On Friday October 7, we marked the sad anniversary of fifteen years of war against Afghanistan. World Can’t Wait and other activist groups including Veterans for Peace, Granny Peace Brigade, the Raging Grannies, War Resisters League and NYS Green Party protested against the war outside the military recruting center on Times Square.
Although a modest demonstration – about 68 people were present – it received outstanding attention. There in the sunshine at the hub of Manhattan’s entertainment district we held signs and handed out leaflets. Tourists from all over the globe were attracted to the banners and the line of stark black & white signs listing the seven countries targeted by US policy. Many people took photos, gave us thumbs up, smiled and expressed gratitude, and some wanted to talk. One person asked to hold a sign and it was her first time to take part in a protest, although she’d been despairing for years. Many were still unaware of the relentless destruction by drone attacks and bombings, and unsure about where this was happening.
We couldn’t be mute and just let the anniversary pass without shouting out our indignation to the rest of the world. Raging Grannies sang, and our own charming high school intern composed a song with the lyrics “the world can’t wait,” which will soon be posted.