Peace sign, National Guard deployment, and heart of Dixie.

[Maddy McCall]

I knew that would get your attention.

Today, the 155th in south Mississippi was deployed. I went to the parade to see them off.

Most of the guardsmen were indeed men (only saw one young woman), and the vast majority were African Americans. A woman who I know to be a REpublican stood by me during the parade. She said the parade, which was somber, with all of the young people rolling through the streets, was much sadder than the funeral of her friend that she had attended yesterday. I remarked that at least one of the young men wouldn't be returning, and she said that it is sad that they are dying in droves in Iraq. (Our hometown lost a marine earlier this year.) We talked about how many of the young men we watched roll by in their humvees and trucks were from poor families, and how their only way to get an education was to join the guard, the purpose of which is national defense, not fighting in wars in foreign lands. I told her that the only way to end it is to vote Bush out. I was flabberghasted when she said, "I'm afraid you're right."

As the last vehicle rolled by, the young man driving it--dressed in his camo fatigues and helmet--held his hand up in a peace sign to all of the well-wishers who were gathered on the side of the street. He had those two finger high and proud until he was out of my sight. I hope that the image of that young guardsman stays with all of the parade-goers long after these soldiers are deployed.

Well, that's my story--I just had to tell someone about it.

[democrank]

1. My heart is

just plain broken over this war.

[JPJones]

2. The cost of the war

Father torches van after news of son's death

After being informed that his 20- year-old son was killed while serving in Iraq, a Florida man doused a U.S. government van with gasoline and set it on fire while sitting inside.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/South/08/25/father.ablaze/index.html