Diplomacy with Iran sets the example for a change in US foreign policy, Iran Project Vigil at Albany Food Fest, August 10, 2016 from 12:30 to 1:45 PM

Posted on August 13, 2016 by admin

Women Against War: Diplomacy Saves Lives and Money, We Can’t Afford Any More War

Women Against War demonstrated and leafleted with full numbers from 12:30-1:30 PM, Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at the annual Empire State Plaza Food Festival. But some of us actually stayed a bit longer to continue to leaflet and take photos.

Close of the Iran Project Vigil at Empire State Plaza Food Fest, missing Leila, Priscilla and Sue Clark, photo by Priscilla Fairbank

Close of the Iran Project Vigil at Empire State Plaza Food Fest. Not in photo: Dinah, Leila, Priscilla and Sue Clark. Photo by Priscilla Fairbank

Our props consisted of our banner, signs, a Women Against War Sandwich Board (worn for the full hour on a windy afternoon by Alexandra), and some of Diane Reiner’s beautiful enlarged photos of Iranian people. There were a baker’s dozen of us; standing with expressive signs, including a homemade, two sided sign that ally and anti nuclear weapons activist, Tom Ellis held. . One side read, “We can build a vastly better world;” the other, “We are tired of endless war, foreign and domestic.”

Iran Project Vigil at the end of the demonstration, missing Sue, Mabel and Leila. Photo by Mabel Leon

Iran Project Vigil at the end of the demonstration. Not in photo: Sue, Mabel, Leila and Dinah. Photo by Mabel Leon

One of the highlights of this particular annual vigil has always been the number of leaflets that we can distribute to people flocking to the I Love NY Food Fest as they come to buy prepared foods and produce. To walk and meet and lunch and munch.

With rain threatening there were fewer passersby than usual but more leafleters took turns giving out the beautiful leaflets with a color photo of the international negotiators of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran.

Negotiators of the Iran nuclear deal from China, France, Germany, The European Union, Iran, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, April 2, 2015

In the media release, demonstration organizer Marcia Hopple explained, “Women Against War is asking citizens to insist that candidates for presidential and congressional elections this November will say NO to endless war and say YES to diplomacy as the first and most powerful tool in international relations.”

Another long term concern of Women Against War has been arms sales, which WAW considers a huge contributor to the problems in the Middle East. As well as an obstacle to negotiated settlements of regional conflicts. As long term Women Against War activist Pat Beetle has succinctly said: “Let’s not let arms contractors determine our foreign policy.”

Iranleaflet2016, two sided.Women Against War’s leaflet also asked readers to really look at the US military budget, which continues to be larger than all other aspects of the US discretionary budget combined. It suggested asking candidates to pledge to reduce military spending.

This year’s leaflet came about through a creative and interactive first draft crafted by Iran Project member Kate Cavanaugh. It was then edited by some of the other key vigil planners. Marcia took responsibility for printing the striking, two sided leaflets with their attention getting color photo.

The result was a leaflet that we plan to continue distributing during the entire political campaign season – with its action suggestions and basic facts. One person (a booth holder) came up to us and thanked us for including actual ways that people could act on the requests for policy changes. In general the responses to our leaflets were more positive than ever before. People who took leaflets read them carefully, leading to several long conversations and commitments to doing more research to develop better understanding.

Although there wasn’t official media coverage, one of the Times Union photographers (Jasmine Robinson) included a picture of Leila and Mickie with their signs in a “were you seen” feature about the Food Festival.

“Spread Love Not Hate!”
Leila and Mickie at the NY State Food Festival, August 10, 2016. Photo by Jasmine Robinson of the TU

Thanks to Marcia, Priscilla, Alexandra, Kate, Fran, Sue C., Pat, Tom, Leila, Sue D.,, Dinah, Hazel, Mabel, Mickie, and all of those behind the scenes who supported this action in various ways. Including a local church that allowed us to park nearby,

Walking back to our cars after the Iran Project Vigil, photo by Priscilla Fairbank

In the face of political threats, multiple, cruel, continuing wars, and uncertainties about future US military actions we can only continue to act in the interests of peace, human rights, nuclear weapons reduction, compassion for those on the ground, and analysis of who stands to gain – in power and profit – from continued war.

Spotlight Reports on WAW Iran demonstration

Posted on November 1, 2015 by admin

WAW In the News: Peace groups petition Schumer to support Iran deal; thank Gillibrand and Tonko

Spotlight reports on WAW’s Iran demonstration, August 26^th

At our September 10th coalition rally to urge approval of the Iran Deal, Wendy Dwyer brought news of Code Pink actions in Washington, DC

Posted on October 13, 2015 by admin

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 atht e September 8th and 9th peace with Iran events by Code Pink, between Michaela and Medea.

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.”

Posted on September 2, 2015 by admin

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

IMG_0618 (2)Marcia Hopple speaking for Women Against War, photo by Mabel

Marcia Hopple, speaking for the Iran Project of Women Against War

Joe Lombardo, speaking for Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace

IMG_0652 (2) Sue Dubois speaking for Solidarity Committee, photo by Mabel Leon

Sue Dubois, speaking for The Solidarity Committee

IMG_0671Tom Ellis speaking for Palestinian Rights Committee, photo by Mabel

Tom Ellis, speaking for the Palestinian Rights Committee

IMG_0676 We are Iranians, Sue Weber handing petitions to Gia Recco, photo by Mabel

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, photo by Wendy Dwyer.

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!

Posted on August 20, 2015 by admin

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. 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 by Alice Brody.

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, Hazel, photo by Alice Brody

Melanie, Pat, Fran, Kate, Trudy, Sue and Hazel, photo by Alice Brody

Mingling with the crowds, 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.

Iran Project joined students and faculty at Union for an informational picket, May 5, 2015

Posted on May 8, 2015 by admin

Three part Iran banner at counter demonstration to John Bolton’s lecture at Union College

Informational picket line across from Memorial Chapel before John Bolton spoke at Union College

On Wednesday, May 5, 2015 when John Bolton, former advocate of the war on Iraq and now proponent of bombing Iran to prevent them from acquiring a nuclear weapon, was invited to speak at Union College as part of a lecture series the students and faculty were outraged. They invited Women Against War and other community peace groups to join them in an informational picket. Marcia Hopple of the Iran Project coordinated our presence and invited other groups. Many others helped in communication, photography, and by their presence.

We have a detailed blog article on Waging Peace, with many photos taken by Mabel Leon and links to some campus opinion pieces. You can get details and wonderful visuals here.

Photo showing Andy Feffer, Mabel and Bertha from the Concordy

Photo, from the Concordy, showing Andy Feffer, Mabel and Bertha

Local demonstration to end the wars, Saturday March 21st from 1 PM to 2 PM, photos by Mabel Leon. With a Facebook link to other excellent photos by Jeanne Finley and Jon Flanders

Gallery

Posted on March 23, 2015 by admin

This gallery contains 17 photos.

Women Against War co-sponsored a local demonstration to support the national demonstrations, events and meetings in Washington DC.Those events took place from March 18th through March 21st. With the large demonstration held on March 21st. On March 21st, peace activists … Continue reading →

Roshni Online Reports on Nazila Fathi’s Speech in Albany

Posted on March 17, 2015 by admin

WAW In the News: Roshni Online Article- Nazila Fathi’s Speech in Albany

A message from WAW Iran Project member and photographer Diane Reiner

Posted on January 1, 2015 by admin

A message from WAW Iran Project member and photographer Diane Reiner:

In 2005 I travelled to Iran as part of a small peace delegation. Although we met with university educators and government officials, the most important Iranians we spent time with were people on the streets. I invite you to now view the Iran I experienced.
It is a country with warm and gracious people proud of their rich cultural heritage and happy to share it with Americans, for whom they bear no hostility.

Please feel free to share this video,
Diane

Report on Stephen Kinzer’s April 7th and 8th visit, by Alice Brody & Link to blog article by Marcia Hopple & books available!

Posted on April 13, 2014 by admin

Author, Stephen Kinzer

Dear friends,

I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making the Stephen Kinzer event a major success. The process was long and tedious, nine months of back and forth communication with Kinzer, never quite certain that we could seal the deal. In spite of the many detours along the way, we met all of our goals.

Kinzer turned out to be an engaging speaker combining storytelling, humor and serious research, to present a picture of the forces and individuals that have shaped our foreign policy for generations. It is a devastating picture that exposes the destruction of whole countries and the deaths of millions in it’s wake. If you haven’t read his book on the Dulles Brothers, I recommend that you do so.

Diverse audience of students, faculty and community members listen to Stephen Kinzer at Siena College, photo by Alice Brody

The turnout to both events exceeded our expectations. According to Maud 97 people attended Monday evenings talk and at least 60, mainly students, attended the Siena talk on Tuesday. Most importantly, we attracted a younger and more diverse audience than we normally get. It was gratifying to NOT know everyone in attendance.

Book Signing at UAlbany, April 7, 2014, photo by Danyal Mohammadzadeh,

Our collaboration with the Writers Institute and Siena College helped play an important role in promoting the program. After the talk at Siena a student approached Stephen Kinzer in the parking lot to tell him that he now realized that Iran wasn’t our enemy. Kinzer’s interview on The Roundtable reached an audience of many thousands, resulting in three people coming to hear him speak at Siena shortly thereafter.

It was a demanding schedule for Kinzer. In addition to his two speaking engagements and an interview with Joe Donahue, he sat for an hour and 15 min. taped interview with Mahmood Karimi-Hakak at Siena where the discussion ranged from Shakespeare, to film, literature, history and politics. It was quite remarkable and we should do our best to get a copy of the discussion.

Mahmood Karimi-Hakak, Professor of Theatre Arts at Siena College, photo by Alice Brody

Finally, I’d like to thank my WAW comrades and colleagues for their steadfastness in bringing this to fruition. The three M’s, Marcia, Maude and Mickie, Priscilla, Pat, Leila, and anyone else I might have overlooked. Thank you all.

Alice

Here’s a link to an excellent article on our blog, Waging Peace, written by Marcia Hopple: Following that is an announcement that Women Against War has some copies of Stephen Kinzer’s book about the Dulles Brothers for sale to interested readers:

Congratulations Alice, you knew of Stephen Kinzer and asked him to speak. When it happened, it made Kinzer readers and followers of all of us. His knowledge and insight, and his ability to share it with others through writing and speaking, is really amazing. I think we made some fast friends at the colleges for future program sponsorships and venues, because he was such an outstanding speaker.

Alice recommended you read his Dulles Brothers book if you haven’t. Women Against War is now the owner of eight copies of the book which were left from the signing pile provided by The Bookhouse of Stuyvesant Plaza and the Siena Bookstore.

Please contact me, mhopple@nycap.rr.com, if you would like to buy one.

The book would make a great gift for anyone interested in history, political science, US foreign policy, and the “blowback” we see today from what the Dulles brothers did in their roles as secretary of state and director of the CIA, during the Eisenhower administration.

Thanks Alice, Maud, and everyone for attending to all the details, and attending!

Marcia

A new link to a brief article in the Siena College newspaper about faculty and student response to Stephen Kinzer’s talk:

Award-Winning Journalist Gives Inside Look to Middle East

Tuesday, April 15, 2014, By Mike Clemens ’15

The situation in the Middle East is a topic that is always in the news, but last week Siena students got an insider’s perspective when author and journalist Stephen Kinzer delivered an address titled “The Dulles Brothers: Implications for Foreign Policy in Iran and Beyond.” […]

http://www.siena.edu/pages/179.asp?item=337835