Before we were grounded by the pandemic GPB conducted several penny polls in 2012 to ask people how they would like their tax dollars spent. We gave passersby 20 pennies to distribute in eight possible tax categories. (See chart for categories) This October 2021 we went back into action. Some things had changed and something … Continue reading Choosing a Better World – with Granny Peace Brigade Penny Polls
On Wednesday, October 6 the GPB conducted our first penny poll since the pandemic chased us off the streets. The weather was fine and we'd assembled a great team. The penny poll is our way of asking passersby on the sidewalks of New York how they would allocate federal tax dollars. We give people twenty … Continue reading Penny Poll, October 6, Union Square
It wasn't Sherwood Forest, but on the morning of July 15th - Tax Day 2020 - a group of modern Robin Hoods gathered to take from the Rich (Defund the Pentagon) and give to the Poor (Education, Healthcare, Housing and other important needs). Two Grannies and friends, some of whom sing with the NYC Labor … Continue reading It’s Tax Day – Defund the Pentagon – $ for Education, Health, Housing, Equity Programs
Friday, October 12, 2012 Ms. Gizmo had another good day in Harlem, a little different this time. Well, every day is different. (Click on the photos for larger images.) However, Friday Ms. Gizmo shared her table with Voter Registration. After all, this was the last day to register for voting. As many as 24 people … Continue reading Ms. Gizmo on the Last Day for Voter Registration
On Friday, September 14, 2012 Ms. Gizmo went to 125th Street and Lenox Avenue in Harlem, and a good time was had by all. (Click on the photos for larger images.) The people of the neighborhood were sympathetic to our survey, and those who participated did so with enthusiasm. One woman thought so highly of … Continue reading Spend Tax Dollars on Education, Jobs, Housing!
Ms. Gizmo returned today to a favorite place – the East Harlem Teen Fair, organized each August by City Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito with other sponsors. Teen Service agencies set up information tables along East 104th Street and every year the turnout grows. (Click on the photos for larger images.) In this family setting, teenagers … Continue reading Ms. Gizmo at the East Harlem Teen Fair
We were in the shade in Verdi Square, but barely a leaf was moving. In spite of the temperature and the sultry day, folks stopped to register their opinions and discuss the needs of we the people. (Click on the photos for larger images.) Big sister telling little sister (hidden by the tubes), with grandmother … Continue reading Ms. Gizmo in Verdi Square
(Click on the photos for larger images.) The weather forecast predicted rain, wind and a possible tornado on Thursday, July 26th but the sky cleared long enough for the latest visit by Mz Gizmo to City Hall Park. In this election year when domestic issues are forefront in most people's minds, Mz Gizmo was the … Continue reading How Would We Spend Our Tax Dollars?
A week of grim news. The terrible carnage wrought by a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan. Syria in shambles. And here at home, conservative wing-nuts are waging war on us women. How do we combat this onslaught of negativity? Maybe getting ourselves out in the public arena will help, and what better location than Union Square. … Continue reading Best Use of Tax Dollars – Education? War?
On a lovely midsummer day we took Ms. Gizmo to the streets with her eight categories for allocating federal tax dollars. (See the chart below.) After voters distributed 20 pennies into the eight categories we gave them a War Resisters League flyer to show how discretionary funds are spent in the federal budget. As usual … Continue reading New Yorkers Suggest Revisions to the Federal Budget
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