Cindy Sheehan ‘resigns’ as protest leader, drained by biting criticism
“Cindy Sheehan, the soldier’s mother who galvanized an antiwar movement with her monthlong protest outside President George W. Bush’s ranch, said Tuesday she’s done being the public face of the movement.”

Cindy Sheehan Steps Down as the Face of the Antiwar Movement
Peace activist Cindy Sheehan has announced she is stepping back from her role as a leading campaigner against the Iraq war. Amy Goodman talks with her about her decision.

I feel for Cindy Sheehan. As a fellow activist I understand a lot of where she’s coming from. When I have been at protests and seen cops hurting protesters I’ve wondered why I was doing it. Why was I putting myself in danger of being arrested, beaten and possibly killed? Why was I willing to stand in protest when a car threatened to run us over? Was it even worth it?

Sheehan says she’s exhausted and I understand why. Activism is hard work-it’s hours and hours of volunteer work, rarely any compensation, lots of attacks from the opposition and often requires lots of personal risk.

Yet I keep coming back to activism work. I wouldn’t be surprised if Sheehan does as well. Why? For me it’s a moral decision. Edward Abbey said “Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul.” I believe that and try to live my life with that phrase in mind. To me it would be immoral to not speak out and to not fight for things I believe in. Being an activist is a hell of lot easier that just “zoning out” but I feel I must do it.

There have been times I’ve stepped back. I need to do this to stay sane. Often I’ll work on different causes or do different types of activism to stay motivated. Sometimes though taking a break from everything is needed.

In many ways it’s easier to discount an activist like me than Sheehan. I don’t have any kids in the military nor have I ever served. I’m one of those granola munching, fuzzy leg, Birkenstock wearing, peacenik hippy activists. The pro-war faction throws an insult my way and moves on. But Sheehan?

She was attacked so hard because she was such a good candidate for speaking out against the war. A normal mother who’s son dies fighting in the war. It’s hard to attack someone like that. But that’s exactly what happened. The pro-war faction went apeshit over her, accusing her of everything from hating America to being a media whore. She became an anti-war activist while already in the spotlight. Many of her thoughts and speeches weren’t as manicured as seasoned activists. Her words were picked apart for anything that could be used against her.

I think it’s a good thing Sheehan’s taking a break. She deserves it. She has done a lot for the peace movement, for the troops and for US politics. To me she is a modern day American hero.

Posted by Vixen in Political Rants, News