Friday, June 23, 2006

WAR: Operation Sinking Ship Continues

The beginning of our day was the end of the work day for Pfizer employees as they passed our picket line on their way home from work. A dozen activists reminded them that there is no rest for the wicked and that we would see some of them at home over the weekend.

Our next stop was the New York City executive offices of Bristol-Myers Squibb otherwise known as BMS. Strong rousing demo at this high visibility, high profile Park Avenue location. Just because we are focusing much of our attention on Pfizer doesn't mean that BMS gets a free pass. No doubt we will be back to this heavily trafficked location.

Dr. Joseph Feczko of Pfizer was on next stopping point. As always, this neighborhood responds with lots of thumbs up in support. Police were called, no doubt by Feczko, but the NYPD asked a couple of questions and moved on as they know that we have every right to be there.

Our last stop of the evening was one that we have visited frequently since Operation: Sinking Ship began back in April. The luxury high rise building that houses the apartment owned by Hank McKinnell, CEO of Pfizer. Word has it from the supportive building residents that Hank doesn't live in the building himself, preferring his posh and pricey digs in the suburbs. We hear that Hank's daughter, Allison and his son-in-law reside in his stead. Maybe it is time for Allison to get a job and a place of her own?

As usual, NYPD officers made the obligatory end run asking the protesters, one more time, for our protest permit. We explained that since we were not using amplified sound that city ordinances did not require a permit. They then tried to relocate the demonstration across the street because we were allegedly blocking the sidewalk. We politely pointed out that if we were in fact blocking the sidewalk, if we crossed the street we would be blocking a different sidewalk. We received some perplexed looks in response. This was obviously a dilemma that needed to be pondered by higher authorities, so they left deep in thought and scratching their heads.

 

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