#OccupyColumbia Thanks Mayor for Refusing to Assist in Arresting Protestors

[Rusty5329]

Run time: 04:26 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUIO755YMAA   Posted on YouTube: November 22, 2011 By YouTube Member: OccupyColumbia Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: November 22, 2011 By DU Member: Rusty5329 Views on DU: 1178

 
Last week, 19 protesters were arrested for sitting and holding signs after 6:00pm at the State House (a new curfew handed down by Governor Nikki Haley after over 30 days peaceful occupation). The state asked city police to loan a paddy wagon to transport those arrested, a request that was declined by the Chief of Police with the full support of the Mayor. Yesterday, shortly before a rally to end Governor Haley's blatantly unconstitutional ban on protesting after 6:00pm (a protest which successfully ended that policy), we took a trip to City Hall and the police station to express our appreciation.

Mayor Steven Benjamin had been quoted by WACH Fox as saying: "This isn't a political issue. It's a constitutional issue," said Benjamin. "It's not been made clear to us or our lawyers or the chief of police that laws have been broken. Unless there's been some laws that have been broken than we are not going to participate in what we perceive as being unjust arrests."

[StandingInLeftField]

1. Just when I think there is no hope for my State

Something like this comes along - a rational, reasoned, LAWFUL response to Constitutional usurpation.

[SCantiGOP]

3. and the Governor backed down last night

Last week, the Governor announced one day at 4:00 that anyone still on the Statehouse grounds would be arrested. About 6:15 the Public Safety officers gave a final warning and the 19 who chose to stay on the grounds were arrested with absolutely no violence or over-reaction from the police. There was a large rally last night, and they planned to stay until 7:00. No police action came, other than a statement that anyone attempting to put up a tent or lay out a sleeping bag would be arrested.
There were several attorneys present, as well as one House member, and they pointed out that the Governor could not put time limits on free speech.
Way to go, Mayor Benjamin!

[valerief]

2. Woo hoo! nt