2/15/08, Madison: War comes to Hilldale Mall
Sixth Iraq moratorium action in Madison results in three arrests
Hilldale Mall security officers stand watch over a victim of war
As part of the sixth Iraq Moratorium, nine protesters affiliated with Madison Pledge of Resistance and other Madison peace groups occupied the entranceway to Macy's at Madison's Hilldale Mall today, enacting a "die in" and reading the names of Iraqis and Americans killed in the US occupation of Iraq. Ignoring repeated demands by mall security officers to leave, the protesters continued their vigil for nearly an hour, and handed out more than a hundred WNPJ-Moratorium flyers to shoppers. The response from those shopping at the mall was overwhelmingly positive, with many thanking the protesters for taking part in the action. Madison Police eventually charged Bonnie Block, Joy First and WNPJ co-chair Janet Parker with trespassing. The action follows similar die-ins at Madison's East Towne and West Towne malls. More photos of Hilldale action here... Capital Times report here... Joy First reports here... Thirteen moratorium events took place in Wisconsin, more than any other state except California!
80 attend Iraq Moratorium vigil in Hayward
Margaret Eggers Krause reports on the fourth Iraq Moratorium vigil in Hayward (pop. 2129), the largest yet, sponsored by Peace North and Veterans for Peace Chapter 153:
"The crowd was lively, talkative and inspired to come again next month. There were long time activists, first time vigilers, young and old, veterans, and family members of servicemen and women. Demonstrators held signs, flags, candles and crosses, waved to passersby, and enjoyed coffee, hot cider and cookies.
Though the mainstream media claims that the war has taken a back seat to the economy as the primary concern of the American people, Friday's event proved that people want an end to this war and are excited about an opportunity to show their opposition.
Following an article in our local Sawyer County Record, our event was well filmed and photographed. WOJB Radio’s Local Morning Edition host Eric Schubring did a live telephone call from the event and the newspaper sent a photographer."
As one of eight Iraq Moratorium events in Wisconsin, peace activists risked arrest at Madison's West Town Mall (video at left). This, the fourth Iraq Moratorium, saw nearly a hundred moratorium events nationwide, and Wisconsin was one of the most active states, with Moratorium events in Fort Atkinson, Hayward, Manitowoc, Madison, Milwaukee, Wausau, Whitewater, and Woodruff. See the list of Wisconsin moratorium events here. Next Moratorium: January 18, 2008 Contact Judy at: info@wnpj.org or (608) 250-9240 with your event. UPDATE: John Bostrum comments on the West Town Mall action here...
