The Dream Defenders settled into the Florida state capitol building one month ago, refusing to leave until Gov. Rick Scott agreed to meet with them to discuss a repeal of the state’s “stand your ground” legislation. Scott was out of town at the time, but he sat down with the group’s leaders two days later and said no to a special legislative session to discuss “Trayvon’s Law,” reminding the group that normal legislative channels were available.
The “indefinite” occupation of the capital that followed attracted visits from Jesse Jackson, Harry Belafonte, rapper Talib Kweli and former NAACP chairman Julian Bond.
Julian Bond w @Dreamdefenders at #FLCapitol pic.twitter.com/vFTFrQUTnN
— Gary Fineout (@fineout) August 15, 2013
Julian Bond to @Dreamdefenders: "You are ending a protest because you are starting a movement."
— Gary Fineout (@fineout) August 15, 2013
It appears that “as long as it takes” is one month, as the Dream Defenders announced that they’re decamping and moving on the the next phase.
"After 31 days and 30 nights we will indeed be leaving the capitol to enter our next phase." http://t.co/JL1CVexfUL
— Dream Defenders (@Dreamdefenders) August 15, 2013
On their way out, though, members of the group stopped by the governor’s mansion in Tallahassee to post an eviction notice.
Eviction Notice http://t.co/LMEeclVTX0 pic.twitter.com/LG8iOhvQK6
— Dream Defenders (@Dreamdefenders) August 15, 2013
The group insisted that they wouldn’t leave until they were victorious, so all it took to end the occupation while saving face was to claim victory. Even though they insist they’re only taking the next step on their journey, packing up their laptops and pillows and leaving the capitol still looked like quitting.
Day 4: #TakeOverFL Filled w/ Power, Love&Peace, Dream Defenders prepare for our first weekend stay. We will not leave until victory is Won!
— Dream Defenders (@Dreamdefenders) August 15, 2013
#BREAKING: @Dreamdefenders will leave the Capitol. Claim victory; sit-in is over.
— Matt Horn (@MattHornTVNews) August 15, 2013
Dream Defenders call it quits at the capitol.http://t.co/4FlfusGmiW to read complete story.
— WEAR ABC 3 (@weartv) August 15, 2013
Dream Defenders leave Florida state capitol after news that state legislature will not hold special session on #StandYourGround law. #FOX35
— Sonni Abatta (@SonniAbatta) August 15, 2013
https://twitter.com/NJOIDAVIEW/status/368119697868619776
@fineout @Dreamdefenders silly of them since the people a actually back the gov on this. They are a silly group, good riddance.
— Bill Helmich (@Billhelmich) August 15, 2013
https://twitter.com/hymnforrachel/status/368090262628995072
@Dreamdefenders please thank all the FDLE police personally before you leave #notaboutpolitics #polite
— ???? ???? ? WVFT (@Greg_Tish) August 15, 2013
@Dreamdefenders Thank you for no wasting anymore of our tax money… get a job & contribute to society.
— Southshore26 (@Southshore26) August 15, 2013
https://twitter.com/LockedUpBobby/status/368122382801580033
Group leader Phillip Agnew does have a job; the New York Times reports that the SEIU is paying his “small salary.”
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