“We’re cold, we’re wet, it’s time to cancel student debt!” So cried the protesters in a chant led by activist Sandy Cuellar Oxford.

Despite a chilly rain, the shouts of about two hundred people at a protest on the steps of Sullivan County Courthouse in this village on Saturday, Apr. 5, were able to overpower the miserable weather.

The protesters had gathered in response to a nationally organized “Hands Off” action to demand the Trump administration halt its plans to downsize the government and deport aliens without court hearings, among other issues.

The protest began at 11 a.m. and had multiple speakers throughout its 90-minute program. Organizer Myrna Marcarian described the event as a way to give the people a voice to say “this is not OK.” She added, “Even though we don’t get much say, other than in elections, the people in charge need to know we are not OK with this.”

Many of the protesters brought homemade signs and banners, sharing them with others so that they too could make their message loud and clear. Dorrine Prinn had a cardboard placard that read “Hands Off Social Security, Health Care, Education,” while Silvia Garcia’s poster read “Hands Off Medicare.” Garcia is originally from Cuba and believes the things ICE is doing are wrong.

The protest’s program included a welcoming, speeches, more chants, singing and even poetry. Activist Marty Colavito spoke about the importance of community; teacher Patrick McCarthy decried cuts to education; librarian Mary Paige Lang-Clouse described their impact on libraries; and six other speakers addressed similar topics.

Despite the nasty weather, the protest succeeded in not only giving a voice to citizens’ concerns, but also showed what taking a stand looks like. People spoke out because they feel rights are being abused in regard to immigration, education, LGBTQ+ pride, health care and other services. They all wanted to express their concerns, and saw no better way to do so than to join a protest to be seen and heard.

There are, of course, always different sides to every story. What do you think about the Trump administration’s actions? Let us know.