Members of the Occupy Martha’s Vineyard movement gathered outside the Edgartown District Courthouse Friday, protesting the anniversary of the controversial Citizens United Supreme Court decision.
By 10:30 a.m., about seven people had gathered by the courthouse. “We’re protesting the fact that our courts are no longer representing the people,” said group member Macey Dunbar, holding a sign that said “Corps rnt people.” Other protesters held signs saying “Occupy our courts, move to amend Citizens United” and “End Corp Rule.”
In the Citizens United case, the Supreme Court ruled that the government could not limit political spending by corporations.
The group is pushing for “a constitutional amendment to overturn the ruling for Citizens United,” said Ann Rosenkranz.
Occupy MV member Sarah Nevin said that the group contacted the courthouse before the protest and were told that they did not need a permit to congregate. A judge and the clerk magistrate were “happy to have us,” she said, as long as they did not block the courthouse entrance.
One onlooker stopped to take issue with the group’s protest: While she agreed with their stance, she said protesting a federal decision at a the district courthouse made the movement “look flaky” and did a disservice to the cause.
While there’s a “real concern not to undermine the validity of the occupy movement,” Ms. Nevin said, the Vineyard doesn’t have a federal courthouse. Other protesters noted that the district court is part of the greater national court system.
The group takes issue with “the whole concept of how our democracy has been sold out to the highest bidder,” Ms. Dunbar said.
This article appears in January 20, 2012.
ALL the nuts are not in Hershey Bars.
The group is pushing for “a constitutional amendment to overturn the ruling for Citizens United,” said Ann Rosenkranz. NOT
Why dont you go back on Tuesdays when all the “Illegal Aliens” show up with their Interpreters on our $$$$$$.
You say “We’re protesting the fact that our courts are no longer representing the people” Do you mean us islanders concerning all the Illegal Brazilians getting away with everything?
Plato, the Greek philosopher was right on point when he stated “The people in a democracy are the most easily led”. Now with the advent of TV and wireless communication it is even easier! These Occupy Protesters have it right, but “they are unable to convince the ignorant masses in our Democracy” Bravo Plato! With the advent of mass media we can control bigger masses, which is evident by the comments here and the turnout at Occupy Courthouse! It does indeed take an “act of legislation” to overturn the Supreme Judicial Court!