Doylestown joined over 1,300 big cities and small towns across the United States that held ‘Hands Off’ rallies Saturday to protest the Trump administration’s dismantling of government and growing authoritarianism. Over 100 national organizations organized the nationwide “Hands Off” rallies, including groups like Indivisible, the 5051 and Women’s March. Locally, Doylestown Action League organized the event, coordinating with Indivisible groups from throughout Bucks County.
Even though the weather was chilly and the sky gray and dreary, it couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the estimated 1,500 participants who ranged in age from infants in arms and strollers to elders who are counting on Medicare and Social Security to sustain them.
A spirited call and response chant led by organizer Larissa Hopwood set to drumbeat rhythm echoed through the streets:
“Show me what democracy looks like. This is what democracy looks. Show me what America looks like. This is what America looks like.”
Hopwood said that “people are looking to others to solve the issues we are facing, but it is really up to all of us in our communities to take action.”
She encouraged people getting involved with specific issues so not to feel overwhelmed by the blitzkrieg of Trump administration actions that seem to target everyone and everything you may care about stating.
“If we are passionate about immigrant rights, we need to connect with Immigrant Rights Action,” said Hopwood. “If we are passionate about food insecurities, then we need to be in touch with farmers and food banks.”
READ: Food Insecurity in Bucks County Worsened by Trump and DOGE Cuts
Her motivation for organizing the Doylestown event, a larger one was organized for Philadelphia, was that neighbors reached out to her. “They wanted to have something local so that it would be accessible to families and people with disabilities.”
The location around the old Bucks County Courthouse is familiar to those who have attended rallies and protests in town. The issues addressed throughout the afternoon included veterans’ services, education, LGBTQ+ rights, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, reproductive freedom, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, freedom of speech, the environment, as well as immigration rights and the importance of voting in every election from school board to primaries, mid-terms and presidential.
Hopwood’s co-organizer and emcee Kevin E. Leven reminded the crowd of the importance of speaking out against hatred in all forms, including racism. Leven spoke about the historical significance of Bucks County as a through way for the Under Ground Railroad, as well as the African American Museum in Langhorne.
The speakers who took to the makeshift stage in front of the old courthouse included Former Central Bucks School Board Director Dr. Tabitha Dell’Angelo, who underscored the importance of sustaining the Department of Education.
“The stakes are high for public education. An educated populace is good for everyone. But that education must include information literacy so that our kids can tell the difference between facts and propaganda, and schools must be places where all children are welcomed and respected,” Dell’Angelo. “This administration is chopping away at public education because educated citizens are harder to control, and they want to control us.”
Danny Ceisler, candidate for Bucks County Sheriff, spoke about the urgency of attention to the needs of law enforcement in the region.
“From increased costs for police equipment caused by Trump tariffs, to reduced funding for municipalities because of Musk’s DOGE cuts, there is no question that this administration’s actions will hurt law enforcement in Bucks County,” said Ceisler, who is also an Army veteran, attorney, and public safety.
Joe Khan, Democratic candidate for Bucks County District Attorney,had a simple, yet profound reason for showing up and speaking out.
“My friend Heather Reynolds told me that activism is equal parts anger and love. People stood up today not just out of anger over the chaos and corruption and cruelty but also to fight for those they love,” said Khan. “As a dad who showed up for his kids, I was inspired to see our community stand together.”
Doylestown Mayor Noni West offered her concerns about the impact of the administration’s policies as they pertain to substance abuse recovery, as another of her roles is Strategic Planner for the Bucks County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.
READ: Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick’s Phony Telephone Town Halls Are Like Crank Calls to Democracy
She shared an essay written by Anand Gridharadas that offers an invitation and call to action. It is called Welcome Back to Democracy with a few lines shared here.
“Welcome, those of you were not scared off by the authoritarian bluster but who don’t like your 401 (k) and portfolio diving.
Welcome to all who wanted to shake things up, smash the system, and now realize that it is your family getting smashed. We welcome you. Democracy is a schadenfreude-free zone.
Welcome to those who let hatred into their hearts and now confront the real suffering as a penalty for it. The tent of democracy is big enough for you.
Welcome, one and all. The pro-democracy movement needs you and you need it. You needed it when you went away for a time. We had your back. We had America’s back. We were marching for you before and we’re marching for you now.
And finally, Hands Off Our Democracy!”
