From bustling cities to quiet towns, critics of President Donald Trump turned out in force Saturday, rallying against his administration’s policies on immigration, the economy, government cuts — and what they called threats to democracy itself.
Thousands attended a “Hands Off!” demonstration in Seattle, one of the more than 1,200 planned nationwide by civil rights organizations, labor unions, LGBTQ+ advocates, and veterans. Closer to home, hundreds marched in Seattle, and about 25 rallied in La Conner before and during the annual Tulip Parade.
While protesters crowded sidewalks in Mount Vernon, La Conner activists scrambled for a permit when they discovered that their regular Saturday protest location in Gilkey Square had been reserved by another group for Tulip Parade festivities. Not to be deterred, about 25 protesters took over street corners and registered to march in the parade.
“I feel as though I have to do something,” said Miriam Fein, as she held a sign that read, “Want food? Protect farm workers.”
“This is a way to show our displeasure with the administration,” Fein added.”
Last week’s ICE raids in Bellingham and the recent arrest of Alfredo Juarez in Sedro Woolley were on the minds of many protesters, who held signs with messages like “Everyone is welcome. Stop unjust deportations.”
“I’m bummed,” said La Conner resident Jan St. Peters, who works with migrants and worried about the conditions the detainees will be living in.
There were many other concerns raised, from abortion rights and access to education to simple pleas to preserve democracy as a form of government.
Marchers carried American flags and signs that read, “Defend Democracy” and “Democracy not Oligarchy” in Mount Vernon.
Rick Weibel in La Conner wore the same pink pussy hat he wore to protest Trump’s first election. He held his chihuahua mix, Bella, who wore a rainbow t-shirt that read, “All for love, love for all.”
“I’m here because I’m not happy with the way the government is treating us and our friends, “Weibel explained. We need to stand outside in the sunshine with our displeasure in view.”
Kar Mar: kari@laconnercommunitynews.org. Kari is editor and publisher.
