Grandmothers Dodge Jail Time

"We're seeing the crimilization of free speech and public expression." -Diane Dreyfus, youngest member of Granny Peace Brigade, during the 6-Day Trial in Criminal Court, Manhattan

Oldest & Youngest Brigadeers, Marie Runyon, 91, and Diane Dreyfus, 57    

On the afternoon of Day 6, the rather pompous judge finally handed down his verdict:  Not guilty.  Sitting on hard courtroom benches for six days provides opportunity for much thought about the hows and whys of this loverlong drama.  As one of many GPB  supporters, I, unlike the 18 Grannies, could go on with my life.  Perhaps some of the 18 arrestees will add their thoughts here.

From my perspective this trial was both bizaare and a danger sign.  When the group began planning to enlist in the military to replace young people, the idea was seen simply as a way to get the public's attention about the illegal war in Iraq.  Someone mentioned that there is always the remote possibility of getting a summons when you protest on public property.  Someone else wondered if the Army Recruiting center at Times Square was Federal or New York City property--an issue never resolved during the trial.  Mayor Bloomberg was running for re-election in October, 2005, and we were sure he would not want negative press as a consequence of arresting grandmothers.  Finally, a suggestion was made to have legal observers.      

Once the arrest took place, many supporters thought the case would end with the first hearing.  Wrong:  there were three hearings, then this trial.  I think we were naive about what our government will tolerate from dissenting citizens--even a group of old ladies. Our supposedly liberal Democratic senators, Schumer and Clinton, have distanced themselves from the Grannies.  Neither has called for an end to the war in Iraq. 

At my favorite Elderblog, Time Goes By, Ronni Bennett was apoplectic about an incident in Los Angeles--an 82 year old woman was ticketed for taking too long to cross the street!  What if this same citizen wanted to protest about Medicare Part D or elder abuse?  Is New York City telling the rest of the country that any questioning of the status quo could lead to arrest?  Could jail cells across the country fill up with grandmas and grandpas?  Think about it.  Not good things are happening in the media; we do not hear enough about important issues.  Make sure you find out where the remarkable film, "Sir! No Sir!" is playing near you.  I was shocked to learn from this documentary about the suppressed story of the GI movement to end the war in Vietnam.

Even though the GPB trial received major coverage--with photos-- for the last two days in the New York Times, people still are surprised to learn about the trial.  Even though on Saturday, 350,000 Americans marched through the streets to "Bring the Troops Home Now!" with Cindy Sheehan and the Grannies in the lead, even so...almost no one else wears a "message" button.   Are people you know wearing signs that indicate their politics, or is everyone being very cautious? Check out what Diane D. said at the opening of this post:  too extreme or maybe...   

Comments

[Judy Lear]

As one of the 18 Grannies, and the representative of the Gray Panthers, I want to tell everyone that this was an awesome experience! The not guilty verdict, for me, renewed my trust in the judicial system and that our First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and assembly were still in tact. I admire Judge Ross and his patience to hear each of us and allow our individual voices to be heard.

I will continue to demonstrate, vigil, write letters to my representatives and do whatever is necessary to raise awareness about this terrible Iraqi action. It is our patriotic duty to speak out.

I urge everyone reading this to do the same!

Judy

[diane dreyfus]

How Granarchy Trumped the Decider: a Tale of Polls

Once upon a time, during the wretched reign of the dim Decider, Joan Wile called for the brokenhearted to join her at a Wednesday vigil named "Grandmothers Against the War." And, there they stood through seasons and heckles. Meanwhile, back in Tucson, some Raging Grannies were all so sad about the dismal Decider's endless War that they went to enlist. And, even though the dreaded Decider was eavesdropping all over the place and crowing about his 50% job approval, the vigilers heard about the Tucson posse.

"Oh," the vigilers thought, "What if we could save young lives by pushing buttons in some heinous techno battle?" They all agreed that that was inconceivable, but, "Couldn't we offer at least to wash dishes, to iron or clean up a bit? Maybe we could even go house to house gathering intelligence over tea? Hey, we can do this!" Incidentally, it was about the time that the Decider's poll numbers had flopped to 43% that Joan Wile sent out for volunteers to enlist and for people to hold their coats while they did. And, so, the ad hoc Granny peace Brigade took form.

At last, after roughing two winters, wet springs and heat beating summers on the sidewalk of New York in the fall of 2005 they, too, went to the Recruiters to see about substituting for their Grandkids. This was not as easy as it looked because the Recruiting Space in New York City is hardly a place for self expression. Even a Betty’s beanie baby laden walker was seen as a threat on that military island.

But, by the time the damned Decider's numbers had sunk to 38% and their many trials had been concluded, alas, the War was still on. "Oh" they wondered right after their acquittal "What’s a Granny to do to promote peace and bring the troops home?"

“How about a march to Washington?” said one.

To be continued.

[goldenlucy]

I sincerely appreciate and applaud you and other elder peace activists. It's discouraging at times but we must never give up. Your post today was wonderful. So glad I came!
lucyd

[Vinie Burrows]

As one of the two African American women arrested, I strongly felt that the Not Guilty verdict was an affirmation of the First Amendment right of the people to peaceably assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances. The war on Iraq and the occupation of Afghanistan together cost 9.8 billion dollars a month according to a recent congressional report. These obscene dollar figures reveal that there is an ongoing war on the people of the US. We need funds for quality education, affordable housing,health care for all, mass transit and environmental safeguards to protect all life on this planet. We grandmothers are fighting to protect and ensure the futures of all the children of the world. WE are grateful that time and experience has given us the wisdom and strength to continue this struggle. We shall continue and we shall overcome.

[Virginia]

Are you aware of the book called The Great Silent Grandmother Gathering by Sharon Mehdi? It's supposed to be a children's story, but it's actually a story about peace activism. I think Sharon might be touring the country reading her book whereever she can find an audience right now. She might be someone good to connect with. Her web site is grandmotherbook.com.

[diane dreyfus]

Hi Naomi,
we finally got a website up
http://Grannypeacebrigade.org
Anyone who is on the route to Washington D.C. can invite us to speak or sing at their place.