Over 500 protesters gathered at Perry Harvey Sr. Park for the Coalition to March on the RNC. Protesters took to the streets with chants of “This is what Democracy looks like” and “Money for human needs, not for corporate greed!” The coalition called for good jobs, health care, affordable education, equality and peace.
Occupy member Tracy Molm spoke to the determination of the group. “We’re not going to let the cops scare us. We’re not going to let the hurricane stop us. We’re going to keep protesting in the streets, not just for the RNC and the DNC but until we see change for the 99%.”
Among the issues Occupiers spoke out against was the harsh anti-immigrant rhetoric of the Republican Party. They fear what Romney will do to the recent Dream Act Victory. Felipe Sosa criticized Republicans for fighting for the human fetus while denying LGBT equality. Dustin Palmer, a union member, denounced the attacks on the working class people from both parties.
The protestors hope to put forward a people’s agenda and create a movement so their demands go forward no matter who is in office. Protest leaders emphasized that their message is ultimately about top and bottom, not about political parties.
Between eighty and one hundred groups were among the Occupiers, including Food Not Bombs, Raging Grannies, Veterans for Peace and Students for a Democratic Nation. More protestors were expected, but buses full of union workers could not come due to the hurricane.
Occupy will hold a Voter Suppression March and rally at Centennial Park in Ybor on August 28th at 5:00 p.m.
