Dear Cindy by Deidra Lynch

Dear Cindy,
First and foremost, please let me thank you for all you have sacrificed, your son, your family and your life to help show America that this war is wrong. And it is so wrong. And the American public's apathy is so wrong. And those who have tried to tear you down are so wrong.

I agree with you as to where we are headed. Bush is becoming more Hitlerish each day. Our government's attitude towards the citizens has shifted so far to fascism that it amazes me how few are yet screaming. But folks are beginning to take notice. Three years ago, most people responded to that kind of statement from my mouth as ludicrous or at least over exaggerated. Now the reaction I get is not only that the "war is wrong", but that "our government is wrong"!

I read in your letter that you don't see folks as Republicans or as Democrats but what is in their hearts. I too am a "heart watcher" and your heart on Mother's Day while sitting on the grass with me was so pure and so true. But I felt your sadness, not only the sadness for your son and for your other three children not there with you, but your sadness for the other people that were NOT there that day, your sadness for the millions who just don't get that this war is so wrong.

But I believe there are a number of people that are beginning to wake up and realize that the only answer for our planet is peace. That the only solution to our World's existence is peace. That the only journey worth taking is creating a life of peace. There are old ones and young ones coming forward. A new kind of humanity that you have inspired, as have many others have before you, and along with you. There will always be those who try to create chaos but there are more of us joining daily who are willing to get past those differences and trouble makers. There is a new surge of activists on their way to carry on this work for peace.

You said in your letter that neither party can hear the other and so I will dare to repeat to you, what one of your adversaries said in reaction to your resignation. "Most of us... understand that she is hurt very deeply." and they hope that you "will now be able to heal". You have sacrificed so much Cindy, even the time that you should have had to heal from such a great loss. Please know that there are millions of us that love you, respect you and admire all that you have done. We will miss you and your heart but I believe we will see each other again, as I know you when you are truly needed, you will stand up for peace.

My little girl, Autumnrain was so proud to meet you and be there with you on Mother's Day in DC. She considers you a heroine, as do I. I'm not going to tell Autumnrain that you are resigning, I am going to tell her that you've gone home to rest and to heal. That you have served your time honorably, as did Casey and have fought the toughest of fights. But all tours must come to an end and so it's time for you to return home. Heal Cindy and be at peace.

Deidra Lynch CODEPINK Orlando

Barbara H. from New Hampshire shares more of her CODEPINK experience...

Just flew into Dulles after being home in NH for two weeks. I took a
bus (20 minute drive) to the metro (20 minute subway ride) to Union
Station, walked to the Codepink house, arrived around 10:00 a.m.,
just had time to stow my stuff, change into pink and head off. Took
the bus to Lafayette Park, right in front of the White House where
the rally was to be held. Gradually activists arrived and the crowd
grew to about 200-300 people. The rally went on for about 1-1/2
hours. Many moving speakers and singers, including Lynn Woolsey,
co-sponsor of HR 508. Then we marched from the White House to
Congress. The march was great. Lots of chanting and singing led by
Reverend Yearwood. Lots of honking of horns in support from cars
going by. When we got to the Department of Justice, we all stopped.
Cindy Sheehan grabbed the megaphone and rallied us with a list of
offenses against Gonzoles. After each charge, we responded with
shouts of "Shame on you!" "Resign!" When we arrived on Capitol Hill,
we took over an intersection between the Hart Senate Building and the
Longworth Building on one side of Independence and the Capitol on the
other. Traffic was stopped in all directions. There were at least
50 Capitol Police. Many people chose to form a circle around the
flagpole lowered at half mast, that had been carted along with our
march, and stay until they were arrested. Thirty-three people were
arrested. It took a long time to get them rounded up. Many people
went limp when they were arrested to prolong the process. Shouts of
"We love you!" and "Thank you." went out to the resisters. After
everyone was gone, we regrouped on the lawn and processed the event.
Someone arrived with cases of bottled water which was much
appreciated since everyone had given their water up to the resisters
when the police started their arrests. We're back at the Codepink
House now. We have found out that the computers are down at the
police station, so people who were arrested and hopefully going to be
processed and released quickly will be there for a while.

Roll Call, a Capitol Hill paper, and the Washington Post have both
been here tonight interviewing people and finding out about the
Codepink House. We are having a meeting in the peace room discussing
strategy for actions the rest of the week. It is very exciting.
Lots of creativity--lots of events that need our attention. It's a
good thing that there are lots of us here this week.