Dozens of Hendersonians gathered Saturday afternoon to protest Trump administration policies, some of which are starting to hurt them and their loved ones.
The protest occurring along the U.S. 41-Strip near the Shoney’s parking lot was organized by Jayna Russelburg and Cori Wilke, both of the Blue Dots of Henderson, a periphery organization of Henderson County Democrats.
Wilke, the Blue Dots founder, said Democrats are often described as all talk and no action. But that’s not how the Blue Dots will operate, she said.
“We’re going to put our money where out mouth is,” she said.
That includes protests but also a focus on community outreach and service, Wilke said.
Russelburg said many protesters are retired and were there Saturday to protest any cuts to Social Security. She said Social Security “is not an entitlement. They earned it” by paying into the system throughout their careers.
Lynda Peters said she was there in part to protest for her centenarian friend who had pneumonia and couldn’t attend. If she were there, Peters said, she would say, “Hands off this 102-year-old lady’s” Social Security.
Other concerns from protesters included Medicaid and veterans benefits cuts.
Mary Jo Branson said her husband, Marlon, learned on April 1 that his Veterans Affairs disability check—about 1/3 of the couple’s monthly income—had been cut.
“We really needed that,” she said.
They were told to re-apply, she said. Branson said her husband has been receiving the VA disability check for 20-plus years without any interruptions and had never had to re-apply before.
Additionally, Russelburg said she’s worried about possible Medicaid cuts or changes. She has a 13-year-old son with muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair. She said her family is dependent upon the program so that they can take care of her son.
Russelburg was also protesting recent deportations she said have occurred without due process for those who’ve been sent out of the country. She said due process within the 14th Amendment allows for all people to defend themselves in the court system.
The Rev. Angela Church came to the protest in part to remind people of Thomas Paine’s belief published in “Common Sense” that “the law is the only king in this country.”
Despite their strong opinions, Church, Russelburg and Wilke all said they welcome discussion with those who disagree with them.
“We have to remember that we still are neighbors,” Church said.
The Blue Dots also held a protest last week at the Denny’s parking lot on the Strip. That protest was organized in last-minute fashion and only seven people attended, Russelburg said. It, however, got a mention on the MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow show days later.
Despite the tense tone of the protest, Church said “how wonderful we have a right to do this, no matter what side you’re on.”
Asked if she was worried that right might be taken away, she said, “Yes, I am. Or I wouldn’t be here.”
