GOP Will Rally in Decatur Despite Lack of Permit
The city didn't issue a permit, but DeKalb Republicans will gather outside the old DeKalb Courthouse Saturday morning as Women for Obama are setting up for their own rally.
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The City of Decatur refused to issue a permit, but DeKalb Republicans say that won't stop them from rallying for Romney Saturday morning shortly before Democrats start their own rally.
Republicans will still gather at 9:30 a.m. at the flagpole behind the old courthouse, said Linda Smith, one of the GOP organizers. Women for Obama will start their rally at 10 a.m.
The city turned down the Republicans because Women for Obama had already applied for a rally permit, said city spokeswoman Linda Harris. The city normally doesn't allow two events at the same time on the court square, she said.
"We can peacefully assemble under the flag," Smith said Friday morning. "Constitutionally we have the right to assemble."
Steve Perkins of the Decatur area, a delegate to the Democratic Convention, had a different opinion. He said in an email, "This is so typical of the GOP. They are obstructionist to the core. This is not a counter-rally, it yet another exercise in political futility here in DeKalb."
Democratic activist and Patch blogger Jan Selman of Decatur called for Democratic women to turn out in force.
"The question is -- why hijack someone else’s event?" she said in an email to Patch. "The story is then about the hijack and not your message, or perhaps that is their message. Whoa -- how sad it that? I think this is typical of the GOP, not to play by the rules and to bully."
Smith said Republicans were not being disrespectful toward the Decatur city government.
"We're going to be very respectful," she said. "The Decatur Square doesn't belong to anybody except the people of Decatur."
Online information posted earlier said the Republican rally would start at 9:45 and end at 11 a.m., but Smith said she didn't know how long the assembly would actually last in light of Decatur's refusal to issue a permit.
Smith said Chris Vaughn, Republican candidate for the 4th District congressional seat, will speak and T-shirts and party literature will be handed out. Then the group will go to the nearby Chick-fil-A.
Women for Obama are scheduled to rally from 10 a.m. to noon outside the old courthouse -- also known as the DeKalb History Center -- and will be setting up for several hours before the start of the rally.
Political events rarely start and end on time, so it's very possible the two rallies will overlap.
Vaughn, who faces incumbent Democrat Hank Johnson in the general election also said Republicans were not disrespecting Decatur.
"Am I supposed to get a permit from Decatur to meet my supporters?" he said.
The Republican event is being billed online as a "counter rally.
She said she didn't know if the rally was originally planned in reaction to the Women for Obama event.
In This article
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City of Decatur
509 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA -
DeKalb History Center
101 E Court Sq, Decatur, GA (Located inside the Old Courthouse) -
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Chick-fil-A
2445 Wesley Chapel Rd, Decatur, GA
Ralph Ellis
11:09 am on Friday, October 5, 2012
Are Republicans exercising their 1st Amendment rights? Or sending the wrong message?
foodist
11:31 am on Friday, October 5, 2012
I guess the rules don't apply to the GOP.
FM Fats
11:35 am on Friday, October 5, 2012
FYI, the flagpole is actually in front of the Old Court House. The Ponce de Leon side of the building is the rear. It's a common misconception.
A Decatur Mom
12:11 pm on Friday, October 5, 2012
This almost sounds like a Saturday Night Live Satire--Republicans having an unlawful meeting then going to Chick Fil A to show solidarity with Dan Cathy.
Red in Decatur
1:52 pm on Friday, October 5, 2012
Gosh, what would happen if a 'drag queen' flash mob popped up at the illegal rally too?
Tim
9:25 am on Saturday, October 6, 2012
So Red, you're a flash mob organizer? Go for it. Add some fun.
Chris Billingsley
6:58 pm on Friday, October 5, 2012
Looks like a compromise concerning the rally sites could not be worked out. Oh Well. Almost 150 years ago, Union and Confederate troops fought to the death over the courthouse grounds. My guess is that tomorrow, we will be much more civil. It will all work out. I do want to thank Ms. Tammy Washington and Ms. Linda Harris for working with me this morning concerning a compromise site. Both are great representatives for the city. Hope to see all my Democratic friends tomorrow morning. And if you don't know me, look for the tall, good looking Sean Connery guy standing with the Republicans and please, introduce yourself. Even though I support Romney/Ryan, Chris Vaughan, and charter schools, I won't bite (well, maybe just a little nip!).
Kim Armstrong
10:49 pm on Friday, October 5, 2012
Hello, You'all - Well, this is another way to "Discover Decatur". = Kim Armstrong
jeffrey Meeks
12:32 am on Saturday, October 6, 2012
WEll, if Hank Johnson would of be a man and commit to the South Rockdale Civic Association forum.But since Hank don't show up unless his photo is being taken.Maybe, he might ask forgiveness for his vile anti-Catholic joke at the Dekalb County Democratic Party's breakfast early this year.Doubt it
David Detscher
8:13 am on Saturday, October 6, 2012
Dems should assemble some 47% representatives, my college graduate Daughter, going on for her doctorate is a fine example of Romney's stupid right wing beliefs.
Steve Perkins
8:44 am on Saturday, October 6, 2012
This is so typical of the GOP, They are obstructionist to the core. This is not a counter-rally, it yet another exercise in political futility here in DeKalb. Where they ought to be is over on Paces Ferry in front of the Governor's Mansion asking Mr. Deal where the Jobs are. This is nothing more than a couple of dozen people trying to draw attention to themselves.
We will have our rally, we will have a great time and we will re-elect the President.
Jan Selman
1:12 am on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
The Republican Counter Rally was a Tempest in a Teacup. I know the saying is usually Tempest in a Teapot, but this pitiful counter rally was not big enough for a teapot, really a demitasse cup would do. Perhaps that is why they call themselves the Tea Party.