ST. PETER — Hundreds of St. Peter, Mankato and area residents lined the streets of Minnesota Square Park Saturday carrying signs and encouraging passing drivers to honk their horns to make their voices heard as part of the National “Hands Off!” Day of Action.
Indivisible of St. Peter and Greater Mankato organized St. Peter’s protest, one of hundreds across the country calling for protecting democracy, public resources and basic rights.
Colleen Flaherty often participates in Indivisible’s events, she said, and came to the event Saturday to fight for democracy.
“Like-minded people are great, but we have other people that are curious, and I’m very happy to see them,” she said.
“I hope that people take away that this is us now, it’s affecting us, and I don’t want our neighbors, Canada and Mexico to not be our friends. I want friendship with both of those countries.”
Flaherty attended the protest with Constance Hanisch, who said it’s important to fight for what she believes in.
“We cannot sit back and be silent anymore. We cannot do it. This is not the time. We are in danger,” she said.
“I’m so upset about this. (President Trump is) destroying our reputation in the entire world. I am frightened, but I am more pissed off, and that’s why I’m here because we have to fight for our democracy and our country period.”
Over 600 rallies were planned across the nation, according to an Indivisible news release.
A similar event was held along Stadium Road near Minnesota State University in Mankato.
Protestors shared oppositions to many Trump administration policies including cutting Social Security and Medicare and cutting programs that hurt vulnerable communities.
Carol Hanson, of Mankato, came out Saturday because she feels upset with what’s going on.
“I love our nation so much, and to see it go down the tubes, I feel so sorry for all the people that have lost their jobs, for all my LGBTQ friends who are scared, and I’m just angry and I needed to be here,” she said.
Diane Wild, of St. Peter, said it was empowering to be there.
“I’m 79 years old. I will be next month, and this is what I can do. I’m here, I live here, I am so empowered by this group coming here that I’m just happy to be here and voice my opinions,” she said.
“I’m so happy to see that we’re not alone. I didn’t think we were alone in our feelings, but this makes it all real to me. I’m encouraged.”