Locals protest President Trump on Presidents’ Day
MARQUETTE — Over two dozen protesters gathered in downtown Marquette on Monday, expressing their disagreement towards the actions that Donald Trump has made since becoming President of the United States.
Protesters lined the sidewalk on Washington Street in Marquette, expressing their fear and concern over the current President of the United States.
“I’m 81 years of age and I’m extremely concerned, that I never dream that at this point, I would see our nation in such disarray,” said Protestor, Vivian Lasich.
“I fear for our democracy, we have a President that is attacking the press, he’s attacking the courts, he’s now campaigning already for 2020,” said Protestor, Cynthia Lynne.
“I think that Trump is a clear and present danger to our republic and to our democratic institutions and to numerous groups of people, both in the country and around the world,” said Protester, Ross Allued.
One common theme of anxiety over the protesters, was women’s rights and how they have or will be impacted under President Trump’s administration.
“I’m concerned with the lack of respect Trump has for women and the rights he is taking away from women,” said Protester, Jen Elsenbroek.
“I don’t feel he cares about women’s rights at all and neither do the Republicans that are in the office. They want to take away our healthcare that we’ve fought for because our healthcare has not been equal to men’s healthcare, and I’m afraid he’s going to do away with that,” said Lynne.
Other protesters, allegedly fighting in a battle for democracy.
“We feel that he is breaking down the institutions of democracy that we have in this country, including the federal courts, the state governors, nation security. He is not respecting those structures that are there to guarantee we have freedoms and democracy in this country,” said Protester, Esiquio Uballe.
In regards to what the protesters are hoping to change in the White House: “I’m hoping he’s impeached,” said Lynne.
Others have a different response, such as creating more awareness on the current dissatisfaction these Americans are facing and preparing for the next elections.
“I think the main thing we have to do is start with the next elections starting in 2018 and then in 2020,” said Allued.
One anti-Trump protester is fearful for the future and doubting that enough people will work to create a change.
“I honestly have no idea what is going to happen, I don’t know where there’s going to be a sufficient number of people who will rise to the occasion that something can be done. This is an internal situation that is just as critical as any external situation that we have faced, in my opinion,” said Lasich.
Countless individuals at the protest claimed they will rise to this external situation and plan to continue to make their voices heard. While some onlookers honked in approval, others expressed their satisfaction for President Trump.