“Things only change in a community.” This statement came from a protestor marching for the protection of peoples’ rights in Rutland.  He marched alongside hundreds of people who came together in protest against our current administration. 

This statement resonated with me and really made me realize how important it was that I was there covering this community outcry.   

He is correct.  Communities coming together all over the world have made a difference in how the administration’s policies have played out.   

Although many policies and actions have already caused destruction, there has been some backtracking after President Trump realized he had crossed a line, which, if you like to find the silver lining in a bad situation like I do, may be a positive sign that protestors are making a difference. 

The protest started on the corner of West and South Main Streets on May 1 and continued down Center Street and back. As I walked alongside this group of passionate people fighting for a cause, I learned just how much is at stake for so many people if no one holds the administration accountable.   

It is not just a fight for LGBTQ and minority rights.  It is a fight for the rights of veterans, the elderly living on social security, people with disabilities, minorities, immigrants, and let’s be real, human rights. 

We have already witnessed the attack on women’s reproductive rights, but there seems to be no end to what rights will be affected at this point. 

The biggest thing that stands out to me about this administration is the blatant hypocrisy.  Cancel culture was blamed entirely on liberals by the administration and right-wing news sites even though Trump attempts to silence anyone who disagrees with him. 

But what is truly concerning is Trump’s obsession with making us a Christian nation and going back to our industrial roots.  This is coming from someone who criticized former president Barack Obama for wanting people to accept every religion.   

And while I do think the idea of self-sustainability sounds appealing in many ways, we simply do not have sufficient resources to start cutting off connections with trading countries.   

Trump’s actions are eerily like what Kim Jeong Un has done with North Korea.  It is a dictatorship under the guise of communism. 

These are the things that went through my head as I talked to people about their experiences.  It was truly eye-opening.   

But one thing I noticed that, as someone who dabbles in art, I can appreciate, was the ability of these individuals to express themselves through art and community.  The signs I witnessed were some of the cleverest I had ever seen. 

Many of them even included a caricature of Donald Trump himself with references to fascism and authoritarianism.   

It was interesting to see how much the gears have shifted against Trump since his election.  There were so many cars that went by with horns honking in support of the protest.   

However, there are still some who still believe in the administration and its goals, as was proven by a gentleman driving by in a pickup truck shouting “Trump all the way!” out his passenger side window as he leaned over to make sure everyone heard his cry. 

Fortunately, most of the group did not hear the cry or did not understand what was said, but it made me think about the mentality of individuals like that man.   

My guess is that people still this passionate about Trump do not know what they are truly supporting.   

My guess is that these individuals are still living under a blanket of misinformation and lies.  But it is all too easy to be swept up by the misinformation that is spread through social media and broadcast news sites.   

So how do we educate ourselves and others?  Well, as mentioned earlier, community.  We connect and communicate, which is what these rallies accomplish, connection and communication.   

“Things only change in a community,” fellow protestor Jean Yeager proclaimed. 

– Amanda Johnson