Educating Paul ( about BMD) By Grannie Alma August 26, 2004 On a sunny Thursday at noon, seven Grannies ( Sara, Ria, Jo,Rosalie, Pat, Judy, Alma) fanned out in Byward Market handing out palm-sized flyers explaining the dangers of BMD and suggesting ways that citizens can ensure that Canada does not get sucked into this insanity. We wore placards around our necks( BMD IS INSANE) to keep our hands free, and handed out some 400 flyers to a mainly receptive crowd. Although some refused to accept them, most people received the flyers pleasantly, sometimes enthusiastically. A number of people assured us that they shared our concerns. And some of the younger people came up to us to request the handouts after reading our signs. There were, of course, those who tried to lecture us on our naivite in refusing to join this "protection"; one man warned us that with North Korea and China already arming with Ballistic Missiles ready to rain on Canada, we'd better get on board right now! Since he was patronizing as well as pro weaponizing ( "You see, Darling, you have to realize blah blah blah...") we left him to his own offensive thoughts. Two more constructive instances stand out : the waiter who asked what our placard said, and when we showed him, remarked, " I'm with you; so are most Canadians except for that idiot on the Hill - Martin!" And while I was walking home carrying the placard which said WEAPONS IN SPACE crossed out, a young man stopped me and said, "Thank you. And congratulations." We plan to do similar leafleting during the big Labour Day parade, and of course will be part of the NO to BMD protest on October 2nd. Alma Norman Challenge to healthcare at the Supreme Court By Grannie Alma June 10, 2004 Seven members of the MOB*, plus our papier mache Matilda starring as the patient on the stretcher, joined the Ontario Health Coalition and other Medicare supporters at the Supreme Court on June 8. It heard arguments from some Senators and others that the Canada Health Act is unconstitutional. We did not go into the Court itself, but our banners and placards supporting universal public health care were very visible to both drivers and pedestrians on their way to work. After the short demonstation, which uncharacteristically ( for Ottawa) got lots of media attention, we carried Matilda on her stretcher through parts of downtown Ottawa which gave us added opportunity to bemoan the plight of those who would suffer most if two tier/ privatized health care is introduced. To further clarify the issue as we carried Matilda on her stretcher, we sang: SUFFERING MATILDA/ SUFFERING MATILDA AINT GOT NO MONEY SO SHE'LL JUST HAVE TO WAIT COS THE FOR-PROFIT CLINICS WON'T TREAT YOU IF YOU CANNOT PAY--- TOUGH LUCK MATILDA. WILL WE SHARE YOUR FATE? *For the record, tho probably not necessary, here are the names of the Grannies: Ria, Rosalie, Sara, Jo Anne, Alma, Judith (new Grannie), Eileen PLUS Matilda the sufferer. Setting Priorities By Grannie Alma April 12, 2004 We Grannies have no shortage of targets for our satirical barbs; in fact we probably have too many. We live in a violent and unjust world. So how should we decide where to focus our Rage? Some things are obvious: that illegal war in Iraq, for example. But what about other issues, some local, others world wide. How do we balance local needs: housing, privatising hospitals or health care, pesticide use, public transport --- and non local, but ongoing injustices: racism, treatment of aboriginals, protection of endangered species, child labour and sweatshops? And what about issues far removed from us but still universally deplorable: the continued existence of slavery; the seemingly non-ending wars and brutalities in Africa; Aids; barbaric practices like honour killings, female mutilation; environmental destructiveness practiced by Canadian companies in Romania and in the Sudan.? I could go on and on and on, but that would only add to the complexity of the problem: How Do We Decide Our Priorities? Is it better to focus on local issues where we might have some impact? Or should we choose to add our voice to those of many others protesting equally important issues? How can Grannies be most effective ? Alma aka Ragegran For once I agree without question - and without joking. Greenie |
Ottawa
Raging Grannies