PROTEST#
200… MY POSTER DOES MOVE FINGERS… THUMBS UP...
TAKING PHOTOS...
October 17, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave NY
The calm days allow me to think how to improve the presentation of my
protests. The suggestions of the people also put to work my fingers. Someone
recommended me to do the name of my web pages more visible and attractive. My
poster is photographed constantly and shows my story in a silent way. The
attraction ensures confidence since it is the unknown that attracts people.
Today I was inspired by two men who were bicycling and held up a large
banner. The message was: "Discover Jesus not Churches." By
the corner of the Avenue was an old man holding a small sign showing his
religious beliefs. No one paid attention, people passed by his side and they
ignored him completely.
PROTEST#
199 …MY POSTER WELCOMES THE FLAGS OF SPANISH COUNTRIES...ANOTHER QUIET DAY
October 16, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave NY
Today was a cloudy day, nothing new but the flags from Spanish countries
which decorate my poster. The first flags are US and Spain followed by Latin
American ones. I organized the flags as Dad-Mom and sons. My ghost is an
orphan.
To break the monotony of the day, I took pictures of the street events
that caught my attention. In the same way as people take pictures of my
protest. I was surprised when some brides passed by my side with their
long white dresses. A man needed help to get on one of the barriers to take
photos of Bryant Park.
The religious man from yesterday distracted me many times. Today his
speech referred to people. This was one of his most repeated messages: “I
don't want any of you go to hell" in my thought I wished he could
save me.
PROTEST#
198… RELIGIONS IN THE AIR…FREEDOM OF SPEECH VS. FREEDOM OF SILENT
October 15, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave NY
Today was a sunny day, but I felt that the sun shines above the dark
clouds that hold my head. Across the street there was a man reporting his
religious beliefs by a speaker. Other people went through the streets with
banners with biblical messages.
I spent most of the day in silence and this brought to me my favorite
character the English Charles Chaplin who starred in silent films. He is my
inspiration; I am very attracted by the way he resolved the social problems of
his era. The words were not necessary. At the end of the day, a group of
tourists broke my melancholy. Suddenly I was surrounded by people asking
permission to take photos. They came from Australia and were very attracted by
my protest
A STORY IS TOLD AS MUCH BY SILENCE AS BY SPEECH.
PROTEST#
197… EXCITED! THE WORLD ON MY SIGHT…NY
HISPANIC PARADE...MY POSTER WAS MY FLAG, MY PROTEST MY COUNTRY
October 13, 2013
Fifth Avenue 48 St New York NY
Today I was strained by the effects of my emotions. The Hispanic world
shook me; each country with its music, folklore, cultural events, and their
passionate spirits revived my heart. My eyes shone with the colors of the flags
that waved the Fifth Avenue in New York. Despite so much splendor, beauty and
joy, I couldn't smile. On my back I had Bank of America dragging me in their
misery.
The following photos complete my blog.
THE WORLD IS A BOOK AND THOSE WHO DO NOT TRAVEL READ ONLY ONE PAGE.
POST#
196 …AMAZED!
LOT OF SUPPORT FROM COLOMBIAN PEOPLE…A RESTAURANT WELCOMED MY BOOK
October 12, 2013
Broadway Café,
Englewood, New Jersey
One of my followers that I met during one of my protests at
the Tower of Bank of America suggested I go to a restaurant in Englewood, New
Jersey where the owner allows authors to sell their books. This is a good opportunity
to meet Spanish people especially Colombians.
Today was a nice day I was in and out of the restaurant. I
met someone who gave me several tips to promote my story. Around the restaurant
there are many Hispanic businesses, I had the chance to meet some of them. I
was thrilled to be speaking with Hispanics of various nationalities. I met old
customers who recognized me when I worked for the bank in this town. People
were very generous, they gave me food, sodas and fruits, but most important was
the support and strength that I received from them.
Now with the cold weather, this will be the best place to
sell my book. This time I did my
presentation in street clothes but in future events I will dress more
professionally.
Some people expressed me their concern in photos that are
placed on web pages; in respect to them not all will be published.
ELEGANCE IS NOT ABOUT BEING NOTICED, IT’S ABOUT BEING REMEMBERED.
PROTEST#
195 …ANOTHER RAINY DAY...SOLIDARITY FROM BANK ‘S CUSTOMERS… TOURISTS TALKING TO
ME USING BODY LANGUAGE...
October 11, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
As soon I arrived at the Tower a Spanish lady came to me saying
that she already had seen me protesting but she could not have the opportunity
to talk to me. She wanted to let me know her intentions to send a letter to the
bank to express them her disappointment of what happened to me, this could be
the reason to close her account. At noon the rain was my companion for
intervals of time.
I was touched by a group of tourists who stopped by my side. While their
guide was attending a phone call they were reading my poster. Minutes later the
guide returned with them to talk about the Tower and Bank of America. Some did
not want to listen; and with unpleasant glances to the building they put their
thumb down. I could hear them saying: God bless you... keep going
My friend who gives me his tip came to the tower with a large food order.
His phone had no battery to call his customer and I let him to use mine. He
also needed a pen. He was very disappointed when received less than 4% in an
order of $126.00. I refused to accept his tip but he insisted on give it to me
for making him easy the transaction.
PROTEST
# 194… A THANKFUL DAY…SURPRISED FINDING A HOMELESS IN TWO OPPOSITE
AREAS...…PROTEST VS. MOBILE MULTI-SERVICES
October 09, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today was very windy and cold, but I could do my seven hours of protest.
My day started moved since I left the train. The lady who plays classical music
inside the station was doing a presentation. Arriving at the Tower the
policeman in duty came to read my poster. He looked captivated by my story and
wished me good luck.
A homeless struck me much. Saturday by the Cross Bronx Expressway I saw
a man on crutches walking along a bridge in military clothes. I tried to
give him a dollar but it flew away, he could not hold it. It broke my heart; I
only was able to take a picture. Today I was very surprised to see him
exiting the luxurious train station of the Tower. I waited for him to come to
the sidewalk to give it another dollar.
Since I am protesting at the Tower I have become aid between employees
and the people who deliver their food. I let them use my cell phone to notify
the arrival of food, pens, money exchange and I have provided some security
services. Today someone forgot the container where the food is kept it and I
hold it until the guy comes back.
THE VETERANS ARE TRUE HEROES WE CAN NEVER THANK THEM ENOUGH FOR
THEIR SERVICE AND COMMITMENT.
PROTEST#
193…TWO SHOCKING FLYERS…BAD NEWS ABOUT BANK OF AMERICA...AN OLD LADY REMINDED
ME MY DEATH
October 08, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Bad weather kept me at home. I'm used to being in my hell that when I'm
at home I miss it. The miserable life I'm living haunts me wherever I go,
giving me more courage to die than to live. If I'm not on the street I am
thinking of how to improve the presentation of my protests. I've changed my
little ghost and the hat by new ones, both bought at the dollar store. Today
the Tower looked like a college campus, many students came and went. Some of
them could not ignore me and were taking pictures with their cell phones
others, just read my poster.
Late in the afternoon, three people who were between the Tower and the
train station caught my attention. They were distributing flyers to
employees leaving the building. This was a complete sheet of white paper. The
majority of the people had accepted it but others refused to have it. I asked
to one of the distributors for one. It had impacted me so much that I would
like to share with my web page’s visitors.
PROTEST#
192… SOMEONE PUT ME IN TEARS ON MY WAY TO HELL…DEEP EMOTIONS DRAINED UP MY DAY
October 04, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today I did my best to hold the pieces of my broken life and carry out
this protest. As now I am trying to connect my mind with my hands to write this
page.
When I traveled in my second train to the hell an English speaking lady
could not hold her desire to talk to me. She told me that she had already seen
me in one of my previous trips. She was excited to see me again because when
she met me I looked dreadful, very exhausted. She checked out my web
pages and couldn't hold the tears. She said some photos and stories shocked her
terribly. When people tell me that my misery breaks their hearts, I feel like
as if the world collapses on me. My mind cannot control my emotions and
tears have the weight of speech. This lady took my hands giving me
her support and this touched my heart deeply.
My day was sad and depressing. I saw another large protest on the other
side of the street. One of my visitors caught my attention. This was a
14-year-old student who came to me drawn by my story. He read my poster
carefully and expressed to me his admiration for being protesting. He called a
friend to take a photo of both, so he could show it to his class mates.
THE HEART IS A STRANGE LIVING THING NOT RULED BY LOGIC
PROTEST# 191… CLOSE TO A POLICE’S CAR AND FAR AWAY FROM THE OFFICERS…CLOSE TO HELL AND FAR AWAY FROM HEAVEN
October 03, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today my protest was peaceful until the afternoon. Around 3:00 pm a
police's car was backing up from almost the middle of the road. The car had
lights on and parked behind me. An English speaking man who works by the area
was attracted by my protest and the police. He decided to stay with me; at
times I held my breath waiting to see what was going to happen. Finally two
official ladies came out of the car. They ignored us completely and went
straight to the Tower. My visitor wanted a copy of my book and also the one I
wrote about the American Dream. I offered to bring him a copy as a gift.
At the end of the day I was surprised by a big protest. They stopped in
front of the Tower and were escorted by the police.
PROTEST
# 190 …A MAN WITH AN IMPRESSIVE CHARISMA MADE MY DAY... ANOTHER MAN BROUGHT ME
NAUSEA WHEN I SAW HIM
October 02, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
I met a person with a great talent and eloquence to speak. To me he is
the King of the video; his performances are captivating and multifaceted. His
way of seeing the current world and the honesty to disclose it is impressive.
His name is KEVIN DWAYNE BLANCH. Our identities are as fluid
as our personal experiences, we move in different paths but it leads us to the
same goal: NEVER GIVE UP!
Today I thought that the man” hero” of the police raid
of September 17 was going to repeat the same event. He has looked at me
with intimidation while showed to the police his cell phone so they read
something. Two officers followed him to the office, but none came out to tell
me nothing. The officer who stayed until the end of the day was
respectful to my protest.
I met another former employee of Bank of America. This lady believed my
story because she knew how the Spanish employees are treated. She voluntary
left the bank. She promised me to promote my story among her former coworkers.
PROTEST
# 189...A DONATION WHICH SHOOK MY HEART..." LOST AND FOUND "AN ACTION
OF CHARITY BROUGHT ME SAD MEMORIES
October 01, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
I try not to fill my blog with small things that I consider less
important to the viewers of my pages but this experience I'd like to share with
my visitors. On August 28 I met a man who brings food to the employees of the
Tower. He was inspired by my protest. That day when he received his tip handled
to me saying: "this is for you, somehow the money comes from Bank of
America and you deserve it". Today he came back and did the same. I
tried not to take it, but he insisted that I should do it.
An old lady was lost and found by the bank security team and a Tower’s
employee. They tried to help her trying to locate her family. This old
lady brought me memories of an aunt who died at the age of 92 years. Also she
inspired me to feel a real vision: I am lost in misery, and no one has
attempted to help me find at least peace of mind.
I was surprised by another protester who read my poster. An English
speaking lady came to thank me for be protesting. She recognized my
courage to stand before the Bank showing my cause. She told me that many people
are in similar situations, but they do not have the guts to do what I do.
PROTEST#
188…ANOTHER QUIET MONDAY...TOURISTS AND BUSINESS PEOPLE BESIDE ME TAKING
PICTURES
September 30, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
I spent the weekend searching for Spanish communities to promote
my book. I sent many letters to Associations that could help me to introduce my
story during their events. People I met on the street had given me suggestions
and place where to go.
A Mexican man approached to me to talk about my protest. He was
attracted by a button I have with my military son’s photo. He thought that the
photo belonged to President Obama when he was young and asked me where I had
gotten it. His question made me smile.
PROTEST#
187… MY GRIEVING DAY…IT WAS HOLD BY MY INNER KID AND TOUCHED BY A POLICE
OFFICER…
September 27, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today my protest was covered by sad memories; it is ten months that my
faithful friend departed to the heavenly Rainbow. It has been said,” Time
heals all wounds”. I don’t agree. The wounds remain.When I was
preparing for this protest I found at the train station a solitary man who took
on a Disney’s character to earn his living. My inner child appeared and I left
it in a photo.
As soon arrived at the Tower I started writing this blog. I was seating
quietly when suddenly a policeman and security guard appeared before me. I
could only hold my breath and expect the worst. The police told me that he was
interested in knowing my problem with the bank. We had a long conversation and
the officer was very captivated by my story. His visit made me think that being
a policeman is not punishing people for doing wrong; it is to believe in the
people, the will of the people to do the right thing despite their instincts. Someone
on the other side of the street caught my attention. This was a man carrying a
large cross. His reasons must have been great for so much sacrifice
PROTEST#
186…A POLICE OFFICER GREETED ME WITH A SMILE…IT
MADE MY DAY...
September 26, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today was a windy day but I could hold my posters with clips. Upon my
arrival to the Tower, a police officer greeted me kindly and with a smile. This
welcome gave me a bit of comfort to relieve the tension that gives me the bank
security team. This week I have been treated very respectfully by the police
and I feel grateful.
One of the guys who sell Tours of the city touched my heart. I met him
when I started protesting in the tower. He always has been around me asking if
I need something he can bring to me. Today he saw me coughing and thought I was
sick. He gave me a package of natural lozenges to relieve my irritated throat.
He had told me that he feels compassion for me because I could be his mother.
Tourists who translate my poster to other people caught my attention. It
sounds strange to hear my nightmare in another language without identifying
nationality. The only words I understand are Bank of America.
PROTEST#
185… JUST ANOTHER DAY I PUSHED FORWARD… FEELING THE CITY MOVED BY THE
PRESIDENTIAL VISIT
September 25, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today was another nice day; the city had less congestion than yesterday.
The Tower did not have much action. I sat down facing Bank of America, allowing
the world to know my story. Lately I am meeting more Spanish speaking people
who have offered me their support promoting my web pages among their
friends.
PROTEST#
184… PRESIDENT OBAMA IN NY... TODAY HE WAS CLOSER TO ME THAN WHEN I DID MY 4
& 5 PROTESTS... I STILL HAVE A LETTER HE SENT TO ME.
September 24, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today was a shiny day; the patriotism was under my skin. The city was
very shaken by the visit of President Obama. I've never seen the President in
person, today is the first time that I feel so close to him just a few blocks
away.
On December 24, 2009 I visited the White House. I did my protest # 4 but
the President had left for the holidays. The only member of his family I saw
was his dog when someone took him out. The city was covered by the snow and I
stood by the sidewalk. I was there until my body froze and fell over the snow.
An ambulance arrived to warm me up. I lost my camera and there are no photos.
On May 20, 2010 I made my protest #5. I went back to the White House.
This day I joined a group of protesters who came from different States. I spent
my birthday protesting against the Bank of America. It was exciting for me to
receive a letter from the President. This presidential visit had connected me
with my son Staff Sergeant of the Air Force in Japan. I remembered the day he
called me very proud for being part of the President Obama security team during
his visit to Germany. He was stationed there. We have been close to the
President in different circumstances but our patriotic feelings are the same.
PROTEST
# 183 …NEW POSTER…NEW LOOKS…A GREEN CROWN ATTRACTS SMILES… SOMEONE FROM THE
TOWER HAVE SURPRISED ME
September 23, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today was a quiet day and pleasant start of autumn, although the city
felt noisy by ambulances and security measures taken due to an event at the
United Nations. I didn't have any intimidation by the police team. An officer
greeted me with respect and it made me feel good. At the end of the day, I
thanked them for their consideration towards me.
At noon time I was surprised by an employee of the Tower. He was a young
man asking me what happened Friday. He was watching when the police spoke to
me. He was glad I still protesting and expressed me his dislike for the bank. I
could feel his honesty and this made me think that not all employees of the
tower are Devils.
PROTEST#
182…CLOSING THE WEEK WITH A QUIET SATURDAY…NO INTIMIDATION…POLICE JUST PASSED
BY MY SIDE…
September 21, 2013
Bank of America 42 Street and Third Ave, New York
Today was cloudy but pleasant day. After the attacks of
September 17 and 20 I finally had at least half day of calm without sabotage.
This office of Bank of America was not very crowded. Some customers looked at
me and with the expression of their face, I could feel their sympathy.
I sat in front of the door watching employees who sometimes looked
at me. I heard car drivers reading my pages quickly. People walking on
all directions could read my big poster. A man had recognized me from
protesting by the Tower.
PROTEST#
181…POLICE ATTEMPTING TO ARREST ME! TRYING TO VIOLATE MY FREEDOM OF SPEECH…” I
CAN ARREST YOU! I CAN PUT YOU IN HANDCUFFS IF YOU DON’T MOVE TO THE OTHER SIDE
OF THE STREET … (SEE VIDEO)
September 20, 2013
Bank of America Tower
at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Video: : http://youtu.be/gtwGwN5_odg
Since August 22, 2013
I'm protesting at Bank of America’s Tower. The police already know me and they
have been respectful to me. Some of them have spoken to me confirming me my
right to be in the public area to protest while it does not have more than 10
people blocking the sidewalk.
Today I was alone, no
one by my side, and I was not blocking the sidewalk. I was seating peacefully
when a policeman came to me saying: “you have to move to the other side of
the street, I can arrest you; I can put you in handcuffs if
you don't move from here". The other side of the street is as
congested as the side of the Tower. There is the stop of the tour buses and the
street also remains full. The policeman sent me to this place because there is
no office of Bank of America.
The police asked me
for identification. I gave him my driver's license; he copied the information
in a notebook. Then he asked me for my phone number and I also gave it to him.
I thought if I was going to have my hands tied I could not document the evidence
then, I told the police I was going to videotape the
conversation. He said that he did not care to. I do my protest in a square of 6
feet and not even I use half of the space. I do not speak much to people, my
posters say it all and my website bankofamericamykiller is easy to
memorize. I have told that even my flyers are not necessary. The majority
of people read my pages from the corner before crossing the street or when
waiting for the bus.
Finally the police
said to me that if someone complains to him he would move me out of the
sidewalk. I hoped to have him watching me for the rest of the day but he spent
his time by the end of the train station.
.
MY COURAGE ALWAYS
RISES AT EVERY ATTEMPT TO INTIMIDATE ME.
PROTEST#
180… A QUIET DAY…NO ACTION…A NEW ADDRESS…
September 18, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today my protest was peaceful. When I arrived at the Tower
immediately I noticed a fair package at the barrier where I do my protest.
Taking precautions I called the security guard to revise it. There was a box
with food. If someone left it for me that person knows exactly where I stand.
The guard threw it in the trash. Since the sidewalk of the Tower is the place
where I spend the day and is also where people find me, I have adopted
this address:
barrier # 8 42 St Avenue of the Americas, The papas NY 04
PROTEST#
179… RECOVERING FROM YESTERDAY… THE WORST PROTEST IN NY…UNFORGETTABLE FACES
STILL ON MY MIND
September 18, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
The miserable action of yesterday conducted by Bank of America
threw me stones to build strong barriers in my heart. My dignity was attacked,
but I'm not afraid to tell the world the life that the Bank forced me to
live. Although this ridiculous event put my health at risk to raise my
blood pressure, last night I was able to write the blog and recover for today's
protest.
The Tower did not have barriers today; I found them next to a wall
of the train station. Later a police truck came to collect them. I suppose that
the action of yesterday was another kind of intimidation or demonstration of
how power the bank is. I am not afraid because I have already used to
live with their harassment. If for many years I have put the name of the Bank
in high standards, I'm willing to spend the rest of my existence dragging the
name on the streets along with my life.
Around 4:00 pm I had before me the hero who led the movement of
yesterday. This man walked along with me following my movements very closely
while he smoked desperately. I was stalking by him until 7:16 pm time I left
the Bank. A man who accompanied me during this challenge always told me:
you have that long face man observing you carefully. Today I saw him again without the
executive suit but with the cigarette in his mouth.
I am responding to a repeated question that many people have made
me. Why did I take the image of a ghost? My little ghost shows the
response: I am the expression of a frustrated ghost. Being a ghost I
see life and death appearing in a visible
form.
PROTEST#
178…BANK OF AMERICA LABELED ME AS A DANGEROUS PERSON…POLICE
BARRIERS…POLICEMEN…SECURITY GUARDS…BANK REPS…HELICOPTERS ABOVE MY
HEAD…PROTECTION VS. FEAR TO HEAR THE TRUTH
September 17, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
As soon I arrived at the tower I had two complaints. One from the
woman I met yesterday who complained of me been discriminated by the bank. She
was waiting to tell me that yesterday she went to the office of Bank of
America to express her disgust for the Bank. The security guard treated
her like a crazy person and threatened with the police if she returns to the
office. The other, the security guard that I see every day said he was offended
by the way this woman had complained about the bank. He informed me that I
could be moved out from the sidewalk if the woman continues complaining.
At noon time I observed three men from the bank that were planning
something with the police. It was obvious that was relative to my protests. At
2:15 pm police were placing barriers around the tower. Then officers, security
guards and the Bank's representatives were in close surveillance with me. They
gave the impression of having a criminal or terrorist before them threatening
the safety of the bank. People realized that this extreme security measure was
because of me. Some found this action very ridiculous. For almost two
months I've been doing protests peaceful and respecting rules.
At 7:15 pm four officers came to the Tower to join the security
team. They were afraid to leave me alone by the bank. I hope in Christmas Bank
of America decorate those barriers so I can have some touch of the holidays.
THE WORLD WON’T BE MADE SAFER BY CREATING BARRIERS BETWEEN PEOPLE.
PROTEST#
177…I HAVE BEEN IMPRESSED BY SUPPORTERS…NEW VISITORS…BRYANT PARK...
September 16, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today my protest had several changes of weather, cloudy, rainy,
sunny, and windy. Despite this the day was very pleasant. My first visitor
was a lady who was very excited seeing a Colombia flag that my little ghost
has. She born in US but her parents are Colombian. She read all my posters and
assured me that she believes my story without any doubt. Looking at the
building she could not hide her anger and in a loud voice said that I was
victim of discrimination and abuse.
PROTEST#
176… COLOMBIAN CONSULATE... LOT OF
SUPPORT…BOOK SALES…SOLIDARITY…AMAZED
September 14, 2013
10 E 46th St Manhattan, NY 10176
Today my protest has dressed yellow, red, and blues the colors of
the Colombian flag. Once per month the Consulate of Colombia opened the second
Saturday.
I had a very exciting experience. Meet people with same origins,
customs and culture led me to my younger days. On the other hand, the Consulate
brought me memories of my first volunteer work I did at the start of my
American Dream.
This was one of the most poignant protests that I've had since I
moved to New York. I had no rules to follow; I could be near the door in front
of the line of people waiting to be served. I told my story and was listened
very carefully, I offered the book and was bought, I handed flyers with my web
pages and they were received with interest. The security guard was part of the
event and helped visitors.
PROTEST#
175…”DON’T LOOK – DON’T CARE” MESSAGE TO SOME PEOPLE FROM BANK OF AMERICA TOWER…
September 13, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today my protest had a bit of raining, not too much but I have to
use my protector plastics. I made exactly 8 hours from 10:35 am to 6:35 pm. I
have been noticing that some people from the Tower, when they exit the building
in groups they look at me and start to make fun of me. I feel offended because
what I am doing require courage to resist it and no one of them could endure to
do it. I was stunned when a group of people came out of the Tower wearing red
T-shirts saying: Bank of America Community Volunteer. This brought me back memories
of old times when I was proud to wear t-shirts supporting any cause.
Today I saw a woman coming out from a taxi. The taxi
driver pulls out from the trunk of the car a container that seemed to be very
heavy. This sounded like glass bottles. The taxi driver left it on the edge of
the sidewalk. It was very hard for the woman to move it. I offered her help but
she thanked me and didn't accept it. With great effort she took the container
halfway through the corridor of the building. As nobody answered her call of
help she asked me to watch the container. To my surprise she walked into the
tower. After a while she came out alone without any assistance to enter the
container into the Tower.
PROTEST#
174…SUN VS. SHOWERY…COUPLE HOURS OF PROTESTING...
September 12, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today I started my protest a little earlier; the weather forecasts don’t
looked good. Upon my arrival to the Tower the day was sunny; storms were
expected at the end of the day but did not happen as well. Around 1:00 pm the
day was darkened, the Tower and others buildings turned on lights. It dazzled
me the change of scene, it was as if the day had ended and the night began.
A Jewish woman stood next to me. This is the first time that a person
from a traditional race was interested in my story. Her conversation was
something rare and vague. She said that there is no justice in the world,
if we have freedom we cannot have peace. She blamed the American system for the
majority of social problems. I expressed my admiration for US no matter what
happened with the bank. I did not break my dreams; my dreams were broken.
PROTEST#
173... 1+7+3=11/9 MEMORABLE DATE…WORLD TRADE CENTER TOWER#1 35 F…WHERE MY
AMERICAN DREAM STARTED…FIRST JOB IN US
September 11, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today’s protest brought to me sad memories, the thousands of
people who lost their life and the destruction of The World Trade Center. This was the place where my
American dream started. I worked at Tower 1 in Chamber of Commerce of Latin
America, New York. My first job… I was in charge of typing letters of Credit
and legalization of documents. Now the only things I can hold in my hands are
some photos and records, but the memories will be forever in my heart. This
experience is written in my book ANTES
Y DESPUES DEL SUEÑO AMERICANO (ENGLISH VERSION: BEFORE AND AFTER THE
BORDER EDITED ON 1992 BY VANTAGE PRESS, NY).
I JUST HOLD ON MY MEMORIES AND LET THEM GUIDE ME DURING THIS TIME
OF SADNESS.
PROTEST#
172…POLITICIAN BY MY SIDE….ELECTION DAY…REPAIRS BY THE TOWER
September 10, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Most of the people I know inside the train they had seen me wearing
street clothes but easily they recognize me by my cart. Today I found a man I
met at one of my previous protests when wearing my costume. He couldn't
recognize me if it had been for the cart and posters. These things are my
great tags which identify me.
Today on my way to hell and by the Tower I found politicians and people
who work with the electoral Commission. They helped me to vote through an
affidavit oath and provided me a registration form for upcoming
elections.
PROTEST#
171…A WOW SATURDAY! …INTELLIGENCE TESTS WERE PRESENT
September 07, 2013
Bank of America 42 Street and Third Ave, New York
Today my half-time of protest touched my soul. I was very
attracted to my costume having the same color of the bank building. My
first visitors were tourists from Spain and Venezuela. Some people from the
bank observed me through the crystals, as also clients who just shook their
head when reading my poster.
Drivers were also reading my posters while they were by the light
stop. I heard someone inside a taxi reading my poster in a loud voice while
other said: "Oh God this
is my bank". Also a
police car stopped by me and nobody said anything. One of the officers read my
poster. A man deeply touched my heart. He was inspired by my story and read all
the information that I had. He was so excited; he took my hand and gave
me a kiss on the cheek. This is the first time during my protests that someone
had given me a sample of affection in this way.
PROTEST#170…SECURITY
VS INSECURITY…LOGIC WILL NEVER CHANGE PEOPLE’S PERCEPTION…
September 06, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
I was touched by the
look of a Bomb-sniffing
dog that was in front of me with the security team.
I couldn't hold my desires to Pat the dog and have a picture with
him. I asked permission but my request was denied. The only way that the dog
could be near me is if I have something that requires his job. I felt sad.
Around 2:20 pm I heard behind me a voice of an annoying man, who
stood next to me saying: look!
Bank of America needs the police by the door to protect them from the wrong
things they have done. They need much security because they are afraid from
people; there is no other bank with as much security as they have. The
police should be on the streets protecting the community not against a wall or
door. I was a bit baffled to hear this comment. The man told me
that he was working for a large company and his office was near to the Tower.
He looked an educated person and wore a business suit.
PROTEST
# 169... .AN ORDINARY DAY... SOME THUMBS UP... MANY PEOPLE ON THE SCREEN OF A MOBILE
PHONE...
September 05, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
The day was quiet, did not have much action. I am very grateful to
the people who visit my pages. Each day of protest is a page for the book
I’m writing including many stories that have not been published.
BEHIND THE SMILE, BEHIND THE COURAGE, BEHIND THE STRENGTH, LIE THE
DAMAGE, THE PAIN, AND THE SORROW.
PROTEST#
168…PARTY IN THE TOWER…SUSHI VS. PIZZA…I STILL SERVING EMPLOYEES FROM THE
TOWER…ATTITUDE IN THE AIR...
September 04, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today was a busy day at the tower. A business event took
place; lot of food went into the bank. I heard a woman asking repeatedly to
those who bring the orders “sushi”? “Sushi” was all her concern. I was
surprised by the nasty attitude of a woman from the tower against a poor man
who delivered to her a wrong order of food. When she got much altered the
security guard was about to intervene to separate them. The man looked scared
and offered to bring the correct order but the woman did not accept it.
My biggest surprise of today was around 4:00 pm when a group of 6
well-dressed Japanese came out of the tower. Suddenly I saw them looking at me.
I will never forget the expression on their faces when they were reading my
poster. Immediately I realized for who the sushi was. At the end of the day I
was scared when a license plate came off from a commercial car and landed near
me. I gave the plate to the police.
PROTEST#
167…NEW LOOK…TODAY SOMETHING I LEARNED ABOUT BANK’S SECURITY SHOCKED ME…
September 03, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Something that caught my attention was the Tower did not have
police security as always it had since I started to protest. At 2:30 pm the
security guard goes to another place but the police stay watching the building
and me. At the end of the day I asked to one of the men from maintenance
of the Tower where the police was and his response surprised me much. He
said that today throughout the day there were no police officers because the
bank doesn't want to pay to the city for security’s service.
Today I met Spanish people; they were supportive to my protest.
A tourist asked me permission to take a picture saying he would like to
translate my story into his language to show it to his friends.
PROTEST#
166…PRESS…CAMERA…POLICE…BANK REP…A BRAZILIAN GROUP ALL BY MY SIDE…
August 30, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today was a nice day; I could make a full day of protesting. The
smell of pine of my new poster holder had delighted me. The money that I paid
for this stick ($4.08) was my best purchase on articles for my protest.
At noon, a man had placed a large camera next to me. From his neck
was hanging an ID saying "Press" he looked very concentrated
looking at the entrance of the Tower. His dedication to what he was doing
caught my attention and I asked him if he was covering an event at Bank of
America' Tower. He was very busy and did not answer my question. Minutes
later a well-dressed man from the Bank with a police officer approached to him.
They tried to move the journalist from the sidewalk to prevent him recording.
Suddenly a group of Brazilians people surrounded me
supporting my protest. A man who works for the maintenance of the Tower joined us.
He was interested to know about my story and we talked for a while.
PROTEST#
165…HALF DAY…TODAY I COULDN'T HOLD MY POSTER EITHER MY HEAD…
August 29, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today I felt sick; my body was hurting me but made all my efforts to do
this protest at least half day. The rain from yesterday deteriorated the
cardboard stick that holds my big poster. The day was very windy and my hands
were hurting me to hold it. My cell phone was also damaged and I decided to
have part of the afternoon to take care of these problems.
A man from Colombia made my day. He was surprised by the persistence I
have to obtain justice. He suggested me to visit few hours the Colombian
Consulate located a few blocks away from the Tower. He assured me
that the Colombian people would be proud of me as he was. He bought a book to
promote with his friends.
PROTEST#
164…5 HOURS UNDER HEAVY RAIN…SECOND SHOWER OF THE DAY WITH CLOTHES…VIDEO
AVAILABLE
August 28, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today I started my protest very disturbed. The former Bank of
America employee I met the previous day had impacted me tremendously. All her
words have stuck in my head making me live the hell again.
By noon, the rain began to fall. People rushed to the roof of the Tower
and the entrance of the train station. Many eyes inside and outside the Bank
was looking at me. I know I can't be near the building and the Tower is
almost the entire block so I had no choice but to stay in my place and let the
people to watch me getting wet. My small umbrella protected my books, small
posters, little Ghost and half of my body.
I had to take off my gloves and socks, they were draining water. The
poncho did not cover completely my body and I get wet. It looked like a
miserable duck without shelter. The security guard felt pity for me and said he
feel sorry not letting me protect from the rain but I am not allowed to be
under the Tower roof or by the entrance of the train station. One of the
Hispanic guys who delivered food to the tower offered me a pair of socks, but I
said I can go home with wet shoes. Another man pulled out a yogurt from his
grocery bag and gave it to me. These small things warmed my heart.
PROTEST#
163…STUNNING... INCREDIBLE COINCIDENCE... ANOTHER FORMER EMPLOYEE OF BANK OF
AMERICA WITH SIMILAR STORY
August 27, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today I received two valuable gifts. I met young people who were handing
out bookmarks as promotion of the book “The Returned “of Jason
Mott. When they learned that I am an author they gave me a copy of the book. I
felt very lucky to have this novel. I have read some comments from other people
and I find it very interesting. Later, a generous lady brought me food. (Spare
ribs).
Around the 2:00 pm a woman who was walking with two children stopped to
read my poster with great interest. She identified herself as a former Bank of
America’s employee. I was very impressed when she begins telling me her story.
She worked for the bank between 2006 and 2007 in Georgia. Since she started at
the bank she noticed racial discrimination by the management.
Her situation worsened when 3 Hispanic people tried to open accounts at
the Bank but needed an interpreter. Her supervisor rejected potential clients
as long as she could not take care of them and earn points. She was angry for
not being able to make the referrals required and decided to give the complaint
to one of the superiors in the district. Her life at the Bank became a
nightmare. She was not allowed to sit down while working and this caused
problems of varicose veins. Many of her working hours were not paid, neither
get credit for the referrals made. In revenge, she began preventing people from
open accounts with the bank. The situation became intolerable and she decided
to quit her job. The difference between her and me is that I always kept my
loyalty to the Bank despite abuses by management. Our conversation last more
than half an hour. At 4:40 pm a well-dressed business man was standing in front
of me. With a bit of attitude he pointed my poster. I thought he was a
head of the bank but I was surprised to hear him say: I am also a former
employee of Bank of America and they tried to steal my pension
Beside all the complaints I heard today, I was distracted by two things
that made me smile. First, a new married couple proud of taking the subway
while a photographer followed them. Second, a bird landed by the Tower and it
had caught the attention of people including the bank security. Suddenly the
bird flew away and people got scared when they realized that it was a bat.
PROTEST#
162…BACK TO THE TOWER…ANOTHER REGULAR DAY…SOME SURPRISES…PARAMEDICS INSIDE THE BUILDING…
August 26, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
My first visitors were a family from Canada. The wife was
attracted by my story. She repeated to me the same comment of other Canadians.
In Canada the kind of problem that I've had doesn’t happen there. They said the
government does not allow large corporations to abuse employees. They took
pictures of me.
I met two dwarves who surprised me. When I was standing I felt a
noise behind me. It looks like someone was shaking many keys. When I looked
back I thought to see an old man on his knees trying to read my poster. I did a
few sudden movements and that bothered the dwarf who runs away from me. After,
a car jeep style had parked next to me. Suddenly, I saw a tiny human body that
came out through the door. I tried to approach to help out but I saw fully tattooed
arms and this prevented me from doing so. The body was so small that it took me
time to believe that was an adult woman. I had never seen someone so small in
stature.
PROTEST#
161…SPECIAL ONE! TOPLESS DAY…BREAKING
TABOOS…CAMERAS…PICTURES…
August 25, 2013
Times Square
Following suggestions from one of my followers, today I joined the
National Topless Day. I give my support to women’s legal right to bare their
breasts in public. To make my poster more attractive I created two bras holding
the name of my web pages and blog 95. My desire to let the world know my story
is larger than challenging taboos.
All my protests have brought sadness, compassion and misery to all
those who have seen them, today I wanted to make this protest different
supporting the freedom of women to show their attributes. This was an extraordinary
experience.
These photos complete my blog.
WE FIND MANY THINGS TO WHICH THE PROHIBITION OF THEM CONSTITUTES
ONLY TEMPTATION.
PROTEST#160…AMAZING…I WALKED THRU TIMES SQUARE…FOUND A FANCY OFFICE OF BANK
OF AMERICA…CUSTOMERS, EMPLOYEES BY MY SIGHT
August 24, 2013
August 24, 2013
Bank of America 42 Street and Third Ave, New York
Today i went to a big and elegant building of Bank of America. I
was fascinated by the location and decided to make my protest in front of the
door. From where I was sitting I could observe the Teller line and customers
entering to the bank. My body was reflected through the glass and looked like I
was sitting inside the Bank. This optical illusion was something amazing,
brought back to me many memories.
I met a couple of tourists that caught my attention. The lady was
attracted by my poster and asked me permission to take a picture. She was from
Germany and spoke Spanish fluently, but with an accent from Spain where her
husband was. Other tourists also took pictures of me. A Chinese woman gave me a
bottle of water saying: you
must be thirsty... This
touched my heart, I was really thirsty.
PROTEST#
159… MEETING FROM PREVIOUS PROTESTS MAKE MY DAY, LOOKING AT OTHERS
PROTESTERS BREAK MY DAY…
August 23, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
I have created a new blog address:
bankofamericamykillerblog95.blogspot.com so my followers may have
direct access to the blog.
Simple things made my day. When I was dressing up inside the train
station I met a couple who was also changing clothes to represent Disney
characters. They make their living on the street, wearing a costume. We agreed
about how hard it is especially in high temperatures. Already past one month
since I am protesting in the Tower of Bank of America and today the security
guard surprised me with a smile as greeting. People who keep clean the sidewalk
of the Tower have also been very kind with me.
I was excited when I found one of my most devoted followers I met at
Bank of America 210 Dyckman Street. This lady always gave me her support
expressing admiration for my protests. Both of us were pleased to talk again.
PROTEST#
158….QUIET…NO ACTION…JUST ONE MORE DAY OF MISERY
August 21, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today was a quiet day. When I arrived at the
bank one of the police officers from my previous protest came to me to greet me
very kindly. He had curiosity for my book and I showed him some pages. When he
saw one of my latest photos when I worked at Bank of America he noticed I
was different, he said I had lost weight. I replied: not only weight, I
lost my life and happiness. I met a young man, student. He was inspired by
the picture I have of my military son. We had a nice conversation
PROTEST
# 157... OVERWHELMING...SCARED...SOMEONE MOTIVATED BY MY PROTEST WENT INSIDE THE BANK...
POLICE...SECURITY GUARD...
August 20, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today I left home early. I wanted to have a tour in Times Square “The
Crossroads of the World”, a
major commercial intersection in Midtown Manhattan, New York.
Around 3:00 pm an African descending woman approached to me. She
was very motivated by my story. She was upset because the bank had put me in a
miserable life. She looked at the building and decided to enter the
bank. I was surprised how she passed security. The police did not see her
entering the building. She came out screaming against the bank and followed by
security personnel.
The police asked her to move away but she came back to me. This
woman was out of control, and I felt fear she be arrested. I begged her to
leave me but she doesn’t want to listen to any one. I told the police she made
the decision to enter the bank by herself. The officer believed that she was
not a normal person, she could have mental problems but if she comes back she
might be arrested.
PROTEST#
156… A BANK OF AMERICA’S EMPLOYEE SHOWED ME HIS LOVE FOR THE BANK.
August 19, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today was a sunny Monday but at the end of the day, the rain began
to fall. With an umbrella and a bit wet I could achieve my seven hours of
protest.
In the afternoon two Bank of America employees stood in front of
me. They were in blue uniform displaying the logo and the name of the bank in
their shirts. One of them gave me a weird look. I apologized to him asking if I
was in his way. The other man broke into a laugh saying: that is my Bank! He looked at the building, and then
said: I love this bank because
of this… immediately he pulled out from his pocket a bundle of money. He
raised his hand to make sure that I saw the bills.
Today I met a tourist coming from Toronto Canada. This girl was
very excited to take pictures of me. She thanked me whenever she fired her
camera. I also met a family from Spain. The father and the daughter felt
admiration for my protest and they took several pictures.
PROTEST#
155…MY HUMILITY REACHED SOMEONE FROM THE TOWER…ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
August 16, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
There is something that caught my attention greatly. During lunch and
dinner time I didn't see the Spanish people that bring food orders to the
Tower. The only person I met was a desperate woman seeking for a cell phone to
call someone in the Tower and deliver some boxes of pizza. No one wanted to
lend a phone; people suggested her to enter the building and find the person.
She knew that this was not possible. Her anguish broke my heart and I let her
to use my phone.
A Colombian woman made my day. We are very excited to meet each other.
It has been long time since I haven’t met someone from the country where I
born. She was proud of me and promised she would promote my story with her
friends.
PROTEST#
154… WHAT I HEARD AND SAW TODAY HAVE SHOCKED ME! …GETTING TO KNOW PEOPLE FROM
THE TOWER...
August 15, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
At noon time two young men came out of the tower. When they passed next
to me, one of them attempted to read my poster. The other one sped him to cross
the street. On their way back, this man stopped in front of me to read my sign.
His coworker advised him not do it because they were not supposed to read what
I was saying. Both men run away from me. I was speechless; I couldn't believe
that Bank of America will not allow employees to see something that has caught
their attention. Someday my case could be one of them. In addition my poster is
visible to be ignored. The Tower has many events such as meetings and classes.
It would be difficult for the Bank to blind these people to prevent them see
me.
In the afternoon, I heard complaints from the people who make deliveries
of food to the Tower. Their waiting time to pick up their orders was an
inconvenience. One of them told me that he pays .50 cents to call them and
sometimes he needs to do it twice, travelling on a bicycle with heavy traffic
and bags was not easy. Today for a $25.00 order he received $1.25 tipping. He
was disappointed that people from the tower were not generous. I understood his
frustration. At 6:00 pm two old men, white, tall, skinny and white-haired left
the building. I had already seen these people before. Once was the day that I
was protesting in the rain. One of them pointed at me laughing, trying to draw
the attention of his friend. It seemed funny to see me wet in front of them.
Today I saw these thoughtless faces again. The same man again has
pointed at me, and then both started laughing. I looked at them with contempt
without losing sight of them. I hope that they have been able to read my lips
with the word that they deserved.
Despite of these unpleasant events someone touched my heart. A young
woman who has seen me protesting, today she came to me saying: surprise!
I brought something to eat. I felt very grateful for her two cups of
fries.
PROTEST#
153… PEOPLE ARE GETTING USED TO SEEING ME BY THE TOWER…SOMEONE MISSED ME
YESTERDAY…
August 14, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today someone was staring at me while talking to a police officer.
Sometimes the body language speaks louder than words. This man wanted to move
me out from the bank. I feel that the tower is the place where my ghost can die
in his own memories. While I am protected by the United States Constitution,
Amendment No 1, no one can take my freedom of expression away.
I was pleased to meet a visual artist from Connecticut. (chiprutan.com)
I really enjoyed the time we spend together; he became my most devoted
photographer. He took many pictures of me, including some pages of my book and
the small box I have with my dog’s remains. I feel I was born to write my life
but not to live it. In 1995, I edit the "American dream",
in 2012 the "American nightmare" and the rest of my life will
be the American death.
PROTEST#
152…THE WEATHER WAS BENEVOLENT TO MY PROTEST...A PROGNOSTICATED RAINY DAY
BECOMES SHINNY ….
August 12, 2013
Bank of America
Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
Today I made some friends. A young man touched my heart. He was very
interested in my story. We talked for a while. He looked a very polite young
man. He had asked me the same question which people always do: Until when I
will be protesting. My answer is always the same:” For the rest of my life”. Before
I end my protest he surprised me with a banana muffin.
I met another author. This lady was inspired by my story. At this moment
she is writing her own experiences. She took pictures of me to put in her web site.
Today was another picture day. Most of the tourist asks permission to
take a picture and then they thank me. Today the Tower of the Bank of America
was quiet.
PROTEST#
151…UNDER RAIN…SHOWERS OVER MY POSTER…JUST WATER BY MY SIDE.
August 8, 2013
Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Sixth Ave
The weather forecast has failed me. The chances of rain were 30%,
but it wasn't correct. This was a very wet protest. Today I just could
protect my books and poster while my body was running water.
Later, a man with a big camera asked me for a photo. He identifies
himself as a journalist. After he took the pictures he had expressed me his
hatred for Bank of America. A man from India, who was accompanied by two
friends, also asked me for a photo. Other people were just taking
photos without asking. Today two employees from the Tower mocked when they saw
me wet in front of the bank. One of them called his friend laughing of my
miserable condition.
RAIN SLIPS THROUGH THE FINGERS AS EASILY AS WORDS BLOW AWAY IN THE
WIND.
