10-05-2025
Schuylkill Democrats hold rally in Tamaqua
TAMAQUA — About 30 people gathered along Route 309 in Tamaqua for a rally held by the Schuylkill Democrats to protest the actions of the Trump Administration on Saturday.
Protesters held signs that read 'History has its eyes on you' and 'Hate won't make America great' as traffic passed by.
Jan Kear, of Palo Alto, held a sign that said 'Hands Off' and included words such as social security, medicare, free speech and others. She also held a small Ukrainian flag.
'Everything on the sign is a concern of mine,' she said.
Kear's late father came to the United States from Ukraine in 1923 seeking opportunity and freedom.
She said would be upset about what is happening in the nation, and that attending the rally is one way to possibly 'stir something' inside people to awaken them to what is going on nationally.
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Jan Kear, of Palo Alto, holds a sign May 10, 2025, in Tamaqua on Route MARCHIANO/ STAFF PHOTO
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A protestor in Tamaqua holds up a sign encouraging continued support for Social Security, as well as a Ukrainian flag. (JOHNATHAN PAROBY/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Protestors at a rally in Tamaqua hold up signs as traffic passes by on PA-309. (JOHNATHAN PAROBY/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Protestors in Tamaqua show their support for causes close to their hearts on Saturday. (JOHNATHAN PAROBY/CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Jan Kear, of Palo Alto, holds a sign May 10, 2025, in Tamaqua on Route MARCHIANO/ STAFF PHOTO
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The Schuylkill Democrats are hosting rallies on the second Saturday and the last Thursday of each month.
The efforts are a way to bring attention to the issues facing the nation. Anyone is welcome to attend.
Previous rallies had 100 or more people present, but attendance has been steady, organizers said.
Democrats contend that the Trump Administration is testing the tenets of the U.S. Constitution regarding the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government.
'We support people's rights and to have a quality life,' said Todd Zimmerman, chairman of the Schuylkill County Democratic Committee.
The majority of those who drove by Saturday were respectful of those protesting. Some even honked their horns in support, he said.
One person waved a Trump hat out a passenger window, though.
Army veteran Josephine Kwiatkowski, of Pottsville, said she is saddened about what is happening in the country.
'As a veteran, this is not the country I was willing to give my life for,' she said.
She believes the government is targeting the most vulnerable of the population with its most recent actions.
Rachel Keck attended with her children.
'Watching the news is really, really scary,' she said.
She viewed participating in the rally as a way to take action against the Trump Administration.
'It can feel very oppressive watching the news, and you start to feel hopeless,' Keck said.
