My Camp Casey Report, with photos. (LONG - and dial-up warning)

Lisa0825

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Mon Aug-22-05 10:07 AM
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My Camp Casey Report, with photos. (LONG - and dial-up warning)

WestHoustonDem and I drove to Camp Casey from Houston Saturday morning. After chasing our tails trying to find the hotel, we continued on to the Peace House. It was a very festive atmosphere, despite the tragic losses that instigated the action. Volunteers directed traffic and parking, and cheerfully welcomed us as we walked across the street. "Peace and Love" may be an expression that makes many folks cringe, since the peace movement of decades past has endured consistent attempts to discredit it, but that's truly what was in the air.

Everywhere we turned, volunteers were working hard to keep the throngs of supporters moving, keep supplies stocked, get questions answered, etc. We grabbed a quick bite to eat in the backyard, thinking it might be the last chance for a while. Two tables were loaded with snacks, salads, and drinks. The seating tables all had beautiful flowers on them.

Out front, volunteers staffed a sign in table, where we got name tags, and a ribbon with the name, hometown, and date of death of a fallen soldier to wear to remind us of why we were there.

There were several shuttles carrying people between the camps and the house. The line moved quickly, and people were practically competing for the chance to give up their seats for anyone they thought might need it more. We boarded a van and headed out. A hundred or so bikers were parked at some businesses, and we were told they were there in "support of the troops," though from another viewpoint from ours. The van proceeded to Camp Casey 1, the original. Thinking that it was moving day anyway, we stayed on board and went on to Camp Casey 2. I caught a glimpse of Dylan Garcia, in a floppy hat and glasses as the van rolled by. Cars were parked along the street as far as we could see. Cindy's original tent was there, and probably 50 more along the roadside. The crosses that had been run down lined the road perpendicular to the rest of the camp, starting at Cindy's tent. Driving past those crosses for the first time is a moment I'll always remember. About 6 or 8 counter protesters sat across the triangle.

As we drove along, we saw several homes and fences with signs that read "We support the President" or other similar messages. However, the majority of homes had NO signs, and I couldn't help thinking that maybe they were silently on our side, but afraid to come out. I saw one sign that said, "President Bush does not live here!"

We pulled up to the camp, and I couldn't believe what I saw! A HUGE tent directly next to Bush's long driveway! As we arrived, the large lawn in front of it was empty. By mid afternoon, it would be a field of crosses, named for each soldier who died. Along two sides, WestHoustonDem, and others from Houston would be adding flags for Texas soldiers, with a photo and information about each one. At the front right corner, closest to where the shuttles' passengers stepped out, was Casey Sheehan's flag, surrounded by the Texas soldiers who fell alongside him.

(Casey's is the one at the corner without the Texas flag)

One of Casey's Texas troops, Spc Isreal Garza, 25 years old... as with many digital cameras, it took a second after pressing the button to capture the pic. Just after I hit the button, a gust of wind blew by and picked up that flag, like it was standing at attention for the picture.

We entered the tent, and there were already a couple hundred supporters and volunteers milling about.

There was a stage set up, with seating in front of it, and then at least a couple dozen round tables that could seat about 8 or 10 each. Smaller tents lined the front and back of the big top, with a medical station, various groups' information, or just sleeping bags. Code Pink was out in force, and their merch table was doing brisk business.

The entire length of one end of the tent was a huge buffet, prepared by Food, not Bombs. It was incredible! They worked so hard to provide fantastic food, and keep it available 24 hours a day for people arriving at any hour.

One of the most amazing things to me was how unbelievably organized the entire thing is, from the Peace House, to both camps, to the transportation in between. No one lacked as much food or drink as they needed. There was never a shortage. Supplies were rolling in every moment. There was never a line for the port-a-potties, which were the most immaculate ones I'd ever seen! It was logistically the best event I've ever been to.

After having lunch, I walked around to see who was there, and look at the various displays. There were several banners and signs hanging from the tent, honoring the soldiers and their families. There was a huge coffin standing, with the photos and information about each fallen soldier. I took a picture, but it just didn't do it justice.

A large painting of Casey hung toward the front, flapping somewhat in the breeze, being lit by the sun from behind. It was a really moving image.

The first DUers I spotted were ginbarn and Derby378. Shortly thereafter, WolverineDG passed by our table. Most of the daytime was spent talking to people we met about why they were there, where they were from, and how we hoped this would be "the beginning of the end" of the war.

As WestHoustonDem and her group worked to set up the flags they'd made, I staked out seating near the stage, and elehhhna happened to sit down next to me. :hi: Another Houstonian whose name escapes me was with her, and we took turns keeping the seats and our bags company while each other walked around the camp, hit the buffet, and visited the many displays. Original music was on stage from about 4pm to 6pm. They drove here from as far as California. Around 6, the speakers started telling their stories on stage. Every one had their own compelling, emotional tale... soldiers who returned, angry at being used for false purposes, with scars no one would see... mothers who lost children... a man who lost his bother...

(I could have this a bit out of sequence; pardon me if I do)

At dusk, a soldier who had given an earlier speech then played taps, out in front of the crosses. The crowd silently moved toward the edge of the tent and surrounded the field. I got chills in the summer Crawford heat. It was really beautiful.

Folk singer James McMurtry took the stage to sing and play guitar. His son sang his own song as well, and then his father joined him with son on sax. The crowd really responded to them, and it was a great warm-up for Steve Earl. Steve Earl did a terrific set! The anecdotes between songs were as entertaining as the music, and of course, every song struck a chord with the crowd, because we all were there for the same reason.

Steve surprised us by telling us he is actually on his honeymoon! His wife started out as his opening act, and he just fell for her. She joined him onstage for a few songs. She's a really lovely lady.

When he played "The Revolution Starts Now," someone got up and turned the speaker toward Bush's ranch. We shouted along with the song. He was really wonderful, and he said he's looking forward to being in DC in September.

His closing pose, which we returned to him:

After the show, the crowds started disperse. Not wanting the supporters to have to wait too long for the shuttles, they made an announcement: that anyone who drove to the camp in their own vehicle would not be leaving with an empty seat. We would all help each other get back to where we needed to go. I doubt it took more than 30 minutes to get hundreds of people out! Everyone was happy to help, and many even came back with their cars after being dropped off to then help others.

Lyn and I were beat after a long day, and headed back to the hotel. There, we ran into anarchy1999 and briefly said hello, before I went inside to shower and pass out in record time!LOL!

We got up in the morning, checked out, and went to the shuttles to go to Camp Casey 1, since we found out yesterday that instead of actually *moving* to the new camp, what actually happened was both camps would stay open. On the shuttle, we happened to sit behind DUers PuraVida Dreamin and Katinmn. We saw Crawford's first Arlington West (the second being at Camp 2), and took a picture in front of Cindy's tent. (PuraVida Dreamin? post the pic, por favor! :hi: )

We continued down the street, visiting with the campers, and browsing bumper stickers, books, literature, and art, and talking to people from all over the country. I stopped to tell Food Not Bombs what a phenomenal job they did, and got a big hug. Someone made a map of the US where people could sign in with their hometowns.

http://www.imagedump.net/index.php

ABC World News Tonight was there, interviewing various supporters. Katinmn gave a terrific interview, which I haven't been able to see yet, but I heard it in person! The cameramen were really nice, and seemed supportive. They joked about how small the counter-protester groups had been. There were only about six on Sunday, and he said there were only 2 one day.

We finally ran into Buddy, aka DylanGarcia, and his wife Annie, who I was eager to see! Lyn and I had met them in New Orleans at the Jazz Funeral for Democracy, and they are two of best people I have met in my life! Nice as can be, so smart, driven, energetic, etc. We are lucky to have them on our side! Buddy has been representing Cindy, and mediating anything that comes up with law enforcement. He and Annie will be on the Peace Train to DC. If you can possibly go, GO! It will be a great event!

me, Annie, Buddy, Lyn

We returned to the Camp 2, and met up with anarchy1999, Frictionless O, JohnCoby, and NoPasaran. LOTS of DU representation here! Way to go y'all!!! :woohoo:

PuraVida Dreamin, Frictionless O, Katinmn, JohnCoby, WestHoustonDem, Lisa0825

Unfortunately, we were unable to stay to hear Joan Baez, as we had to drive back last night and she was coming too late. I hope it was a wonderful show!

As Lyn and I waited for the shuttle, I decided I needed one last shot...

Me at the checkpoint to Rancho Pollo:

Just one last image... Arlington West at night. May no more crosses be added.