A chilling, sinister wind crept down East Main Street as over four hundred protesters gathered to fight for their rights.
On the sixth consecutive weekend in Galesburg, pro-democracy advocates came together on Saturday, Apr. 5. The “Hands Off !” march set out on the same day nationwide as a display of public resistance against the Trump regime.
“We wanna protest DOGE [Department of Government Efficiency] and all the massive cuts happening, we’re protesting the deportations that are not legal, hands off our social security,” rally organizer Jeanne Clark said.
As the people of Galesburg came together to protest Trump’s administration, the “Hands Off!” message was chanted loud and clear.
“He’s living like a dictator and I don’t want to see my country fall into that,” protestor Lori Landon said.
Organizers of the march said that this was a group of like-minded people that were fed up with the government and were organizing and mobilizing to fight for their rights.
“As a Lutheran pastor I am called to speak up for the poor and the oppressed, so that’s why I am out here, ” Pastor Vince Morola said.
Posters at the rally read messages like “defend the constitution,” “hands off our old age,” “vets protected us! Now we need to protect the vets,” “save medicaid,” “save our future.”
President Donald Trump’s administrative decisions have left Americans feeling scared and insecure. The “Hands Off!” march is a demonstration of resistance against the immigration raids, decisions being made regarding medicaid and social security, and the involvement of Elon Musk in the government.
Protestors felt like they were having to fight for basic rights and things they did not have to previously worry about.
Over 1300 pro-democracy groups mobilized all over the country on Apr. 5, and continued to do so every subsequent Saturday, hoping to be seen and heard.
“I think we need to keep speaking out and saying that we’re not okay with this because it’s wrong, and it’s not constitutional, it’s immoral, and it’s not humane,” Galesburg resident Amy Fort said.
