This afternoon from about 11:30 to 12:30 six members of Radical Reference and two sympathizers rallied at the NY Historical Society where Laura Bush was lunching. Laura was entering via the loading dock, so we focused our attention at the Society's back entrance at 76th and Central Park West. Secret Service and NYPD blocked access to the street--so no one could get a shot at the Resident's wife, but we managed to find a spot where we could be heard, if not seen. We shouted "Money for books and education, not for war and occupation!" and "Stand up, fight back against the USA PATRIOT Act!" there for about half an hour. Plenty of passersby and tourist buses witnessed our protest and many were sympathetic. Our signs criticized the PATRIOT Act and also identified us as librarians against Bush. Lia also had her kick ass 3D Books Not Bombs sign.

The police looked intimidating but left us alone. A bunch of them seemed to have brought their bowling balls. (What's really in those round black bags???) I think it was Torie who noticed one secret service person in an unmarked car flip us off. Librarians get no respect!

After we wore ourselves out there we went to the front entrance of the building where party guests were entering and exiting. We met two other protesters there. We hung out at that spot for a bit and were seen and heard by the pearls and suits set.

Stay tuned to infoshop.org for a full report from ChuckO. We'll get pictures posted somewhere, too, as soon as we can.