Sadly, Cindy Sheehan has decided to resign from the anti-war movemnt amid increasing criticizing for her biting attacks on the democratic party for not standing up to the President on the funding of the war. Last week she sent an email describing her deep disappointment in the Democratic leadership. In that email she stated that she was withdrawing from the Democratic Party. She was part of the left that wanted immediate withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Iraq. Not all of the left agree with her on that issue and that has eventually led to this situation. As has been apparent over the last several years the Democratic Party does not seem to be able to march in lock-step to a specific cuase or platform of issues like the Republican party has been able to. Republican leaders like Tom DeLay insured that nearly all party members in Congress fell in line with the desires of the leadership. The Democratic Party has had no such iron-willed leader willing to put "the hammer" to those who vote contrary to party leadership.

Cindy will be missed by the left. Her departure leaves a gaping hole that doesn't appear to have an heir apparent among the grass roots movement. Presidential hopefuls, however, have surfaced who are openly in favor of troop withdrawal from Iraq. Dennis Kucinich, Mike Gravel, and even one Republican candidate, Ron Paul, have been outspoken opponents to continued involvement in what they see as an unjustified, ill-conceived, poorly planned military effort that was sold to Congress , the American people and the world on false pretenses if not outright lies.

Yes, Cindy Sheehan seemed to get the anti-war movement rolling. It needed a kick in the ass at a time when few were willing or brave enough to speak out in the face of fierce verbal counterattacks by the right and she provided it.

Your legacy is secure, Cindy. That prototype historical marker that was erected at Camp Casey describing how that was the location where the American people began to speak out and gain force against a seemingly fascist administration thus eventually bringing an end to an immoral and unjust war can stay right where it is. One doesn't need a crystal ball to see that the future will prove it right.

Thank you, Cindy Sheehan.