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WAW In the News: Drones and Targeted Killing Lecture by Marjorie Cohn
Albany Student Press reports on Marjorie Cohn’s most recent publication, “Drones and Targeted Killing: Legal, Moral and Geopolitical Issues,” an interdisciplinary examination of the United States’ policy on targeted killings and the use of drones. The lecture was co-sponsored by the Department of Political Science, Albany’s United University Professions chapter (Peace and Justice Committee) and Women Against War.August 26th
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Women Against War and Grannies for Peace joined Jewish Voice for Peace during their second annual Black Lives Matter Chanukah vigil on December 8th 2015 in Townsend Park.
Grannies end racism now banner at JVP Chanukah vigil, photo by Wendy Dwyer
Thanks to this inspiring photo taken by Wendy Dwyer we have the basis for an article about how Jewish Voice for Peace, Albany Chapter held their second annual anti-racism Chanukah vigil and how Women Against War joined them with their two banners from the Tulip Festival and other signs and messages. This vigil was described by Jewish Voice for Peace in this way:
Albany Jewish Voice for Peace is hosting our 2nd Annual Black Lives Matter Hanukkah vigil on Tuesday, December 8th, 5 – 6:30 pm, at Townsend Park, Albany (The triangle park at Henry Johnson Blvd., between Washington Avenue and Western Avenue).
We did not expect the need to raise the call that Black Lives Matter would have disappeared in the past year, but recent events have made clear that the necessity for action and solidarity has increased. As an organization based in the multi-racial and multi-ethnic Jewish community, and dedicated to human rights for all, we believe we have a special obligation and role to play in speaking out in support of the Black community and in opposition to all of the continuing stark manifestations of racism and white supremacy.
Come join us in this vigil for peace and justice as we recall the historical struggles of Jews and stand in solidarity with all of our sisters and brothers.
Through grassroots organizing, education, advocacy, and media, Jewish Voice for Peace works to achieve a lasting peace that recognizes the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians for security and self-determination.
Jewish Voice for Peace is the only national Jewish organization that provides a voice for Jews and allies who believe that peace in the Middle East will be achieved through justice and full equality for both Palestinians and Israelis. With offices in New York and California, 100,000 online activists, chapters across the country and an Advisory Board comprised of numerous prominent Jewish thinkers and artists, JVP supports nonviolent efforts here and in Israel-Palestine to end Israel’s Occupation, expand human and civil rights, and implement a US policy based on international law and democracy.
Here are some other photos taken by JVP members, The first two were taken by Ariela Perez-Wallach and the bottom one was taken by Dennis Willard. 
This is just one more instance of several community groups sharing their resources and passions during a local vigil. May we have many more as our different groups come together to combat, racism, militarism and fear mongering.
Brief report on the Women Against War annual gathering held on Saturday, November 14, 2015. With photos by Priscilla Fairbank, Connie Frisbee Houde and Doreen Glynn.
Our gathering was held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 10 N. Main, Albany. A perfect venue to accommodate all of the people and activities planned for the evening.
Fran and Kate taking donations at the door, photo by Doreen Glyn
The evening began with a potluck of savory and sweet finger foods and a chance for people to catch up with each other and hear more about the activities of the several groups represented by people there to honor Mabel and to hear the ideas of our keynote speaker, Marjorie Cohn.
View of the front of the room, photo by Connie Frisbee Houde
Gallery of photos by Priscilla Fairbank:
The program then went on to include a report of Women Against War’s 2015 projects and activities by Maud Easter.
Maud sharing the annual report, photo by Connie Frisbee Houde
One piece of new business that Maud announced was the appointment to the Women Against War’s steering committee of Kate Cavanaugh. Kate, who is a very active member of the Iran Project and a Professor Emerita of Saint Rose College, replaces previous steering committee member Saira Kahn who has finished her Master’s degree and moved to New York City in August, to work as a Budget Analyst in the NYC Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice.
Kate Cavanaugh at annual dinner, photo by Priscilla Fairbank
This was followed by the presentation of the 2015 Woman of Peace award to Mabel Leon
Mabel at home in 2011, photo by Daily Gazette
Mabel was briefly described in the outreach materials as follows:
An impassioned and lifelong activist, photographer and artist, Mabel strengthens Women Against War, Grannies for Peace and the entire social justice community through her creativity and commitment.
All this and more is true of Mabel but the introduction by Maureen Aumand brought more ideas and feelings to light. Maureen particularly focused on Mabel’s long time dedication to the Pastors for Peace annual Caravan of medical supplies to Cuba and her love and support for the Cuban people long suffering under a cruel US embargo.
Maureen introducing Mabel before the award ceremony, photo by Connie Frisbee Houde
In this context, Maureen shared a short poem by Cuban activist and artist Jose Marti.
I Cultivate a White Rose
By Jose Marti
I cultivate a white rose
In July as in January
For the sincere friend
Who gives me his hand honestly
And for the cruel person who tears out
the heart with which I live,
I cultivate neither nettles nor thorns:
I cultivate a white rose.
Mabel accepting the white roses of the Jose Marti poem, photo by Connie Frisbee Houde
Here’s another quote from Jose Marti that shares some of the spirit of Mabel’s work and the goals that we all try to achieve here in the Capital District peace and justice community:
We are free, but not to be evil, not to be indifferent to human suffering, not to profit from the people, from the work created and sustained through their spirit of political association, while refusing to contribute to the political state that we profit from. We must say no once more. Man is not free to watch impassively the enslavement and dishonor of men, nor their struggles for liberty and honor.
Maureen is holding a giant card with a great photo of Mabel as” Miss – Appropriation” during a Schenectady Neighbors for Peace “I Miss America” pageant.
Marcia Hopple spent much of the time during the potluck circulating the card for signatures so that everyone could write a personal message to Mabel as part of honoring her. Kudos to Marcia for her dedicated work on this!
All photos of the Woman of Peace Award and Mabel’s acceptance speech taken by Connie Frisbee Houde
Mabel’s acceptance speech was inspiring. She explained her reluctance to accept the award because she felt that she was just one person who worked as part of a large community of peace and justice activists and she went on to name and acknowledge the work of many in Women Against War and some of the other groups that we often work in coalition with.
There was much more including an invitation to take and distribute/display some of the new yard signs which she played such a large part in producing and obtaining funding for.
But the ending of her speech was a powerful call to action in which she defined some of the most important goals for our continuing work:
1. It is critical that all activists be informed and understand the interconnectedness of all issues related to peace and justice- including the corporate war economy, militarization of our society, inequity; immigration, racism, mass incarceration, women’s rights and climate change.
2. As we address the pressing issues of peace saying No to Drone killings and No to arms sales, we must build coalitions joining with others in the local struggles of low wage workers, Black Lives Matter, immigration rights, climate change and ending mass incarceration.
3. To do this, we must nurture each other, face despair with action and remember to celebrate life
Fran Dempsey stepped up to introduce our speaker, Marjorie Cohn.
Fran Dempsey introducing speaker Marjorie Cohn, photo by Doreen Glynn
From Fran’s eloquent introduction we learned that Human Rights Lawyer Marjorie Cohn is also an author, journalist, media consultant and speaker on topics of international human rights, and US foreign policy. She teaches at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law and is a former President of the National Lawyers Guild. Marjorie also serves on the Advisory Board of Veterans for Peace.
Hazel selling Marjorie’s book, photo by Priscilla Fairbank
Her most recent book, which Hazel assisted people to purchase, is an edited collection of articles about the use of weaponized drones titled DRONES & TARGETED KILLING: Legal, Moral & Political Issues. The many excellent articles serve as a key resource for anti-drone activists. Bishop Desmond Tutu’s forward says,
This book provides much needed analysis of why America’s targeted killing program is illegal, immoral and unwise.
- Marjorie Cohn speaking with banners in the background, photo by Connie Frisbee Houde
Rather than detail the content of her inspiring and resource filled speech I’ll link to one of her most recent articles which contains much of her content. You can also read more about The Drone Papers recently based on information released by a whistleblower from the intelligence community and more about Marjorie Cohn in general in this article published in our blog called Waging Peace..
Marjorie Cohn speaking about her article:
“‘The Drone Papers’ Revelations Are a Cry for Ending the Slaughter” Photo by Connie Frisbee Houde
While Marjorie was in the Capital District she was quite busy, speaking at three local venues and doing a radio interview on WAMC’s Roundtable as well. So her message was spread far and wide, at UAlbany, Albany Law School and at the Forum of First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany.
Finally here are a few more of Priscilla’s photos of people working, announcing, and meeting at the annual dinner.
Doreen making announcements
Marcia Hopple and the audience during announcements
Doreen looking over the silent auction items, which Linda LeTendre auctioned with her usual humor and effectiveness!
Maud and Elaine at the dessert end of the buffet table.
Maud and Doreen
Joan Thornhill, art and props arranger and kitchen worker, supreme. Who along with her husband Harry helped set up Mabel’s props and signs and kept coffee and other beverages going all evening!
Spotlight Reports on WAW Iran demonstration
WAW In the News: Peace groups petition Schumer to support Iran deal; thank Gillibrand and Tonko
Spotlight reports on WAW’s Iran demonstration, August 26th
Generational passing of activism’s torch in Albany
WAW In the News: Generational passing of activism’s torch in Albany
Social Justice Center evolves to respond to 21st century issues
Features Granny for Peace Pat Beetle
Grannies for Peace and community vigil to End Endless War, held on September 21, 2015, The International Day of Peace.
The purpose and the spirit of our vigil to End Endless War was best summarized in our media release and in the presence and determination of about 30 peace and justice activists from the Capital District. Here’s the media release:
Grannies for Peace will lead a vigil to End Endless War on Monday, September 21, 2015,
The International Day of Peace
WHO: Grannies for Peace, Beyond Afghanistan/No Drones Project, Women Against War, Many other local peace and justice groups.
WHEN: Monday, September 21, 2015, from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
WHERE: Corner of Central Avenue and Wolf Road, Colonie NY
WHAT: Our large banner will say: “WANT PEACE? NO DRONE KILLINGS. NO ARMS SALES.”
Banner with our Yard Sign message, with Bertha, Mabel and Fran. Photo by Mark Klein.
We will have signs saying End Endless War and many other signs and banners on the themes of drone killings, racism, militarism, greed, war and climate change, and the need for diplomacy. People are also invited to bring their own signs. We will vigil rain or shine and share our messages with the drive time commuters during this international day of peace.
WHY: In the words of one of our three Grannies for Peace co-coordinators, Dot Richards
The world is stunned by the surge of migrants into Europe – families on the run, the silent scourge of war! Humans by the hundreds of thousands desperately walking, running, swimming and pleading for asylum. Most of the deaths and misery of war are perpetrated against civilians. We must wake up to the fact that war is not the answer. War is immoral, foolish and futile. It must be the last resort always. When will we ever learn?
Dot with Grannies for Peace banner, photo by Mabel Leon
Sister Doreen Glynn shared a quote from Pope Francis, who will be visiting the United States at the time of our vigil:
We have tried so many times and over so many years to resolve our conflicts by our own powers and by the force of our arms. How many moments of hostility and darkness have we experienced; how much blood has been shed; how many lives have been shattered; how many hopes have been buried. … But our efforts have been in vain. Now, Lord, come to our aid! Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace. Open our eyes and our hearts, and give us the courage to say: ‘Never again war!’; ‘With war everything is lost.’
— Invocation for Peace, held with Presidents Shimon Peres of Israel and Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine, Vatican Gardens, June 9, 2014
Doreen with one of the End Endless War signs that she created, photo by Mabel Leon
And Granny, Joan Thornhill, on vacation and enjoying time with her grandchildren and the natural beauty of the Pacific Coast, said:
Even though we have this time for serenity and we can afford to even think about Peace, our hearts are heavy with the thoughts of how senseless and meaningless WAR is! War is filled with fear and destruction–Peace is filled with courage and compassion. I have a t-shirt that says, ‘Peace also takes courage’ Pope Francis’ has certainly stepped up to the plate . We hope he gets even more courageous–maybe he could join us on the 21st on his way to Philly!
Joan and Pete holding the Drones Kill Civilians banner, photo by Mabel Leon
Dreams of a future without war: In the words of Patti Smith’s song, People Have the Power:
“To dream, to rule, to wrest the power from fools […] ”
Bertha, Mickie, Mari, Elaine and yin/yang, dove/drone sign designed by Kim. Photo by Mabel Leon
End Racism Now banner as part of the End Endless War message, photo by Mabel Leon
Marcia with one of our War Causes Climate Change signs. Photo by Mabel Leon
Sue Clark, stylin’ a beret.Photo by Mabel Leon
Pat Beetle with sign, photo by Mabel Leon
Central Avenue end of the vigil. Fran in the foreground. Photo by Mabel Leon
Barb, Sue Clark, Terri, Sue Dubois and great signs. Photo by Mabel Leon
Wolf Road end of the vigil with Harry, Maureen, Terri, Pete. Photo by Mabel Leon.
This is part of the story. For more photos and a view of the context in which this vigil was taking place you can see our blog article on Waging Peace , which also describes the young Afghan Peace Volunteers #Enough! campaign.
At our September 10th coalition rally to urge approval of the Iran Deal, Wendy Dwyer brought news of Code Pink actions in Washington, DC
Get AIPAC our of Schumer’s bloomers. Banner at the Code Pink demonstration, in Washington DC on September 8, 2015, photo by Wendy Dwyer
As many local peace and justice groups gathered in front of the Leo O’Brien Capitol Building for the second time.[At a rally called by the Palestinian Rights Committee.] Urging approval of the Peace Deal with Iran and calling out Senator Chuck Schumer for opposing the agreement, Wendy Dwyer, a member of Upper Hudson Peace Action and Women Against War, brought news of inspiring actions that took place in Washington DC during the launch of the Code Pink campaign “Hands across the Capitol.”
Wendy had been present in Washington, DC on September 8th and 9th and had taken part in several of the visually exciting actions. She also took a few photos which she has shared with us. Other photos come from the Code Pink website and from photographer Jo Freeman.
Wendy at the September 8th and 9th Peace with Iran events organized by Code Pink. Standing between Michaela and Medea. Photo by Jo Freeman
Pro-peace Rabbis at the Capital. Code Pink action September 8, 2015. Photo by Wendy Dwyer
This is just a brief article about Wendy’s experiences in DC, and Medea’s birthday sign and a general acknowledgement of all the energy and creativity that surrounds Code Pink and supporters of their actions,including Wendy and others from our region.
One of the actions that took place before the group visited Chuck Schumer’s office in the Rayburn building was the hanging of a banner over the balcony nearby, followed by a peaceful sit-in in Senator Schumer’s office:
Veterans For Peace banner drop at the Rayburn Office Building near Chuck Schumer’s office. Photo by Wendy Dwyer
Hastily, we sang in the foyer to divert the capital police while Tarak and others dropped the banner. This was in the Rayburn building, where Schumer’s office is. I believe it was on the third floor.
We asked to be seen and were told 3 people only and no cameras so we all sat down and started singing peace songs. British media was there, police were called and came. They know Medea well work with her all the time.
Medea Benjamin, the rabbis, Col. Ann Wright, Michaela and others in Senator Schumer’s office. Photo by Wendy Dwyer
Former Iranian hostage, Sara Shourd and Col. Ann Wright, in Schumer’s office, Septmeber 8th Photo by Wendy Dwyer
Rabbi Wright speaking in Senator Schumer’s office, photo by Wendy Dwyer
Ellen Davidson of Veterans for Peace in Chuck Schumer’s Washington DC office, British media in the doorway. Photo by Wendy Dwyer.
The staff person Lane Bodian eventually came out and we all spoke . We were just singing “Gonna walk with my Jewish Friends, down by the riverside” as he came into the room!
Chuck Schumer’s legislative aide on Iran, Lane Bodian, September 8, 2015, photo by Wendy Dwyer
So much went on it is hard to recount. We went to the House Foreign Affairs Hearing, Admiral William Fallon retired USN Former Commander, U S Central Command spoke in favor of diplomacy wonderfully. I will eventually write to him if I can find him and Rep. Reo Connolly spoke about the deal being a “Road to Peace” they spoke bravely amidst hawks, including Mr Royce the chairman.
Meanwhile at the American Enterprise Institute, former Vice President, Dick Cheney was speaking against the peace deal with Iran. That was where the famous confrontation of Cheney by Code Pink staff member, Michaela Anang took place. It included a tug of war with an audience member who tried to grab her banner as she was being escorted from the room.
Michaela sent the link to an interview about this incident to Wendy. It also includes a video of the attempt to rip the banner from her hands. She was victorious in holding onto the banner while also calmly exiting the room. But the interview demonstrates the wisdom and strength of purpose of this 21 year old intern.
Happy Birthday, Medea, set up by Tighe Barry, September 10, 2015, photo by Code Pink
Thursday, September 10th, was Medea’s birthday. Last night, despite hard work all day [up at 6 am, moving props, staffing the microphone, organizing, cooking, delivering, on and on], Tighe set up this display in front of the U S Capital for Medea’s Birthday which was today, September 10, 2015 , the day the Iran Agreement was won! Isn’t this amazing!
Tighe and Medea are amazing as well!
Women Against War and our part in the August 26, 2015 Rally to change Chuck Schumer’s mind about the Iran agreement. Followed by a nonviolent sit in by the “Fantastic Five.”
On Wednesday, August 26th members of Women Against War and a coalition of many other peace and justice groups, participated in a vigil and rally at the Leo O’ Brien Federal Building from noon to 1 PM which included a picket line with signs and banners, a rally with speakers and music and a walk up to Columbia Street where Representative Paul Tonko’s of ice is located, and where his new Chief of Staff, Ryan Horstmyer came out to greet us and hear our messages of thanks for his announcement of support for the Iran nuclear agreement.
I’m going to keep the text to a minimum since this has already been described in an article on our blog waging peace.
What I will share here is some of Mabel Leon’s photos of the three parts of the event and then a few photos of the sit-in that followed the coalition event.
First the picket line at the start of the rally:
The second part of the event was a rally held on the grassy area beside the Federal Building. There were brief, informative speakers, music of the sing along variety by Terri Roben, and a ceremony presenting signed petitions in support of the Iran nuclear agreement, with signatures of 27,500 New Yorkers.
Alice Brody speaking for Jewish Voice for Peace
Dan Wilcox, speaking for Veterans for Peace
Marcia Hopple, speaking for the Iran Project of Women Against War
Joe Lombardo, speaking for Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace
Sue Dubois, speaking for The Solidarity Committee
Tom Ellis, speaking for the Palestinian Rights Committee
Susan Weber presenting MoveOn petitions to Gia Recco.
Then the rally concluded with a walk up to Representative Paul Tonko’s office on Columbia Street where his new Chief of Staff, Ryan Horstmyer greeted us and listened to our appreciation for Paul’s decision to approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Agreement. [JCPOA]
Sue Weber talking with Ryan Horstmyer, Paul Tonko’s chief of staff, from video by Joe Seeman
After the coalition rally ended then my favorite part of the afternoon began. It was a sit-in in the Lobby of the Federal Building by the “Fantastic Five” and their supporters. I’ll let Marcia Hopple tell the story about how it came about and only add that it was a complex action to plan and to support but turned out quite well.
[Sue Clark, one of the Grannies for Peace], came to the Iran project meeting on 8/17 to announce that she intended to sit in at the Federal Building to urge Senator Schumer to change his mind and vote for the Iran deal . [ Before the end of our meeting] four other women… decided to join her in a civil resistance action. Many more of us sat in with them and supported them, but left before being arrested. I was one of the support people.
The “Fantastic Five” Mabel, Kate, Sue, Fran and Pat, photo by Wendy Dwyer
Four of the five civil resisters, Kate, sue, Fran and Pat, photo by Mabel Leon
Early in the sit-in, Janet, Greg, Mickie, Pat, Sue, Kate and Fran, photo by Mabel Leon
While we were sitting in at the Federal Building (from 1:45 PM to a little while after the building closed at 5:30 PM) we had a really good public conversation with Steve Mann in the lobby. Sue was able to read him our letter to Chuck Schumer
Then Wendy read her letter that explained how frustrated we were that we couldn’t reach his local office or his Washington DC office by phone to leave messages or talk to someone; and that we couldn’t arrange meetings in a reasonable time frame.
Sue Clark reading our letter to Steve Mann, Senator Schumer’s Deputy State Director, photo by Wendy Dwyer
We had members of several other peace and justice groups who stopped by for much/ or a little of the sit-in. A couple of people stood outside with signs as well. Some of the people who joined us were members of Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, the Beyond Afghanistan/No Drones Project of WAW, Peace Action, The Friend’s meeting, Schenectady Neighbors for Peace and Veterans for Peace. The size of the group varied during the 4 plus hours From 16 to 7, with five people arrested
Senator Schumer’s staff were kind to us and offered us water, which Jennifer and Esther brought down later in the sit-in.Two women from the Building manager’s office stopped by to let us know that we would need a permit for any action inside the Federal Building or on the plaza outside – if we planned future actions.
An Albany police Sergeant stopped by to convince us to leave by closing time, but Sue in particular wanted to make a point by getting arrested. He was really interested in what we had to say and stayed for a long time, Having been deployed in the military several times; he didn’t agree that the JCPOA was a safe deal but we gave him some points to consider. Anyhow, he left having decided that the APD would not arrest us and if any arrests or tickets were to be issued it would be the job of the Federal security officers.
However at closing time Federal Security tried to get the fantastic five to leave voluntarily and they refused. So they were issued $80 appearance tickets and released.
Arrests at the Federal Building, photo by Wendy Dwyer
Sue being wheeled out of the building by Homeland Security, photo by Marcia Hopple
In a show of solidarity the Upper Hudson Peace Action chapter decided to pay their fines if they decide to pay rather than contest them. They have 30 days to decide. And we don’t know yet what they will do.
More about the arrest/booking process from Marcia again:
The arrest scenario was that we had been lectured during our four hour sit in by Property Management staff, then an Albany city police sergeant, and finally a Homeland Security agent, all well before closing time, to think about what we were doing, realize we weren’t influencing the Senator, be realistic about media coverage since they would not allow photographers in, and leave on our own. The woman who first proposed the sit in replied, “I will not leave willingly.” The other four agreed with her. Just after the building closing time, the Property Management staff and Homeland Security officer returned to give them one last chance to walk out, and then processed them.
Here’s another description from Mabel:
[A woman officer from Homeland Security], tried every way possible to talk us into walking out voluntarily and she told us what we were doing made no sense and it was not going to affect anything. Sue answered her in a strong, steady voice with compassion. She was incredibly articulate. Finally, they locked the doors at about 5:50 and brought a wheel chair for Sue and booked her first in a little office. We were each given a ticket and fine for $80.00. The press never came, but it was a good day and Sue fought the good fight!!
Pat and Fran leaving the Federal Building after the arrests. Fran holding the ticket for ” failure to comply.” photo by Wendy Dwyer.
It was a great sit-in. We had hours to be in each others’ company and to inspire each other. Schumer’s staff [Jennifer Wilson and Esther Hering] actually brought us cups of water, the police sergeant was humorous and interesting, the building security were very relaxed, and almost all of us were there to support Sue who was very passionate about taking her commitment to the peace deal to another level.
Report on our 2015 “I Love NY Food Festival” Vigil. This year’s theme: Change Chuck’s Mind!
On the wall to change Chuck’s mind, photo by Marcia Hopple
Yes to Iran Deal and Trudy and Sue share a sign. Photo by Marcia Hopple
Early in the vigil on August 12, 2015. Sue D. Tom, Alexandra and Mickie. Photo by Marcia Hopple
Each year at the I Love NY Food Festival members of the Iran Project, and our allies from other peace and justice groups, vigil and leaflet for peace with Iran through diplomatic actions instead of threats of war and sanctions. During the past few years when the interim peace agreement was reached in April of 2014 and then the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action was finalized in July of 2015 this information and education has been especially crucial.
Reading our leaflet during the vigil, photo by Alice Brody
More leaflet readers. Photo by Alice Brody
This year we distributed leaflets that urged the US Congress to approve the nuclear and sanctions agreement with Iran.
This year’s vigil was very successful in many ways. We had approximately 20 people from several different groups and the crowds were plentiful. There were more restrictions on where we could stand, however and we weren’t allowed to set up the table that we had planned for helping people call their Senators and Representatives. This was all new to us but in spite of it we gave out about 400 leaflets and had many good conversations with people who stopped to talk with us.
Change Chuck’s Mind. Sign by Marcia Hopple, Photo of Iranians by Diane Reiner, held by Alexandra. Photo by Alice Brody.
Doug, Tom and Dan, photo by Alice Brody.
Pat, Doreen, Kate, Sue and Hazel. Photo by Alice Brody
This is the most variety we’ve had in people taking turns leafleting and talking with passersby. It was satisfying to be there and to be joined by such dedicated people. Special thanks to Marcia for coordinating and doing so much planning, to Fran for copying the leaflets, to Sue D. for arranging the information about calling your Congressperson and bringing the table,To Sue C., Fran, and Doreen for their dedicated leafleting, and to all who made and held signs. It was colorful, attention getting and (I agree with Alice) we got people to pay attention.
Alice Brody and Marcia Hopple took some photos at our demonstration. It was a good one although they wouldn’t let us set up the phone calling table that Sue brought. One State policewoman actually asked one of our leafleters to “keep moving!” but none of the rest of us was bothered. We had a lot of people from other groups, including Tom Ellis, Doug Bullock, Melanie Pores and Fred Pfeiffer, Trudy Quaif, Dan Wilcox, Joe Seeman. Plus members of the Iran Project, including Hazel, Kate, Fran, Doreen, Marcia, Sue Clark, Pat, Alice, Dinah, Sue Dubois, Alexandra, and Mickie. A young relative of Dan’s also stopped by and held his peace flag for a while.
Dinah and Iranian baby, photo by Alice Brody.
Melanie, Pat and Marcia’s back. photo by Alice Brody.
Tom, Doug, Dan, Melanie, Pat, photo by Alice Brody.
Doreen in the foreground and Fran in the background. Photo by Alice Brody
Melanie, Pat, Fran, Kate, Trudy, Sue and Hazel, photo by Alice Brody
Leafleting the crowds, photo by Alice Brody
Alexandra and Mickie, photo by Alice Brody
You can follow this link to read our Waging Peace blog article and find out more about what the situation was in Congress during the third week in August.
Working in coalition to end war, stop drone killings and jump start nuclear disarmament.
On Friday, August 7th in the midst of several events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, including a film series offered by Peace Action and Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and a wonderful Schenectady Peace Pole Walk [See the blog article on Waging Peace]
Gathering at the peace pole, photo by Mabel Leon
Many of the materials from earlier Grannies for Peace and Beyond Afghanistan/No Drones Project were incorporated into that week’s Schenectady Neighbors for Peace vigil by Mabel Leon and others. Mabel carries a vigil in her trunk to the weekly Friday demonstrations that take place in Schenectady from Noon to 1 PM.
Here are a few photos from their August 7th vigil, taken by Mabel Leon:
