Power Of The Pen

Considering the right-wing smear campaign [1] against Cindy Sheehan that's been picking up steam lately, the general network news- and Fox-watching public might think she's a lone looney who doesn't have much support from the American people. In reality, of course, scores of Americans are rallying behind Sheehan.  That's why Congressman John Conyers has a new plan to make sure that support is visible.

Conyers has transformed his website [2] into a Sheehan action center, and the main goal is to encourage citizens to send letters to the editor supporting Sheehan's protest to their local newspapers—with an overall goal of 1,000 letters published. The site includes a handy form [3] so that letter-writers can click one button and simulateously submit their letter to every paper in their local area. But there's no web-generated form letter here. Heartfelt, original thoughts are much  more likely to get published—especially from Americans whose own family members may be serving in Iraq. Click here [3]  to write your letter.

Conyers' idea is a good one, and it speaks to a larger point, as well: We must voice our disapproval of the war, and writing a letter to the editor is one of the most public, effective ways to do it. So while your first letter might be written today, to support Cindy Sheehan, don't let it be your last letter. Even after Cindy leaves Crawford and Bush's protracted vacation ends, the need for thinking people to voice their dissent won't abate.