Inspired by the month-long protests on Wall Street, more than 200 people came together Friday -- via word of mouth on college campuses in Tallahassee and through social media -- to denounce their view of greed on the steps of the Old Capitol.
Organizerssaid they intended to return Saturday morning as a sign of solidarity with their New York comrades, but added that their goal will be to focus on education and corporate bills that will be going through the Florida Legislature in the coming session.
Were trying to change corporate greed in the government and we believe government should not be about a job title anymore, it should be about representing our constituents, said Katherine Segura,the Occupy Tallahassee education point person and Florida State University senior. We are the people. We are here to tell the government what we want and their job is to give us what we want.
The scene was predominantly peaceful.
Police kept away from the scene, except to advise a motorcyclist that he couldnt park on the sidewalk outside the Old Capitol. Several people mingled with the protesters holding fake signs -- seeking Justice 4 Liechtenstein and Change the Status Quo: Elect Obama again.
While those who were part of the Occupy Tallahassee movement had signs directed at Gov. Rick Scott, they didnt wave banners for any candidate.
An employee of the Leon County supervisor of elections office, which set up a registration booth near theprotest, noted that 15 people had registered by 5:30 p.m. Friday.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859 or (772) 215-9889.
