White House’s closest neighbor takes a stand
November 17, 2014
Millions of people visit the White House every year. Upon their arrival, these individuals have encountered Concepcion Picciotto. “It’s your duty to make good decisions and shape the world,” Picciotto said.
According to Norm Eisen from the White House Blog, up to 100,000 people visit the White House each month. Since 1981, Concepcion Picciotto, a woman who has devoted her life advocating for an end to war, has lived outside the White House and has voiced her opinion to many of these individuals.
Picciotto spends her day telling others about her mission: to stop the bombing in Iran and to protect the planet in a peaceful manner. “There is so much destruction in the world,” Picciotto said. “This needs to end. What happened to the peace?”
Concepcion Picciotto lives outside the White House and greets tourists. She has lived outside the White House since 1981. “What she is doing is incredibly brave and selfless,” an anonymous bystander said.
She moved to the United States from Spain in 1981 and has lived outside the White House ever since. The “hut” that she lives in is constructed with tarps, wood, plastic and other recycled materials that she finds.
“It’s up to you and your generation. You have to stop watching T.V; its mind control,” Picciotto said. She encourages people to go to her website to discover her ideas in order to inspire themselves to stand up for what they believe in.
It’s up to you and your generation
— Concepcion Picciotto
Picciotto’s friends occasionally bring her food as she cannot leave her residence. She showers in local homeless shelters and uses the bathroom in establishments near the White House.
“This is my life; I will do anything to voice my opinion. My hope is that people will learn from my ways and continue on my tradition when I’m gone,” Picciotto said.
Citizens may not agree with Picciotto’s opinions, but she sets an example of how someone can peacefully fight for what he or she believes in. Viewing her hut, an anonymous bystander said, “I think what she is doing is absolutely incredible. Someone who cares enough in what they believe in to do this is truly inspiring.”
Concepcion Picciotto talks to hundreds of people each day. She has worked to stop the spread of war and wants to inform others of this issue as well. “Young people need to stand up for what they believe in,” Picciotto said.