Protests Scheduled for Debate Day
The nation's eyes will be fixed on South Carolina on Saturday for the Republican debate, but progressive organizers are hoping to siphon some of the attention.
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As Wofford College continues to prepare for Saturday's debate between the Republican hopefuls for the presidency, at least two demonstrations are being organized to coincide with the GOP event.
The debate, which Wofford officials say is the first national event of its kind ever held at the college, is expected to feature all of the GOP presidential candidates, and will begin at 8 p.m. And while the National Journal/CBS News debate will be the focus in Spartanburg this weekend, organizers of the more progressive persuasion will be doing their best to make their voices heard as well.
Russell Bannan, coordinator for the South Carolina AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations), confirmed that his organization, in conjunction with Jobs With Justice and the South Carolina Progressive Network, will hold a "Workers Rights Rally and March" at Morgan Square in downtown Spartanburg on Saturday.
The event, which will begin at 6 p.m., will focus on workers' rights, social injustice and freedom of speech and association, Brannan said. The rally's location, Morgan Square, is the site of a recent Occupy Wall Street event that drew dozens of protestors last month.
"People have the rights in this country to democratically organize within their workplaces to advocate for safety, benefits, and things like that," Bannan told Patch Thursday.
"The GOP right now has been on a non-stop attack, especially in South Carolina, against organized labor's rights and workers' rights to collectively bargain."
The inability to form unions in South Carolina, likewise, will be a key focus during the event. The First Amendment, Bannan said, promises not only freedom if speech, but freedom to associate with others in any way an individual pleases.
"In this state, the GOP especially is trying to attack workers for trying to use their freedom of association for trying to join a union," Bannan said. "We don't believe anyone has the right to tell us what organizations we can and cannot join."
Meanwhile, some of the same activists who helped organize the "Occupy" protest in Spartanburg are also planning a debate day demonstration, this time just across the street from the college.
Deborah Morrow, organizer of the event, confirmed the group had obtained a permit from the Spartanburg Police Department to demonstrate on the opposite side of North Church Street starting at the intersection of Evins and Church streets.
She's encouraging all participants to bring signs that voice their displeasure at any aspect of the Republican agenda, from de-funding of education, to corporate greed. That protest will begin at 4 p.m.
"We have people coming from all over the state, and hopefully this will be a statement that shows the national audience that not all of South Carolina is right wing," Morrow told Patch.
Bannan said he expects a large group of protestors, numbering in the hundreds, to converge on Spartanburg on Saturday, despite South Carolina's overwhelmingly conservative political leanings.
"I think people will be surprised," Bannan said.
William Scott
4:44 pm on Thursday, November 10, 2011
What some idiots won't do to get attention.
Mimi
5:25 am on Saturday, November 12, 2011
William why are you pointing out the obvious about the Republican candidates???
Jay Bennett
4:55 pm on Thursday, November 10, 2011
Soooo; the head of the AFL/CIO in S. C. says that workers should have the freedom to join unions; last time anyone rational looked, they have that freedom but from speaking with union members myself I have found that many, if not most, hate the fact they are "forced" to pay union dues which go to Democrat candidates. Tell us, Mr. Bannan; why are members forced to give part of their salaries to you union leaders to spend as you want. To imply that only one party is responsible for the obscene financial mess we are in is repugnant; will these same people protest when O is speaking.
Jeana Brown
9:34 pm on Thursday, November 10, 2011
Here in the south I can attest that 1/3 of union members are Republican and unions now endorse some Republican candates, why shouldn't they seek their agenda? I remember my Grandfather told me his Daddy used to nail blankets up on the window and meet by candlelight for fear of retribution from Coal companies. Just 90 years ago no right to free assembly, no collective bargaining rights. People were a comodity/casualty of doing business ...Expendable. We might be "Right to Work" slave states but we know right from wrong. Im not in a union but I will be there loud and proud for my great-grandaddy who was 10 YEARS OLD when he went in the mines. AMERICANS wake up! This will be China by the time "Cheap Labor Conservatives" get done with their bullsh** legislation. I'm not going back to 14 hour days, no lunch or breaks, no public schools, children working at 6&7 yrs old. Republican Gov in Maine lowered the child labor age, raised the number of hours they can work during school days and lowered the wages you can pay them. He doesn't care about my kids. (Must be why he's against abortion) Give me a break. I'm siding with the unions they are the only ones who care about ordinary working people. I know which side you're on. Shame on you!
Carol Frome
11:56 am on Sunday, November 13, 2011
You go, girl!
Larry Carter Center
12:02 am on Friday, November 11, 2011
Keep networking for peace until we reach critical mass Jeana ....I will sing with you THERE ONCE WAS A UNION MAID SHE NEVER WAS A AFRAID
Carol Frome
12:01 pm on Sunday, November 13, 2011
I agree Larry. We must build momentum and critical mass to obtain change. Many more agree with us than were at the protest. If more and more show up, still others will safe to follow until we reach the tipping point -- and then we will see change.
How do psychologists help people past Stockholm Syndrome? Maybe we should look into that.
Larry Carter Center
12:06 am on Friday, November 11, 2011
Willy? You drinking Nimrata Haley Koolaid? You like wage slavery ? You like probably give money to Rethuglicans to keep your job
Larry Carter Center
12:11 am on Friday, November 11, 2011
Ditto head Jaybird ... Speech writer for Nimrata Haley Koolaid or memorized her incompetent publications ... 9 FIREFIGHTERS WOULD BE ALIVE TODAY WITH UNION SAFETY RULES & UNION SAFETY EQUIPMENT & 40% MORE PAY
Karen
9:10 am on Friday, November 11, 2011
I worked in some unionized schools, and all the unions did was take our money and make payouts for an unending stream of frivolous grievances filed by the employees.
Carol Frome
12:06 pm on Sunday, November 13, 2011
My husband says he hears this at work whenever someone mentions the word "union". But the money you pay in union dues is far smaller than the value of the wages that a union would negotiate for you, not to mention the value of fair treatment and safe working conditions.
Karen
12:50 pm on Sunday, November 13, 2011
Many of the teachers who had worked for the unionized Federal schools all of their lives didn't have the same work ethic as the ones from the public schools. The administration wasn't allowed to abuse the teachers as they did in the public schools. There were pros and cons, but by far, a lot of money is wasted in both sectors of education.
stanley seigler
4:33 pm on Sunday, November 13, 2011
@Karen...re: unionized Federal schools...
help: anyone what are unionized fed schools...
agree, a lot of money is wasted...the focus should be on efficient use of tax dollars...not on blaming the other party for the mess we the people are in...
both parties have screwed we the people...my opine the DEMs less so than the GOPs.
Karen
4:52 pm on Sunday, November 13, 2011
I agree Stanley! I'm tired of the blame game. Let's move forward and FIX this mess! One of the main reasons I like Herman Cain is that he is the only non-politician out there, and maybe he won't be controlled by outside influences.
Calvin Bennett
4:55 pm on Sunday, November 13, 2011
Jeana brown you are on the money people here in S.C. Have been fighting against there own interest for far to long , it's time many of you wake up and stop being so hateful fighting others , when you only hurt yourself. With love :Calvin Bennett
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