The Grannies performing in Times Square
(Photo: Bud Korotzer / NLN)
NEW YORK — On December 4th the Ragging Grannies and the Granny Peace Brigade created a wonderful holiday peace event at the crossroads of the world, Times Square. The purpose was to send the message, no more war toys and no more war. They met near the Recruiting Station where 2 NYPD officers, polite but not particularly interested in the first amendment, told them that they had to move on. Debate was futile. So, they moved to the huge Broadway Toys’R'Us where several Grannies had entered minutes earlier, got on the 3 story high Ferris Wheel in the store, and unfurled large yellow banners that read “No More War Toys – No More War”. The other Grannies and a few Grandpas stood in a central area and sang peace versions of traditional Christmas songs. By then the number of demonstrators had grown to about 25 people – many were wearing peace signs. Shoppers stopped to photograph the happening.
Civil rights attorney Norm Siegel talks to one of the Grannies
(Photo: Bud Korotzer / NLN)
After about 10 minutes the Ferris Wheel was stopped and the Grannies were asked to get off while 3 very respectful and courteous young men were dispatched to ask the demonstrators to either stay and shop without their signs or sing outside the store – as long as entrances were not blocked. And that is what they did.
(Photo: Bud Korotzer / NLN)
The weather outside was sunny and mild. Since that area of Broadway was turned into a pedestrian mall last spring, the area in front of the store was full of strolling tourists and people just sitting and relaxing. Educational leaflets were distributed urging people not to buy war toys (many being extremely violent) and military infused clothing (like camouflage prints) for their children. At the same time the Grannies sang their songs, for example:
Rudolph’s Dream (Tune: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Words by Corinne Willinger)
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer Had a very shiny nose. Children thought he looked crazy Because they said that his nose glows. Rudolph was playing Star Wars Shooting at strange warrior drones, He fell and hurt that bright nose War games made him accident prone. Then one sunny Christmas day Santa came to town. He said war toys can instill The idea it's OK to kill. Santa said that we need practice In having fun without a fight. Learn to solve all your problems By talking about what is right.
People stopped to listen, took pictures, and applauded. The response was extremely positive. It really seemed that people’s hearts and minds welcomed the peace message in the season of peace.
Click to see a Video of the Grannies at Toys R Us
