I attended the recent “Hands Off” rally in Pittsburgh for many reasons: unreasonable tariffs, attacks on science, education, health and health care, voting rights, free speech and freedom of the press, inhumane deportations. We have been living in chaos and attacks on our democratic way of life ever since the inauguration of Donald Trump.
The many sycophants who fear speaking out against the president have made it clear that We the People must stand up and make our voices heard. Taking to the streets is an excellent and effective example of civil disobedience. There were 1,400 rallies across all 50 states, composed of approximately 3 million people. All these rallies were nonviolent and showed the passion and commitment of our citizens to save our democracy.
It was important to me to contribute my voice to this important movement. As one of the signs at the rally said: “This piece of cardboard is too small to list all the reasons I am marching.”
There is another rally scheduled May 3 called “Feet in the Street.” For me, it was important to show up and lend support to the organizers of this act of resistance in order to regain our morality and decency as a free and democratic country.
Ellen Olshansky
Squirrel Hill