So I'm thinking of protesting the war...

August 16, 2005 6:30 PM

So I'm thinking about going down to Texas to protest with Cindy Sheehan...

I have a week's vacation and the hubby doesn't. I can hang out and enjoy the last of the sun, read a few books, relax...or I can go down to Texas and join Cindy Sheehan's protest against a war I think is immoral and an administration I think is the most corrupt since Nixon. I know most Bush protestors have been kept far away from the man himself, but this has developed a little differntly and I think may really be the start of something. My friends are telling me I'm nuts to even think about doing it (which wouldn't be the first time I've heard that), but I think it might give me more peace of mind than anything I've done in a while. Do you have any practical advice about where to stay, how to get there, etc? I'd be starting from Boston.

posted by airgirl to Travel & Transportation (35 answers total)

Move On dot Org should be able to put you in touch with other people who would like to go with you from Boston and can share gas expenses and whatnot, if you're driving.
posted by By The Grace of God at 6:40 PM on August 16, 2005

Crawford Peace House has some details.
posted by Otis at 6:45 PM on August 16, 2005

What a GREAT idea. I wish I could join you.
posted by ptm at 6:51 PM on August 16, 2005

If you need a night's rest in Memphis, let me know - my email is in the profile
posted by jmgorman at 6:59 PM on August 16, 2005

If you are driving that is.
posted by jmgorman at 6:59 PM on August 16, 2005

Waco is a biggish city about half an hour away. American flies there from Boston through DFW. There should be plenty of places to stay in Waco if you want to make it your home base. Best of luck - please photoblog your trip!
posted by Saucy Intruder at 7:18 PM on August 16, 2005

I think a protest of this nature is largely ineffective and pretty meaningless -- perhaps donating money & time to a local campaign (politician, initiative, city council) would be more rewarding and productive...?
posted by davidmsc at 7:41 PM on August 16, 2005

I was there protesting in Crawford on the first year anniversary of the Iraq war. We drove down from San Antonio (a couple hours away). Our crowd of several hundred people walked around the small town and long farm roads and then listened to some optimistic speakers, Ralph Nader among others. It was fun and rather chill. I think a lot of the residents found the activists amusing. Of course others had their child minions angrily chanting "Four more years" ad nauseam as if it was the only thing they could think of - obviously nothing positive about the man.

As aforementioned, check out the Peace House. Good luck and be careful - remember, we are living in a totalitarian police state.

Also, I don't want to make any assumptions, but lets just say that if you want to eat vegetables while you're there, it'd probably be good to stock up.
posted by deep_sea_diving_suit at 7:44 PM on August 16, 2005

Response by poster: The thing is, davidmsc, I've donated money. I've donated time. I quit my meaningless corporate job and joined the ranks of the dot org. I've railed against the machine. I've been bewildered, hurt, and utterly disgusted. I have much more to say, but won't. I have no outlet. Maybe this will make me feel less impotent, less powerless. Maybe not. But it's worth a try, right?
posted by airgirl at 7:55 PM on August 16, 2005

A friend of mine who lives near there has been going to visit the site and says there's a real feeling of power and intensity running through Camp Casey. Don't be put off with the idea that this is meaningless.
posted by jacquilynne at 7:57 PM on August 16, 2005

I just want to offer my encouragement. I think this is a great idea!
posted by jennyb at 8:02 PM on August 16, 2005

Great idea. Do it!
posted by growabrain at 8:04 PM on August 16, 2005

this site has tips and says to bring a car ful of water (and since they're moving camp to a place with less trees, bring tarps too for shade.)

Go for all of us who can't. Give her a hug from me--give all of them one.
posted by amberglow at 8:11 PM on August 16, 2005

What a wonderful idea! Enjoy.
posted by damnitkage at 8:23 PM on August 16, 2005

I haven't lived there for a few years, but if you do wind up making Waco your homebase and need some tips on getting around/restaurant rec's, etc. feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
posted by Ufez Jones at 8:57 PM on August 16, 2005

I think a protest of this nature is largely ineffective and pretty meaningless

I have to respectfully disagree.

A movement is indeed underway -- and surprisingly to Cindy Sheehan, herself, she is the catalyst.

She is the force that is bringing to light the fact that President Bush's approval ratings are in the toilet. A majority of Americans -- 56 % -- feel that the "United States [is not] meeting its objectives in Iraq."

Groups are coalescing in the U.S. and abroad for peace demonstrations tomorrow/today (Wednesday, August 17th.). Civil protest is a powerful tool.

Nice to hear that a Bush neighbor "will allow use of his land by dozens of war protesters who have camped in roadside ditches the past 11 days, giving them more room and halving their distance from Bush's ranch."

Your one voice will be multiplied by thousands elsewhere. I wish I could join you.
posted by ericb at 8:57 PM on August 16, 2005

Bravo to you. I've been mourning the loss of the old me that would have been in Waco last week. Too many responsibilities, but I'm there in spirit. And bless you for having the spirit to fight. I feel so defeated by the evil, and as a parent it has me depressed beyong measure. I think you are right -- this is a movement aborning, at long last. And think of the chance to tell your grandkids you were there when it happened. How many people wish they had been in Montogomery with MLK? You'll probably get further on the first day than NYC, but let me join jmgorman and offer you a crash space in New York if you end up getting a late start. Email is in the profile. I'm giving you a cyber-salute.
posted by realcountrymusic at 9:30 PM on August 16, 2005

PS -- wear boots and long socks despite the heat. Those fire ants in Waco (said as an ex-Central Texan) are monsters. You're my hero tonight.
posted by realcountrymusic at 9:33 PM on August 16, 2005

I second the bravo. I'm proud of you.
posted by hamster at 9:39 PM on August 16, 2005

Your action creates "a point of light" good on you!
posted by hortense at 9:41 PM on August 16, 2005

You and Larry Mattlage, that is. What cool news. And of course the guy (who's letting the protesters camp on his land) is a veteran, and a cousin of the jerk who fired off his gun the other day.
posted by realcountrymusic at 9:41 PM on August 16, 2005

It is a nasty time of year in Texas. Humidity, heat, mosquitos in the air, and fire ants on the ground. Just being outside during day hours is going to be strenuous. Fruits and lots of water will keep you from falling out.

Seafood from the gulf sucks compared to either coast, so think beef if you are an omnivore.
posted by buzzman at 9:43 PM on August 16, 2005

You get my blessings as well. Give them hugs for me!

A couple of tips - dried, nonperishable high protein food is invaluable, like peanuts, jerky, etc. Protesting burns more calories than you think. So is a charged and working cell phone, in case you want/need to call someone. And definitely take a camera! I, for one, want to see pictures!
posted by spinifex23 at 9:48 PM on August 16, 2005

I think a protest of this nature is largely ineffective and pretty meaningless

Wrong! Sheehan is on every network every day. She is keeping the tragedy and futility of this war on all the front pages of the whole nation. Ineffective? Ha! Republicans wish! It's a great, noble cause and it is making a difference.
posted by wsg at 11:37 PM on August 16, 2005

I say go for it. The people you meet and the experience will likely stay with you for the rest of your life. And I, too, disagree that the protest is ineffective. Plenty of people are noticing it, which may not be translated into visible action, but it's definitely on the radar, which is a crucial starting point. Be safe. Let us know of your trip!
posted by yoga at 4:50 AM on August 17, 2005

I am proud of you for making this effort. Thank you.

For all of us that can't make the trek to Crawford, please consider attending a vigil for Cindy. TrueMajority and MoveOn are sponsoring vigils tonight across America.

"MoveOn, TrueMajority and Democracy for America have teamed up to organize nationwide "Vigils for Cindy Sheehan" (and for all military families and Gold Star families) this coming Wednesday, August 17, starting at 7:30 p.m. local time."

Don't curse the darkness... light a candle.
posted by Corky at 5:52 AM on August 17, 2005

I say go for it as well. You sound passionate about one vacation idea, and disinterested in the other.

I'd take davidmsc's advice with several tons of salt. His posts indicate that he is extremely right-wing, and thus has significant reason to piss on your parade.
posted by mosch at 6:38 AM on August 17, 2005

I can't go so please represent me too! This is not meaningless. Protesting poor decision making and corruption, however small the group of people or quiet the voices or humble the stage, is never meaningless.

Let me know if you need a donation to offset the costs of the trip. I can't donate much, but I would be happy to send something.
posted by jeanmari at 6:54 AM on August 17, 2005

GO FOR IT! i wish i could be there too.
posted by yonation at 7:26 AM on August 17, 2005

do it for all the people who CANT.

in person protest is more important than donating dollars.
posted by brucec at 8:15 AM on August 17, 2005

Give Cindy a hug and wish her "Godspeed" from me and mine, as well.
posted by cookie-k at 9:27 AM on August 17, 2005

Go. Do. (and... Thank You!)

Give Cindy a big "Hello!" from the AskMeFi community.
posted by Rash at 9:46 AM on August 17, 2005

Another respectful disagreement with the folks who think protesting is meaningless. As a direct result of participating in the anti-war protests in 2003, I became a political activist - I quit my corporate job, I'm going back to school full-time, and I've learned more about myself and what I'm capable of in the last two years than I have in my entire adult life.

Airgirl - you feel drawn to this for a reason. Follow your passion, and you'll be amazed where it will lead you. Best of luck to you, and send my best regards to Cindy.
posted by Space Kitty at 10:10 AM on August 17, 2005

YES, GO! Thank you! My thoughts, hugs and best wishes go with you.
posted by anadem at 10:15 AM on August 17, 2005

What realcountrymusic said. Do it, and please report back.
posted by languagehat at 11:51 AM on August 17, 2005