Originally set aside to celebrate the birth of a U.S. Founding Father and America’s first President George Washington, this year local residents will honor the holiday by protesting the current president.
A group of Upper Bucks County citizens will gather to oppose and call attention to Donald Trump’s measures and initiatives since taking office January 20.
“Trump has now crossed the Constitutional red line,” said Vera Cole, President’s Day Protest spokesperson.
Newsweek.com reported grassroots organizations 50501 Movement and Political Revolution have partnered to organize February 17 President’s Day Protests in all 50 states.
In Upper Bucks, protest participants will gather Monday at 12 p.m. near the Sellersville Post Office on Main Street to “oppose abuses of power, threats to democracy and attacks on fundamental rights,” according to the group’s press release.
Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, and put Billionaire Elon Musk in charge. Musk, who’s estimated worth at $391.4 billion makes him the richest man in the world, according to Forbes.com.
DOGE activity has led to mass government agency firings and removal of longstanding policies and systems in a rash of Trump executive orders.
“While many of us were appalled at Trump’s decision to fully pardon every person charged or convicted in the January 6, 2021 attack on our U.S. Capitol, including those who violently assaulted police officers, it was his Constitutional right to do so,” Cole explained, as “federal courts have ruled many of Trump’s actions illegal, Trump and his team are openly questioning whether or not they will obey court orders.”
According to the protest press release, key issues include:
* DODGE Actions and Elon Musk’s public sector activities as an unelected advisor to the president. Federal agencies and offices have been shuttered, civil servants fired, and new directives undermine government accountability and democratic governance.
* Firing and removal of third-party government watchdogs, inspectors general and a halt to enforcement of anti bribery laws.
* Imposition of 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imported from other countries, specifically Canada, risking strained trade relationships and economic retaliation.
* Risk to birthright citizenship as guaranteed to those born on U.S. soil by the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.
* Anti-“Censorship” Order, which blocks government efforts to fight misinformation. It could be used to punish political opponents, posing a threat to free speech.
* School Choice Order: to divert federal funds to charter schools and private school vouchers which could siphon public education resources and cause educational inequality for students.
* Removal of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies and language from government agencies. The new stance has been taken across private sector firms and employers. Amazon, McDonald’s, Meta, Target and Walmart, among others, have rescinded their diversity, equity and inclusion affirmation policies.
“As Americans, we cannot stand by while Trump dismantles democracy, undermines civil rights, and attacks the rule of law. This President’s Day, we honor true democratic leadership by demanding accountability and resisting these unconstitutional actions,” said protest organizer Laura Foster.
On the evening of December 25, 1776, Washington used locally built Durham boats to ferry soldiers across a treacherous storm on the Delaware River to fight – and defeat – Hessian mercenaries at the Battle of Trenton. The battle turned the tide of the American Revolution in the emerging republic’s favor.
“This is the beginning of ongoing action in support of the United States Constitution and the democracy it defines. Pennsylvania and Bucks County in particular hold an extraordinary place in our country’s history. Today, it is all on the line. We are today’s Washington’s Crossing,” Cole said.
The President’s Day Protest is open to the public and concerned citizens are invited to attend.
