Anti-War Idol or Anti-American Icon

Like most people, I was more than sympathetic to Cindy Sheehan. I was cheering her on. Her protest at President Bush's ranch last year raised awareness about the cost of the Iraq War. Through her personal tragedy, she highlighted the failings of the administration in a way that Democrats could not, after all how can anyone attack a mother who lost her son. However, some where along the line, Cindy Sheehhan went from a mother mourning her son to a woman with a dangerous agenda.

Although not a fan of President Bush, his administration, his war, his policies, or anything even remotely related to him, I am a great believer in the strength and fundamental goodness of America and its citizens. There is no other country in the world that affords the opportunity and freedom that American does. So while people have the right to whole heartedly bash the administration and their decisions, I question whether people living in this country have the right to bash America. Unfortunately, as of late, Cindy Sheehan has started doing just that.

• Just this week, Sheehan stood side-by-side with President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, who is no friend of America, as he said, "Enough of imperial aggression. We must tell the world, down with the US empire."

In addition, Sheehan has made a number of statements meant to equate Bush's mistakes (which were many and in some cases deliberate) to the crimes of Osama bin Laden. As much as I dislike Bush, I find Sheehan's statements to be ignorant and offensive. Agreeing that Bush is "the greatest terrorist in the world" in a worldwide forum in a country hostile to the US is in poor taste. As is her suggestion that Bush is ten times worse than Osama. Sheehan has become not a symbol of the anti-war movement, but rather a symbol of the anti-America movement. She represents something far more insidious in the left. Hatred of Bush and the war cannot become hatred of America and what we stand for (freedom, peace, and justice).

Democrats must avoid association with Sheehan. Her attempt to run in the Democratic primary against Senator Feinstein will damage the party even further beyond belief and create more fodder for the Rove machine. In addition, Nancy Pelosi should rebuke her colleague from California for even inviting Sheehan to the State of the Union. Sheehan's arrest for wearing an anti-war t-shirt to the speech, as trivial as it may seem, shows just how far from the center Democrats are. I am very sad for my party.