'This must stop!'
The Dairyland Patriot had an opportunity to speak to several protesters at the March 4 Freedom Rally at Houdini Plaza on Tuesday. We asked them one question: What motivated you to come out on a gloomy, wet winter day to protest?
Donna Gassboro
I could not just sit home, even if it’s raining or snowing. If the postal service can get out and deliver our mail I guess we can get out here and show our support for America. I mean, I can sit at home and be on Bluesky all day long but that’s not going to do anything.
People need to be out here showing their support for what we believe in and not just follow along. It’s just solidarity is what it is. There’s just so many issues and it’s something new every day. This morning, it was no more federal funds for schools.
Kari Skinner
I’m out here to protest about Elon taking over our government. That’s number one, the most dire thing right now. I feel we’ve got to release some energy somehow instead of being home doing nothing. It feels good to be out among other people who agree.
Cindy Fallona
Disgust, my patriotism, standing here and having solidarity with my neighbors, that’s why I’m here. Trying to send a message that fascism is not okay.
The latest thing is cybersecurity with Russia (the administration ordering ceasing cybersecurity operations against Russia, which has been one of the US’s top security threats) and stopping aid to Ukraine. And I feel sorry for children with special needs in the public school system.
And the spineless Republicans who have so little regard for our democracy. They will not stand up and say I don’t care who it is, this must stop!
Lisa Sackman
My sign says Where Do I Start? It’s hard to know. After the dismantling of the government, it started to domino, and then it was Ukraine. There’s just so many things. LGQBT+ kids and adults are being stigmatized. It’s not who we are. It might be who some people are, but not the people I know.
Tanner Ziebell of Hate Free Outagamie
We’re primarily a grassroots organization so we’re out here in alliance with other groups like the National Organization for Women. We’re out here gathering signatures to start a trans health care sanctuary in Outagamie to enshrine access to gender affirming care in the area. We’re just happy to show support for our fellow organizers in the area
