Unlike some of my friends who have been far more critical of her, I still have a hard time working up much of a rage against Cindy Sheehan. She has always struck me as something of a tragic figure, and does to this day. I suppose that’s because our family has buried more than a few military members over the last couple of generations and you never know how it will affect someone or for how long. But her most recent response to the OBL death story was a bit of a stretch, even by her normal standards.

I am sorry, but if you believe the newest death of OBL, you’re stupid. Just think to yourself–they paraded Saddam’s dead sons around to prove they were dead–why do you suppose they hastily buried this version of OBL at sea? This lying, murderous Empire can only exist with your brainwashed consent–just put your flags away and THINK!

Over at National Review, Jim Geraghty seems to muster up a similar amount of sympathy.

I have a hard time bearing much ill will toward Sheehan, no matter how nonsensical or inane her utterances get; who knows what the depths of grief can do to a parent’s mind? The widespread politicization of the grief, and the notion of the worst event in your life suddenly turning you into a celebrity with admirers, probably spurs one to react in strange ways.

But the degree to which the “anti-war” crowd — who today applaud war kinetic military action against Libya without congressional approval, and who are today applauding unilateral military action on foreign soil without the host government’s knowledge or consent or U.N. approval — exploited Ms. Sheehan remains unforgivably appalling. They lost interest in Sheehan right about the moment she ran against Nancy Pelosi for Congress.

Taking this from a different angle, I would say that there is at least one thing which may be said positively about Sheehan, even in light of these recent statements. If nothing else, she has proven to be consistent in her convictions, beliefs and statements through two administrations from different parties. That’s a lot more than can be said for much of the rest of the “anti-war” crew who were out there (with me, for full disclosure) protesting the Iraq War in 2003 – 2004. Now, as Jim points out, most have either fallen silent or become full blown liberal hawks, cheering on Obama’s attack on Libya.

I remain sorry for Cindy Sheehan’s loss and I salute her family, in particular her brave son who gave the last full measure for his nation.