It's Up to Us

New Yorkers LOVE my truck, even the city police – the real city police, not the plain clothes detectives! I’ve had so many folks clapping their hands, shouting praises, giving me the thumbs up, I can't keep track. Not one finger have I gotten in New York.

A young womon on a bike (do you believe riding a bike in NYC?), dreadlocks flying, raced to pull me over as I was heading down Broadway, she was so excited to see me. I pulled over, got out of the truck and told her all about CodePINK, gave her some flyers to hand out and a t-shirt. While we were talking, another womon came over and took a schedule for the week - she had heard of us and was so happy to see me!

The cops that roam the streets at nite are a different story. Twice, I’ve received tickets while parking over nite at my grandmother's apartment: no commercial overnite parking! $65 each time - grrrrrrr. I’ve visited my grandmother many times for a few days at a time over the previous five years and this is the first time I’ve received a ticket in her neighborhood! Oh well, the cost of activism. The second time, last nite, I was too exhausted to move my truck to New Jersey after not getting back to the apartment until 11:00p.m. It was the same cop looking for my truck at 3:00a.m. so I have to move my truck to New Jersey tonite and then take the train back early in the morning.

Taking the Jersey turnpike, I got about 10 yeahs and honks, even though it was close to midnite as I traveled. One trucker gave me the finger, while another gave me a huge grin and peace sign. They both turned on their inside cab lights to make sure I got the messages!

When I got off the turnpike at the toll booth, the collector asked me wryly if I really thought Kerry had a chance. “It's up to us,” I urge. He told me he was voting but his wife wasn't. I dug into my bag and took out some CodePINK information and asked him to tell his wife we really need her vote and to have her email or call me. I hope she does.