'Stop the Cuts' rally protests Trump policies
PLATTSBURGH — Allison King wants people to sit up and pay attention.
The proposed federal funding cuts to social programs are a generational threat, she said, standing in front of the Clinton County Government Center for the 'Stop the Cuts!' rally Saturday afternoon.
Protesters filled the Government Center plaza in Downtown Plattsburgh in protest against the proposed cuts to social programs — particularly Medicaid — under President Donald Trump's administration.
Organized by North Country NY Indivisible, North Country Neighbors for Civic Engagement and Adirondack Voters for Change, the rally served as an urgent call to action.
'There are a lot of people in the North Country who may otherwise fall through the cracks without these programs,' King said.
'I am 67. I have never seen anything like this in our nation. It could take generations to recover.'
King expressed her shock over the current administration's policies, warning that ignoring the impact of these cuts would lead to irreversible damage, criticizing those who remain indifferent.
'What scares me is the people letting it all go by, not paying attention to the impact it will have,' she said.
But she was happy to see the rally's turnout this weekend.
'It is great to have people here, listening to and supporting our messages and caring about the issues,' King said.
A CHANCE TO SPEAK OUT
The crowd demanded their voices be heard, emphasizing the importance of social services, particularly Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security.
The event featured guest speakers including activists, political analysts, directors of local agencies and attendees had the opportunity to speak as well.
Each speaker shared concerns about the direction of the current administration and the devastating impact the proposed cuts could have on communities across the nation.
Kary Johnson, president of Adirondack Voters for Change, opened the rally with a powerful message of unity and resistance before introducing the guest speakers.
'Today, specifically, is a chance for the community to speak out about how they feel with what is going on,' Johnson said.
'There are a multitude of issues at hand, but today we are primarily focused on the cuts.'
TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY
Johnson emphasized that public funds should serve the people, rather than being cut from crucial programs that provide medical care and financial security.
She praised the growing activism in the region and encouraged people to continue standing up for democracy.
'It is going to take the whole community to do something,' she added.
'But join: join with friends, join with neighbors. You do not have to do it alone. We are all here to protect democracy.'
Rally attendee Nancy Church highlighted a sentiment shared by many about the frustration with the chaos surrounding government decisions.
'A lot of people here are so sick of the chaos,' she said.
'Most people don't mind seeing cuts, but they need to be thoughtful and need to be backed by facts and data. You can't just fire people and wait to see what happens.'
Church's words reflected a key concern of the rally, which is the lack of careful planning in the administration's approach.
Many in attendance agreed through cheer and applause that fiscal adjustments should not come at the expense of the country's most vulnerable citizens.
'EACH TIME, THE CROWD GETS LARGER'
For Laura Collier and her husband Robert, attending these rallies is a necessary act of defiance against an administration she believes is making 'reckless' and 'dangerous' decisions.
'It's a frightening and terrible thing to live with such uncertainty and fear,' she said.
'Taking away Medicaid and working on taking Medicare, I feel like he is just trying to kill and destroy the older population. I don't see any other endgame for them.'
Laura also criticized the administration's foreign policy, particularly its treatment of allies such as Canada and Ukraine.
'I am devastated to see what he has done to Ukraine and Canada, with the insults and the comments,' she said.
'Canada has been one of our staunchest allies and closest friends, what we did to them is unforgivable.'
Robert emphasized the importance of grassroots activism.
'The only chance we have to get any changes is to make people realize, and it has to be grassroots,' he said.
'This is our third or fourth time out here—we are looking forward to more. Each time, the crowd gets larger.'
He warned that many Americans, who voted for Trump, might not fully grasp the consequences of these cuts until they experience financial hardship firsthand.
'People who voted for him will realize when their retirement savings are half what they are today, when they cannot pay for health insurance, and when they have no Social Security,' he said.
'Maybe then, they will wake up and realize, 'Oh, I made a mistake.''
'STOP THE CUTS'
As the rally concluded, and the music resumed, the energy of the crowd was undeniable.
Following the speakers, the crowd was given the opportunity to start some chants.
Some chants the crowd came up with included:
'Stop the cuts!' chanted the crowd. 'Stop the cuts!'
And another: 'A rally a day keeps the fascists away!'
'A rally a day keeps the fascists away!' the crowd repeated.
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