What Does This Tell Us

I realize that there are vastly different positions as regards the war in Iraq. And also that it has been an often difficult struggle, to say the least. However, I still don't sense the kind of large popular support for the anti-war movement that we saw back in the late sixties circa Vietnam.

Yet, the fact that this could happen in NYC of all places still surprises the heck out of me. It's a Cindy Sheehan update here. Somehow I don't think it will make the news.

As an aside, I believe she did a television interview recently. In talking to one individual with the network involved, I didn't get the impression it was something they wanted to crow about. Perhaps her time in the spot light has come and gone. If so, I genuinely wish her all the best, as she still has to endure the lost of a son.

If I am angry at anyone, it is more some of the fringe groups on the Left who both enabled and exploited her at the same time - despite the wishes of many in her immediate family.

Comments

[guinsPen]

"Yet, the fact that this could happen in NYC of all places still surprises the heck out of me."

I'm confused. Exactly what surprises you?

[Dan]

I'm confused. Exactly what surprises you?

I would have thought she would draw a larger crowd.

[jdog]

There's not a large anti-war movement with Iraq as there was with Vietnam because there's not a draft. This is a major distinction you're missing when you compare the two. If the Bush administration were to instigate a draft there would immediately be an anti-war movement on par with the Vietnam era. This is why no one in the White House, even though the need for more troops is obvious, will consider a draft at this point.

[Paulo]

This is why no one in the White House, even though the need for more troops is obvious, will consider a draft at this point.

Posted by: jdog | Sep 21, 2005 9:08:20 AM

Hey gang,

I totally agree with the notion that the anti-war sentiment in our country is no where near what it was in the 1960-70s.

I do have a question about the draft, and I admit I need to some research here, but doesn't the process of a military draft need the approval of Congress? Sure, I believe the president may initiate procedings, however, isn't the final decision up to the Hill?

Paulo

[CosmicMojo]

I think it happens often, that an individual's very real and personal stuggle is used and explioted by extreme interest groups (to the left and to the right). What about how the Right-to-Lifers really attached themselves to Terri Shavio's parents in what was a deeply personal and difficult struggle.

[annie]

Posted by: CosmicMojo | Sep 21, 2005 12:34:55 PM

Yes, you are right that extreme interest groups latch on to individual's going through a real and personal struggle to try and further their causes. It is really sad and disgusting if you ask me. Unfortunately, in Cindy's case, I believe she loved the limelight and the attention it gave her. She already was weakened by her grief and was manipulated by these groups but became victim to them by actually believing she is an empowered individual.

[scully]

It would take legislative action by Congress to reinstate the draft. Under present law, Selective Service would first draw randomly among those who turn 20 in the calendar year of the call-up (the infamous lottery system). Personally, I would like to see a reinstatement of the draft, as it is the surest way to avoid unnecessary war. The sad reality is people are more likely to question the necessity of US military action when their children are fighting and dying.