Democracy For the Heart of America

August in Texas is more than just hot. It is stifling, oppressive, drenching, and about as uncomfortable as possible. It is so hot it is scary. The temperature is almost always above 100 during the day and cools down to about 75 at night.

Yet, in these conditions, 12,000 people came to central Texas last August to show their support for the mother of a soldier who died in Iraq. Cindy Sheehan came here to talk to the president at his vacation home to ask him what was the noble cause her son died for.

Cindy never got her audience with the president but she did build a movement. Since last August, Cindy has returned to Crawford three times and her followers have come here to join her each and every time.

This time, Cindy is sick. Five days ago, she was admitted to the hospital. After a two night stay, she was released but is taking it easy and trying to avoid the heat.

Her movement, now headquarted at Camp Casey 3, a 5 acre plot just outside of town, continues on. Cindy's followers keep busy picking up activists at three different area airports, off and on 24 hours a day. The kitchen here at The Peace House in Crawford is constantly buzzing with cooks who prepare 3 meals a day for as many as 500 people. There are too many different committees to count and meetings almost all the time. This is a well oiled machine that runs like a top.

Until the US brings its soldiers home from Iraq, these people will continue to gather here in Crawford, Texas to support Cindy Sheehan and her work to end the war. Even when Cindy is ill, her work goes on.