Sheehan’s folly: Anti-war activist not credible or a force to be reckoned with

The more you hear from anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan, the more you wonder just what is the real motivation behind her seemingly constant need for attention.

Now, the woman who has been one of the loudest — if not among the strangest — voices in the anti-war movement has announced that unless articles of impeachment are sought against President George W. Bush, she will announce her candidacy for the U.S. House.

And she plans to run against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Now, whether you are pro or con on the war — or on Rep. Pelosi for that matter — Cindy Sheehan is the last person you want to see with her name on a ballot.

There are many who wonder what keeps her going in her dogged determination to thwart the president. The son she claims to be speaking for supported the U.S.’s efforts in the Middle East, and her family has denounced her efforts.

So, one has to wonder how much of this is outrage and how much of this is attention-seeking.

Ms. Sheehan has every right to speak her piece — and should, if she believes that a wrong has been done.

But as we listen, we have to use some common sense, too, just as we should with anyone who uses public forums to express any view. No one has all the information, and opinions are just that — opinions.

Cindy Sheehan is not someone with credibility when it comes to her positions or the opinions she presents as facts. So, seeing her in any government position is less than likely. But it points to a need to take any statement — pro or con — about the war with a grain of salt — and for the nation’s leaders to be careful to whom they listen. Loud does not always equal right — or public opinion.

Published in Editorials on July 9, 2007 11:09 AM