Grassroots Action

On July 4th, a dozen members of the Bellingham, Washington Raging Grannies decided that Independence Day festivities were far too inappropriate for the true state of their country. So they decided to forego their outrageous garb, banjos, kazoos, and musical activism for a more somber tone and go into mourning.
"What a perfect way to observe the Fourth of July - much more meaningful," said Grannie Carolyn.

The Women in Tears contingency, all long-time activists for peace, found that their usual means of protest were inadequate to convey their profound grief over the decline of our once honorable and respected nation. Winding their way through the streets of Bellingham, each dressed in black with their only adornments being prominent tears on each cheek, they drew stares and comments all afternoon from the otherwise upbeat venues - park gatherings, the chic Fairhaven and marina districts - and not a word was spoken. Their slow progress through town, as if accompanied by an solitary drumbeat or funeral dirge, said it all.

"We felt we had to do something, and celebrating was out of the question when we were truly grieving for our country," said Grannie Victoria. "Surprisingly, we got far more words of encouragement than confrontation, the most used comment was that it was powerful."
The group has been asked to appear at more upcoming anti-war and social justice demonstrations and also plans to bring their stark reminder to the campaign stops of pro-Occupation candidates Senator Maria Cantwell (D) and Rep. Rick Larsen (D -2nd CD).