On a holiday when American presidents are celebrated, protesters in Gainesville carried handmade signs and stood in opposition to President Donald Trump.
About 50 protesters gathered on Bo Diddley Community Plaza on Monday afternoon in a peaceful demonstration against the president’s policies, one of many that took place across the country.
Guest speakers excited the crowd with chants like “No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA” and included calls to protect the press and public lands. The “What Makes a President” rally was purposefully held on Presidents Day and was created to demonstrate the qualities of good leadership while resisting current leaders in offifice, said Genevieve Murphy, the event’s host.
“Patriotism means to stand by your country, not necessarily to stand by your president,” Murphy said.
The event was held in solidarity with sanctuary cities and states, Murphy said. Standing between two large black banners that read, “Resist,” Murphy urged the crowd to not tolerate hate.
“I think our kids need good role models,” Murphy said. “The president and first lady are not representative of Americans.”
In the crowd was Chris Monahan, who hoisted a sign that read, “We can be so much better” on one side and “Trump represents the worst of us” on the other.
“My biggest fear is that Trump will deliver on his campaign promises,” the 54-year-old said. “This is racism, and this is xenophobia.”
Monahan said he is upset with Trump’s administrative nominations and the lies he has told to the American people.
“He’s doing away with the Environmental Protection Agency and clearly not set for the office,” he said.
Diana Castine took to the stage at about 5:15 p.m. to announce an upcoming town hall meeting on March 4 with Congressman Ted Yoho, a Republican representing District 3.
“We’re not happy with his voting record,” the local protester said. “Basically, he’s against everyone who’s not a billionaire.”
While a venue for the meeting has not been set, they plan to ask the congressman questions to hold him accountable, she said.
“We’ll hold his feet to the fire,” Castine said.
As Gainesville’s downtown clock tower chimed at 6 p.m., protesters sang the national anthem and then marched to the side of West University Avenue to hoist their signs in front of oncoming traffic.
The display garnered honks and shouts of “F--- Donald Trump” from passing drivers. Protestors cheered for about 30 minutes before going their separate ways.
“The reason why I resist constantly is that I refuse to sit idly by,” Castine said. “This administration is stripping us of our rights.”
Contact Max Chesnes at mchesnes@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter at @chesnesmax
A line of people sit while listening to the speaker at the What Makes a President rally at Bo Diddley Plaza on Monday. The total crowd topped out at around 50, and there were chants such as "protect the press" and "release your taxes."
