Hundreds of people from Savannah and surrounding areas took part in the global ‘Hands Off!’ protest on Saturday. The rally met at Forsyth Park and marched to City Hall with hand-made signs and shouting chants in order to push the message that they are fed-up with recent actions taking place in Washington.
‘Hands Off’, a mass-protest organized by mobilize.us, was held at state capitols, federal buildings and public parks in cities of all 50 states and even some overseas. The demonstration is just one of many since President Trump took office.
Organizers gathered in response to major policies under the current administration including: the firing of federal workers, the enactment of tariffs, immigration raids and threats against social security.
Max, a youth sports coach attending the rally, discusses the emotional distress experienced by their students due to the political climate.
“I have had juniors come to me scared about the election,” Max said, “Children under the age of seventeen freaking out about their school lives, their sports, and families that don’t support them.”
Several other organizers expressed similar concerns for their peers and loved ones, claiming that they are standing in defense of healthcare, education and government programs that uphold the lives of millions of Americans.
One EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) employee stressed the importance of collective action and support for organizations that are under threat due to the Trump Administration.
“I have worked forty years for the Environmental Protection Agency with people working their butts off for clean water, clean air, and stopping climate change. Then this person comes into the White House and says that we are responsible for fraud and abuse. My one message to you is that the fraud and abuse is in the White House.”
Along with the slashing of federal programs and jobs, protestors voice their anger against the forced deportation of immigrants, including those from Ecuador as voiced by a DSA (Democratic Socialists of America) speaker.
