Git On With Life

CRAWFORD, Texas - President Bush, noting that lots of
people want to talk to the president and "it's also
important for me to go on with my life," on Saturday
defended his decision not to meet with the grieving
mom of a soldier killed in Iraq.

Bush said he is aware of the anti-war sentiments of
Cindy Sheehan and others who have joined her protest
near the Bush ranch.

"But whether it be here or in Washington or anywhere
else, there's somebody who has got something to say to
the president, that's part of the job," Bush said on
the ranch. "And I think it's important for me to be
thoughtful and sensitive to those who have got
something to say."

"But," he added, "I think it's also important for me
to go on with my life, to keep a balanced life."

The comments came prior to a bike ride on the ranch
with journalists and aides. It also came as the crowd
of protesters grew in support of Sheehan, the
California mother who came here Aug. 6 demanding to
talk to Bush about the death of her son Casey. Sheehan
arrived earlier in the week with about a half dozen
supporters. As of yesterday (Saturday) there were
about 300 anti-war protesters and approximately 100
people supporting the Bush Administration. In addition
to the two-hour bike ride, Bush's Saturday schedule
included an evening Little League Baseball playoff
game, a lunch meeting with Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice, a nap, some fishing and some
reading. "I think the people want the president to be
in a position to make good, crisp decisions and to
stay healthy," he said when asked about bike riding
while a grieving mom wanted to speak with him. "And
part of my being is to be outside exercising."

On Friday, Bush's motorcade drove by the protest site
en route to a Republican fund-raising event at a
nearby ranch.

As Bush rolled by, Sheehan held a sign that said, "Why
do you make time for donors and not for me?"

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