Interesting how you get peace activists and warmongers in the same family. It happens a lot, which is why condemning an entire family or bloodline on the actions of one reeks of dishonour.

The anti-war crusader said she'll continue to speak against U.S. policies despite the new administration.

Cindy Sheehan's methods have evolved since she first took her anti-war message to the streets.

The California-based activist said this week she doesn't put much stock in peace marches and petitions anymore. She encourages people instead to shift the country's balance of power by supporting independent media sources, growing food at home and discouraging people from enlisting in the military.

That was some of the advice she gave a crowd gathered Monday at the BuxMont Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Warrington, Sheehan's latest stop to promote her new electronic book, "Myth America."

The speaker, radio show host and blogger began speaking out against the George W. Bush administration and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan when her 24-year-old son, Army Spc. Casey Sheehan, was killed in Baghdad in 2004. She made headlines by camping out in front of Bush's Crawford, Texas, ranch and, later, running for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Congressional seat.

A change in presidents hasn't brought a significant change in course for either war, Sheehan said.

"George Bush may have left office, but his policies are continuing," she told the audience of about 50. President Barack Obama is better than his predecessor, she admitted, "but the corn on my foot is better than George Bush."

Sheehan's remarks have met with disapproval on both sides of the aisle. She has been criticized by veterans groups who say her work dishonors her son's service.


Olivia Kiernan, an 18-year-old Temple University student who came to Monday's event with her mother, Bobbi Penniman, questioned the activist about her support of Green Party candidate Cynthia McKinney during the 2008 presidential election. Kiernan and Penniman said after the event they were energized by Sheehan's practical advice for would-be peace activists.

For another woman in the audience, Sheehan's experiences hit close to home.

Patt Fowler of Warrington said her son, a rising high school junior, has watched family friends enlist in the military and now has his sights set on joining the Marines once he graduates.

She asked Sheehan: "What do you do when you're a peacemaker raising a war fiend?"

The activist had a few book suggestions for her son, but said the best thing to do was to have someone else talk to him - someone who's not his mother.

"I wish somebody had given me that advice," Sheehan said.

Fowler left Monday with a signed copy of "Myth America's" book cover printout. Sheehan scribbled a personal message as well: "Call me or e-mail me anytime."

The Warrington mother said she understands the need for the military and respects her son and his choices.

However, "he sees the honor in fighting for the country," Fowler said. "I see the tragedy."

More information: Sheehan's book, "Myth America," can be purchased online with a minimum $10 donation at www.CindySheehansSoapbox.com

June 23, 2009 02:11 AM