Locals say age no excuse to not protest
JOPLIN, Mo. — Saturday, while millions gathered across the nation, local citizens gathered in protest of the Trump administration, specifically Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE.
RELATED: Joplin residents join nationwide 'Hands Off' protest
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The nationwide movement had representation in Joplin when more than 50 demonstrators showed up to voice concerns about changes in Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) standards, health care, federal job cuts, access to citizen data, and the economy at large.
A significant fraction of protestors Saturday were retirees — some in their 70s and 80s. Those same retirees say it's now or never, not only for the sake of future generations, but for their own as well.
'Age is no excuse! I am 83 years old and have been marching and protesting since 1964 while I was in college, and I will continue to do so as long as I am able. I believe that dissent is not only a right, but also a responsibility of US citizens. The causes for which I have marched have mainly been for civil rights, that's why my sign says, 'Hands Off DEI,' said Carolyn McGowan, retired teacher.
'Some of the women I was marching with Saturday, I have been marching with a long time. I moved to this area in 1968 and some of the women I marched with then are marching with me now. We shall march again,' said McGowan.
Some had reasons for being there that were more personal. Gerrie-Ellen Johnston, a semi-retired educator who has been attending protests with McGowan since the sixties, says she attended the rally and plans to attend future ones because she believes the safety of her family is at stake.
'In spite of the wind that destroyed my umbrella, I was glad to be there. I did it for my beautiful trans granddaughter who I fear may be unsafe. I did it for my adoptive children who may not be receiving the services that they need. I did it for my friend who has a family and may be deported to who knows where. I did it for my students whose education is in jeopardy, and I did it for me and my social security. I did it for my country,' said Johnston.
'As a retired school librarian, I'm worried about the Title 1 reading teachers and classes that will be cut in our schools because of eliminating the Department of Education. Also, being on a fixed income, I'm worried about these tariffs that are going to cause the prices to raise, including food, medicine, vehicles, repair parts, gasoline. Since January, the price of gasoline has already risen $0.60 cents a gallon.' said Leslie Brown, local retiree.
Not every retiree in the area agreed with the protest, some saying they don't believe it was necessary.
'Yes, I saw them protesting. Not many people. I might have laughed; I might not have. They have their first amendment right, but my belief is they were standing there protesting things that are going to make their lives a lot better,' said a retired farmer who wished not to be named for this article.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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