It is a striking phenomenon in the United States that with all the privileges and advantages most citizens enjoy there is a sense of apathy and powerlessness. The refrains of, "What can I do? or "I'm just one person" are rather commonplace. With a largely depoliticized culture individuals are left to decide on whether to shop at this chain store or that one. Consumerism has consumed the spirit of democracy. The important societal issues of war and peace, healthcare, education, the environment are left in the hands of a political class driven by power and greed. Every once in a while certain individuals break through passivity, come forward to say, this is unjust, this is not fair, this is wrong. As Margaret Mead once said, that's the way change has always happened.

Cindy Sheehan
Cindy Sheehan has been called the Rosa Parks of the anti-war movement. She captured global media attention with her dramatic action at Bush's Crawford, Texas ranch. Camping out for most of August, and joined by thousands, she wanted to ask the president; What noble cause did my son Casey die for in Iraq? Bush refused to meet with her. Sheehan is the founder of Gold Star Families for Peace and the author of "Dear President Bush."