RE: Angela�s Plan

By Celeste Zappala, Mother of Sgt Sherwood Baker, KIA 4/26/04 / Military Families Speak Out

Sue Niederer and I carrying large pictures of our lost sons stood with ten other MFSO members today in the hot bright light of the Capitol. The display of empty boots representing soldiers lost since June 15 has grown, and the shoes that stand for the Iraqi loses could never be large enough to convey the tragedy that has befallen Iraq's people.

Our band of family members and MFSO staff Nikki Morse stood throughout the boiling day and engaged tourists and hill staffers. Many gave us thumbs up, thanks and blessings. Some growled about freedom, some challenged our presence and one well dressed older gentlemen who told me he was former military and had "worked over there " insisted that the real solution was to "blow them all up", I told him that was probably not possible and perhaps there was a better solution somehow to the conflicts of the middle east, he nodded.

But perhaps the most disheartening encounters were with those who could not see us, young men and women dressed In full corporate armor on this hot day who walked past us with cell phones in ear -- briefcases and charts in hand -- on their way to lobby the congress. And to them we were obviously invisible. I could not help but think that as they strode those halls of power and wealth, other American young people were extinguishing in the brutal heat of Iraq, caught in the corruption of lies and betrayals that passes for policy in Washington today.

Georgia Stillwell finally received a call from Congressman Dennis Hastert's office granting her an audience tomorrow to talk about her son who is suffering deeply, emotionally after his "tour" in Iraq, and the fate of other veterans who return to empty vows of support. This meeting followed weeks of following "proper channels" with Hastert's office -- finally when Georgia's story appeared on the Michaelmoore.com site, along with the office phone number, the schedulers miraculously found time for Congressman Hastert to meet with the soldier's mother.

Small victories here in front of the Cannon building!

Stacy Bannerman and Sue Niederer brought two pairs of empty boots to the House hearing chaired by Conn. Rep. Christopher Shays -- strangely titled "the Evolving Strategy for Success in Iraq" A report from the GAO Controller Walker reported that the administration has been unwilling to estimate the future costs of the war, now running about 3 billion a week. He was criticized by Republicans for being negative. Rep. Dennis Kucinich passionately stated that US continues to make more enemies everyday. When a Democratic Congressperson asked incredulously how the Administration continues to reward contracts to companies who fail to provides services and are blatantly corrupt, Stacy and Sue were severely admonished for applauding. They did, however, escape arrest. Georgia and Celeste were not permitted into the hearing because they carried the pictures of Sue's son Seth and Celeste's son Sherwood, No dead soldier pictures were permitted in the hearings on success in Iraq.

Back at the boots display on the broiled street, we were honored with the visits of five Congressmen. First Congressional Representative Lewis of Atlanta came to talk with us and offer support, later in the day he brought three more southern Democrats to talk with us, meet family members and exchange thoughts. Gold Star Mom Summer Lipford from North Carolina was particularly grateful to see them. Late in the day Cong. Brian Baird of Washington state came by to tell us our display was powerful. He was glad we were there, but he declined to say he would offer any future votes against the funding of the war.

MFSO members were grateful to be joined by United Methodist pastor Andrew Weaver who arrived from New York to stand with our members and offer support and a compassionate ear to the stories we have to tell. Our witness is the real story. The anxiety that Mona Evans feels as she worries about her son in Iraq, the quiet determination of Gold Star Mom Tia Steele, Stacy's passionate work to ensure her husband's future, Al and Joan's absolute dedication to speaking the truth for their lost son, these are the stories we have to tell in front of the Cannon Building. We ask your prayers, your support, your presence- send the postcards to Congress, let them know you know what "stay the course" really means.

Celeste Zappala
Mother of Sgt Sherwood Baker, KIA 4/26/04
Gold Star Families Speak Out/MFSO