I'm blogging from the Peace House in Crawford. Ask me anything.

[brainshrub]

Some quick thoughts:

We are winning. Every day that passes, people are getting more committed to exposing the lies of the Bush Administration. The organizational skills of the people arriving to help is astounding, and the energy is incredible.

While it's a shame that Cindy's mom had a stoke and she had to leave Crawford for a few days, her absence has forced the media to take the focus off her and start asking questions of the veterans, activists and religious leaders that have flocked to Cindy's side.

The movement has grown stronger than any single woman, or president.

###

People are a tad nervous about the football game tonight. The locals have been accommodating but there is no telling what neighboring towns will do when they are exposed to non-corporate information.

###

By the way: The women here are gorgeous. I've never seen so many attractive people in one place. Even without makeup or A/C, they are stunningly beautiful both physically and personally.

[SteppingRazor]

1. Can you give me a reasonable headcount?

For Camp Casey?

[brainshrub]

12. Hard to say. About 75 at the Peace House, another 100 at Camp Casey.

Everyone is so spread out it's hard to get a total. I'd say the number is around 150 - 500 people right now.

[leftchick]

2. what does the Peace house need?

I will donate to help! :)

[brainshrub]

22. After your post, I walked over to the office to ask them.

According to Linda, the "Office Buddha" she said they need the following items:

1) Money. Go to www.crawfordpeacehouse.org and donate.

2) Food is okay right now, but it's unpredictable. So they are still asking for food & water just in case things get tight this weekend.

3) Tents, blankets and sleeping pads. You'd be surprised by how many people are sleeping on the ground with no protection from the elements.

4) You. Get yourself over here. We need ever hand we can get.

[proud2BlibKansan]

52. Tell Linda hi

and don't mess up that bathroom. Muse worked pretty hard getting it clean Wed.

[brainshrub]

75. I showered there this morning. Great job!

And Linda says "Hello" back to you. :D

[proud2BlibKansan]

76. Tell Andrew hi too

The kid in charge of parking. He is awesome!

[Synnical]

68. How about an Aero Bed?

I have one that I'd be glad to send. An electrical outlet is needed to inflate it.

-Cindy in Fort Lauderdale

[leftchick]

94. I will send money

I wish more than anything my body could be there. We are spending a lot to ride the peace train and stay in DC next month and I can't afford to do this trip too. I am there in spirit! :)

Peace and Love to all,
lc

[Fire Walk With Me]

3. Did some freeper really dredge up the cross garden?

I've been offline a couple of days..

Thanks for being there!

[Barad Simith]

18. Yes -- here are the pics, and a link to the story

pics...

http://www.spiritrockicefire.com/du

story...

http://www.kwtx.com/news/headlines/1686471.html

[Fire Walk With Me]

21. Stunning... Look at all of the US flags in the dirt, is that their message

??

Captain Obvious time.. They honor the dead by running over a tribute to them? Do they own the dead and the honor somehow?

Thanks!!!

[Barad Simith]

27. It's even worse than what's reported in the article

It was widely reported, both in postings from first hand accounts and in the mainstream media, that he accomplished this by attaching a chain and bar to the back of his truck.

In other words, this wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. He took the time to plan it out, then took more time to rig his truck to do the most amount of damage possible. He didn't just get pissed off as he happened to be driving by.

To answer your question, I'm not sure exactly how this was meant as a tribute to the fallen. Maybe it wasn't. Maybe he just hates American flags ... or symbols of Christianity ... or the soldiers who died in Iraq. You can never tell with these types.

[Fire Walk With Me]

33. They want to -control- who tributes the dead, and -how-, evidently

Not that the repubs are about controlling each and every little thing. /Sarcasm.

[babylonsister]

19. Yes, he did. His name was Northern. 'Toon here:

Toon compliments of DUer Gatorboy!

[Lerkfish]

4. keep us posted!

I would say about the football game to not do anything to rile up drunken football fans.
(not that you guys would)

also: several of you need to be videotaping when those folks come by. Might need it for malicious mischief evidence later if some of them want to redo a "Larry" or whatever his name was with the pickup truck.

[brainshrub]

26. I am traveling with a videographer.

She and her camera are ready to record anything that might happen.

Having said that, I'm sure that nothing bad is going to happen. We are all Americans.

[Maru Kitteh]

103. So where did you guys finally find a camera?

buy, rent, bribe, FedEx........ what?

[proud2BlibKansan]

55. There are tons of camera toting folks out there

Yesterday a guy went barrelling through the camp. He hadn't gotten to the end of the road before about 10 folks had taken his picture and had his tag number recorded.

[bahrbearian]

5. So how many Cindy people do you think are there?

Ah.. the women of Crawford.

[ochazuke]

6. NPR news report...

... says mom of first man to die in Iraq is going to Crawford sort of in Cindy's place.

(Bush has never met with her)

Any sign of her? Or any other gold star moms?

[brainshrub]

28. After your post, I walked over to the office and asked.

They are making phone calls now to and have promised to get back to me on this.

I will post their answer in this thread.

[brainshrub]

35. The NPR story is not correct:

Here is what was just told to me by Ryan Fletcher. (The contact person for Military & Gold-star families arriving at the Peace house):

"Gold-star Moms continue to support Cindy. No one is replacing her, they are in support for the duration."

[ochazuke]

84. Correction

I think she is the mom of the first man FROM GEORGIA to die in Iraq.

The report didn't say she was a permanent replacement for Cindy, but on her way to Camp Casey while Cindy is visiting her sick mom.

[Hissyspit]

7. Are there ticks and chiggers there?

[Ron Green]

9. How about the chicks and tiggers?

:evilgrin:

[Hissyspit]

15. Well he told us about the chicks...

That's what I always said when I was a kid, "chicks and tiggers."

[brainshrub]

30. I haven't seen them, but many have had problems with ants & mosquitoes.

Bring deet if you are coming.

[IndyOp]

48. deet kills - don't take deet - take Herbal Armor -

I am outrageously susceptable to every bug that bites and the only thing that works (other than deet) is All Terrain Herbal Armor.

[Hissyspit]

8. Has the move to the new location been completed?

[brainshrub]

32. No. It hasn't even started.

They are building a small stage on the new location, but there are several compelling reasons to stay at the old triangle-ditch:

1) It's got shade.

2) Everyone knows where it is.

3) A community has grown up in the old area, no one wants to wreck the energy that is forming there.

In my opinion Camp Casey should stay where it is. However, I support whatever the organizers decide.

[Hissyspit]

37. When would the move happen if it does?

[brainshrub]

64. They are having the meeting on that topic at this very moment.

The move will not happen today.

[Hissyspit]

72. Thanks for the answers!

Good job, brainshrub.

[proud2BlibKansan]

57. I think they should move for safety reasons

That guy who drove through camp yesterday morning almost hit several people.

[emdee]

10. Any update on the condition of Cindy's mom?

I'm hoping and praying that it was a light stroke.

Is the camp moved yet? I worry for the safety of those present.

emdee

[brainshrub]

36. No updates yet.

As for the camp-move, I mentioned earlier that there may not be a move after all.

Things here are in constant flux.

[tigereye]

11. hey way to go Brainshrub!

thoughts are with you! :hi:

And glad there are lots of cool folks to meet, as well!

[brainshrub]

39. These are the most incredible people I've ever met in my life.

The conversations I've had with people were worth the 20+ hour trip. I have so much I want to write about, but I am at a loss to know where to start.

[funkybutt]

13. Tell Buddy I said "HI"

[DanCa]

14. Let them know that I started a candle light vigil of my own.

I purchased an elctric candle and placed it in my window. I have an american flag on the left and peace flag on the right outside my room. If anyone from the crawford peace house would like a prayer please pm with thier name. Finally please thank all the veterans in attendance thank you Danny.

[hexola]

16. How many tye-dyes can you see? (nt)

[brainshrub]

43. Not that many.

This is a very mainstream group. If you are hearing reports of stinky a mob of radical hippies, they are lies.

Yes, there are a few tie-dye hippies, but most of the people here are Presbyterian and Methodist family folks.

Lots of professional white-collar and skilled laborers.

If people are stinky it's because of the heat, not the patchouli.

P.S.: I like hippies, I'm disappointed that there aren't more of them here.

[hexola]

49. Apparetnly some DU'ers dont want the tye-dye support...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4399632

[PittLib]

89. Hey, how about the suggestion that baba ganoush and falafel ...

(Middle Eastern food) send the wrong message? - that they should be serving hot dogs and hamburgers at the Peace House. WTF is wrong with people? (I'm trying to find the link ...)

[proud2BlibKansan]

95. Not to mention all that recycling going on at the Peace House

Only whacky lefties recycle :sarcasm:

[titoresque]

60. I like hippies too!

personally when I see an old hippie out with us at protests, rally's etc. I think it's great! Here are people who have most likely been fighting "the machine" for longer than I've been born! So if they get nostalgic and want to were patchouli (which smells wonderful IMOP)and don tye-dye shirts....who cares! Be proud to be a hippy! It means WAYYYYY more than how you look!

[FreedomAngel82]

101. Exactly

Look at Willie Nelson. My dad is an old-timey republican and loves Willie.

[enigmatic]

17. Hey bro

Can I pm you? I have a favor I want to ask of you:)

[brainshrub]

46. Check your inbox.

I am at the service of any DUer that asks.

[enigmatic]

50. Got it

And thank you:)

[MuseRider]

20. Tell them hello

from Kansas, I left there yesterday. Would have loved to meet you. Is it not the most amazing feeling there? I am getting back there come hell or high water as they say around these parts.

Please take Andrew something to drink from me with the big blue truck.

[JanMichael]

23. We have been following your blog for the past couple of days

I am so glad you are doing what you need to be doing...glad it's going so well there!

Stephanie

[wtmusic]

24. Any change in plans now that Shrub is going to Idaho? nt

[brainshrub]

54. When we found out, people were ecstatic.

Think about it: We drove the most powerful and insular person on earth out of his own home. :D

We are having an affect.

There is talk of following him to Idaho, but I don't know what will be decided.

[anarchy1999]

78. I certainly hope a contingent shows up wherever he lands in Idaho.

We need to start haunting him relentlessly and our numbers need to grow. We need to prove that this just is not Cindy but millions of us from all around this country and the world (oh, wait, we've been doing that haven't we?).

[FreedomAngel82]

102. That really is amazing

And very telling. He's afraid of a mother!

[Swamp Rat]

25. You have a printer there?

I got posters. The one below can be blown up, but I also have 36'x24' images (and B&W) that I can PM to you. :)

[brainshrub]

58. Yes. I showed your work to someone and they loved it.

I think they will print it soon.

Thanks.

[Swamp Rat]

70. PM me if you want the poster-sized versions/B&W.

[bpilgrim]

29. make sure they see their photo gallery ---- ------ ---- ----- > LINK

http://news.globalfreepress.com/gallery/index.php?cat=13

and keep us posted :toast:

peace

[BQueen]

31. I have some lyrics for you

Thanks for literally sweating it out down there, btw.

The perfect fit of this song just hit me today, so I haven't gotten far on lyrics for the verses (not many anyway, the chorus is the catchiest part) The Fountains of Wayne song "Stacy's Mom" -- since they sold out to Dr. Pepper, everybody knows the chorus and it's got an appeal that's cross-generational -- Here are my alternative lyrics (as I said, a work in progress, but thought they might make the weekend more fun since it's one of those you could create 100 verses for)

Casey's mom has got Bush on the run
Casey's mom has got Bush on the run
Casey's mom has got Bush on the run
Casey's mom has got Bush on the run

Cindy can I come and join you?
We can hang out by the media pool
Did Bush get back from his ego trip?
Is he there or is he trying to give us the slip?

We're not as gullible as we used to be
We're fed up with the BS, Bushie can't you see?

Casey's mom has got Bush on the run
She's what we need and we've waited for so long
Bushie, can't you see you can't just lie for free
We know the right is wrong and we are backing Casey's mom.

Bushie do you remember when you took her son?
You claimed Saddam had the Big One
She could tell you were faking it
Too bad so many people bought your bullsh*t

Can't you see, you're living in a fantasy?
Even Poppy knew you couldn't take Bagdhad for free.

Casey's mom has got Bush on the run
She's what we need and we've waited for so long
Bushie, can't you see you can't just lie for free
We know the right is wrong and we are backing Casey's mom.

[babylonsister]

34. David Rovics' "Song For Cindy Sheehan" here:

http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=111310

[BikeWriter]

80. TISSUE ALERT! Do not listen to this without tissues in hand.

[IndyOp]

56. Wow! This is infectious - I'm gonna be humming it under

my breath for days...

Casey's mom has got Bush on the run
Casey's mom has got Bush on the run

Hey - send it to Fountains of Wayne! I think they contributed a song to the MoveOn CD last year - who knows? maybe they will run with it...

:kick:

[BQueen]

82. I just had it in my head for my whole shower

(yes, I'm typing nekkid...ooooh :blush:)

Thanks, and good idea! I'll try to find their website when I get back home tonight

[brainshrub]

61. The song everyone loves here is: "Prairie Chapel Road"

By Eric Folkerth.

The song is great and it's become someone of the anthem around here.

I will try to upload the song and post it on my site later this afternoon. (No promises since the internet connection here is sloooooooooooow and I don't want an upload to slow all the other bloggers.)

[IndyOp]

88. Post when you can - I would love to hear it.

Music carries messages that can't be verbalized.

O8)

[MelissaB]

38. Is Joan Baez going to be there Sunday?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4400641

[brainshrub]

62. That's what I've heard.

:D

[MelissaB]

67. Hot d*mn! Wish I could be there.

Thanks! :hi:

[goodboy]

40. do we know when Cindy's coming back? (nt)

[Carla in Ca]

41. brainshrub, I took this photo at the end of the vigil

as these two lovely ladies were leaving. I had them stop so I could take their picture. Please show it, and thanks.

[FreedomAngel82]

104. Aw

They're so sweet. And hey Georgie did unite us. ;) Not in the way he was wanting of course. The shorter lady kinda in a way reminds me of my great-aunt Lou who died years ago of lung cancer. :)

[bribri16]

42. Be nice if you could link up to www.justicefornone.com and get

some Handbills printed to distribute. Lots of info on this administration and their lies and deceit in flyer form just waiting to be printed and handed out.

[Just Me]

44. You've told me all I wanted to know --- the power of the human spirit,...

,...in all its awe and beauty, is revealing itself there in Crawford.

:hug: If only I could be physically in the presence of such incredible power!

[brainshrub]

74. It's all reflected power.

No one here would be effective if it weren't for your prayers and support.

You are here; I can feel your presence in my heart.

[rateyes]

45. Do you know how Cindy's mom is?

I know there are different "levels" of strokes. I heard Cindy say on TV that her mom "recognized" them--is she talking? I hope it didn't affect her too much.

[bvar22]

47. Minnesota says HI.

One or more of these people should be in Crawford with you this weekend!

Minnesota DU supports Cindy Sheehan

[Cha]

90. All these people I've

been reading for years! Nice Picture..Solidarity with Cindy!

Thank you, Minnesota DUers..what an amazing group you are :yourock:

[proud2BlibKansan]

51. I am so sorry we just missed each other

Damn.

Did you see the note we put up on the wall to DUers?

[brainshrub]

65. No. Where is it?

:shrug:

[proud2BlibKansan]

73. Right next to the map

as you walk into the kitchen.

You know it is really from me because you already have my phone number :)

[Synnical]

53. The Bill Maher show tonite

Cindy was scheduled to join the show from Crawford. Will someone be standing in for her?

Thanks for your work. Sending hugs to all!

-Cindy in Fort Lauderdale

[burythehatchet]

59. Is it like Babelonia?

Is Baberaham Lincoln there?

[brainshrub]

69. I don't know who Baberaham Lincoln is.

This place is like Eden. Everyone shares and is kind to one another. It's like a small kingdom of heaven on earth.

I guess it's easy to build paradise when you don't have a bunch of conservatives telling you it can't be done.

[Fire Walk With Me]

63. Does Cindy know about Able Danger and the new data on 9/11 hijackers?

Atta and friends, that the government knew?

[brainshrub]

71. You'll have to aks her.

I don't know.

[Fire Walk With Me]

79. Okay, thanks!

[Generic Other]

66. 8/19 ALL DU Cindy threads DAY 13 (I posted a link for you!)

We are monitoring everything for you. Keep sending reports and I'll post them here.

Stay cool. Give a hug to all at Camp Casey and the Crawford Peace House. This is your leftcoast news stringer reporting...

:grouphug:

8/19 ALL DU Cindy threads DAY 13
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4396945

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

77. Vanity question: Did they get a postcard like this?

[brainshrub]

86. I don't know, but I will look for it.

The postcards get read in the living room every evening. Many times, the cards are so emotional there isn't a dry eye in the house.

[RightSightBrightLite]

81. In Vino Veritas- send Busch a beer ?

a strategy to point out the benefits of RETIREMENT ! to Bush

it appears he has become more dangerous when he has stopped drinking, and more easily manipulated by those around him as a 'moldable' shell?

"next to my inventions, the greatest invention is beer" Nikolai Tesla

Retirement= Be All You Can Be, be...who you truly want to be, who you truly are.

in India there have been protests in front of government ministries where the people gather and just laugh, guffaw etc. and with no discernible specific demands.

just a light-hearted novel try to get bush to come down to earth and feel the comraderie of relaxin' and hangin' with real people and real feelings, the future is crying for kinship and healing

what is he looking forward to in the coming Rennaissance Age?

All Together NOW {mp3}
http://www.stephansmith.com/media/S_Smith_AllTogetherNow.mp3

...and ALL to Gather ...now!

[uppityperson]

93. Dr Bronner, is that you?

All-One castile soap?

[Vincardog]

83. How much land is devoted to Camp Casey II?

[brainshrub]

87. I don't know, I havn't seen it yet.

I'll see Casey II in about an hour. (I am going to a concert featuring Marsha Ball at Casey II.)

Rumors range from 1 to 20 acres.

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

85. Women

<<By the way: The women here are gorgeous. I've never seen so many attractive people in one place. Even without makeup or A/C, they are stunningly beautiful both physically and personally.>>

A great cause, and beautiful women. Sounds worth a plane ride to me. It would be nice to meet a fellow single lady with similar political views and values while doing something significant.

[kansasblue]

91. Can you give us a geographical overview...

how far from the Peace house to Camp Casey?

How big is Camp Casey? 1/2 mile of one side of the road?

What's it like at night? lanterns? fires? tents?

Traffic on the road. Are people just living in the ditch?

if lots and lots of people come down what's the max number that CAmp CAsey could hold? What about overflow onto the new site?

What's the town like? nightlife?

Does Cindy or the Peace house talk about DSM?

[proud2BlibKansan]

96. I can answer those questions

The camp is about 6 miles outside of town. The Peace House is in town.

Camp Casey is maybe a quarter mile long on one side of the road. Then along an intersecting road are the crosses. So if you add those, it may be close to a mile.

The counter protesters, OTOH, take up about 20 feet in the ditch across the road. LOL

At night there are mainly flashlights and candles. No campfires that I saw.

People go back and forth from the camp to the Peace House. I don't think anyone is living full time at the camp. But I could be wrong. Every night, several people sleep at the camp and several stay awake all night to watch the camp and the road.

Traffic on the road - not much. Most cars go slowly by. Some people wave. A few local assholes drive way too fast and honk their horns. Most of the traffic is cars coming to Camp Casey.

I have no idea how many people the camp can hold. It will depend on whether or not they move the camp.

Crawford is very small. There is a gas station, a store, and a restaurant. There are a bunch of churches and around 600 or 700 people.

Yes, there are bumper stickers for sale that reference DSM and I saw several signs.

[snot]

92. What became of . . .

the idea posted by someone else on DU earlier this week of organizing a rock concert in Crawford?

It would be AWESOME to have a concert in the stadium on Cindy's last weekend before leaving Crawford -- to help swell the WAVE of enthusiasm riding into D.C.!

I saw something about Joan Baez going to Crawford. I'd think this would be a great opportunity for some younger bands, too, and I know one or two based in Texas.

[JanMichael]

97. Tell me who is the best host in North Carolina!

That would be us, yes?

Love you Paul, kick ass in the name of <insert something here>!

[evilqueen]

98. I've read in other threads...

that they don't see much of the news. There's a solution. If anyone there has an iPod or other portable device that can play mp3 files, get one of the computers at peace house or somebody's laptop set up with iPodder. It comes with all the Air America radio shows and those can be subscribed to.

Also (tooting our own horn here, sorry), we put out a news podcast 4 times a week + our weekend podcast is all music of peace and protest.

[osaMABUSh]

99. "That did it, man -- I'm fuckin' goin', that's all there is to it."

That is my reaction to the last statement: "By the way: The women here are gorgeous. I've never seen so many attractive people in one place. Even without makeup or A/C, they are stunningly beautiful both physically and personally."

http://www.godamongdirectors.com/scripts/pulp.shtml

[FreedomAngel82]

100. Thanks for the update

I wish I could be there with you guys! I hope you're all staying cool. I thought Cindy was coming back today? I'm glad to hear her mom is doing okay though. And I've seen some photo's with some really hot guys too. The two Iraq vets Tom Goodrich and Hart Viges are cute.