Question War - If you don't, who will?

Didn't have time to write Installment III of Sheehan's Stand. Instead, for those of you who missed it, here is the column I wrote for the Globe-News, published on 8/29.

-pazamarillo


Guest Column: It's time to bring our sons and daughters home

On Aug. 17, 50 people gathered in the gazebo at Memorial Park. They lit candles, spoke in subdued voices, drew into a circle.

It was a quiet, respectful candlelight vigil; not a demonstration, not a rally. Its purpose was clearly stated - to stand with Cindy Sheehan, the mother trying to learn for what "noble cause" her son Casey had died.

After 15 minutes of silent contemplation, I invited attendees to speak their hearts. Strong anti-war sentiments were offered. Heartfelt yearnings for peace were expressed. Comments were respectful and supportive toward the men and women asked to fight this war.

It was my place, and honor, to meet and speak with Jean and Dave Ries, who lost their only child in Iraq on Nov. 8, 2004. I asked them if they would like to speak. They declined, but at the end of the vigil chose to share their son David's story. Many people talked with them, some with hugs and tears. The Ries' presence was very much appreciated and respected.

As I listened and watched, I realized how we most respond to a human story. That's what Cindy Sheehan and her simple mother's question touched, which inspired 100,000 people to stand with her. And it was the Ries' story that added poignancy and reality to Amarillo's vigil.

Each human heart tries to make sense of loss in its own way. Weave together the stories of bereaved mothers and fathers, orphans and widows, mangled bodies and shattered minds and the cries of thousands, and we hold in our arms the shroud of a larger tragedy our collective heart struggles to understand.

Here is my heart's humble and broken reaction to this sad tapestry. The war should not have happened. Too great a price has been paid and nothing gained. It must stop. Now.

Getting out of Iraq now does not make meaningless the sacrifice of American troops. They answered duty as asked, as they pledged to do. I believe that most acted as honorably, as bravely and as morally as possible in a very bad situation in which they should never have been sent.

Look at where we are now. Almost all the predictions, decisions or actions made to wage war on Iraq proved wrong. We can only begin to write the end of this story by ending the war, supporting our sons and daughters by bringing them home alive, and then set to the task of healing them and our country.

For this, we should all light a candle and say a prayer.