Sunday, October 21, 2007

National Primate Liberation Week Wrap-Up

Demo #1: John Thain, CEO – New York Stock Exchange/Euronext

Activists from Win Animal Rights returned to Park Avenue, starting off their National Primate Liberation Week wrap up at the home of John Thain, head of the NYSE/Euronext. A half dozen activists warranted an NYPD force of more than 8 officers accompanied by the precinct commander. A special uninvited guest, all the way from One Police Plaza, Lieutenant Albano, head of the NYPD Legal Department was there as well. Despite the intimidation tactics of the heavy handed NYPD HQ, our relationship with the officers from the 19th Precinct remains solid and cordial. A loud and spirited demonstration followed. Neighbors were greeted and leaflets were distributed. One of Thain’s next door neighbors asked for a handful of flyers to distribute to the residents of his building. They were given to him gladly and with appreciation for his support.

Demo #2: James Robinson, Chairman – Bristol-Myers Squibb

Activists walked two blocks to the home of Bristol-Myers Squibb Chairman, James D. Robinson III. It was at this location that the activists noticed that someone, who had taken pictures of the protest, had followed them to the second location. If he is undercover, he is doing a rotten job of it, as he was easily noticed and despite his attempts to mask his appearance both video and still photos were taken of him. Looks like WAR either has a fan club with aging groupies or a stalker. WAR has nothing to hide, so he can take all the pictures he wants, but so can WAR. Once again, our large banner with the picture of the mutilated beagle pup was unfurled and was an excellent compliment to the loud chanting of the protesters.

Demo #3: Lloyd Blankfein, Chairman & CEO – Goldman Sachs

Next up was the home of the Head Honcho of Goldman Sachs which owns over 7 million shares in the NYSE. Lots of pedestrian traffic on Park Avenue made this an excellent spot for the third protest of the day. Flyers were distributed as activists chanted: “500 animals died today, Lloyd Blankfein is to blame”. Many stopped to chat with protesters so that they could understand the connection between Goldman Sachs and Huntingdon Life Sciences. Everyone was given literature detailing the relationship and outline what could be done to help the campaign. Once again, New Yorkers love their companion animals, so all of those late afternoon dog walkers presented an openly sympathetic audience.

Demo #4: Christopher “Kip” Condron, Head of North American Operations – AXA

This is fast becoming one of the favorite stops in Manhattan. This quiet side street is teaming with pedestrians when the Museum on 5th Avenue lets out at the end of the day. Many walked by and stopped to listen to activists chanting. “Stop the torture, stop the pain, Kip Condron is to blame”. Voices reverberated along the residential street and many stopped to ask for leaflets. A touching moment was when one obviously less financially advantaged walker, emptied her pockets of all of her change and insisted that we take the donation to help finance the campaign. Activists were moved and grateful for the heartfelt contribution.

Demo #5: Gary Cohn, President & Chief Operations Officer – Goldman Sachs

Demo #6: Esta Stecher, Director – Goldman Sachs

The last protest of the evening was at the luxury building of Goldman Sachs double-header, Gary Cohn and Director Esta Stecher. Once again, voices rang along Park Avenue and despite being tired activists gave this last demo their all. Many stopped to look at the faces of the primates pictured on our posters. The haunting looks, the sad eyes, the terrified demeanor all captured the attention and the sympathy of passersby. In honor of National Primate Liberation Day, all of the WAR posters pictured primates in laboratories.

POST SCRIPT

After a full schedule of protests we headed to the nearest subway station. After taking the closest staircase down, we decided that we wanted to stop for coffee and a restroom break before hitting the rails. When we came up the other stairway, we noticed that NYPD officers were following us. We watched them watch us from the closest coffee house while we did what we set out to do. When we arrived at the subway station, we happened to look back at the café and noticed that the NYPD vehicle was still parked at the door. Apparently, they did not see us leave. We hope they didn’t wait too long.