GO HOME, CINDY SHEEHAN, GO HOME!
Go home, Cindy Sheehan, go home!
Teck-shush don't want you 'round here!
Step away from my Crawford gate,
I leave y'all in trail of motorcade dust.
Your message ain't bein' heard 'round here!
Don't you understand freedom, Cindy Sheehan?
Don't you cherish democracy at all?
Me and Rummy's got Iraq all under control.
So take your liberal Demo-crap groupies
and try catching the next Greyhound home!
Go away, Cindy Sheehan, go now!
Or do I need to seek FBI intervention?
Beloved Casey waits for you on your mantel
adorned with war medals and all.
Don't pretend y'all know what war's all about.
Go home, Cindy Sheehan, go home!
(10/26/05)
Author notes
Cindy Sheehan lost her son, Army SPC Casey Sheehan, a well-decorated soldier serving his second tour in Iraq in April, 2004. She, along with other mothers, fathers and anti-war protesters held vigil outside the Crawford, Texas ranch the duration of the 5-1/2 weeks of Bush retreat there this past summer. She and the others tolerated abuses from local authorities, Secret Service detail and locals toting firearms, including a snub by the President himself leaving her in a cloud motorcade dust. Although Cindy Sheehan did leave Crawford temporarily due to health issues relating to her mother, she returned to Crawford; and, at this point of time, continues protest outside the White House in Washington, D.C.
Casey Sheehan was a member of the 82nd Field Artillery of the 1st Cavalry Division out of Ft. Hood, Texas. On 4/13/04 Army Major General Rodney Kobayaski presented Sheehan's family with the Purple Heart and Bronze Star and thanked them for a fine soldier, "a soldier's soldier."
It would be a lie to say I didn't want to be so brutally candid in this write. Just in a "Screw it! I'm an American!" protest mood I suppose. That and thinking back to one of the last political "debates" with the EX. And YES, I support the troops, just not their Commander-and-Chief so very much!
Written October 26th, 2005
In a list
A contest entry
- The truth is hidden under the rug by XxAlishaxBentleyxX.
450 points, ended March 10, 2007, 12 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 52 of 52
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Hey, This is Alisha. I'm the judge of this contest.
I just wanted to say that you done a good job. I didn't understand who you were talking about till I read the Author's coments so I went back an read it again. I liked it alot. It was really good.
Good job!
Good luck in my contest!
- Lisha Dawn -
I have to say that this poem is one of the few I have seen that agrees with my own position. I have to say it is difficult for some people to understand that I support these brave men but not their leaders. I think that these soldiers should not have to die because of higher offices stupidity. They do not risk their lives and show little apprectiation.
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Please don't tell Cindy to go home because she is from my town in California. If she came home she would not be happy here anymore, anyway. Your poem is great!
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Sadly, there's more truth than poetry to this. Actually, it's really depressing, since it's so true. Bush and all his rummy friends are disgusting and evil. It's too bad but the Repblicans own the voting machines and it's already been proven that there're a hundred ways to hack them, particularly if you own them. I think American democracy has met its Waterloo. Anyway, you've done a fine job in pointing out that Bush cares about nobody but Bush and his cronies.
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cool as far as your intellectual opinion of my poem...but why do you feel the need to resort to name-calling??? must be a repugnant thing y'all have going, but "when you grow up and become a unicorn," hopefully you'll show an iota of human nature and some manners.
Jo
P.S.: You never answered my contest post questions...but then I really didn't think you could validate yourself by an answer anyway. -
Thank you for being a jackass and entering this piece of filth in my contest. You are now blocked and deleted from my contest. Have a nice day.
-Julie -
I always figure if a poem can stir up emotion and/or controvery Country, then the writer has done well. thank you for your comment to my poem, I do appreciate.
Jo -
What I learned this week.
The truth is she was promoting her book and she used her dead son to do so. It was slick but finally the media showed a picture of her with one hundred copies of her book that she was trying to promote. But this is the case that you do not see much of. Personally we all have a relative or someone we know in Iraq. The day will come Jo that we will look back and see this for what it is. She had met with George Bush and personally the neighbors in near his ranch had a lot to complain about. -
thanks Silver! Sheehan's story has been dominating news here in the states over the past few months since sentiment concerning the Iraq War seems to be falling by the wayside. I was just totally disgusted by Bush's actions this past summer when Cindy Sheehan led protest outside his Crawford ranch and he blew right past her in his motorcade rush without even stopping. Some self-proclaimed "compassionate conservative" he's turned out to be!
Good contest theme!
Jo
Edited on Dec 04, 2:51 because ''. -
Hey Jo,
Thanks for entering this, I enjoyed reading it. Thankyou also for the comment down the bottom- I was not personally familiar with the story of Casey Sheehan and it was an interesting read. It came across as a very heartfelt protest, one which coupled with all the other protests would make a difference if Bush cared. Thanks for entering, it's a great piece, and good luck in the contest!
*em -
you're too cute! you can't sing it in soprano...try it next time in that deep baritone voice of yours!!! see? no broken windows!!!
and the background is cute, but gosh can it ever make you feel too wiggly after awhile! take good care!
Jo -
Oh yea man lovin the background, even tried singing it, i think i might have broken a few windows but so i stopped, yea u r right it is a little distracting but oh so cute, urs becca
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funny you should mention "lyrics" Isiss, because whenever I read this poem even to myself, it ends up I'm singing them! I even had a background which I was gonna attach which has USA figures dancing in the background, but it felt too distracting when reading the poem. if you'd like to see what it looks like with the dancing USA's, I've changed it over temporarily cause it's really so funny...
Jo -
Oh hell yea man, are these lyrics cus if they r i want a copy whan u get recorded, this rocks
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lol Mark...I was reading a poem within a book recently which made fun of his "teck-shush" talk...and nuclear was one of the very words contained in the poem...except it was NU-QUE-LER. I cringe everytime!!!
thanks for taking a peek at this poem and leaving your fun comment!
Jo -
I don't think Bush handled the Sheehan matter very well, either. Hiding and avoiding confrontation is always interpreted as weak and sneaky. It seems his public speeches are always carefully choreographed. Makes one wonder if his aides are afraid to let him speak for himself. Lord knows he makes a mess of the English language every time he tries. After six years of practice, he still can't say "nuclear". That makes me very nervous. lol
Nice one. Good luck in the contest.
Mark -
thank you Gran, I most appreciate your comment to my poem. wasn't even meant as a political stance except to say that I was and still am really disappointed and discouraged by the lack of compassion by a world leader we have in a U.S. President is all.
thanks again for you comment!
Jo -
A bit like the Canadian parents view point of those four young men killed in friendlly fire by the Americans - good thing we have freedom of speech as well as all the other freedoms. Liked your write.
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this makes quite a statement..at least to me..Bush does not want anyone to disagree with him..I feel Cindy has a right and Bush has an obligation to tell her in no uncertian terms why her son died in a war that was started on lies and over ego..he owes the American public an explanation ..I am sure we will never get one..In my opinion he is a coward ans always will be...Jack
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we'll definitely be in touch Presence, it was really good talking with you and thank you!
Jo -
Presence: Dear Poet, isn't it nice that people can discuss such things rather than "yell" at each other ("yelling" seems to be the rule here on AP)
Only now have I seen your kind words... and I thank you. It is a pleasure to speak with you. Please keep writing such wondrous works, that the discussion can continue.
All the best to you!
~P -
I didn't take it that way Presence...not at all. it's just I felt some compassion, like we all need sometimes goes a long way. and never think I would take your comments or those of any other poster personally. afterall, putting a poem out there that you've written, you're glad it's read--and if it stirs-up some controversy, that's a bonus. shows that not only was your poem was read, but it was listened, you know?
I will always appreciate your comments, and thank you again!
Jo
Edited on Oct 26, 9:15 p.m. because ''. -
Oh no, my friend. I spoke not of you when those words were penned. This one would never attack you for your beliefs nor for verbalizing them. Please do not think it so. You have been kind, when others would have shouted. For this I thank you, and I hold much respect for you and your words.
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I think the legacy of Lincoln was pretty much the sentiment and compassion evidenced by that letter. as it is now though, and as far back as 1969 when my aunt received notice my cousin was killed in Vietnam, it's a form letter signed by a General or commanding officer from the Pentagon.
I just don't see this compassion when it was part of an election promise even when it comes to Cindy Sheehan herself Presence, I'm sorry. I feel to be one of those Americans snubbed at the gates of Crawford caught in his motorcade dust, and I was all the way in VA at the time. oh well, maybe we'll know how this will take in about 100 years though...
in any event, thanks for your comment to my poem. I appreciate you took the time to read it. I just don't consider myself "short-sited."
Jo -
Wow, love the quote left above by Lincoln. It really illustrates how people are selfish and shortsided these days. No one can seem to look into the future anyore, all eyes are focused on the feelings of the moment. Lincoln surely stood out from today's leaders. Berated by the press as a bafoon for exaserbating a war that everyone thought was assinine. He would have surely been scorched by the present media as a hapless fool. Yet he stood tall and did the unpopular thing. Young men died. And a nation survived. And slavery was no more. Freedom was pressed forward by the blood of the young men of the nation. Surely heartbreak and loss were the rule of the day. Yet here we are reaping the rewards. Surely now, anyone who was against the president then looks like a fool. So will time shine it's light on the shortsided of the today.
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hey there Lost! we may actually be online together for a change--same time/same place! what are the chances, huh?
and you probably picked up on what I very much tried to convey in this poem. it isn't so much an anti-war sentiment, but I just feel it's disgraceful that our President was so callous as to ignore this woman standing at the gate of his ranch for weeks on end, and still ongoing with her bringing her protest now the White House in D.C. when that motorcade drove past her and the others this past summer, I thought it was a snub to every military person, every American in fact.
sometimes people think "support our troops" is just a headline for a speech or a great bumper sticker logo it seems. support comes in very many ways, and compassion for those who lost a loved one is a priority of support in my book.
anyway, enough of that...I'll have to catch up with you! seems ever-so-long!
Jo -
Ive heard of a protest that took place at the funerals of two homosexual soldiers. >.< Really makes me mad. This was an excellent write and shows how bull headed Bush is. There is no reason why our men (and women) should be kept over there, basically being target practice, as to my knowledge, nothing further has really been done. While I have not lost anyone, I still care. Everyone in my family (males) has served in the armed forces of some sort. My father in the marines, uncle in the airforce, both grandfathers in the army at one point or another, one fought in the hungarian revolution and was about to get on the plane for vietnam. A very fortuanate man. He signed up for 6 years in the US army to escape Hungary after the revolution, and he was told he had signed up for 9 years. He was boarding the plane (the first on ground troop headed for Nam) and the commanding officer told him to go home, that his service was over, only to later find out that all of his buddies and friends had been killed.
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well done and said.
My dear Jo,
You most assuredly have a voice; I respect that in the grandest way. I guess we could go on for some time on this venue of what should have and what should not have happened.
Thank our God almighty that we have our voices and freedom to openly disagree and speak our minds. I guess the main thrust of A. L. letter was the “how weak and fruitless must be any words”. But you know this already.
Is it not remarkable that down through the ages it has been the poet, in many cases, that has the voice of reason, one way or the other in the arenas of politics? You keep up the tradition well. Brava!
SirPort
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I wouldn't want to go stomping her grave Chris...her loss and her load is enormous already. thanks for your comment and the applause-thingy for my poem. I do appreciate!
Jo
Edited on Oct 26, 8:52 p.m. because 'mistype'. -
I wish this could go in my stomping on the graves collection! But she's still alive. Well overall I thought the write was very satirical and humorous. Great job!
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yes, Sir, he did meet with her and other families at one of those jamboree-type meetings supposedly. even if the previous meeting were a tear-filled hugfest, would it really have been too much for him to step outside of the limo motorcade for another quick hug? i think if nothing else, a display of some compassion for this woman would have been the biggest photo-op since "Mission Accomplished." maybe Iraq would still taste sour, but there'd be that momentary bittersweet taste that still could be remembered. And I probably wouldn't have written this poem...
I really appreciate you passing on the letter Lincoln sent to the grieving mother during the Civil War. I realize that Lincoln was among the most-hated presidents during his time in office, but I think his legacy was established by his compassion and human nature. I don't see that sort of legacy following this one...nor very many of those I have experienced in my life so far.
thanks always for your thoughtful and thought-provoking comments to my poems Sir. I really do appreciate always...
Jo -
well done and said.
If I’m not mistaken did not our President Gorge Bush meet with Cindy Sheehan once? What was said? I wonder if our President, who has the weight of the free world on his shoulders, did not say something like this:
From Abraham Lincoln to Lydia Bixby1, November 21, 1864
Washington, Nov. 21, 1864. }
Dear Madam, -- I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts, that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle.
I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.
I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours, to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of Freedom.
Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,
A. LINCOLN.
A very good write Jo, I am never disappointed by you talent.
SirPort
Edited on Oct 26, 11:00 because 'typo'. -
Anytime my friend and there needs to be more who stand up for what they believe in....Sometimes there are those who are afraid of confrontation...even a non-violent one....
What came to mind are the neighborhoods where the gangs run the streets and the inhabitants are deathly afraid to say or do anything....strictly out of fear and there are some areas where even the cops don't venture...
Appreciate the feedback and love the conversation my friend...
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hey there (again) Death!
I didn't want to get into the anti-Iraq and what's wrong or right about Cindy Sheehan with this poem. It's just that Bush's callousness toward her, and toward Americans for their sacrifice in general. I would only hope my own Mom would be my Cindy Sheehan should there be similar circumstances, but that aside...
I just think a hug outside the Crawford gate would have made this taste of war somehow more bittersweet than sour. it's really all the poem was intended to say and not more...
thanks for always being there, my moral and poetic support!!!
Jo -
I think you captured the essence of this write Amoeba. all I was relating was would it have been so very much to step outside the limo motorcade and give this poor woman a hug? would've been the perfect photo-op besides.
thank you for your insightful comment to my poem. I do appreciate.
Jo -
I agree Jeanette, but I really don't see Cindy Sheehan as the figure stomping on those graves. Granted there are two sides when there should only be one, but when a President himself seems to be causing such division and derision, then he certainly deserves some stomping, whether alive or dead.
guess you can say the "Stomping on the Graves of Dead Poets" phase has definitely ended for me...at least until next time! LOL
Jo -
I myself have not heard of any anti-war protests at the funerals of any of the soldiers, but again I only can wish our President had enough compassion or patience or whatever it takes to attend at least one of the 2000 funerals if not them all. the poem was simply intended as a statement as to the callous display by the President not only toward Cindy Sheehan, but all the people of the U.S. Sometimes "Support Our Troops" is more than a headliner or a bumper sticker cliche.
Jo -
exceptionally well written
As always Jo, this is a wonderful expression of your thoughts concerning the protests of fallen soldiers mother. You know back during WWII, my father was taken out of high school and sent to Europe. His 2 brothers were also drafted and sent over there. Their mother, my grandmother, had to cope with the knowledge that all of her sons were taken and may not come back. She didn't cause a big commotion, and thank God, they all did return alive. I believe everybody has the right to protest peacefully, but to carry it to the extreme is really stomping on the graves of these courageous young men.
etherealforu
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I didn't want the poem to extend to what Cindy Sheehan's motives are, what her son's feelings might have been, nor even feelings as the war in Iraq itself, Catressa. I just think that as our President, there was an outlandish display of callousness by not simply stepping outside of the limo motorcade for all of two seconds to give a hug, to have acknowledged. it would have played to the biggest photo-op yet since "Mission Accomplished."
I do admire you being the wife of a serviceman. My aunt was a Marine wife with five kids for many years, I live near Quantico in VA with many military now, and I know it's trying. strong men in the military, but the families back home are even stronger, and I think even your husband would agree. so not only thank you for his service, but YOURS as well.
Jo -
not offended at all but the word "rant" did throw me a bit. I actually appreciate when a poem can stir up any controversy at all. it means open minds are writing and open minds are reading. thanks again!
Jo -
"this mood," huh? LOL now I'm venturing into the real-live ones...think I'll need an ACLU lawyer soon? LOL
thanks for reading the poem AND the author's comments Rowan. no matter the politics of the situation, the story of Cindy Sheehan is a traumatic and trying one for all Americans, though there are many who don't want to understand it or even see it.
Jo
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No i agree rant is the wrong word, but i couldn't find a better one at the time, 'protest poem' as you say is probably a better term for it.
I hope i haven't offended you, i know i can be ascerbic in my comments but offending you wasn't my intention.
Barb
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you don't watch the news and my Mom's killing with CNN 24/7! LOL
the poem isn't even meant as any real political statement except for the callousness of the man who is our President really. I mean, would a hug have really killed him? or even 2000 hugs, you know?
thanks always for dropping around my dear friend Death...
Jo -
I agree Barb, but the poem wasn't about circumstances of Casey Sheehan's death, still being investigated, nor motives of his mother, nor the protestors, nor what service people "get paid for," nor the legitmacy of the war in Iraq itself.
I was trying, however, through this poem was to speak of what I feel is the compassion of a man who leads us as President. I would have much preferred a much different perspective in writing any such "political" poem myself.
and I don't consider my poem a "rant." if it speaks to you only to disagree to its message, then it's the "poetry" that speaks--not a "rant."
thank you for reading and your comment, I sincerely do appreciate.
Jo -
you're never a waste of any points Elfin...always good hearing from you anytime, anyplace!
Jo -
Hi Jo, being British I havn't a clue who Cindy Sheehan is, so I have no comments to make, must just say HI for clicking on, sorry to waste your points.
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hmm, i enjoyed your rant, it was at least well written, unlike most rants, I don't know the circumstances surrounding his death but I probably seei t differently to you. In my opinion you serve in the services, you get paid by the services, you take the risk that you are going to die in the services. I come from a military background and you don't just serve in the army to play soldier when it's peaceful, that applies to the families of servicemen. As I say i don't know the background here but people are entitled to their say so i'm sure she is having hers
Thanks for the read
Barb -
Brilliant
Bravo!!!!!
Great piece you have written here my friend and I stopped watching the news...There are protestors who in a non-violent manner to express their feelings and work hard to justify their beliefs...Then there are those who want to force their beliefs down other peoples' throats by trying intimidation tactics and other means to express their opinions...
Great job on this one Jo...
My dad is a Vietnam War Vet and he has his opinions on Cindy as well but it will be kept under wraps for another time
Thank you for sharing this piece......
DIJTB
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good write
i support our troops in every way,i agree that at this point though the protesters have gone insane. it is one thing to protest at the Pres door step,but it is something else to do it at the funeral of a fallen soilder. but ne ways, the poem it self has good rythem and gets the point across. its a good write. oxox -
I am not even gonna lie.. On so many levels I am confused about how I feel about Cindy.. I as the wife of a Soldier and daughter as well, wonder what would her son think? I've heard the many views and still am conflicted. I have lost friends close close friends and yet their families were filled with pride. You ever just get the feeling that all anyone wants for her is politics? Having stood by and watched my own husband serve in Iraq and come home with a Purple Heart? I know the losses he suffered and still does.. Sigh.. but Hey I admire anyone for standing up in their beliefs..
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I concur.
Yes, yes, yes! Exactly! Honestly, it couldn't be that hard to deal with one woman leading a protest, but I think his incompetence made an issue out of a nothing thing. Would he have just talked to her, there'd be less hurt feelings, and probably a large amount less news coverage.
Okay. End of rant.
Sincerely,
An Amoeba. -
I like it when you're in this mood!
Thank you for clarifying who she was, being a Canadian who likes to hide behind Martin's skirt... , I won't pretend to know something I didn't.
I applaud you for your pride,and a great write!
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