Madison County Democrats held a “Rally for Resistance” to demonstrate against the actions of the Trump administration which affect Madison Country Residents. As snow fell on Saturday, March 1, community members layered up to meet at the northern end of the Hamilton Village Green. Citizens assembled and held up signs as passing cars honked in support.
According to the Madison County Democrats’ official press release for the rally, its purpose was to demonstrate a sense of community defiance against the actions of the Trump administration. The statement further touched on what motivated the resistance.
“We need to clearly demonstrate to our community and our elected officials that we’re ready to fight and do what is necessary to stop the outrageous actions of the Trump administration […]. Our theme is resistance, voicing our opposition to Trump’s unconstitutional power grab and gutting of the federal workforce, which will harm services that seniors, veterans, farmers and all of us in Madison County depend on,” the press release read.
According to organizers, nearly 500 community members showed up in support. The assorted protest posters and signs included statements like: “We the people, not billionaires” or “Fire Musk, not our neighbors.” Many posters included the word “democracy” in bold, while others called on the government to take action to save Ukraine and Medicaid. Some posters contained more direct references to resisting fascism and Nazism.
Many in the crowd focused on issues that are affecting Madison Country residents most directly according to a press release after the rally. Protestors called attention to the impact that Trump’s closing of the U.S. Agency of International Development is having on Madison County farmers. There was also concern surrounding veterans who reside in the county and their support systems which are being threatened by the administration.
Among the crowd were Colgate University students and professors. Sophomore Tessa Mendelsohn expressed amazement at the large turnout.
“There is not usually a lot of activism seen in Hamilton. These rallies are a great way to mobilize and unify locals in Madison County,” Mendelsohn said. “You don’t expect to see a liberal turnout in red upstate New York, but it is amazing to see everyone.”
The open microphone at the rally provided both moments of emboldened resistance as well as levity. One man added a twist to a popular childhood song by making fun of Elon Musk, senior adviser to President Donald Trump. Laughter ensued.
At one point, a Madison County organizer addressed the crowd and welcomed Colgate senior Sarafina Lewis to the microphone. Lewis invited the crowd to join her chants.
“We gotta do what? We gotta keep fighting,” Lewis said.
Rep. John Mannion — the recently elected Democrat from New York’s 22nd congressional district, which includes Madison County — also gave an inspiring speech at the rally.
“We’re not going to stop! We’re not just in a constitutional crisis but we’re also in a misinformation and disinformation crisis,” Mannion said. “We are on the right side of history. Our kids are depending on us, and our grandkids are depending on us to protect our democracy.”
Senior Andrew Audas, vice president of Colgate College Democrats, was in attendance at the rally and spoke about Mannion’s impact on the crowd.
“Being in one of the few districts that turned blue last election, the rally was a great opportunity to see why. [Mannion] gave one of the best unscripted speeches I have ever heard,” Audas said. “It’s nice knowing that he is fighting for the people of our district and representing them well in Washington.”
Mendelsohn emphasized the importance of Mannion’s words to those in attendance.
“[Mannion] said we need to stand up and use our voice for democracy. He encouraged the crowd to talk to representatives from other districts and demand that our voices are heard,” Mendelsohn said.
Headquartered in Cazenovia, N.Y., Madison County Democrats is organized and funded by the New York State Democratic Party.
