CJ Open Letter To Cindy Sheehan
August 7th, 2005 by CJ
Dear Mrs. Cindy Sheehan,
I read with interest your story as told by CNN. Losing a child is a very difficult event to have to deal with. While I have never lost a child, I know what it's like to lose a friend in combat. I am a soldier who served in Iraq and was fortunate enough to make it home. It was because of the sacrifice of people like your son that I did so. I sympathize with your loss and pray that our Heavenly Father can soothe your soul and open your heart to the plan He has laid out for Casey at His right hand.
From reading the article, I gathered that there are at least two questions that you demand answers to: Why did [President Bush] kill your son? What did he die for?
If I may, I'd like to answer them both, while at the same time praying that you get the same answers directly from the President.
President Bush did not kill your son, Casey. A radical Islamic terrorist from another country and/or disillusioned Iraqis killed him. President Bush had the backing of Congress when he authorized military action in Iraq. In October AND November of 2002 Congress authorized the use of force against Iraq. The United Nations (whom I detest) passed numerous resolutions as well authorizing force if certain conditions weren't met by Saddam Hussein. When those resolutions resolved, we enforced them. This does not bring back your son, but it lessens the guilt placed upon our President's shoulders. There are 535 members of Congress that you should also petition if you truly want this question answered.
What did you son die for? Casey died for a number of things, not the least of which is peace, democracy, humanity, love, loyalty, and patriotism. He died giving more than 25,000,000 people a better life. While Iraq today is not an ideal environment right now, history will prove that your son is personally responsible for Iraq's future prosperity. In addition to those 25,000,000+ Iraqis, your son died for the more than 1,000,000 other soldiers serving in Iraq, and the few specific soldiers that were privileged to have known and worked with Casey. By being in Iraq as a mechanic, Casey was directly responsible for each successful mission that brought soldiers home safely. By keeping their trucks in the best shape under the worst conditions, he saved numerous lives. When the terrorists attempted to ambush our patrols, it was a well maintained vehicle that got them out of the kill sack. Most likely that vehicle was your son's responsibility.
Casey died in Iraq so that more civilians didn't have to die here. By taking the fight to those who would rather kill us, he secured our way of life in this great nation. The terrorists and insurgents operating in Iraq could care less that we are there. To them, fighting us in Iraq only saves them airfare and extra planning. They don't care where they kill us, so long as a non-Muslim American is targetted. They'd prefer a civilian target, but our soldiers are keeping them focused elsewhere.
Civilians are getting killed all over because of religious intolerance. It's happening in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Israel, United Kingdom, Russia, Iraq and other countries. People are being killed by suicide bombers, car bombs, IEDs, and other means. You may notice that since September 11th, we have not had another terrorist attack in our country. That does not mean that there won't be another, but Casey is one of many largely responsible for the fact that there hasn't been one yet.
I really do hope that you can be comforted in the knowledge that Casey died for something beyond the scope that many of us can comprehend. I hope that you can begin to celebrate his sacrifice as something honorable. I pray that each American will live their life worthy of his sacrifice. In Casey's death, we all have life. In his death, other nations will be able to partake of the same fruits of liberty for the first time that we've enjoyed for the past 229 years.
With Respect and Admiration,
SFC CJ Grisham
SPC Casey Sheehan, 24, of Vacaville, Calif.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; killed April 4 when his unit was attacked with rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire in Baghdad.
(picture and text from Militarycity.com)
What a great letter.
I don't think the President would have been able to put that much better.
I do see this morning that Bush aides are meeting with her.
CJ….again you are the best messenger. What a wonderful human you are.
I would think that this letter would mean more than anything said by a politician, as these are the words of another hero.
Very powerful. You are an incredible writer CJ. Your letter to Mrs. Cindy Sheehan was touching, poignant, and accurate. It is obvious that you love our country. You have lived this war, I have not. You are writing through the eyes and with the heart and soul of a soldier. Sometimes it is such a powerful emotion that you experience that you can not not write it out. I think you know what I mean.
I have never been where Mrs. Sheehan is so I cannot feel the same pain she feels. I do however feel sympathy for her and I am grateful to her son for his sacrifice. It is because of her pain and rage that she has found a focus and that focus is the President. Unfortunately, her pain is being used, molded and perverted by people who have their own agenda. I’m referring to the media and the people in the organizations who hate our country. Rather than helping her, they are feeding her pain, her sorrow, and her anger.
Thank you CJ for putting you feelings into words we all can share, learn from, and hopefully gain a better understanding of the sacrifices our men and women in the armed forces have made for us.
As per usual "Uncle" Marty said it all. Love his insite and flair for words about as much as I do yours CJ.
Your post today brough about tears for me as a Mother and an American. I can only imagine how it would feel to loose a child. Thank The Good Lord I haven't had to deal with that.As a Mother and Father thats the worst fear.
As an American I cry because so few people realize (or are afraid to admit) if we don't fight them "OVER THERE" they will come back and it could be worse then 9/11. Being in Iraq isn't what we want to do it is what we have to do. Mrs. Cindy Sheehan's son isn't a victim of President Bush he is a victim of terrorists. I Thank SPC Casey Sheehan, his love for America and all he represents. He is a True American Hero. May God Bless His Soul.
What people seem to think is that President Bush WANTS this war. No one wants war. I didn't want to send my husband to war. I didn't want my best friend (Emily) to send her husband to war. I didn't want to see my husband's unit to war no see the 1st CAV go nor any other unit that has gone before 1st CAV and are there now. No one wants war, not even our President.
However, sometimes war is the only answer. How long did President Bush give Iraq to follow the guidelines of the the treaty they signed under the first President Bush? He gave them months. Months for them to get rid of evidence of WMDs, to burry planes in the sand, to build up insurgency to fight against our soldiers. We gave them too much time in my opinion.
Do people think that the President is at home (whether in D.C. or in Texas…hooah!) and is dancing around or celebrating the fact that we are at war? Given his record, how he visits people in the hospital, meeting with family members who've had soldiers die, and how he will salute those wounded soldiers, I am sure that he is at his home crying over the fact that it was his orders that sent these soldiers to their grave. Yes, it was something that had to be done and no it wasn't him that killed these soldiers. But imagine the guilt and stress he must have on his shoulders at this moment. We may see him smiling on tv, but I wonder if that is how he is in private.
I respect President Bush. I back this war. I still cry when I watch the news and see another soldier or soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. I still sit and and ponder this war and still get a lump in my throat like I did when my husband was gone and when Cj was gone.
I hope this lady realizes that your words to her, Cj, were words of love and hopefully she takes to heart what you have said. I only hope that she accepts the death of her child or it will eat at her the rest of her life and she will never get over it. Let us know if she writes you back.
~Hilary
You have to excuse the wording of my previous comment. Also excuse the typos. As I was typing this, I was also trying to play the mommy role and in so doing, lost track of what I was actually writing. Oh well. Hopefully you got the gist of it!
CJ Answers Questions for Mother of Soldier Who Die
CJ writes a compassionate yet blunt answer to a Mother whose Soldier Son died in Iraq. Mrs. Sheehan blames President Bush instead of the terrorist for his death.
CJ, , once again you have the gift of verbalizing what many of us feel but not always able to express.
Thank you for that- you are awesome and I am very proud of you.
this is an excerpt from the memorial service from my lstest Marine lost. Maybe this other mom can take the words into her heart.
"I WAS DEEPLY TOUCHED WHEN STEVE’S MOM, ROSE, WROTE TO OUR PLATOON (ONLY 5 DAYS AFTER HIS DEATH) AND QUOTED ROMANS 8:28, “AND WE KNOW THAT IN ALL THINGS GOD WORKS FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE WHO LOVE HIM, WHO HAVE BEEN CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE�.
ROSE GILL REALIZED, EVEN THOUGH STEVE’S LIFE WAS SHORT HERE ON EARTH, THAT HIS MEMORIES WILL REMAIN FOREVER. ROSE PEERS THROUGH THE PAIN AND SEES GOOD IN ALL OF THIS. SHE IS LOOKING TO THE LORD TO KEEP HER STRONG AND SHE IN TURN PASSES HER STRENGTH AND FAITH ONTO US SO THAT WE MAY SHARE IN IT AND FIND JOY IN OUR THOUGHTS OF STEVE RATHER THAN SORROW. THERE’S A LESSON TO BE LEARNED FROM ROSE."
CJ: A very good message you sent to her. You have said it best. However, I feel this mother dishonors her son, and soldiers like you by what she is doing. I also feel that your message has fallen onto a deaf heart. Shame to her for her action after her son fought and died to preserve our way of life, our ideals and all our brightest hopes. What does she expect from President Bush that hasn't been already said? She needs to get to know her son better–what he believed in and fought and died for–and THAT is the saddest story here. She is the one who is lost-in my opinion.
dusgalan of mt.
That was simply beautiful, CJ. I am a mom and I truly hope she can find a way to let her heart heal. SPC Sheehan is a hero and American loves all her heroes and cries with each one lost…
CJ, you did a very kind and thoughtful thing. God bless you and your parents for the wonderful job they did instilling values in you as a child. I know you letter will mean a lot to that grieving mom.
However I don't agree she is dishonoring her son. She is handling her loss in the only way she knows how. I believe the shame belongs to those people and organizations that are capitalizing on her grief.
We have had such a loss in our family in the war. Many of us in my family know the president isn't to blame. But, for a mom who has lost her only child, a young mother left alone with four kids aged 7 months to 7 years, and a gram who has lost her first grandson after having lost her first son, the loss can be overwhelming.
They hate Mr. Bush. Of course I am sure some part of them knows that Mr. Busgh isn't responsible. But like his gram said, a parent shouldn't have to bury their child; but, it happens! Hating Mr. Bush is all that keeps them going. In my mom's case it may be all right know keeping her alive.
I am sure that they will eventually be able to handle their grief better. But for now they and Mrs. Sheehan need to misplace their grief. Though this is painfully hard for Mr. Bush, he has big shoulders. I know he didn't want to have to issue the orders that led to their deaths. But I know he understands. He personally called Mike's wife when Mike was killed.
She and Mike's mom refused to speak to him. I am sure many other parents did likewise, but others didn't. In any event, he still quietly and non politically tries to consol all families who have lost loved ones personally.
Every time the MSM would ask him if he felt he ought to say something to the families of 9/11 and those who lost loved ones in the war as if he didn't care, had they looked into his eyes as they cruelly asked him their insensitive questions, they would have had their answer!
Please don't judge those who have lost loved ones. Expect that they all are not able to handle their grief and loss the same. Instead, write thems as CJ did. Believe me, all of those who have lost loved ones are thristy for knowledge from buddies of their last days and moments. They are thirsty to be able to share their memories of their loved one. They are so comforted by pictures. They want to know their loved one didn't die lone. That someone was there in the final moments to hold their hand as they passsed to comfort them. They want to know that they were not insignificant and will be remembered.
devildog,
Thank you for your comments. I'm also feeling for your loss as well. I haven't lost anyone in my family to the war yet, but I lost friends in Iraq, so I know at least some of your grief.
Your response was well put. I have a habit of acting on my feelings more than my mind. Surprisingly, I've gotten a lot of positive feedback about the letter. Your response made me think even deeper and I see your point well. Thanks again for leaving it and I hope that anyone who reads the letter will also read your comments.
Dear SFC Grisham:
I read your letter to Cindy Sheehan with great interest. I think it was very kind of you to attempt to explain your perspective to her. I'm sure you are very sincere in your efforts to find a way to bring her comfort at the loss of her son.
However, I think that you miss the point of Ms Sheehan's protests.
The President of the United States took our nation to war in a needless and careless manner. The backing of Congress occurred under false pretenses, with Congress not having access to the same intelligence data (yes I realize it's been loudly announced otherwise, but Congress doesn't get daily intelligence briefings..and most certainly doesn't get the information that offered contrary intelligence to the Office of Special Plans)
There were no WMD. There weren't any WMD related programs. Iraq was so inept that it wasn't even properly documenting what it was doing. We now know that they in fact did turn over all they had to the UN before we invaded.
Sadly, Casey didn't die to give Iraqis a better life. We didn't invade Iraq for that purpose. Casey died because a lot of people who live in that region want Americans off soil they consider sacred. That's the root of suicide terrorism.
Unfortunately, many more of our American soldiers will die because of this. Cindy Sheehan is a brave mother standing up..wanting the President to understand that his actions have caused damage so deep that it will take generations to recover.
I think we all believe what we want to believe.
CJ as always you've said everything I could have said, but many times better. In 1998 when I signed the papers for my then 17 year old son to join the National Guards, his older brother questioned my doing so. His rationale was that at 17 his younger brother had no idea what he wanted out of life, and that he could possibly be killed someplace far away from home. My comment to my son, was that his brother was doing what he felt was necessary to accomplish the goals he had set for himself. As the years have passed, my oldest son has gained more insight and watched his younger brother accomplish many things. He visited Pete and I in July and made the comment that he was seriously considering enlisting himself. He now can appreciate that men like you, like Pete and the countless others before and after you joined the military for various reasons, but each of you did so with pride for your country and the desire to do what you had to for your country, so that others could appreciate and enjoy the things we all tend to take for granted here at home. As a mother of a soldier and the wife of a soldier, I can honestly say, that while I'd have a difficult time dealing with the loss of my loved one, I could also be proud to know that they gave their lives, as many have before them, to ensure our continued freedoms and hopefully bring some of those same freedoms to those who've never had the opportunity to enjoy them, like we have.
Ted says "I think we all believe what we want to believe."
I think that's the best thing that's been said in a while.
I believe that we must commit ourselves to learning the truth. Not "Truth", which is more like "belief", but just the little true things that allow us to see clearly.
This is further proof of the power of military brainwashing. This tactic is necessary for the fighting soldiers but please do not expect the rest of us to buy into it. This war is wrong; there is no "cause" and there is no way to convincingly argue that it should be continued.
Those of us who went through Vietnam know better than you do.
I must have missed that brainwashing session…or maybe they wiped my memory clean. Why is that when someone is pro-war in Iraq or pro-military, they're brainwashed, but when they oppose it, they are right and justified? That doesn't make sense yet that's exactly what every anti-Bush, anti-war person has said to me. I'm in the military so I must have been brainwashed at some point. It's insane and doesn't lend my support to your kind of thinking.
CJ,
Good letter! You have already earned my respect much more than Bush has, who cannot answer as eloquently as you. While I respect your service, you've not convinced me that there is an ethical and clear justification for the war in Iraq. I here rationalizing, but not an acceptable answer to the most important question:
"Why did we go to war in Iraq?"
Furthermore . . . Did we go to free the Iraqis? Was that the reason? No, that's not what the president said our reason was. Saddam connection to 9/11? nope. WMD's? nope. Iraq has nuclear readiness? nope. Impending threat? nope. Breeding ground for terrorists? Not until Bush ordered the attack of the country and inspired insurgents ("Bring 'em on!").
And for those who speculate that "Saddam could have hid the WMD's," well, we should never go to war on speculation; the stakes are too high. And you obviously haven't read the reports the U. N. inspectors released which stated no evidence of WMD's; Iraq was no imminent threat to the U. S. A. By all indications, the U. N. sanctions were working.
While I support the troops, I do not support us being in Iraq. I have family members fighting in Iraq right now — and two out of the three of them actually agree with me!
Bush wanted this war, he got it, and now he has to live with the problems he has caused. Unfortunately, so do we.
Every member of Congress who voted for this war in Iraq (no matter what party affiliation), and the entire Bush administration, should be impeached and tried in a court of law for taking us to war under false pretenses.
Please note that I did not oppose attacking Al-Qaida in Afghanistan, because it was a justified war. Al-Qaida, not Iraq, attacked us on 9/11. Why haven't we caught Osama bin-Laden? Why did we take our eye off the ball?
If ANYBODY can convince me why the Iraq war is justified, then maybe I'll reconsider my opposition stance.
CJ, I write this with all sincerity and respect to you; I'm being honest. Forgive me if this message sounded like a personal attack on you. I mean no ill will. I respect you. I just want real answers about Iraq, particularly since I found out how much some wealthy folks are profiting from this war. The poor man fights while the rich man prospers.
JC, not at all. I don't think we should EVER go to war under false pretenses. I strongly believe that one of the reasons we're even in this war is because very few of our lawmakers and elected officials have anything invested in our military. They grew up privileged and don't understand the sacrifices required of servicemembers.
On the other hand, I personally saw entire squadrons of jet fighters being dug up after being hidden by Saddam's regime. I'm quite surprised these pictures weren't as publicized as they should have been. My thoughts have always been that if he could hide fighter jets, surely he's hidden these other weapons of mass destruction we were looking for. Then again, maybe not. I've seen chemical labs, so I know that the chemical threat was there. Again, these pictures weren't covered in the media either.
Should we be the world's police? No, not by any means. But, I'm glad that we freed the Iraqi people from the oppression they were under, whether we should have or not.
Thanks again for your comments.
First, in response to Kat Walkers letter…This is a tactic used by the so called "anti-war" people. Nobdy wants war….I wonder what would have happened if people like Kat had stood up to Sadam…before the war started? What if all the people (France, Germany, etc.) would have really called Sadam to the carpet?
JC's letter….by all indications the U.N. sanctions were working? Really? That is so far from the truth that it really is not funny.
Was Iraq a breading ground for terrorist? YES! Well before the United States went in…again if the world would have held Sadam to the U.N. Sanctions…we may not have had to go to war. But even he knew they were a joke to most people/countries.
And the poor man fights while the rich man profits…what ever. I will say the only good in his letter, is he was not rude with his questions or opinions as was Kat.
CJ, keep fighting the good fight. You have given no indication that you are brain washed by the military. Your answers and response are always thoughfull and thought out. Know that many if not most Americans are behind you and all our military men and women.
I think with CJ having personally been in Iraq and having seen the things he did first hand, he knows MUCH more about the types of weapons that were hidden in Iraq, regardless of what the media has and continues to report, and regardless of whether you went through Viet Nam or not. I grew up during that era myself and know for a fact how biased the media was then… just like they continue to be today! As always, the media reports half-truths and inuendos, anything to make the politicians they're backing look better and make those they're not look bad. Just like during Viet Nam, the media does anything and everything to make our soldiers look like Barbarians, instead of reporting on the GOOD they do in Iraq and other countries on a daily basis.
CJ,
I only wish I could have said it half as well as you. I believe it means more to hear the reasoned compassionate words of another soldier who has eaten the same sand, than from most anyone else on earth. Well done.
Hi CJ,
What the world needs more of is a "soldier's perspective" on this, and the whole war. That's the REAL truth of it all.
Cindy Sheehan and her supporters should be honored by your letter, not angry. Nothing makes ME angrier than seeing people come by a blog like yours and spewing antiwar propaganda. It's the 21st century version of spitting on soldiers, period. They just feel safer doing it from behind the safety of a keyboard.
You've shown the true heart of a soldier in your respectful, measured words, and your heartfelt tribute to SPC Sheehan. Thank you for your honorable service, for keeping us secure, and keeping my daughter and me safe from harm. And thank you for your honest, wise words.
Support the Troops
Are Cindy Sheehan's 15 minutes up yet? I hope so. Because I think it's time to get back to what's important–supporting the troops. While reading about that woman at a couple of places, I decided her time is OVER, as far as I'm concerned. Angry…
CJ,
I've recently started reading the weblogs and I found your's to be one of the most interesting. I wanted to comment on your letter that you wrote to Cindy Sheehan. I think it was a wonderfully written letter and I, for once since the beginning, caught a glimpse as to why we are fighting this war in Iraq. While I think that I will never fully understand it, it is great to hear someone's perspective that has experienced life over there. I wanted to thank you for giving us your perspective on why the war was started and continues in Iraq. It feels a lot better to hear it from someone who has been there than from someone who can only speak of it but has never put themselves in that line of duty in the most recent years. Please excuse my ignorance if it comes off that way but I did want to tell you that your letter gave me a few answers that I had been looking for over the past few years.
Thanks again.
CJ,
A beautiful, heartfelt, and compassionate letter. I know that if I was in Mrs. Sheehan's position, I would want a soldier as yourself to help me heal wounds and gain some "perspective". I've just started reading your blog but I'm certainly glad that I've come across it. I intend to share my discovery with friends and family, and most importantly my soldier. Thanks for simply being you! God bless!
You are great American! Thank you for your service to our great Nation. May God Bless you and all those who serve!
"All foreign wars, I do proclaim, live on blood and a mother's pain."
–from the lyrics to "Mrs. McGrath," an old Irish song which can be heard on Bruce Springsteen's new Seeger Sessions record