Sunday, February 3, 2008

Global Weekend of Action Against Escada Continues

WAR Invades Long Island

In Memory of Jill Phipps, 1964 - 1995

Escada - Americana Mall - Manhasset, Long Island, New York

Activists traveled from New York City to meet up with local Long Island activists in order to let Escada know that they cannot hide forever behind their fancy hedges at the Americana Mall. As soon as activists approached a frantic security guard quickly announced that the Mall was private property and that the protesters needed to move outside of the Mall perimeter. Nassau County Police were quickly dispatched to do the bidding of Mall management. Protesters were told that the only place they could legally stand was across multiple lanes of heavy traffic across the street from the Mall where it was believed that they would not be seen or heard by the Mall’s elite clientele.

It was clear that the demonstration was unwanted and unwelcome. Frustrated and disappointed by the abridgement of their civil rights, activists crossed the street and set up their picket line. Cars whizzed by at 50 mph and although some saw the signs, activists were feeling more than a little bit invisible.

Things picked up when a resourceful activist made a sign that said “Honk if You Love Animals”. Long Islanders were quick to show their support and sympathy for the cause by honking their horns as they slowed down to read signs and a large banner that said “Boycott Escada”. Many gave thumbs up as they passed by. Next shoppers coming out of the Mall in their cars had their attention drawn to the protest by the honking horns.

After 45 minutes of silent demonstration and realizing that their time at the Americana Mall was coming to a close, activists heartened by the strong show of community support, fired up their brand new bullhorn and addressed those shopping in the Mall. Chanting was loud and spirited and although most of it was drowned out by the heavy traffic, activists felt that at least some of their message was being heard.

Apparently the message was heard. Minutes before the protest was scheduled to end, multiple Nassau County police cars with lights flashing, led by a big black ominous looking unmarked car pulled up and arrested the protest organizer citing illegal use of a bullhorn as the reason for the arrest. Apparently it is only legal to protest in Nassau County as long as you are neither seen nor heard. Several hours later, the protest organizer was released with a ticket that had taken multiple police officers, working in unison, at least 5 hours to write.

Protesters clearly got the message from Nassau County Police....Long Island is no place to safely speak out for compassion and animal liberation. Sad, considering how supportive and positive the community response was.

Since protesters were unable to end the demonstration with their standard closing, here is a message for Escada in the Americana Mall….”We’ll be back…We’ll be back…We’ll be back”.

And that’s a promise, Escada!

*click here for slide show & video clip*