Organizers of the Rally for America were thrilled with the turnout, engagement of like-minded and not-so-like minded public and look for future activities in the same vein in days to come.
Shannon Garwood said they counted at least 150 people at the Saturday morning rally and numerous supporters driving by, honking and waving in support. Two or three naysayers made their displeasure known with their middle finger and Make America Great Again headgear.
Stephanie Wince’s poster touched on a flashpoint for many — immigration. “No Human’s Illegal on Stolen Land,” the Native American woman’s sign read. “We’re all human,” she added. “We all deserve equality.”
Christine Whartman was one of many whose primary concern was Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security cuts. “I’m working five jobs and still can’t make ends meet,” she said. Whartman added she’s also concerned about the mass deportations. Her son was born in California to undocumented immigrant parents and is a 17-year-veteran of the United States Marines and Army. “Congress needs to stand up,” she concluded. “I’m battling inflation, tariffs and social security loss.”
An older woman at the rally, who asked not to share her name, said she remembers watching newsreels of Hitler as a girl at the local theater. The “atrocities of war,” she said reminded her of aspects of the current president. Many of the rallygoers were antagonistic toward the current president, but the rally’s theme remained positive.
Carol Danbom of Hemingford said she wanted to do her part for those facing bankruptcy, children facing hunger with the loss of free school lunches and breakfasts. “Education needs to remain with a federal department,” Danbom said.
Another primary concern of Danbom is veteran benefits. Her brother, she said, is battling cancer again and relies on the VA clinic and staff. Cuts to both have been targeted by the president’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Mary Goodell, a self-described army brat, remembers her father moving the family to the Philippines when she was a child. “President Fernando Marcos arrested anyone who was derogatory of his regime, “ she said. “Today’s president’s actions are reminiscent of that behavior.”
One very vocal leader, 30-year-old Patrick Elgin, a popular server at a local restaurant, led the No Kings chant. He and his wife Brenda (BB Gunn) Bejan brought their two children to witness the rally. “I hate sitting on the side,” Elgi said. The whole country and many in other countries are rallying today.”
Elgin spoke in support of the LGBTG community especially. “I’m an ally,” he said. “I never judge. Always support. Many of our friends and family are members of the LGBTQ community.
Bejan, a first generation daughter of immigrants, watched her green card resident parents struggle to gain citizenry. My father was here earlier, she continued, but her mother spent thousands of dollars just to get started on the path to citizenship. “My kids are here with us, because we want to teach them to love all people, regardless of race, gender or religion.”
One participant at the rally said she was curious what the others were about. Wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, Charlotta Sorensen approached others to gauge their opinions. A registered Republican, Sorensen said she advocates a pragmatic conservative policy, but stands with 60% of those Americans in favor of mass deportation.
“Trump won all seven swing states,” she added. “He won the popular vote and the electoral college.” “I’m all for extending the 2017 tax cuts for everyone,” she concluded. “This ridiculous spending has to stop. It’s reaching the point of no return.”
William Payne said he depends on his Medicare and social security payments for survival. His 401k (retirement) fund was wiped out by the recent drops in the stock market and “all this tariff bullshit.” Payne said there are two or three grocery items he relies on to manage his arthritis and Type 2 diabetes. “The prices have gone up so much, I can hardly afford them,” he added.
Mike Mittlestadt of Alliance said his retirement fund dwindled drastically during this year’s stock market decline. A fan of public media and the arts, Mittlestadt said he was also dismayed by planned DOGE cuts in those areas.
Garwood, the event organizer, said no events are planned for the immediate future, but she looks forward to gathering the rallyers again. “Respect is a two-way street,” she said. “And it starts at the top.
Garwood repeated her thanks for the Alliance Police Department who patrolled the area and parked nearby in case of any violence from detractors.
(Photos by Shaun Friedrichsen)
