On March 7 democracy was subverted in the Georgia Senate. SB 469, which would impose heavy fines on pickets near any private property (not just residences), extra burden on union members seeking to maintain membership, and criminal penalties on those who plan civil disobedience, was brought to the floor and then passed without debate. Several senators present who clearly had strong objections to the bill and the calculated assault on the First Amendment that it represents were denied even the chance to voice their concerns.
Occupy Atlanta hopes to foster a full discussion of the implications of SB 469, something which did not occur in the Georgia Senate. On March 13 at 4 pm we will hold our own General Assembly on the steps of the building where the Georgia General Assembly meets, and discuss the bill Occupy-style. We will offer the state senators who did not get to speak on the merits and flaws of SB 469 the opportunity they were denied by their colleagues. State Sen. Vincent Fort and State Sen. Nan Orrock have already indicated they will attend, and we hope others will as well. Any senators who voted for the bill and wish to defend it are also welcome. Our General Assembly, as always, is open to all.
