Women Against War Joined Medea Benjamin at the Sanctuary for Independent Media, On November 19th.

Posted on December 15, 2016 by admin

Women Against War Reminds Us to Exercise Our Rights

[This is an article written by Marcia Hopple, who organized and supported the “exercising our rights” demonstration through planning with participants, buying some of the workout outfits, supporting the whole event and reception at the Sanctuary for Independent media and much more.

Marcia introducing Medea at the Sanctuary. Photo by Mark Klein

She was ably co-assisted by Mabel Leon, who designed the headbands, signs, and other props and chose the chants. Kudos to the other participants who chose their messages, completed their workout fashions and created theatre.]

Mabel at Sanctuary, photo by Mark Klein

Women Against War members stood out in the crowd at a recent event with Medea Benjamin of CodePink, to welcome her and to show solidarity with her.

Medea speaking at the Sanctuary. Photo by Mark Klein

WAW is a local affiliate of the Washington DC women’s peace organization that she co-founded.

Eight members of WAW dressed in fitness clothes and wore pink sweatbands to make the point that we all need to exercise our right to vote, to boycott, to assemble, and to choose diplomacy over war, among many other rights.

The exercisers chanting to introduce Medea at the Sanctuary Photo by Mark Klein

Medea spoke about her latest book, and about the results of the presidential election, at the Sanctuary for Independent Media in Troy. WAW has cosponsored a number of speakers and events at the Sanctuary over the decade-plus since it and WAW were started.

Medea and other CODEPINK activists are known for their ability to make media spectacles in settings from presidential press conferences to Israeli settlements, challenging hypocrisy and silence. Medea’s books and lectures question the legality and morality of US policies such as arms sales, torture, and drone warfare with its collateral civilian casualties. Her latest book is Kingdom of the Unjust: Behind the U.S.–Saudi Connection.

Medea speaking at the Sanctuary, photo by Mark Klein

Medea has won many peace awards and has traveled the globe working nonstop for peace. She is co-founder of the human rights group Global Exchange, and a former economist and nutritionist with the United Nations and World Health Organization.

Medea with Embrace Refugees sign. Photo by Mark Klein

When she was introduced by the Sanctuary, the WAW greeting party was on stage to chant “We are Women Against War, We are CodePink, and We are Exercising our Rights.” Each woman called out a right that is dear to us and then the group finished with “We Welcome Medea”.

Medea and many others, during the question and answer session after her talk, were deeply concerned about the election of Donald Trump as US President after his bigoted campaign rhetoric and ridiculous lack of qualification to lead and represent the country. The event helped to rally us to action to keep him accountable and continue our constant efforts to convince Congress to seek peace in the world.

As CodePink said immediately after the election, “We Rise in Love.” Women Against War’s banners hanging at the event also called for love and healing, through embracing refugees, ending racism, and choosing diplomacy.

Medea and the exercise crew at the Sanctuary, Photo by Mark Klein

Priscilla at the Sanctuary, photo by Mark Klein

Anita at the Sanctuary with Grannies banner, photo by Mark Klein

Hazel at the Sanctuary, photo by Mark Klein

Elizabeth at the Sanctuary, November 19, 2016, photo by Mark Klein

Maud at Sanctuary. Photo by Mark Klein

Elaine at the Medea event.Photo by Mark Klein

Maureen and Sue at the Sanctuary, November 19, 2016, photo by Mark Klein

A couple of pictures of the “working out crew” by Chris Auer:

Rights to exercise, displayed on backs of the working out for democracy” crew

Medea works out with the exercise crew. Photo by Chris Auer

Exercising our rights to:

Marcia: To vote

Elaine: To welcome refugees

Hazel: To end sexual assault

Priscilla: To protest endless war

Maud: To promote diplomacy not war

Mabel: To stop drone killings

Elizabeth: To boycott

Pat: To ban nuclear weapons

Grannies for Peace and Allies International Day of Peace Vigil in Colonie, September 21, 2016 from 5 PM to 6 PM

Posted on September 29, 2016 by admin

On Wednesday, September 21, 2016, The United Nations’ International Day of Peace, 27 Grannies and their allies in the peace, justice and interfaith community gathered together on Central Avenue and Wolf Road during the evening drive time to display our message that violence begets violence and that we need negotiated settlements to the 7 wars that the US is currently involved in.

Because of the current politically motivated hate speech towards Muslims we were delighted to be joined by two Muslim women from the Capital District community, Dr.Mussarat Chaudhry and her friend Humera Khan, who brought along a sign of her own reading “Women Call for Peace”.

We also had a relatively large contingent from the Sisters of Saint Joseph, some of whom arrived in a van with Sister Doreen Glynn. At the start of the vigil Dennis Karius of the NY State Interfaith Alliance and his friend Tracy joined us briefly.Tracy helped us secure the peace flag and the End Racism Now banner to a utility pole and a tree for hands free viewing.

On Wednesday, September 21, 2016 from 5 PM to 6 PM, Grannies for Peace gathered (with other members of Women Against War and our allies in the peace and justice community) at Wolf Road & Central Avenue, Colonie to highlight the urgency of waging peace in a world descending into a never ending cycle of violence.

“Violence begets violence” was the theme of our vigil, spelled out with various signs and banners highlighting details of such violence and its peaceful alternatives.

We stood together to call for an end to the ever expanding wars that our country is involved in. We instead recommended ceasefires and negotiations to end the suffering of the millions of people caught in these conflicts. Because it is partially racism and Islamophobia that allows us to attack largely Muslim countries, kill civilians with drones, and create refugees, we had our banner “End Racism Now” prominently displayed in the background of the vigil, along with a beautiful peace flag contributed by Harry Thornhill.

Some of the signs that we shared included: End Endless War – Diplomacy Not War – War is Not the Answer – Want Peace? No Drone Killings No Arms Sales – & Spread Love Not Hate.

The large banners that we displayed included: Grannies for Peace – War Breaks Grannies’ Hearts – Grannies Embrace Refugees Spread Love Not Hate – End Racism Now – Want Peace? No Drone Killings No Arms Sales – & Wars Make Refugees.

Our vigil successfully shared these messages – and more – with peak drive time commuters on a weekday afternoon, as a living billboard to bring the issue of endless war into focus in the midst of the election season. Here are some photos taken by Granny photographer of reknown: Mabel Leon:

Women Against War shared signs, organizing skills and presence at the diverse, spirited Franklin Graham counter-demonstration on August 25, 2016 at Capitol Park West

Posted on September 2, 2016 by admin

Counter vigil to Franklin Graham, Thursday, August 25, 2016, photo by Matt Hamilton/TU

After receiving news that the Reverend Franklin Graham would be coming to Albany for a stop on his “Decision America 2016” fifty state tour for what was billed as a “prayer rally” to be held in Capitol Park West; members of the progressive faith community, the LGBT community and the peace and justice community organized a silent, peaceful counter demonstration to call attention to Graham’s long history of Islamophobia, anti LGBT rhetoric and vision of a Christian-centric, divisive United States.

Women Against War took the lead in organizing a meeting place and in sharing our banners and signs – and especially our presence at the demonstration.

Dot holding one end of the Grannies’ banner. Photo by Elaine Klein

In the words of Dot Richards, a Quaker Granny for Peace:

I guess ‘protest’ is a word you could use, (but) we kind of like to think that we are trying to bring a universal message: God is love. … God is mystical — and that’s the word we see in all creeds. So we try to bring down the rhetoric and to show that we are all one.

Washington Avenue end of counter vigil for Franklin Graham, photo by Elaine Klein

Alexandra Lusak on right of photo, holding two signs, Spread Love Not Hate and Defend the Muslim Community. Photo by Elaine Klein

And Reverend Alexandra Lusak, a member of the Women Against War Iran Project, said in an interview with Asa Stackel of WNYT:

When Rev. Graham says there is only one way to god, I think that really builds barriers between people

For many more photos and extensive links to background information please see this article on our Waging Peace blog:

Beautiful, colorful messages of love at Graham prayer rally. Photo by Lori Van Buren/TU

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.

Flower Power! Grannies’ Tulip Fest Vigil, Saturday, May 7th 1 PM to 2 PM, followed by leafleting,

Posted on May 12, 2016 by admin

Wars Make Refugees. Stop the Wars. Wage Peace

On Saturday May 7, 2016 from 1 PM to 2 PM Grannies for Peace and our allies gathered in Washington Park near the Moses Statue, under available trees on a grassy bank.

Bertha and Dot with Grannies for Peace banner, photo by Mabel Leon

We tried to wear all white, or at least some white, which is one of the international colors of mourning and also reflects a combination of all the wavelengths that combine to meet our eyes as the color of universal unity.

Center of the Tulip Fest vigil, photo by Harry Thornhill

Our vigil was mostly silent, except for interactions with those who came up to us and with a couple of leafleters out in the nearby crowd and on the end of the vigil line.

East end of the vigil after more people have joined, photo by Harry Thornhill

Jackie, Janet, Kate and Marcia, photo by Mabel Leon

Anita and Maureen, later in the vigil, photo by Mabel Leon

Final banner added to earlier vigil, photo by Harry Thornhill

At the close of the vigil we formed a circle and sang a few verses of Pat Humphries’ song, “Never Turning Back.” Then Mabel invited people to leaflet in pairs and gave out small, colorful carnations and leaflets to each pair.

Mother and daughters with flowers and smiles, photo by Mabel Leon

This was the text of our leaflet:

Stop the Wars-Wage Peace-Celebrate the Mothers of the World.

In the spirit of Mothers’ day, Grannies for Peace would like to honor mothers all over the world by spreading love not hate. In unity, we call for an end to violence, at home and throughout the world.

We call for diplomacy and negotiations to replace drone and bomb attacks in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen and Libya.

We call for a US and international arms embargo to end the killing of civilians and the destruction of cities and towns in Yemen, Libya, Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

We embrace the refugees created by these wars and demand that our government support them and welcome them as they flee from war.

Here are more details from our media release:

On the Saturday before Mother’s Day, Grannies for Peace will gather for an hour long silent vigil during the Tulip Fest in Albany. We will be holding a banner with the message: “Wars make refugees.”

This year we will dedicate our vigil to connecting the dots between our endless and ever expanding “war on terror” and the creation of millions of refugees, fleeing war and violence.

As part of our message, we will display two more banners: “Want Peace? No Drone Killings. No arms sales” and “Grannies Embrace Refugees: Spread Love Not Hate,” in addition to our Grannies For Peace banner.

In response to the pervasive political rhetoric, anti Muslim hate speech, and fear mongering, aimed at excluding the refugees from the United States we will also have signs that say: Embrace Refugees, Spread Love Not Hate, and End Endless War.

Our basic message is:”Tell Congress to stop unauthorized wars and to institute an embargo on arms sales to warring nations.” To urge others to join in this struggle we will be handing out leaflets after the vigil.

For a full display of photos of the vigil, the natural beauty of the setting and some of the families that we leafleted please see our article on the Waging Peace Blog:

“Flower Power! Photos of Grannies for Peace at the Albany Tulip Fest”.

“When” A song of peace in response to the Paris attacks, written and performed by Dodie Stevens

Posted on April 27, 2016 by admin

A Song of Peace by Dodie Stevens

“I wrote this song the day after the terrorist attacks in Paris, and unfortunately, there have been more since then…when will it end?

Who knows, maybe the right person will hear my song of peace, and it can reach the masses to, hopefully, stop all this madness! Writing is my way of expressing my feelings, and my heart was heavy when I wrote it.” —Dodie Stevens

Dodie Stevens (Geraldine Ann Pasquale) is an American singer. She is best known for her 1959 song “Pink Shoe Laces,” which she recorded at 13 years old.

Listen to the song, “When?”, with video:

Sheet music is also available for this song, if your church group or other group would like to use it. Contact Iowa Peace Network if you are interested.

Terror in Paris

On the evening of November 13, 2015, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks occurred in Paris and its northern suburb, Saint-Denis. Beginning at 9:20 CET (Central European Time), three suicide bombers struck near the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, followed by suicide bombings and mass shootings at cafés, restaurants and a music venue in central Paris.

The attackers killed 130 people, including 89 at the Bataclan theatre, where they took hostages before engaging in a stand-off with police.

On Tuesday night,[March 8, 2016] the Eagles of Death Metal finished the concert they began in Paris on Nov. 13, when terrorists interrupted their performance at the Bataclan theater in a brutal attack that killed 90 concert-goers. In total, 130 people died across the city, and many more were injured.

368 people were injured, 80–99 seriously. Seven of the attackers also died, while the authorities continued to search for accomplices.

If you want to read more about Dodie Stevens and her earlier career you can see the rest of the article here.

Report and media statement from Grannies for Peace Valentine’s vigil, Saturday, February 13, 2016, with photos by Jeanne Finley and Michael Farrell.

Posted on February 22, 2016 by admin

Here’s a description of the vigil that was written by co-planner Maureen Aumand, who worked with Maud Easter on the Grannies for Peace’s 10th annual Valentine’s Day vigil ably assisted by many other Grannies and joined by allies from the community:

Banner with the theme of our vigil, photo by Jeanne Finley

Basking in the warmth of camaraderie, the bundled up group, sporting lots of red and good humor, were acknowledged enthusiastically by many driving by. The messages being saluted included: GRANNIES EMBRACE REFUGEES; SPREAD LOVE NOT HATE; WELCOME REFUGEES; SAY NO TO ISLAMOPHOBIA; DEFEND THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY.

Reflecting on the chill of the day, Saratoga Peace Council member, Linda LeTendre (who had brought artfully designed bumper stickers to share which read: “I Love My Muslim Neighbors”) reminded us that “sometimes love is uncomfortable.”

Though Dan Wilcox, a Grannies supporter and member of Veterans for Peace whose flag flew dauntingly above the vigil determined that “With hand-warmers, warm hearts & the warm response from those driving by we kept the cold of hate at bay.”

This sense of joyful purpose in standing together in the cold and in solidarity with both supportive passersby as well as those who need our embrace globally was also reflected in the comments of Grannies Sister Francine Dempsey and Dot Richards respectively:
“Bright sun in the sky, support from drivers going by — Grannies know love will conquer all”
“Cold hands, warm hearts. The sun shone on hardy Valentine’s day peace activists and happy honkers alike.”

Dot, Derek and Maud, photo by Michael P. Farrell, Times Union

And finally summed up by Granny Maud Easter
“When Grannies and friends speak from the heart about refugees as human beings who need our support and welcome, I think everyone hears the voice of their own grandmother and listens.”

Maureen Aumand speaks with the media. Photo by Michael P. Farrell, Times Union

This was the Statement of purpose that Maureen shared with the media who arrived to document the vigil:

“We are standing here today for a few brief moments in the cold because even as we stand some 60 million refugees are seeking safe shelter for themselves and their families, made homeless by such forces as war and climate change.

We are standing here together because we are convinced that the foundational principles of our nation absolutely remain counter to a public discourse and policy which is founded on fear, hatred and human division: race hatred, religious hatred.

We are standing here because we are convinced that our well being as a nation cannot rest on policies of exclusion developed out of any hate filled discourse and fear mongering.

Ours is a resounding ” YES” spoken in opposition to the politically motivated ” no” of those who would call for walls as they foster a negative approach to our fellow Muslim Americans or those refugees who seek and desperately need asylum from the horrors of war, especially when our actions as a nation have often helped precipitate the conflicts which so many innocents are fleeing.

Some politicians would build momentum on fear and on the false notion that “talking tough/ being hard nose” will keep us safe. The truly hard task is determining and putting into policy and practice all of the ways we can say YES in a determination to preserve our basic principles, freedoms and security.

We are standing here in the cold today with warm hearts determined that most Americans want to live in a country which fosters human global community, sister and brotherhood and determined outreach to those who are suffering, often as a result of wars we have as a nation fostered. Nineteen stalwart Grannies for Peace and friends representing so many in the regional community who stand in heartfelt opposition to Islamophobic and anti – refugee rhetoric, braved sub zero temperatures and a threatening wind chill to stand on the corner of Wolf Road and Central Avenue on Saturday, February 13th for the 10th Annual Grannies for Peace Valentines’ Day Vigil.”

photo by Michael P. Farrell, Times Union

Editor’s note: One person not pictured in this article is the incredibly active and dedicated peace activist Pat Beetle.The oldest member of our peace and justice community. Even though she currently has some mobility problems she arrived at the vigil but was persuaded not to stand in the cold. So instead, Pat drove around and around the vigil honking in support and adding greatly to the spirits of those standing vigil.

Valentine’s vigil to spread love, not hate, photo by Michael P. Farrell, Times Union

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.

Posted on December 10, 2015 by admin

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.

Posted on November 28, 2015 by admin

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 rose of the Jose Marti poem, photo by Connie Frisbee Houde

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.

Mabel taking the stage after Maureen's introduction

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

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