Grassroots Action

Two people were arrested during a protest at the Smith Haven Mall in Long Island, NY. Organized by the Suffolk Peace Network, and several other Long Island peace groups, the action drew 250 people who lined the street in front of the mall, while a couple dozen pro-war counter-protestors gathered on a corner across the street. Approximately 30 people, wearing t-shirts that said, 4,000 soldiers dead, 1,000,000 Iraqis, and "Enough," with a spatter of blood on them, entered the mall and began reading the names of the dead, which they continued to do for a half hour, until they were threatened with arrest. Susan McKeon-Steinmann from South Country Peace Group refused to leave or remove her t-shirt, and was given a desk appearance ticket for criminal trespass. Eighty-year-old Don Zirkel, a church deacon, was arrested and removed from the mall by wheelchair because he refused to remove his t-shirt. He was charged with criminal trespass and resisting arrest. Their court appearances are scheduled for May 22.

From Kimberly Wilder: "The group decided that sets of 2 or 3 people who wanted would go into the mall wearing the t-shirts that said: 4,000 soldiers dead. 1,000,000 Iraqis. And, the word "Enough." The t-shirts also had a picture of a spatter of blood on them. Our group wanted to bring the message to the entire community.

One woman refused to leave or remove her t-shirt. She received an appearance ticket, and, no coverage in Newsday, for some reason.

Another man, Don Zirkel, refused to leave or to turn his shirt inside out. He was physically arrested.

Overall, I think that the action went well. I am proud that even here in the suburbs, there are people who are willing to challenge the system, and take a stand for peace and justice. While I am profoundly disheartened by the fact that innocent women and children and men are being killed in my name over seas, at least myself and my colleagues can take small measures to try to raise awareness of the injustice, small measures to try to stop a war. Hope the next demonstration is even bigger.

If you are interested in supporting the cause and continuing the dialogue, there are comments sections with each media story. There is a healthy discussion about the pros and cons of war and the pros and cons of demonstrating. For good measure, you can argue with people who commend the police for protecting the clampdown of free speech on "private property" at the mall."

Links to media coverage: http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-liwar0330,0,6790595.stor... http://www.news12.com/LI/topstories/article?id=209364# http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1274138/