Demonstrators Hit the Mall for Black Friday

Solemn mall procession marks cost of war at Pyramid Mall on 'Black Friday'.

Ithaca: Organized by Ithaca Catholic Worker, forty to forty-five peace demonstrators met at the Pyramid Mall in Ithaca on Friday, December 25th. They marched in silent procession as a reminder that the death toll in US wars of aggression continued to climb as they shop. Friday was also “Buy Nothing” day.

The group assembled around 1pm in the food court. Most wore all black and had signs on shopping bags or clothes with messages such as “End the War Now”, “Stop the War, Stop the Bombing” and “While You’re Shopping Bombs are Dropping”. The walk included several children and people of all ages.

The response from the shoppers was markedly more positive than in last year. Several groups of shoppers stopping to clap or voice support. While there was a strong security presence at the mall for the day, there was no response from the security personnel or other suits.

The procession ended with several rounds of “Peace Salam Shalom” which echoed throughout the hollow hallways of the mall above hundreds of shoppers.

A second solemn and peaceful procession is scheduled for Saturday, December 17th at 1pm. Assemble in the food court wearing black. Some extra signs will be available.

Video of the procession is available at http://gallery.wootang.net/albums/Video/IthacaBlackFriday05.avi