I went canvassing yesterday on the residential blocks across from where the AEC is in the Franklin Mills Mall. I was joined by Richie and Sarah from New York. In about 2 1/2 hours we talked to dozens of people, the majority of which had not heard of the AEC. With one or two exceptions everyone was polite and most disapproved of the AEC once we told them about it. We collected about 25 signatures on letters calling for the closure of the AEC which we will mail to Maj. Dillard, the manager of the Center. We also urged people to visit the AEC and voice their disapproval in person.
At one home I had a long conversation with a retired US Marine who is against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and today considers himself an anti-war activist. He lives 2 blocks from the mall, he signed a letter, and now we can invite him to future demonstrations. He is the type of local person we need to find and reach out to. We need to involve more local people from NE Philly in this resistance and I believe the best way to do so is by ringing doorbells. I’m always surprised at how friendly and sensible people are when I canvass. It is a pleasure to speak to most people who answer the door. I’m hoping that our efforts will stimulate discussion in the community and make for an environment where the AEC feels entirely unwelcome in Northeast Philly.
Join the canvassing effort! Especially if you live in the Philly area. Contact me if you are interested or simply log onto antiAEC@gmail.com (password: antiAEC!) (caps matter). mark on the calendar when you plan on going, and check the Google map to see where we’ve been canvassing, and what blocks we’ve already done. I can provide you with a file of the letter for people to sign as well as a flyer to hand out and leave at doors.
The map is at: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=10799003190459 4279642.000475e50e5a751a23911&z=17
by: Peter Lehu, World Can’t Wait