Sheehan faces reality that son died in vain
Throughout human history, enormous misery has resulted from the fact that many of us cannot admit that we were wrong. Such admissions, for some reason, are thought to indicate weakness.
So we slog on, compounding the mistake, advancing down misguided paths, vigorously defending our opinions, positions and actions as if lives depended on them -- and often they do. Some errors lead to major consequences, such as war, and people die.
When we lose a loved one, we can't bear to think his life was wasted. We can't consider the possibility that his death or amputation resulted from a mistake. So we carry on, convincing ourselves that the sacrifice had meaning, that the cause was just, that the reasons were valid, that our beloved sons and daughters did not die in vain.
Therefore, I have the highest regard for Cindy Sheehan, a grieving mother whose son died in Iraq, for having the clear-sighted courage to think the unthinkable: that her son died for nothing.
Maureen Parker
Greensboro
Comments (6)
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Finally someone has the courage to state it in this venue; the inevitable truth that must me stated over and over.
Cindy Sheehan is one of over 1,800 who will have to come to this same conclusion. A wound must be acknowledged before it can be treated and healing begin.
Shalom
Posted on September 5, 2005 9:44 AM
"Cindy Sheehan is one of over 1,800 who will have to come to this same conclusion."
Darryl, You're inference that everyone who has lost a son or daughter in Iraq thinks along the lines of Cindy Sheehan is fallacious.
Posted on September 5, 2005 10:41 AM
I think the conclusion of the letter writer is harsh. Mr. Bush should have the oportunity to explain to Mrs. Sheehan in person the reason that her son died now that she's had an opportunity to process her sons death. I'm sure that would clear things up.
Posted on September 5, 2005 11:10 AM
Fallacious or not, I would not be surprised in a few years if more of the relatives of the deceased of the Iraqi conflict come to the conclusion as Cindy Sheehan. Everyone does not view things the same; I know that. Nor does everyone come to same/similar conclusions at the same rate. However, that does happen. I am just waiting paitiently, standing ready to offer aid to any who seek.
Shalom
Posted on September 5, 2005 5:21 PM
It occurred to me a few days ago why the neo-conservatives have been trying to destroy Cindy Sheehan so vehemently...
Cindy put a name and a face on one of the soldiers. Thus, she made it clear that ALL the soldiers were unique individuals.
Neo-conservatives do not believe that soldiers should be individuals. To them, soldiers are but assets in a game. To give them an identity would take away their purpose to the neo-cons.
That is how they see all of us: not as individuals, but as assets. For their own selfish reasons.
And I say this as one who disagrees with a lot of things Cindy Sheehan has been saying, by the way.
Posted on September 5, 2005 11:48 PM
Perspective is everything. I think that is one of the reasons we are instructed not to judge others.
Maureen, your letter reminded me of a line I read long ago:
"I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him"
Posted on September 6, 2005 11:53 AM