Melanie Markle, Houston Chronicle:
Thousands of people swarmed into this tiny town near President Bush's ranch on Saturday, most of them in support of the troops and his policy to stay the course in Iraq.I am sorry to see the pro Bush crowd so intorent of such an eloquent statement about Cindy's efforts.Nearer the ranch, busloads showed up throughout the day to support Cindy Sheehan's ongoing anti-war protest, gathering for a peace vigil under a large tent in the stifling August heat.
Bush remained on his ranch, urging Americans in his weekly radio address to be patient.
"Our efforts in Iraq and the broader Middle East will require more time, more sacrifice and continued resolve," Bush said. "Yet people across the Middle East are choosing a future of freedom and prosperity and hope. And as they take their brave steps, Americans will continue to stand with them because we know that free and democratic nations are peaceful nations."
There were no reports of violence, but there were a few arrests.
One man, Ken Robinson, of Richardson, was taken into custody at the pro-Bush rally after he refused to leave when organizers objected to the harsh wording on his sign. The sign, referring to Sheehan's roadside protest, called her the "B---- in the Ditch" and equated her to "Hanoi Jane," a reference to Vietnam-era protester Jane Fonda.
...
At the Community Center in Crawford, where Move America Forward and other pro-Bush organizations led the rally, speakers included parents whose sons had died in Iraq.
David Ries, of Amarillo, whose son, Marine Staff Sgt. David Ries, was killed during his second tour, said he wanted to send Sheehan a message.
"I'll tell her she is helping the terrorists," he said. "That is what terrorism is trying to do — divide the country."
Also taking the podium was Deena Burnett, whose husband Tom was one of the passengers who fought with terrorists aboard United Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001.
"This is about not having another Sept. 11 anywhere in the world," said Burnett to loud cheers, adding that the troops in Iraq deserve the country's support.
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