Feminist Peace Network

From IPS we have this outstanding Go Grannie Go story from Atlanta:

“As part of actions across the United States to mark the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, 10 “Grandmothers for Peace”, ranging in age from 57 to 80, were arrested Monday while trying to enlist in the United States Army. Acts of civil disobedience are planned this week in at least 17 other U.S. cities.”

““What we’re doing is, we’re very much against the Iraq war. We’d like for you to let us enlist,” said Bobbie Paul, 58, executive director of Atlanta Women’s Action for New Directions.

“We have to make sure people are physically pre-screened,” said a recruiter named Kevin Wells.

“Could we enlist today? So the youth don’t have to go? Can you give us a list of jobs?” Paul persisted.

“There are regulations we have to follow, set by the government, as far as entry and recruiting,” Wells responded.

“Would you take me? I’m 80,” said Doris Benit of Kennesaw, Georgia.

“Me personally? Absolutely! But as far as the Army, there is a process,” Wells answered.

“What’s the first step?” Benit asked.

“The first step is to have a seat,” Wells said. Then, the 10 grandmothers all took seats around his desk.”

Oh wouldn’t you have loved to have seen that scene, but it gets better:

“Finally, the Atlanta Police Department showed up. “People have 10 seconds to get off the property because it’s private property or else you’ll be arrested immediately,” one police officer said through a loudspeaker.

“We’re grandmothers — it takes us 10 seconds just to get our bones coordinated,” commented Rev. Sylvia Carroll of the First Iconium Baptist Church, who was one of the 16 “support grandmothers” who did not get arrested.”

“Anyone in charge?” the police asked as the women stood downstairs chanting, waiting for a police van to take them away.

“We’re not a battalion,” Paul responded.

“We insist! We enlist! Grandmothers for Peace!” they chanted. “We protest! We’re under arrest!”

“We’re cold out here, so take us in,” Benit told Officer “C. Mac.” “What’s jail like? Is it warm?”

“Okay, hello everyone… I’m against this war as much as you. However, we still have to conduct business as usual. We have to restore a level of normalcy. We have received complaints,” Officer Mac told the Grandmothers.

Betsey Miklethun, 74, of Norcross, Georgia, read a letter she had written to her grandchildren before getting arrested.

“This week marks the fifth anniversary… I’m gonna cry because I love them so much… of the war and occupation of Iraq. Much could be said about this, from me to you. Today I plan to participate in a nonviolent act of civil disobedience. I’ve never done this before,” Miklethun said. “Somebody’s got to stand up and say, I care.””

Grandmothers for Peace International has a fabulous website–check out their latest newsletter which has tons of great info and a list of grannie groups–there may be one near you!

Filed under: Uncategorized, Sheroes, U.S. Politics