Members of CODEPINK: WOMEN FOR PEACE Begin Hunger Strike to Support Cindy Sheehan's Roadside Vigil in Crawford, Texas

Crawford, Texas--Cindy Sheehan of Vacaville, California, whose son Casey was killed in Iraq on April 4, 2004, traveled to Crawford, Texas with hundreds of anti-war activists to confront President Bush at his Crawford ranch. Sheehan wants to ask Bush, "Why did you kill my son? What did my son die for?" and demand a speedy withdrawal of troops in Iraq. During their march in the 100 degree heat, the protesters were forced into a ditch teeming with fire ants. Sheehan, who co-founded Gold Star Families for Peace, refuses to leave until the President comes out to speak with her.

Marching with Sheehan was CODEPINK co-founder Diane Wilson, along with many members of CODEPINK: WOMEN FOR PEACE, a grassroots peace and social justice movement that seeks positive social change through proactive, creative protest and non-violent direct action. Wilson, who continues to stand vigil with Sheehan, pledged that CODEPINK would join Sheehan in solidarity through a hunger strike. Members of CODEPINK are flocking to Crawford to support Sheehan's stance, and are embarking upon vigilant fasts around the globe. Ann Wright, who resigned from the U.S. Foreign Service on March 19, 2003, in disagreement with the Bush administration's decision to go to war in Iraq without the authorization of the UN Security Council, has joined Sheehan and Wilson in their roadside vigil.

In an open letter, Sheehan writes, "We would like for [President Bush] to explain this 'noble cause' to us and ask him why Jenna and Barbara are not in harm's way, if the cause is so noble." She adds, "If George is not ready to send the twins, then he should bring our troops home immediately." She asks supporters to "Bring water and hats…we plan on staying until we are arrested or satisfied with the answers."

CODEPINK Action: http://www.demaction.org/dia/organizations/codepink/signUp.jsp?key=530

Letter from Cindy Sheehan: http://www.uslaboragainstwar.org/article.php?id=8765