Cindy Sheehan

I went to hear Cindy Sheehan speak. She is well known, as an activist, after her son died in the Iraq war. She became a household name when she protested near George Bush’s Texas ranch in 2005. The environment in the auditorium was pretty intense with security guards walking around and guarding the doors. There was an incident where two men started to scream at Sheehan: “You are supporting and giving power to terrorist.” They were quickly stopped.

Some of Sheehan’s comments:

Barbara didn’t teach George on solving conflicts without violence.

One person can make a difference

9/11 could have been an excellent podium to show other countries what the United States was made of. We could have taken this tragedy and had the whole world listening to us about nonviolence, forgiveness, and truly capturing those who committed the crime. Instead we invade lands that doesn’t belong to us, kill thousands of innocents lives, and have the world hating us. (something to this affect)

My country can do better

Some things I just didn't agree with Sheehan. Like "No one has to die for freedom...we are born with it." Is she living with humans or what? She gave me a different perspective to see situations through but I didn't agree with all of it...atleast not as much as those who gave a standing ovation when she was finished.

I sat in the back this time. I didn’t want another “Kal Penn situation” – however Sheehan was nothing like Kal Penn. She was actually prepared to speak, motivated, and strong about her beliefs.

I was interviewed by two newspapers. I don’t know why they choose me but THEY DID! I was interviewed for the school and the city paper. I woke up early to get the paper the next morning- and loved seeing my name. The city paper covered more of what I said than the school paper:

“Student Tharsica (last name) said she supports Sheehan’s efforts to find the truth behind why the war in Iraq started.”
“She’s just a mother,” she said. “She has a right to ask why her son died.”

It was an eventful night. I also heard a Nobel Prize Winner speak this week. More on this later...