By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
As Donald Trump prepared to take the podium at the National Republic Convention Thursday, others in Ohio were taking makeshift stages across the state to protest the presidential candidate. Anti-Trump rallies criticizing his “dangerous and hate-filled agenda” were held in 15 cities from Akron to Zanesville.
In Bowling Green, the rally started out slowly, with the protesters almost being outnumbered by the security personnel outside the Wood County Courthouse.
Dick Teeple, of Bradner, was one of the first to show up, carrying a toilet seat with Trump’s photo in the center.
“I have grandchildren. I care about what kind of future they have,” Teeple said, listing his top concerns as the environment, women’s rights, equal pay and climate change.
Dick Teeple holds toilet seat with Trump’s photo during protest Thursday.
“What they stand for, I’m against,” he said of Trump and his vice presidential pick Mike Pence.
Teeple was wearing a Bernie Sanders shirt, but said he would be supporting Hillary Clinton in November. “I’m not 100 percent enthusiastic about Hillary. But she’s not going to sell out the environment.”
As he stood on the courthouse steps, Teeple said he is mystified by Trump’s ability to win supporters.
“I can’t understand it. I think there is some anger, but I think they better get over that and see what he’s going to do.”
At its height, the Bowling Green rally had eight protesters. While their numbers were few, their concerns were many.
“I just absolutely think Donald Trump is wrong for America,” said Kristie Foell, of Bowling Green. “I’m so disgusted by the attacks on Hillary.”
Foell sees the Republican candidate as morally bankrupt, and his party as being motivated by an opportunity to legislate restrictions on abortions and same-sex rights.
“My mother said to me, ‘I would vote for a monkey over Hillary, and now I have that chance,’” Foell said of her mother, who is almost 80 and a lifelong Republican.
Sage Rozzel, of Bowling Green, held a sign saying “Dump Trump,” showing the likeness of the candidate in a pile of poo.
“I do not agree with Donald Trump at all. He’s not aware of climate change. He’s racist,” Rozzel said, also listing off Trump’s views on immigrants, Muslims and Hispanics. “It’s very scary because people are voting for him. It’s insane.”
“He’s feeding off of people’s fear. Feeding off of fear is not going to make it better. It’s going to make it worse,” Rozzel said.
The rally outside the courthouse did draw some attention from pedestrians who snapped photos and motorists who honked their horns.
Carla Patterson, of Texas, was doing research at the courthouse when she decided to check out what was going on. She shared the feelings of the protesters.
“Trump’s a jackass,” she said. “Not that I’m real crazy about Hillary.”
Two others working in the courthouse complex stopped to check out the signs during their break. They both expressed concerns about Trump.
“It’s going to be a very divided country if we don’t get it together now. We can’t go on like this,” said Venus Robinson.
Besides, Robinson added, “I think it’s time for a woman.”
Alexandria Clark said Trump has no understanding of average Americans – people who struggle to feed their families, keep a roof over their heads and shoes on their feet.
“I don’t support Trump at all,” Clark said. “He doesn’t know about being a regular person.”
One of the handmade signs protesting Trump used the candidate’s own words against him. The quotes included:
- “Black people are lazy.”
- “My father gave me a small loan of $1 million.”
- “You know, it really doesn’t matter what the media writes as long as you’ve got a young and beautiful piece of ass.”
Chrisden Carter, of Bowling Green, said she doesn’t like the idea of a reality TV star being president.
“I don’t think Trump should be the president. I think a lot of things he says are offensive,” Carter said. “He’s for the rich getting richer.”
Christopher Howell, a Trump supporter, watches rally on courthouse grounds.
As the small protest went on for two hours, a Trump supporter walked along the perimeter of the rally, quietly observing the event.
“I’m more against Hillary than anything,” said Christopher Howell, of Bowling Green, who was wearing a shirt tied around his waist saying, “Hillary for Prison 2016.”
“She doesn’t seem fit,” he said, listing off the email scandal, Benghazi and “murders.” Howell said people who disagree with Clinton “end up missing or murdered.”
Trump, he said, seems more reputable. “He just feels really honest to me. I just really feel he can make a change.”
