Send my body or money for a dead military person's parent to go?

[uppityperson]

Edited to say tickets will be around $600
-----------------------------------------------
I am struggling with the choice and I need to clear this up so I can get on with it. Do I pay to fly to Crawford for a few days or do I donate the money so the parent of a child killed in Iraq invasion/occupation can go?

Ethically my choice is clear. Donate. But I am a middle aged mom with a son who soon must register with the selective service and been active with peace stuff on and off for the last 30 yrs. I feel more strongly that this is what I need to do, where I need to be, that this is the pivotal moment and I need to be a part of it. My child is not in the military and I am doing what I can to keep it that way, which is a big part of the reason I feel I need to go to Crawford.

But I can be a part of it here by donating and sending another grieving parent there. Perhaps by organizing or participating in a similar protest here in WA (anyone know of one?).

I am looking for input. Which to do? Thank you and peace.

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. If you need to go, then go. If the draft kicks in. God help you

but your baby could be next :hug:

[uppityperson]

2. If a draft happens we have a tough decision.

But he won't die in a bushwar.

[GreenPartyVoter]

7. Mine either. I will farm them out with their Canadian cousins then sneak

over the border to be with them if I have to.

[uppityperson]

10. what about trying for C.O status?

first of course. and then...?

[GreenPartyVoter]

11. Well I have ten years before I really get scared. Ten years to try and

fix this mess. After that.. I'll do whatever I have to to keep these bright and beautiful babies of mine out of the teeth of the war machine.

They are meant to do good things in this world. And I don't even mind if they want to do them wearing a military uniform. But only under a CIC I can trust not to put them in harm's way for no reason.

[uppityperson]

12. Start keeping track of activities now

If they might want to try for CO status, they should start documenting activities now. Protests, movies, meetings, church activities, educational things. I hate being this way, having to document stuff, want to just be taken as I am and feel this is how people should be. However, kids/parents need to start documenting this stuff for several yrs, recommendation is at least 5, and the longer the better.

[GreenPartyVoter]

16. Thanks. I'll do that

[DistressedAmerican]

3. I Debated That TOO. I Decided To Go After I Called Down And Talked

to them. They really need folks down there. Consider going. You will be doing a lot of good!

I got my tix today!

[uppityperson]

5. when are you going?

got any good ticket suggestions? Yahoo comes up around $600

[DistressedAmerican]

13. Try Priceline. We Got Newark To Dallas For About 400.

Their price was bout 100 less than Edpedia or orbitz. We leave the 19th and come back on the 21st.

[uppityperson]

14. still around $600 to get to DFW

car rental ontop of it. I'll keep checking. Thanks.

[uppityperson]

17. I just found an affordable one to DFW

19-23. Want to share a car to get there?

[Desertrose]

4. Do what feels right for you

either way another "body" will be there to add to the energy.

Bless you all for going and doing this...it IS for our kids.

You have to do what your heart calls you to do.

:hug:
DR

[teknomanzer]

6. Donate!

All I can say is - who better to represent you and your concerns better than someone who has already suffered the fate of losing a love one... think about it.

[uppityperson]

9. I know. Parent of a dead kid or parent of a draftable kid.

This poll is too even so far. Onward with my struggle. Thanks for everyone for participating so far.

[ToolTex]

8. Go if you can.

Others that can't go can send money.

[newyawker99]

15. Hi ToolTex!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[uppityperson]

18. Thank you all for helping me clear my head. $244 gets me to Austin

Aug 24-27. Now I can get on with things in the meantime. It was not an easy decision, and I am compromising by donating money to Peace House and military family organization. Thank you again, perhaps see some of you in person. Let me know if you are going, want to share ride, room or just say hi. Peace to you all. Uppity