Manchester Campaigning

[xmasdale]

Penny has sent us this about the Labour Party fringe meeting with Stop the War and CND:

I set up a little 'stall' on a shelf inside the entrance, as 'Stop the War' chappie wouldn't let me put anything out on a table near to their displays upstairs. He mumbled something about 'conspiracy theorists' and turned his back!! (His loss!)

A few DVD's did indeed go out to interested people, together with deception £20 notes to those who hadn't already received one or two on the Saturday before. Nearly everyone succumbed to my cheerful cry, (when they survived the deluge of publicity handed them by Steve, Justin and Mick outside) - "Would you like a 'Phoney Tony ..... Funny Money .......16 websites?"

Nearly everyone took a £20 and smiled and laughed outright. Even Tony Benn took one and then Michael Meacher accepted a veritable collection of publicity pieces, so we definitely made an impact. No doubt about it.

A Muslim lady came in sat on the steps and announced that she was so glad that she had met us, as she had been in tears nearly all day!! She is an artist for peace and creates banners, murals and wonderful paintings with peace prayers in Arabic painted on top of several cleverly created colourful washes. She ended up helping me hand out the 'Phoney Tonys,' and had visibly cheered up in no time. In fact, it was she who asked whether anyone had realised that the USA were pushing ahead towards global domination. (Great stuff!)

But - her question wasn't answered, which was a pity. After we had all spoken to Michael Meacher, Tony Benn (and that other MP whose name I can't re-call,) on the stage afterwards, we wended our way through the quiet streets of Manchester and managed to convince most people who we encountered that they had to take a Hugo Chavez article for their 'bed time reading.'

We are so cheeky when we are in a group!!

My vote is for Michael Meacher as he asks the tough questions - even though he didn't mention 9/11. It is all a matter of time now and if Justin has his way, Tim Farron - plus any other MP's who are the slightest bit 'iffy' about agreeing with our illustrious group and our celebrity supporters, will be corralled soon and verbally persuaded to 'come on board' in its totality - even if they are tied down and made to watch Loose Change 2 or a suitable alternative.