A “Good Trouble” rally to protest the Trump administration’s cuts to social programs and norms and laws organizers say the administration violates will be held July 17 from 4-6 p.m. in the Market Square Park across First Avenue from the Fire Department, according to Pat Bley, one of the rally organizers.
The rally name refers to civil-rights icon John Lewis’ urging for people who see wrongs in society to get into “good trouble” by protesting and making their voices heard in opposition.
The Durant rally is one of many being held across the country, including numerous ones in the north Texas and southern Oklahoma area.
An earlier event, the “No Kings” rally held on June 14, attracted some 250 people, Bley said.
“As Americans first and Democrats second, we welcome you to the rally,” said Jane Hicks, one of the organizers. “All of you. We do not care how you voted in the last election or how you registered to vote.
“We know that many of you are fed up with higher prices and fed up with the planned cuts to health care, Meals on Wheels, Social Security offices, Veterans Affairs, public education, Head Start, meals for school children, severe weather notification and radical restrictions on voter rights.”
Organizers said participants are welcome to bring their own signs but to keep them family rated.
Signs they will have on hand are: Defend Social Security, No Kings, Hands OFF public schools, and No More Tax Breaks for Billionaires. We will also have plenty of bottled water on hand.
“Please join us on the square,” Hicks said. “We believe that blue and red need each other and that we can stand side by side and stand up for each other. In America, power lies with the people. We can rise together to prove it. We are willing to stir up good trouble if that is what it takes to protect our treasured American constitution.”
More information and registration is available on goodtroubleliveson. org.
