Daily Newsletters
Account
Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
50 protest against Trump in Williamsburg
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
WILLIAMSBURG — The reasons for protesting President Donald Trump Saturday in Williamsburg were as varied as the signs protesters held.
More than 50 people lined South Highland Street near State Street as part of the nationwide No Kings protests planned by Indivisible and other organizations.
“On June 14 — Flag day — Donald Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday,” said nokings.org prior to the protests.
“Instead of allowing this birthday parade to be the center of gravity, we will make action everywhere else the story of America that day: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption.“
No Kings provided sample signs and suggestions for hosting a protest at nokings.org.
Saturday morning in Williamsburg, Dave Speltz, of Swisher, held a cardboard sign that said “Impeach Criminal Trump.”
“Guy’s a criminal. Shouldn’t be in office in the first place,” Speltz said. Speltz doesn’t now how someone with 34 felony convictions can be president of the United States.
The voters have been fooled, Speltz said. “The guy’s a professional liar and a con.”
Val Speltz said she had several reasons for attending the protest June 14. “I have concerns about the economy, for one,” she said. She’s also concerned about the earth and global warming and pollution “and those kinds of policies,” she said.
“Trump is against the things that will help the earth,” said Val Speltz. “We’ve got to think of the next generation.”
Speltz is not new to protests, she said. Years ago she attended protests in Cedar Rapids against the Iraq War, shes said.
Gina Thomas, of South Amana, said she’s trying to “get the message out to save the democracy. We’re headed toward fascism.”
Thomas learned about the protest from a poster at Casa Tequila, she said. She found more information on the Iowa County Democrats Facebook page.
Thomas was joined by her mother, Sue Martin, of Chelsea. “We’ve done protests years ago,” said Thomas. They protested against the Wisconsin governor in Madison and have attended protests in Iowa City, Thomas said.
“I don’t like Trump,” said protester James DeWolf, of Marengo. “It’s a scary time.”
Saturday was the first time DeWolf attended a protest, he said. “I kind of wanted to get involved for awhile.
“I’ve always been a Democrat,” said DeWolf, but he decided to become more active in politics after the election.
“I want to get get involved so people like that don’t get elected again,” DeWolf said.
“I want to the support the Constitution. I think that’s my big thing,” said Dorene Francis, of Williamsburg.
“I’m not happy with what’s happening in the country today,” said Scott Romine, of North English.
“I’m a veteran, said Don Banning, of North English, ”and it disgusts me the way he talks about and treats veterans. He’s an evil, evil man,“ said Banning. ”I don’t know how he got power.“
“No King will rule our public lands” said a sign held by Elana Simson, of Victor. Simson worked at a national park, she said. “I watched people get fired. And I think it’s injust.”
Chewbacca showed up in Williamsburg, all the way from the planet of Kashyyyk. The Williamsburg man behind the mask wouldn’t identify himself. “I’m a little afraid of reprisals [by] those who stand with the administration,” he said.
“I say I’m speaking for all aliens,” said the man behind Chewbacca’s face. “The methods [of deportation] are not right.”
Greg Stolze, of Williamsburg, wants the administration to keep its hands off Medicaid, according to his sign.
His wife, Jackie, is concerned about the military being “turned on people.” She’s also concerned about freedom of speech, freedom of the press and, most importantly, climate change.
“And I want my kids and grandkids to grow up in a democracy like I did,” said Jackie Stolze.
Joyce Baker, of Homestead, and Conn Hanson, of Williamsburg, held the Pride flag and the American flag. Donna Cornish, of Marengo, gave her dogs No Kings signs.
Justin Pothast, of Middle Amana, displayed a sign that said “Time to break I.C.E,” and his wife’s sign said, “If you are not angry, you are not paying attention.”
Their son, Miles, joined them at the protest with his own sign. “We’re kind of just letting him come to it,” said Justin. They took him with them to the Iowa County Democrats the night before where they all made their own signs.
“We let him come to things on his own,” said Kara Pothast.
“We’re here because of him,” said Justin.
