The four corners of a busy Cocoa intersection were filled with people the afternoon of Sept. 20 waving American flags, flashing peace symbols and holding signs that read things like “Trump is a fascist.”
The event, at State Road 520 and U.S. 1, was part of a national movement called “Make Billionaires Pay.” Similar gatherings were held all over the country.
“As the United States braces for more environmental crises and worsening economic turmoil, the Trump administration just rammed a mega budget bill through Congress, defunding our communities to give huge handouts to billionaires,” according to a press release put out by agroup that helped organized the local event, Space Coast Progressive Alliance. “Trump and his MAGA cohort are routinely defying our laws, violating our Constitution, and dismantling our federal government, all while attacking immigrants and feeding the war profiteers. Trump has politicized the military, and has converted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) into one of the world’s largest and most formidable secret police forces.”
Dee Maynard braved the blazing sun and warm temperatures to attend the event dressed as the Statue of Liberty.
“I’m here to remind people that you have constitutional rights,” Maynard said waving a “torch” as passing cars honked in support.
Music played, some shouted messages through a megaphone and others made signs at a nearby table. The signs had varying messages that included, “Veterans against Trump,” “God save our democracy and “Protect the First Amendment.”
Suzanne Russo came to the event dressed in a red robe and headpiece similar to a character from the feminist dystopian novel “The Handmaid’s Tale.” It follows a woman in a totalitarian theocracy that was formerly the United States where women have been stripped of all rights and enslaved.
“It’s coming whether we like it or not,” Russo said. “They are trying to make it so we have no voting rights. They are trying to make it so the man votes for the entire family. Guess what? ‘No way. No effing way.’”
Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Brevard ‘Make Billionaires Pay’ event draws crowd protesting Trump policies
Reporting by Michelle Spitzer, Florida Today / Florida Today
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