Protestors from 734 Downriver United brave the cold Dec. 13 on Fort Street north of Phelps Street in Southgate.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
SOUTHGATE – A small but determined group of 734 Downriver United protestors braved the cold Dec. 13 to publicize their political “naughty and nice” list on Fort Street north of Phelps Street.
Bundled up in layers with chemical handwarmer packets to survive winter’s chill, they were warmed by some drivers who honked support for the signs they carried protesting the actions of Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents and some Republican politicians.
Organizer Jessica Schering said their goal was to spread some Christmas cheer and to let people know who is on the naughty list and who is on the nice list.
“The wind is a bit strong, it’s colder than we thought, but we have a committed group of people that are willing to spread that cheer and really to give word about the people to keep an eye out for in both ways: the ones that speak truth, and the ones that are spreading misinformation and making this country into a place that we never thought it would be,” she said. “It’s been very nice but it’s been very cold.”
Protestor Lorena Ramirez-Baran said that even though it is a cold day for a protest, she is still angry about what is happening in the country.
“This is not my America, we are losing our democracy, and I am outraged by how many people aren’t outraged,” she said. “This street should be packed because this affects all of us.”
Ramirez-Baran said they have had many positive responses from people driving by.
“I am still full of hope,” she said. “I am seeing that there is a little more pushback, and in the conversations that I have in the community, people are seeing even if they did vote one way, they see that they got what they voted for and it’s ugly, just like ‘the bill.’”
Protestor Robert Pawlowski said he’s feeling cheerful about the upcoming midterm elections.
“There are going to be some huge local and statewide elections and I think most of us here are all pissed off,” he said. “We are tired with what’s going on at that state House, we are tired with what’s going on at the federal level, and we’re just not heard, so today we are out here being able to spread some Christmas cheer while also voicing our concerns that the federal government has not been working for us and it is time that they start working for the American people.”
Participant Terry Laesser said she was there to protest the goings on in Lansing with Republicans taking funds from grant money that’s already been awarded and allocated, as well as the ICE presence in cities.
She said many drivers going by have offered encouragement.
“We are coming up on the holiday season, and the Michigan House is still trying to snatch back money at the hardest time of the year, and it’s targeted money that’s meant to help some of our most in need here in Michigan,” Laesser said. “We have families that are living in fear right now and are afraid to go out and do things, and are very careful and protective about who they are and where they live and how they get along, because they don’t know who they can trust in the community, and I see it in my students, and that terrifies me and it breaks my heart.”
Protestors from 734 Downriver United brave the cold Dec. 13 on Fort Street north of Phelps Street in Southgate.
Protestors from 734 Downriver United display Santa’s naughty list Dec. 13 on Fort Street north of Phelps Street in Southgate.