By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green showed up Saturday in the drizzling rain to demand that President Donald Trump and Elon Musk get their hands off that which is dear to democracy.
An estimated 600 protesters defended science, veterans, schools, national parks, libraries, Social Security, free speech, immigrants, clean energy, health care, rule of law, LGBTQ+, civil rights, and relationships with other nations like Canada and Greenland.
“I’m a proud American,” said Debbie Loprete of Bowling Green as she stood at the four corners downtown. “We wanted our voice to be heard and I couldn’t get to Washington, so I came here.”
Top on Loprete’s list of worries were Social Security and Medicare. “There are so many things to be concerned about,” she added.
More than 1,200 “Hands Off” demonstrations were planned across the nation Saturday by more than 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, LBGTQ+ advocates, veterans and elections activists. The protest sites included the National Mall in Washington, D.C., state capitals and other locations in all 50 states.
In Bowling Green, the protest organized by the Wood County Democratic Party, was attended by hundreds who stood at the four corners in the downtown, and stretched down Main Street in both directions. Their signs and chants were met by drivers honking horns in support.
The protesters spanned generations, with college students concerned about the impact of education orders from Trump and the loss of jobs due to cuts by Musk. Retirees spoke with anger about their disappearing nest eggs and the loss of the nation they were proud of.
Some said they could no longer sit on the sidelines in silence.
For retired teacher Dick Burkholder, of Bowling Green, Saturday’s protest was a first.
“I never thought I’d be at one of these,” Burkholder said. “I guess it’s time for the silent majority to speak up. Our country’s in trouble.”
Anger at the protest was also directed at Republican members of Congress, who have not challenged the extreme actions taken by Trump and Musk.
“It’s time that congressmen do their jobs and stand up,” Burkholder said.
Nancy Wright, 82, of Grand Rapids, joined in the protest “because it needs to be done.”
Wright said she had just spoken to a friend whose son’s research on Alzheimer’s Disease was halted when federal funding was eliminated. That was heart wrenching news to Wright, who watched her husband slip away to the disease.
When Wright told her daughter she was planning to attend the protest, her daughter responded, “Go and get in ‘good trouble,’” echoing the words of civil rights activist John Lewis.
For Bill Booth, a Vietnam War veteran, the protest was personal. He said he was disgusted by Trump’s dismissal of John McCain’s military service. Trump saying McCain was not a hero despite spending more than six years as a POW is especially galling coming from someone who himself did not serve, Booth said.
Like McCain, Booth was an aviator. Booth spent a year in Vietnam flying reconnaissance planes for the Army.
Booth is also concerned about what’s happening with the Veterans Administration.
“‘I’ve been to the VA a couple times in the past couple months, and they are terrified,” he said. “They’re afraid for their jobs and afraid for the veterans. There are people there whose careers are being ruined.”
Another Vietnam veteran stood in silence on South Main Street as others chanted around him.
“I hate Trump,” Terry Crandall said. “I don’t like liars, cheats, rapists and cowards.”
Crandall served two tours in Vietnam, and has nothing but disdain for the president. His wife, Debra, said they came from Whitehouse to the protest in Bowling Green to stand up for the dwindling number of veterans in the U.S.
“We’re here because of them,” she said. “I think sitting on our hands at home isn’t doing much.”
Some of the younger protesters voiced fear about the world that now awaits them.
“I’m a scientist and our funding is being cut for a lot of things that are important,” said one woman. “Science makes us stronger.”
She was joined by Gabby Muller, who said her education is being affected by the federal cuts to research. “I’m not able to go to grad school right now because funding was cut.”
Charlie Vostal, of Bowling Green, said he is deeply worried about both his parents, who are special education professors.
“DOGE’s actions are aimed at schools – especially special education,” Vostal said. “Elon Musk is actually working to destroy my family.”
Vostal also felt compelled to attend the protest to show support for his friends in the LGBTQ+ community. “I want to live in an America where my friends are safe.”
Dani Pianin, of Bowling Green, ended up at the protest by chance when she came downtown for a cup of coffee. Pianin, who is transgender, said she initially had concerns about joining in the event.
“I didn’t know how violent things would get,” Pianin said. But she stuck around when she saw the overwhelming support for others like her.
“I just stayed. It’s really encouraging to see a turnout like this,” she said. “And this is happening around the world. It’s hope – and we have to hold onto that.”
The signs held by protesters reflected outrage and humor.
- Honk if you’ve never drunk texted war plans.
- The silent generation won’t be silent.
- Tesla, home of the Swasticar.
- Dear world, we are sorry. They do not represent us.
- Who would Jesus deport?
- None of this is normal.
- Protest while it’s still legal.
- So bad, even introverts are here.
- Grab ‘em by the midterms.
- Government handout recipient $40 billion (with photo of Musk).
Former Bowling Green City Council member John Zandardino wore a hat reading, “Make America Smart Again.”
A man who asked to not be identified, held one end of a banner stating “Dump Trump.”
“He is trying to destroy everything. I’m here because of the insanity. This is not America.”
(BG Independent’s David Dupont contributed to this story.)
