would Jesus do?" (ok the WWJD is for the fundies and might be a low blow.)

4. Highway blog.

5. I know it washes away, BUT get some sidewalk chalk and mark the sidewalks EVERYWHERE you go! Get your kids involved.

6. Make or buy t'shirts supporting Cindy and if you sell them send a donation to them.

7. Ask a group of friends over to begin a community newspaper-then take the newpaper door to door and give it to people.

8. Have a sit-in or camp out locally in support of Cindy. Surround your local media outlet and do it for each day of Bush's vacation.

9. Come to the march in DC September 24th.

10. Have a candlelight vigil each night in your hometown and say prayers or sing anti-war songs for these people in Crawford.

[ClassWarrior]

8. Okay, what slogans for highway blogs and sidewalk chalk?

"I'M WITH CINDY" comes to mind. Not direct, but has a nice "underground buzz" feel.

NGU.

[ray of light]

19. I would personalize it to your town.

or maybe, "No mom should have to lose a child to an illegal, treasonous war, like Cindy. Check the Downing Street Minutes"

I know it's long but... I feel we need to link a mom's PAIN and suffering to the downing street minutes.

[ClassWarrior]

25. How about "War Lies - afterdowningstreet.org"...

Short, sweet, to the point.

NGU.

[ray of light]

35. no--I think we have to reach their heart through a mom's love

for her child taken away by this evil man.

Something short--

Devoted Mom protecting YOUR children says, "Don't let YOUR child die for a lie too! Go to Afterdowningstreet.org"

[ray of light]

37. I don't know if you're a guy or a girl, but in my experience

a mom's love is the fierciest most protective emotion on earth. THis is why BUSH/Cheny rove played the fear card last year.

[KyndCulture]

41. yep that's exactly it, Ray of Light... A mother's love

they should be scared....there is nothing that will sway her from what she is doing... and being a mom I totally understand where she is coming from.

[ray of light]

63. Effective advocacy in our hometowns is our job.

Starting tomorrow, I'm going to march and camp out and do the sit ins in my hometown and bring the focus of the Downing Street Minutes to everyones attention.

AND can I remind people, we can get signatures and letters to send to our Congressman, particularly the Republicans who are stonewalling, and show them the 70 percent support Cindy has.

AND if you're from Michigan...Representative Joe Schwartz and Representative Candace Miller both refuse to take a stand and ask for an investigation into the crimes committed and probably proven in the DSM. They BOTH refuse to answer the questions now--at least their press secretaries do not return phone calls and do not pick up from "my organization" any longer.

Our organization also attempted to get a statement from Senator Frists' office but alas, he's too busy twisting in the wind on stem-cell research to decide he should go all out and investigate Bush's treason. Once again, the press office is stonewalling with "no comment."

Cindy is doing her job--now let's do ours. We need to be the boots to the ground LOCALLY and we need to get the republicans to stand up against this corruption or to get them BOOTED out of office. IT starts NOW and we start by getting them ON THE RECORD. It's called documentation and we will use this to hold them accountable to their voters in their district.

We MUST carefully make these calls, record the times and who we spoke to and keep careful record. AND we must disseminate their avoidance tactics and stonewalling or their non-responses into their local area. (Keep a log book, and try to be organized.)

And..that ends my advice.

[SwimmerFilms]

74. M.A.D.S.

Mothers Against Dead Soldiers

[txindy]

94. "Why is George B*sh afraid of Cindy Sheehan?"

"Why does the President hate our soldiers and their grieving mothers?"

"Why did George B*sh kill Casey Sheehan?"

"WHY?"

[tomreedtoon]

7. Are you sure you want to do this? Is she?

I understand the agony behind this woman's loss. But do you really want to make her a "poster child" for antiwar efforts? And does she understand what that will mean?

Think about it. If she actually starts getting PR, she will get the attention of Rush, Hannity, Novak (yes, he'll be back) and all the other rabid attack dogs. They will make up allegations about her. They will lie about her. They will say she's siding with the terrorists, that she's a lesbian and a pervert, that she does things that even I refuse to mention here.

And that will bring out the amateur attack dogs. The local Republicans will picket her house. Jackasses at filling stations who sniff gosoline fumes for fun will tell her crap like "I'm glad your traitor son is dead."

You KNOW this is what the right wing will do. Is she willing to stand up to this death-by-a-thousand-cuts? Has she said so publicly? Does she really know what she's in for? If she thinks she can stand it, go ahead, but I would not wish to subject a mourning woman to running the right wing gauntlet.

[speedoo]

14. As some asshole, currently hiding in Crawford once said...

"Bring it on."

If these RW assholes are stupid enough to try what you are suggesting, it will most certainly backfire in their fat, ugly faces.

[KyndCulture]

15. She has been a public figure for a long time... I think she knows.

And yes I think she is willing to take that on.


If it was my son, I know I would be.

[tavalon]

40. Yes and yes

She is taking on this role with her eyes open. I mean as open as they can be. And we should help her.

[jayctravis]

72. I think she has already chosen that for herself

by doing this. I don't think the thousand cuts her oppressors could inflict will cut as deeply as the loss of her son.

[Pachamama]

75. Have you met Cindy? I have...and guess what: She's BushCo's worst dream

come true....Cindy is ready and I guarantee if Bush Co. and the Hannity's et al of the world try to attack her and her credibility for the cause, it will only backfire on them.

And you know what? Nothing is more powerful or to be feared than the strength and power of a Mom who is pissed for the senseless death of her child.....

Cindy's ready and so are all the other Mom's across this country....

Is Bush Co ready? :eyes:

[WebeBlue]

108. Cindy can handle it and the right wing pundits.

Cindy already has had considerable media coverage, and has given witness testimony at Conyers Hearing on Downing Street Minutes. She can handle it, and she holds her own quite well. It has been her choice to step out into the public venue, she's learned quickly, and is not deterred easily.

I worry about her, too, we all do, many have been solicitous of her with their concerns she may be over-extending herself. It is the magnitude of her greiving that seems to give her super-human energy for this work she has taken on and right now it's an astonishing energy she uses daily; she's everywhere, every day.

For now, the movement she has generated is what needs to be harnassed, and I believe we can get behind her, lift her up, and add our own energies to the work she has already accomplished and is doing now. It's not likely she can sustain indefinitely (only my opinion), but for now she seems able to keep going.

[sandnsea]

10. Dewey Canyon

That's what we need. If anyone can go, go.

[KyndCulture]

11. Like I said this is brainstorming. I'm not saying I'm right or wrong.

I'm just trying to figure out what we can do...


She's obviously had enough, we all know she's been with the anti-war effort for a long time....

She is taking a stand right now for a reason, and I don't pretend to know what that is, I'm 1900 miles away from Crawford Texas or I'd be right there beside her.

I'm just trying to come up with some fresh ideas so the story doesn't die.

[in_cog_ni_to]

12. Michael Moore! He could go and get her on the news!

Remember the last crowd he drew in Crawford??? LOL! It was a BIG one!:bounce:

I'd like to know why some BIG NAME DEMOCRATS aren't out there camping with her? Where are they? They don't have the excuse that they are working because we know better. Where the hell are they?

I could go for maybe a week, but that's it. My son would have to miss 2 classes he's taking and he starts school on the 23rd. A week would be all he could miss. It would be AWESOME to see a HUGE tent city go up there. My tent sleeps 5...so we'd have room for people who don't have tents. :hi:

[KyndCulture]

16. See that's what I'm thinking... make it too big to ignore.

Michael Moore would be a good start. Wonder if he's blogging this story or knows about it?

[in_cog_ni_to]

23. I'll go check and if he's not blogging it, I'll email him. n/t

[Quixote1818]

21. I think Michael More is a bad idea. It needs to be someone

who is highly respected across party lines. I was thinking the guy from Born on the Fourth of July (not Cruse)or Max Cleland. A disabled Vet who is famous and well respected.

[KyndCulture]

24. the asshole media wouldn't give someone respected the time of day

that's what I'm saying....

[in_cog_ni_to]

27. Max Cleland is a GREAT idea! Who in the Democratic Party doesn't like

Michael Moore? I LOVE him! If it wasn't for Michael and F 911, the TRUTH about the BFEE would have remained buried. Michael Moore is our friend. :(

[Quixote1818]

43. I love Michael Moore but too many people in the middle and right

think he is an extremist. He would be OK but I think someone who people don't already think of as liberal would be better. Especially a disabled Vet. Then again MM would certainly get the media's attention. I just worry that could backfire. But I could be wrong.

[Generic Other]

122. People on the middle and right think we are all extremists

Who cares what they think?

[BeTheChange]

86. I hear Max Cleland wasnt adored by some of the veterans..

Veterans for Peace are a very large part of the people that were there. Evidently Max wasnt that great when he was involved in Veteran's affairs.


What about Jim Hightower or Molly Ivins?

[julialnyc]

39. I think Michael Moore is too divisive, but

.......... how many Iraq war veterans for peace are there?

They could get media attention if they paired up with more famous Vets (like Max Cleland)


Besides him I am trying to think of big names who are not political figures.


but honestly........... I think a bunch of young soldiers that served in this war would be great. Did anyone see "Murderball"? The kids that they showed looked like they were 12. I think they would have an impact.

[ray of light]

84. I think they are trying to not make this partison

I think it's smart for now. The republicans are already stonewalling the DSM and Treason and so this has to come from the people!

Then the republicans can not call it a partison attack from a bunch of poor losers.

I say, "keep the politicians out and let it be between BUSH, CINDY, and all of US--cause all of us INCLUDES repubicans!" (polls 70-30!)

[WebeBlue]

109. ray of light; you are right on in your thoughts, non-partisan

What Cindy is doing transcends the partisan divide; that's the point, it transcends partisan loyalties, as well it should, whenever a country agrees to sacrifice it's young to war. More especially a war manufactured and sold on premise of lies and manipulation.

[Quixote1818]

13. The celebrity would have to be someone like the guy from Born on the 4th

of July. Not Tom Cruse the guy he played. I would NOT bring in Woopy Goldberg or Barbara Streisand or it will completely backfire!

[ClassWarrior]

17. Max Cleland.

NGU.

[KyndCulture]

20. yes definitely, since he was turned away from the pig farm too! nt

[ClassWarrior]

26. I know someone who knows him...

I can send an email tonight. PM me if you wanna.

NGU.

[Quixote1818]

48. Cleland is probably the type of guy who wants to be asked

I doubt if he will just show up on his own. Run it by Cindy's lawyer. He posted on the link below:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4278410#4278454

[txindy]

93. A year ago this month Cleland was turned away.

The parallels are striking. Two people who have suffered greatly for illegal wars turned away by the pResident of the United States.

Max Cleland. Iraq vets. Vietnam Vets. Families of soldiers and veterans. Those are the ones I would want there in the protest. NOT politicians. This will backfire and give the wingnuts a great deal of spin, making it a political game and not a grieving mother's need for the truth.

[latebloomer]

127. His name is Ron Kovic

and I think he's still active in the antiwar movement.

[blogslut]

18. send letters and care packages via UPS

Give it the old letters-to-Santa/Miracle-on-34th-Street treament.

[Carolab]

22. This is what her attorney Dylan Garcia says she needs:

From another thread, his suggestions are:

1. More friends in Crawford.

2. Local rallies in solidarity in your home town.

3. Constant pressure on the media.

4. Candles in your windows.

5. Your prayers.

[Quixote1818]

29. Local rallies in solidarity in your home town. is a GREAT idea! nt

[WebeBlue]

110. Ditto Quixote1818, more local rallies in your hometown, and

call your local media to cover local support vigils for Cindy at Crawford. I talked to Cindy yesterday on the phone, told her we were trying to coordinate a support vigil locally at one of our area's more known 'difficult' and 'dangerous' spot (local military base). She said; it can't be more difficult than Crawford.

and you know, she's right....

no, we don't have to vigil at the most difficult spot in our region, and neither do any of you as Cindy doesn't want safety compromised, but most certainly there are any number of 'safe' places to stage a vigil.

Go for it, support vigils for Cindy in Crawford in towns across the nation.

[KyndCulture]

32. 1. More friends in Crawford!!!!! More people. Yes.

[BeTheChange]

87. Amen to #1..

Just got back.. she needs people!


If you can go, please do.


I dont know how long this thing is gonna last, but Id really love to see a big protest in Crawford for Labor day, when he is on vacation... It would be great. If Cindy is still there then, I really hope some of you think about making the trip for a 3 day weekend to show your solidarity.

[yurbud]

28. buy an ad in the iconoclast calling Bush a COWARD for avoiding her

Hillbilly Hitler art:



Blog:

[in_cog_ni_to]

31. YES!!! A DU ACTIVIST fundraiser for a FULL PAGE ad in the Iconoclast.!

EXCELLENT idea! :thumbsup:

[KyndCulture]

34. GREAT IDEA!!!! a full page ad!

[yurbud]

38. set it up--contact pay pal

Hillbilly Hitler art:



Blog:

[julialnyc]

30. send money

http://dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/8/7/3192/29840
Someone in this thread said that the Crawford Peace House is currently unable to take donations, but they will have a Paypal account tomorrow.


(this will probably help them stay as long as they need to)

[yurbud]

33. anybody know which specific reporters are down in Crawford?

we ought to bombard them with the media requests.


Hillbilly Hitler art:



Blog:

[yurbud]

36. mail photos of dead soldiers and Iraqi kids to Bush c/o Cindy

And have protesters at ranch take the photos to gate of ranch as they arrive.


Hillbilly Hitler art:



Blog:

[tavalon]

42. Has anyone made it to the gate of the ranch?

[KyndCulture]

49. No I don't think so... 5 miles is the closest the SS will allow. nt

[yurbud]

60. that is pretty candy-assed of Secret Service--if it's even their idea

it's probably the rent a thug that booted the Denver 3


Hillbilly Hitler art:



Blog:

[Sparkman]

44. Local activists can visit nearest IndianReservation, buy firewords, have

a fireworks show and invite public. Sympathetic types may show up, just to see the show, and bring coolers, tailgate party.

OR..Local activists can set up a SWAP meet or HUGE Yard sale to get drivers' by to pull over. Include cooler cokes and give away, cost will be under 50$ for 150 cans & ice.

OR...get local RC airplane or RC car enthusiasts to fly/run their model radiocontrolers nearby, then furnish bought cookies (cheap bagged-not home made) to all that want snacks while whatching the show.

OR...set up slip-N-slides (KMART) on nearby grass. Ice-Cream trucks can accomodate any venue or weather for snacks, at no charge.

OR...BLUEGRASS band (low power amps) with snack vendors(if out in the stick no permits required) no cover. Bands cost around $400 per day, vendors will pay event organizer. Bluegrass bands are family friendly and HUNDREDs are ready to play in this good weather.

OR...pass out flyers at local colleges and high schools and church's asking for help to demonstrate support for anti-war protest at the nearest cooperative land owner or business.

Or...find a loudspeaker and drive around local neighborhoods and announce a phone number for info. and the nature of the protest, looking for participants

[Quixote1818]

45. Here is the website for 'Iraq War Veterans Against the War'

I am sure they would love to get involved with this.

http://www.ivaw.net/

[PuraVidaDreamin]

46. Make a "I Hugged Cindy Sheehan in Crawford" Teeshirt

with proceeds or partial proceeds to go to
Gold Star Families For Peace
or Military Families For Peace.

We have some amazing artists here, that
could have something designed by morning I'm sure.

[BeTheChange]

95. That is such an awesome idea!!!!

Some screenprinter needs to offer Gold Star Families a discount :)

[AnotherMother4Peace]

99. Excellent idea! I'd buy several.

[KyndCulture]

116. I made a few Tshirts - quick ones. I'll have more later on today

There's buttons and stickers too..
http://www.cafepress.com/rnastore/761188

[KyndCulture]

47. GREAT ideas everybody... keem em coming!

[AmBlue]

66. How about......

If we ALL make handmade, laminated (for weatherproofing) signs that say:

BUSH = COWARD.
I SUPPORT CINDY

and tape them to our rear car windows, it would make a lot of impact. It's cheap and with all our cars, all over the country, lots of folks would see them. Anyone who watches CNN will have seen some coverage of this and will make the connection. We could add the After Downing Street url in smaller print at the bottom for those who want to know more.

[KyndCulture]

50. So is the Ranch a no fly zone? What about an airplane sign?

COWARD - GO TALK TO CINDY....

[PuraVidaDreamin]

51. Mr. Bush, why won't you talk to Cindy Sheehan?

Think I will freeway blog this tonight.

Cindy's courage has re-energized me!

[rateyes]

71. Yes, in fact, it is...

I googled "map of crawford" and found the yellow circle on the aviation maps showing the "no-fly zone" of which you speak. Sorry.

Edit: But, the golf course he frequents in Waco isn't!

[frictionlessO]

52. I keep thinking if we could somhow get Bono...

I know some dislike him here, but he is a name that has some respect from many sides. I also believe he has a very big big BIG Heart. Maybe if we campaign towards his PR people real hard over the next week he'll show up and lend support.. and maybe he'll bring friends!

(Pink Floyd playing "Run" in Crawford would make history as would U2 doing " Mothers of the Dissapeared"...

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

54. Bono doesn't seem to show an interest in stopping the war..now Springsteen

is a different matter! Wish I knew him!!! :hi:

[frictionlessO]

56. Heya! Ommm! So good to see ya around as always!

Bono may if enough of us got to yelling... Has he made many comments on the war? I thought he took a clear stance against it a while back.

Springsteen would do just as well though and for exactly the same reasons.

Really we don't have to know him we just need to be able to make an impression on his agent or publicist.

Im definitely up for running up a campaign to notify him that he is wanted and needed in Crawford....

Now that I think on it, yep Bruce is without a doubt a better choice!

[SwimmerFilms]

80. Bono's plate is full

I love him, but he is focused on third world debt relief, which also could save thousands of innocents.

Besides, he is not an American. We need an American.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

128. Good to see you frictionless! Maybe we can get the Rolling Stones?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4294117

[BeTheChange]

96. Willie Nelson..

Right up the street from Crawford there is this city called Carl's Corner. In the city, there is a Gas station that has this huge sign of Willie and says, Willie's Bio Diesel Fuel.

[Son of California]

53. We need to storm every source of news

that means DUing ever story on Yahoo or anywhere else on the net.
Hit up every silly poll on the cable news channels.
lets start writing in to all the various cable news channel personalities pressuring them to talk this issue up.
gotta write all your local papers, and all the nation-wide publications.
Contact your local congressman/woman or senator and pressure them to mention something in support of this woman.
Let's dominate the vocabularly in this one, the way the Repubs always seem to do.
I think the catch phrases are:

BUSH IS AFRAID TO LOOK THIS WOMAN IN THE EYE.
BUSH IS TOO LAZY TO LEAVE VACATION LONG ENOUGH TO TALK TO THIS WOMAN.
BUSH IS A COWARD.
etc. etc.

I think anyone living in Ohio right now has to realize how helpful it could be to really drive the Sheehan story there. Remember, no Republican president has ever won without Ohio and the timing right now couldn't be better (I hope that doesn't sound too insensitive -I don't mean to profiteer off others loss) -only I think they are ready to accept the truth over there, and I think Ohio is ready to turn a really deep Blue right now and this is the moment in history to seize the opportunity and make it a reality.

[KyndCulture]

57. kick - we need more ideas.. How do we help?

[AmBlue]

81. Let's take these ideas to a vote

...pretty quickly. You know, we bleeding hearts can debate everything to death. There's some really good ideas here already. Take the best of the best and let's nail this!

[Junkdrawer]

58. Her "adopted mom" requests donation to Crawford Peace House....

Where she is currently staying:

http://www.crawfordpeacehouse.org/membership.htm

See:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4279508#4281506

[yurbud]

61. send FUNERAL WREATHS to Retard's Ranch with notes like...

with a note like "Our sincerest condolences to the American families who have lost children to a senseless war to enrich your friends"



Hillbilly Hitler art:



Blog:

[rateyes]

73. Ooh. Do you think that Shrub would allow flower delivery?

That would be great!

[yurbud]

101. even better if he didn't--just set them next to the fence or have them....

turned away

[DemonFighterLives]

62. She was on tv this morning, I think it was live

She said Hadley came to see her. She said they apparently didn't know she had already talked to dub. She said, "He Doesn't Care".
I don't know if this was new information, but she seemed steadfast in her determination to stick it out there. I guess it blows her away as most here that, "He Doesn't Care".

He Doesn't Care! Dubby doesn't care. No matter how many die and how much it costs, Dubby doesn't care.

In *w spanish No Caro!
:argh:

[rateyes]

64. There is a community of over 10,000 college

students close by called Baylor University. Classes, I am sure start next week. And, contrary to what many would think of a Baptist School, Baylor is a pretty progressive place. I am sure that there are many Democratic Students on campus who could go once a day and spend some time on site--maybe some could even camp out. If someone could get word out through the campus paper---dem organizations on campus, etc.---might get a BIG crowd---let them know they are making a difference in the world.

[BeTheChange]

97. We really need to get students involved..

With classes starting next week its a great end of summer road trip for progressive minded kids. We need to get flyers out to Kiosks so that when the kids are coming in to register they see them. Im going into those sleezy teenager stores in my local malls and slipping 1/4 sheet flyers into the pockets of as many as I can. 5-7-9 my ass :)

College radio, community radio. Did you know that there are only 2 community radio stations in TX? One of them 89.3 in Dallas is having a fund drive right now. Im sure they would be thrilled to throw some coverage to Crawford for some donations, or advertizing....

I was appauled that there were no college students when we were in crawford today. Its summer people!

[rateyes]

105. If you are close to Waco,

maybe you could get in touch with the campus Dem group and ask them to help you get the word out! I've e-mailed some people who might be able to do something, waiting for word--but, to have college students out there night and day showing support---WOW!

[ncrainbowgrrl]

123. Here's the link to the Baylor Democrats' webpage

http://www3.baylor.edu/Baylor_Democrats/

[rateyes]

129. Thanks. I emailed them and asked them to get

their asses down there. Waiting to hear back from them.

[Turn CO Blue]

65. Want to get this story out there, with pics? Hire a spammer.

Has anyone ever thought about it (spamming), for the purpose of getting a newstory out there, I mean?

There are companies that specilize in spamming email messages, that have huge lists of email addresses. You can pay for the messages to 2 million up to 300 million or more.

I've been thinking about it. Whenever we all have an important message (especially with pics -- think upcoming Abu Graib releases) -- we need to take advantage of what the mortgage sellers, Viagra distributors and (pardon me) porn hawkers ALREADY KNOW -- it's very effective to send out unsolicited messages via email.

Let's say a message about Cindy were "spammed" to 100 million email addresses. Even if only 2-3 percent of recipients were to read the messages -- it would be far more effective saturation than the current method of BEGGING the corporate media to cover these stories, or hoping people do a Google search to find the sites with the stories.

I can't imagine that there's anything illegal about it but I doubt it since I get spam every day, and it's not like we'd be sending porn or pitching for a particular candidate (which would have to be considered an in-kind donation).

Somebody would write up a quick bio of Cindy and her son's tragic death (for no good reason, rest his soul) -- add in some choice quotes from related new articles, add in some pics of her at various marches and of her peace-vigil. Get it to the hands of some spammer with a huge list (pay for the list). Wait for the magic. Voila! Instant knowledge all over the US.

Paying for it is another post.

Who is an expert on this?

Edited: typing too fast

[AmBlue]

69. OOOooohhhh, GREAT idea, TCB!!!

That is something well worth exploring. :thumbsup:

[yellowdogintexas]

77. just start a chain letter..people pass on the silliest stuff, and the

most maudlin stuff to one another all the time.

Those "bad luck forever if you break the chain" things, you know.

So once the info is put together, post it here for pasting and forwarding ..if we each forward to all the folks we know who are against the war and against W, and they forward to their friends and so on, it would move pretty fast. Think of how fast the signatures piled up on the Conyers petition.

Maybe Conyers needs to go see Cindy in Crawford>>>>>

[Turn CO Blue]

78. That's a great idea too! Who's our writer? n/t

[jayctravis]

67. Does she have communication equipment?

Surely someone could get a laptop and a webcam out to her.

Maybe call Pizza Delivery in the area and pay a lot of money to take her some food and drink?

And...what if we could send her flowers (cactuses?) that could be planted on the side of the road until she reaches the number of war dead.

[Pachamama]

79. Ooooohh! I like the Cactus idea A LOT!

They could be planted along the road going all the way up to the Pig Farm where the Coward is residing....

:bounce:

[Tuesday_Morning]

76. What about...

local Camp Caseys?

[AmBlue]

82. That's a GREAT idea, too!!

For all of us that wish we could be there and can't. I know I could drum up some local support if we decide to do this.

[shadowknows69]

83. local is useless.

feet on the ground in Crawford is the only thing that will keep the attention on it. The only things these people understand are large mobs that are against their policies. In Iraq they shoot them. They try it here again like Kent State during Vietnam and it will be the shot heard round the world and the spark that hopefully incinerates a dictatorship. I swear on my mother's life if it was any way financially or logistically feasible I'd be there. I am in reserve if Cindy's vigil fails and I will be in DC in September.


<self edit>

I honestly didn't mean to deflate anyone's good idea. local camp casey's are a great idea and I think they make us feel better but you and I know they don't get noticed. The media is too myopic. We have somehow grabbed their gaze in Crawford but that interest will quickly fade unless something continues to happen there.

[steve2470]

88. kick nt

[libnnc]

89. but local Camp Caseys would garner local media attention

Local news Barbies love to tie into national political stuff...

I can see it now, after a canned network segment, the local yokels could segue to "...And the anti-war sentiment is hitting here at home as well. Robin Linder is live at Five Points intersection in Winston-Salem where a group of local activists have set up their own Camp Casey in support of Ms. Sheehan. What's going on, Robin?..."

I can SOOO see the local Camp Caseys being a good thing.

[Tuesday_Morning]

90. Local Camp Casey's would..

...get noticed by local people tho. People who just might get inspired to come join Cindy in Crawford.

[AmBlue]

91. The only reason they might work this time...

...is because Cindy already has the M$M's attention at the national level. Local Camp Casey's would effectively communicate that there is massive national support for Cindy's cause, and further crumble *'s already deflating numbers. (But we need to act fast before the fickle media whores go running off to cover another missing white woman.)

[WebeBlue]

112. Local Camp Casey's covered by local media across

the nation is difficult to ignore. Yes, I agree there needs to be more people with Cindy in Crawford and all those planning to go, kudos and my gratitude as a military family with 2 Iraq veterans facing second deployments to Iraq under stop loss. I do think though that rippling this as a movement across the nation is an idea with merit.

Contact your own local media to get coverage of your local 'Camp Casey' and contact local members of MFSO, IVAW, VFP, to endorse your own community Camp Casey. It will help in getting local media coverage. You need military families and veterans on board with your efforts. We, military families, need the activist and peace groups to help us in our own efforts.

What I have seen in my own experiences as military family speaking out in working with activists has been positive experiences, more so when the military family voice is elevated and a focal point of the activist event. I've also had experiences where the activist event is more focused on it's own agenda and loses or misses opportunity to capitalize on the military family voice.

I attended a rally as invited guest speaker for MFSO, and after 2 hours of anti-war and anti-Bush rhetoric and rabidity, my turn to speak finally came up. 5 minutes as the last speaker on the panel. Yet it was exactly the real experiences we have being a military family that captured the attention and got media attention at that rally. As our efforts are typically 'non partisan' we focus more on our actual experiences and holding the CIC responsible for the well being of our troops as every military family ought to be doing, no matter their partisan beliefs. For MFSO, IVAW, VFP and other military/veteran related organizations with like views, we view the war in Iraq as an unnecessary war, and call for an end and to bring the troops home.

Typically, troops and military families have a culture of their own and do not publicly say anything critical of the CIC. However, troops and their military families also have an implied obligation to look out for their own, the well being of the troops. It is difficult for a military family to speak out on behalf of their own loved ones as there is a reality of 'retaliatory' action against that very loved one. BUT, having acknowledged that reality, somehow military families still need to find a way to do their other implied duty as military family and call out for CIC accountability to the troops, who are also citizens.

I'm suggesting, I think, that efforts need to capitalize on the military family voice. The idea of Camp Casey in your own communities harnasses the kind of support that would be difficult to not call patriotic.

[dooner]

92. Send Postcards

of our home towns to Cindy or Bush c/o Peace House
with a message of support ...


I don't know if this would be annoying to Peace House or not.. but I would really like to be represented and I feel like Cindy might like the support.

What do you think?

[anarchy1999]

106. That is a lovely idea and the Peace House would not be annoyed in

the slightest.

[Griffy]

98. THE SHEEHAN CARAVAN! gather in Crawford and drive to DC

and keep gathering to the Sept 24th March! We call, write and talk to everyone we can including famous people and politicians! Encourge, donate, attend support and get every American we can to join this!

From Hacket to Wes Clark, from Dean to J.Jackson we need everyone that seeks the truth about the war to join this! WE can influence this, we can, and I am already writing some groups to encourge them to join Cindy's vigil!

[ClassWarrior]

102. That's beautiful... Cindy said she intends to follow GW** to DC.

NGU.

[Lannes]

103. Maybe the dems or someone friendly to them (maybe on this board)

could give her the number of an media advisor or volunteer to help her keep the story going.Not sending a PR guy,which might hurt her but being able to consult with someone over the phone with some experience in these matters.

[ClassWarrior]

104. Elizabeth Edwards... are you there?...

NGU.

[GeorgeBushytail]

111. Local action - Take Cindy's Petition to local Republican congress. offices

Lots of us can't make it to Crawford, but we can lend our support and make this a national action.

Let's visit our local Republican Congressperson's office and deliver copies of Cindy's message. Hand them to the staff or tape them to the office doors. Or stand outside and take signatures on her petition before handing it in.

Congress is on recess so your Republican reps and sens should be at home (or on a junket). Call your local papers and TV stations and take pictures of the actions.

Here's a site with congressional contact info:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.t...

Let's turn up the heat on all Republicans.

I am too disabled to make it to Crawford, but I want to support Cindy Sheehan and amplify her message.

[funkybutt]

114. Here's what DUers can do!

from another post.
ORDER FOOD FOR CINDY AND THE REST OF THEM!
"There is not a pizza place but Kay suggested calling "The Coffee Shop Cafe", owner Sammy Citrano (he caters lots for Bush, sandwich plates and the like), phone [phone] or to call a new Subway (254-840-0555) in McGregor which is only 6 miles away and someone will go pick them up.
Their is also a Bar-B-Que place in McGregor, have not been able to
reach them yet (254-840-3344)."

Donate to the Crawford Peace House
http://www.crawfordpeacehouse.org/membership.html

Crawford Peace House NEEDS:
# computers and a printer
# fax machine
# phones and answering machine
# new phone lines for computer
# lumber for deck and fencing

They need Water and a Port-o-Let, lanterns, ...

what else?

[KyndCulture]

115. The portapotty is a great idea.... I checked for companies

There are a few in Waco. Looks like they are pretty pricey though.

[anarchy1999]

120. This just in from Austin chapter of Code Pink:

Cindy Sheehan's vigil outside Bush's ranch has gained international
attention and help is needed to further the action:

****PLEASE FORWARD FAR AND WIDE

Hello CodePinkers,

Cindy Sheehan, Diane Wilson and several others are dedicated to staying at
their roadside camp (located 5 miles from George Bush's ranch) until Bush
agrees to speak to Cindy about the loss of her son Casey in Iraq.

PLEASE JOIN THEM!!!! CodePink Austin came up Monday to bring supplies and
do whatever else we can do. We hope to come back as we can to camp with
these great women. If you want to travel with us send us an e-mail at
[e-mail].

If you can come on your own see directions below.

If you can bring any of the following or contact us and we'll bring them for
you---
Tiffany at [phone] or [e-mail]
Whitney at [phone] or [e-mail]
(or donate as per message at bottom to the Peace House):

Food and Water
Coffee
First aid kit
Tarps/canopy
Table(s)
Batteries
Flashlights
Wet wipes
Banner supplies
Rope (& other things to hang banners and signs)
nails & hammer
Bug spray
Ice chests/ Ice

Need to borrow:
Ladder(s)
Car lighter adapter for electric appliances
Tents
Table(s)
anything else you can think of...

Thanks for all of your hard work and commitment to the anti-war movement.

Peace,

CodePink Austin

(ladder issue has been resolved)

Thanks everyone for all you are doing
anarchy1999

[SwimmerFilms]

117. I made a tribute video...

http://homepage.mac.com/godofkarma/swimmerfilms/iMovieTheater74.html

[rman]

118. White Rose Society offers hosting for www.meetwithcindy.org

( i figured posting this here might help get this going sooner)


meetwithcindy.org dearly needs more bandwith...

as per White Rose Society's webmaster:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4286995

[kohodog]

124. Move the 9/24 demonstration up to 8/13 IN CRAWFORD

If a million people would desend on Crawford it would fuck their shit up.

Mapquest tells me it's a 28.4 hour drive. If Cindy is arrested I think I'm going.

[ScreamingMeemie]

125. I sent an email to the Gold Star Mothers in the hopes that they

would join her. :hi: