Guest article: Keweenaw Against the Oligarchy protest draws large, diverse participation

By Lexi Tater

About 150 Keweenaw residents and Michigan Technological University students, faculty and staff gather for a moment of silence near the Portage Lift Bridge in Houghton with their fists raised in solidarity during the March 29 Keweenaw Against The Oligarchy (KATO) protest. Click on photos for larger versions. (Photos courtesy a KATO member)

Hello! My name is Lexi Tater. I am the founder and co-organizer of Keweenaw Against the Oligarchy (KATO). I am a Master’s candidate in the discipline of Sustainable Communities at Michigan Technological University, and will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental and Energy Policy this upcoming fall 2025 semester.

KATO is a newly formed community organization of concerned citizens who gathered on March 29, 2025, for a peaceful and silent protest. KATO was supported by Michigan United Action and their Northern Michigan Organizer, Audrey Gerard. The goals of this protest were to bring together like-minded community members looking for a political home, a channel to put their energy and feelings about the current U.S. administration into action, and a place where all voices can be heard.

Co-organizers Audrey Gerard, right, and Lexi Tater, author of this article, lead the protest on March 29, 2025, in Houghton.

Audrey Gerard, the local Michigan United Action organizer, noted, "We are here to stand up for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other things the people in our community rely on. We do not want billionaires to take them away from us. Personally, I am upset about the federal layoffs. I have had multiple friends let go within this past month. We are inviting anybody who wants to share how these administrative cuts are impacting their lives to talk with us at KATO."

Around 150 people attended the protest in support of KATO’s goals and efforts. Those who were able to attend the protest were faculty, staff, and students of Michigan Technological University, along with Keweenaw and Upper Peninsula residents.

The protest began with a speech, followed by a moment of silence for the people who wanted to be at the protest but who were unable to attend due to threats to their sovereignty, citizenship, and autonomy as queer, transgender, Indigenous, immigrant and student visa peoples. 

Preceding the moment of silence, co-organizer Lexi Tater addresses participants in the March 29 KATO protest near the Portage Lift Bridge in Houghton.

The moment of silence, a highlight of the protest event, lasted for about 5 minutes. Protestors lined the highway with their signs, flags, etc., with their fists up in solidarity for those who were unable to be there.

A third-year undergraduate student at Michigan Technological University, Annabelle Craves, studying Environmental Science and Sustainability, called the protest "a powerful reminder of the strength that we carry when we stand together." Noting "Lexi’s unwavering passion," Craves added, "I felt very empowered and deeply moved, knowing we were fighting for those who can’t due to threats to their citizenship." 

Emilie Scholie, a lifelong Keweenaw resident and third-year Environmental Science and Sustainability student at Michigan Technological University, shared her reaction to being able to participate in the protest.

"As a local, the KATO protest was the first time that I have been able to be a part of an organized event that was so largely filled with such love and support," Scholie said. "I was so happy to see multiple generations of people standing together for the same reason. It was empowering to display my support for the people who need it in this rural community which I hold close to my heart." 

During the moment of silence, Annabelle Craves and Emilie Scholie stand with their signs advocating for diversity.

After the moment of silence, the 150 protestors walked across the Portage Lift Bridge to Hancock and back.

During the March 29, 2025, protest, Keweenaw Against the Oligarchy (KATO), about 150 participants return from Hancock, MI, to Houghton crossing the Portage Lift Bridge. (Video courtesy a KATO member)

Joseph Anderson, a first year Management Information Systems student at Michigan Technological University, admitted arriving late to the protest when participants were already halfway across the bridge but shared his surprise at the size of the group.

"It wasn't until I turned back to look that I saw how many people share similar ideas to mine. It’s really inspiring to see the Houghton / Hancock communities stand up for something that they believe in like this," Joseph said. "I voted for Trump and realized how much I screwed up. That’s why I’m grateful that Lexi and Audrey are creating a space for people who are trying to find their community!"

Another major goal of KATO is to protect U.S. constitutional rights and free speech.

Noting the protest made him hopeful of making a difference, Benjamin Wittrup, an Electrical Engineering Master’s candidate at Michigan Technological University, said, "It was super awesome to see so many people come out and take part in the protest. I hope to see even more people come out for future events to support our Constitution and the rule of law."

Alyssa LeTourneau, a third year Forestry student at Michigan Technological University, who was also a safety marshall for the protest, wants to empower others to stand up safely for what they believe in. She wants people to know about "administrative threats to the planet and to people’s constitutional rights."

LeTourneau added, "I personally struggle to use my voice in situations when I am fearful of potential conflict that could arise, but this is not a time to be politically silent. This protest allowed me to stand strong in what I know is right."

Blair Anderson, a retired master sergeant combat veteran and a lifelong Upper Peninsula resident who traveled from Crystal Falls to be at the protest, said he "grew up conservative and eventually found out that things weren't exactly how [he] was told." He also found that "there is an immense amount of disinformation in the Republican Party."

Blair said, "We now face existential threats and a constitutional crisis. I am doing my best to support all of the groups that are pro-constitution and pro-rule-of-law."

As a queer woman myself, it is extremely empowering to be surrounded by the courage of others who have chosen to stand firmly in what they believe in. It is inspiring to be gathered with people who are standing up to threats to their own careers, bodies, rights, identities, etc.

KATO is a community organization that is open to all people who disagree with the current federal administrative regime, regardless of their political affiliations. Our goal as a community organization is to make everyone feel welcomed and empowered to use their voices in a safe and constructive way. We will be fighting to end the oligarchy through social and environmental campaigning; and we need your support, voices, and passions to be a part of our fight! If you would like to learn more about KATO, or would like to be involved in the future, please contact me, Lexi Tater, at abtater@mtu.edu or our partnering organization, Michigan United Action, through Audrey Gerard at agerard@miunited.org.

Guest article: To Rep. Bergman: Trump defies court order, threatens democracy

[Editor's Note: The following is a transcript of the comments spoken by Valorie Troesch during the March 18 Bergman(less) Town Hall held in Houghton, Michigan, despite the absence of 1st Congressional District Rep. Jack Bergman. This is printed here with permission.*]

Mr. Bergman,

My name is Valorie Troesch and I live in Dollar Bay.

I originally planned to speak about Social Security. And, although that is of great importance to me, there is a far greater threat to our democracy that is playing out as I speak. For weeks, Donald Trump and Elon Musk have taken actions to dismantle our federal government. They have claimed the power to overturn laws and budgets passed by Congress. They have fired thousands of federal workers. They have shuttered agencies. Courageous attorneys have filed close to 100 lawsuits in federal court to temporarily or permanently enjoin these actions with near 100 percent success. The question that has loomed over these past weeks, however, is whether or not the Trump administration would obey court orders. Until last week, the DOJ took a variety of actions to skirt or delay compliance -- appeals, coming to court unprepared to get more time, claiming ignorance, etc. But we had so far avoided the constitutional crisis that would be posed by the President refusing outright to obey court orders.

All that changed over this past weekend. The President invoked the Alien Enemies Act and then detained and deported hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members to a concentration camp in El Salvador. Sometime during that process, a federal judge issued a TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) to stop the deportations and ordered the return of the planes to the United States. In defiance of the court order, Trump made a decision for the planes to keep going.

The administration is portraying those who oppose the deportation of people without due process and in violation of court orders as support for illegal immigrants. Mr. Bergman, this is not an immigration issue. This is a question about whether the United States is a nation governed by laws or by an autocrat. Those who have spoken throughout our history about the fragility of democracy understood that democracy is entirely dependent on the willingness of the governed and the governing to abide by the rule of law. When that stops, democracy is in crisis. That is where we are today.

Donald Trump is claiming that he has the right to defy court orders. The courts right now are our only guardrail against his tyranny. If the President of the United States does not have to obey court orders, then the entire rule of law becomes meaningless. Think about the implications. Why should anyone anywhere ever obey a court order again that they don’t like? Why should someone pay court-ordered child support, for example? Where does it end? And, if courts cannot enforce orders holding violators in contempt, then what is to prevent our complete descent into anarchy? This is where we are headed.

Mr. Bergman, it is up to you, as a member of Congress and the President’s own party, to speak up and tell him to obey the law.

* Editor's Note: Valorie Troesch is a retired attorney and resident of Torch Lake Township, Michigan. To hear the residents' comments (addressed to Rep. Bergman in his absence) at the March 18, 2025, Bergman(less) Town Hall in Houghton, see the video recording on YouTube. (Inset photo: Valorie Troesch. Photo courtesy Valorie Troesch.)

World's largest Ukrainian flag displayed near White House during "Don't Abandon Ukraine" event

By Michele Bourdieu

On March 8, 2025, participants in the "Don't Abandon Ukraine" rally display the world's largest Ukrainian flag in President's Park South, not far from the White House in Washington, D.C. Click on photos for larger versions. (Photos by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now unless otherwise indicated.)

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A very large crowd showed their support for Ukraine by unfurling and holding above the ground the world's largest Ukrainian flag in view of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, March 8.

Organizers and sponsors of the event, "Don't Abandon Ukraine," from several Ukrainian and Ukrainian-American organizations led the participants in chants for Ukraine and directed volunteers to form two very long lines for holding, unfurling and returning the flag, which, out of respect, was not allowed to touch the ground.

As the March 8, 2025, "Don't Abandon Ukraine" rally begins, organizers lead participants in chanting, "Stand with Ukraine," "Make Russia Pay," and "Don't Abandon Ukraine." (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Many participants carried signs and flags and some wore their messages on their clothing.

A group of Ukraine supporters display their signs. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

This gentleman's jacket says it all. 

As volunteers were lining up to hold the flag, Keweenaw Now interviewed two participants from Ukraine now living in the United States -- Natalia, who came from Philadelphia for the event, even though it was her mother's birthday, and Danylo, of Lviv in Ukraine, who is stationed in Washington, D.C., for his work with the Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Natalia, who traveled from Philadelphia for the "Don't Abandon Ukraine" rally, displays her sign. 

Natalia, who is originally from Ukraine, tells Keweenaw Now why it was important for her to attend the "Don't Abandon Ukraine" rally even though she would be missing her Mom's birthday celebration in Philadelphia. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Danylo, of Lviv in Ukraine, said he has been working in Washington, DC, for St. Gabriel's Institute for Communication and Diplomacy to create awareness of the situation of the Ukrainian Catholic Church under the Russian aggression.

Danylo points out the importance of communication and diplomacy between Ukrainian Christians and those in other countries, including the U.S. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Volunteers lined up facing one another in two very long lines to prepare for passing the flag and holding it.

Nearly 200 volunteers form two lines in order to pass the rolled flag along in preparation for unfurling it. Led by Lev of Razom for Ukraine, they chant, "Slava Ukraini! Heroiam Slava!" (Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!) (Video by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

As participants were lining up, media representatives were interviewing people in the crowd. One of these, Andriy Borys of Voice of America, interviewed a former MAGA Trump supporter who had changed his mind.

Among the Ukraine supporters at the "Don't Abandon Ukraine" rally is a former MAGA supporter, who has changed his position. He is being interviewed by Andriy Borys of Voice of America, who gave Keweenaw Now permission to publish this interview. (Video by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

Volunteers in two lines begin passing the giant rolled Ukrainian flag down the line in preparation for its unfurling. (Video by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

Those holding the flag must wait until it has passed completely around the crowd and is ready for the unrolling. Leaders asked others in the crowd to relieve some of the volunteers in holding the flag tightly. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Finally, following the 1, 2, 3 count of the leader, those holding the flag take 3 steps back together to unroll it as the crowd chants, "Stand with Ukraine!" (Video by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

Participants hold and display the world's largest Ukrainian flag and keep it from touching the ground (out of respect). (Video by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

Under the flag these three young supporters pause for a photo as evidence the giant flag is held well above the ground. 

While displaying the world's largest Ukrainian flag, participants in the "Don't Abandon Ukraine" rally chant against Russia's aggression and illegal occupation of Ukrainian territory. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Chanting "Bring Ukrainian children home," the crowd refers to Russia's war crimes against thousands of Ukrainian children in the past three years of war.

The crowd chants for the Ukrainian children who were forcefully taken from their families to be raised in Russia.(Video by Keweenaw Now) 

As the world's largest Ukrainian flag is displayed by a large crowd of Ukraine supporters, participants chant, "A Just Peace for Ukraine." (Video by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

Finally the flag must be rolled up to be displayed in another city somewhere in the world.

Following the display of the world's largest Ukrainian flag in view of the White House, participants roll the flag up for its return. (Video by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

Participants hold the giant rolled flag as it is returned to its container. (Video by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

The flag is neatly folded in its container as the crowd begins to disperse. 

After participating in holding the giant flag, Orysia from New Jersey and her daughter, Sofia, who lives in New York City, displayed their signs and agreed to a brief interview.

Orysia, left, and her daughter, Sofia, display their signs for Ukraine.

Mother and daughter, Orysia and Sofia, originally from Ukraine and now living in New Jersey and New York City, tell Keweenaw Now why they participated in the "Don't Abandon Ukraine" event in Washington, DC. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

This banner repeats Orysia's message to Americans.

This flag gives a historical perspective with its message. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

This supporter arrived early for the rally and stayed to the end, displaying his flag with a tribute to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

One quiet, patient participant at the March 8, 2025, "Don't Abandon Ukraine" flag event, Whiskey the dog, was still wagging her tail happily as the crowd began to disperse following the return of the flag.

Wearing her own Ukrainian flag, Whiskey retained a positive attitude throughout the afternoon rally, reminding us to be hopeful.*

Several Ukrainian and Ukrainian-American organizations helped with organizing and sponsoring this event, including Razom for Ukraine, United Help Ukraine, Nova Ukraine, American Coalition for Ukraine, US Ukrainian Activists, Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, and the Ukrainian-American Coordinating Council.

* Editor's Note: Three days after the "Don't Abandon Ukraine" rally described here, on March 11, the US and Ukraine proposed a 30-day ceasefire. As of the time of posting the above article today, according to BBC News, "Russian President Vladimir Putin said he agreed with the idea of a ceasefire in Ukraine, but that 'questions' remained about the nature of a truce as he set out a number of tough conditions."  

See BBC News, March 13, 2025: "Putin sets out conditions for Ukraine ceasefire."

See also BBC News, March 12, 2025: "Decoding the Ukraine ceasefire plan line by line."

Michigan AG Nessel sues Trump Administration to stop dismantling Department of Education

LANSING -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel today joined a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in suing the Trump administration (PDF) to stop the dismantling of the Department of Education (DOE). On March 11, the Trump administration announced that DOE would be firing approximately 50 percent of its workforce as part of its goal of a "total shutdown" of the Department. Attorney General Nessel and the coalition today fileId a lawsuit seeking to stop the targeted destruction of this critical federal agency that ensures tens of millions of students receive a quality education and critical resources. (Inset photo: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Photo courtesy michigan.gov)

"In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed the first piece of legislation that opened the doors for children with disabilities nationwide," said Nessel. "Since then, students of all backgrounds have been guaranteed free appropriate public education. Yesterday's illegal action by the Trump Administration dismantles the Department of Education and leaves the nation rudderless to provide the necessary funding, support, and enforcement that all 1.4 million Michigan students rely upon. It’s dangerous, reckless, and unacceptable."

The DOE programs serve nearly 18,200 school districts and over 50 million K-12 students attending roughly 98,000 public schools and 32,000 private schools throughout the country. In Michigan, it supports over 1.4 million K-12 students attending over 3,300 public and 600 private schools. Its higher education programs provide services and support to more than 12 million postsecondary students annually. Students with disabilities (212,000 Michigan students) and students from low-income families (681,000 Michigan students) are some of the primary beneficiaries of DOE services and funding. Federal DOE funds for special education include support for assistive technology for students with disabilities, teacher salaries and benefits, transportation to help children receive the services and programming they need, physical therapy and speech therapy services, and social workers to help manage students’ educational experience. The DOE also supports students in rural communities by offering programs designed to help rural school districts that often lack the personnel and resources needed to compete for competitive grants.

As Attorney General Nessel and the coalition assert in the lawsuit, dismantling DOE will have devastating effects for states like Michigan. The administration’s lay-off is so massive that DOE will be incapacitated and unable to perform essential functions. As the lawsuit asserts, the administration’s actions will deprive students with special needs of critical resources and support. They will gut DOE’s Office of Civil Rights, which protects students from discrimination and sexual assault. They would additionally hamstring the processing of financial aid, raising costs for college and university students who will have a harder time accessing loans, Pell Grants, and work study programs.

With this lawsuit, Attorney General Nessel and the coalition are seeking a court order to stop the administration’s policies to dismantle DOE by drastically cutting its workforce and programs. Attorney General Nessel and the coalition argue that the administration’s actions to dismantle DOE are illegal and unconstitutional. The Department is an executive agency authorized by Congress, with numerous different laws creating its various programs and funding streams. The coalition’s lawsuit asserts that the Executive Branch does not have the legal authority to unilaterally incapacitate or dismantle it without an act of Congress.

Joining Attorney General Nessel in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai'i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, Wisconsin, Vermont, and the District of Columbia.

Refuse Fascism Rally in DC compares Trump policies to Fascism under Hitler

By Michele Bourdieu

On March 4, 2025, preceding President Trump's address to a joint session of Congress, a crowd of protesters listen to speakers at a Refuse Fascism Rally in the Upper Senate Park in Washington, DC. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

WASHINGTON, DC -- Speakers representing the group Refuse Fascism addressed a crowd gathered at the Upper Senate Park in Washington, DC, the afternoon of March 4, 2025. The purpose of the rally was to create awareness of President Donald Trump's speech to the joint session of Congress that evening and to protest that the Trump Administration's policies recall the fascism of Adolf Hitler's Germany preceding World War II.

According to their Web site, Refuse Fascism is a national movement mobilizing people through nonviolent, mass sustained protest in order to prevent the consolidation of fascism in the United States. Founded in 2016 in response to Trump’s first election, their goal is to unite people around the pledge "In The Name of Humanity, We Refuse To Accept a Fascist America!" and adding the slogan, "Trump Must Go!" Signs and chants at the rally stated that pledge and the speakers warned that the Trump Administration's policies are leading to fascism similar to Hitler's.*

This participant in the Refuse Fascism Rally wears a royal crown critical of Trump's attitude and a sign that reads, "The insane reign of DONALD the TERRIBLE." Click on photos for larger versions. (Photos © John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now unless otherwise indicated.) 

One of the first speakers was Carlos Álvarez-Aranyos, founder of American Opposition, a non-profit, non-connected political action committee created to counter the rise of fascism in the United States of America.

American Opposition "focuses on building strategic communications and community engagement campaigns in support of American democracy," according to their Web site.**

Their current project is the "'Trump Administrative Action Database' (TAAD) -- an online repository that meticulously catalogues the actions and policies of the Trump administration." The database was launched on Feb. 25, 2025.**

Álvarez-Aranyos considers the database, which will be updated continually, a means of accountability and a historical document.

"At American Opposition, we believe that accountability is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy," he said. "By making this database accessible to everyone -- from seasoned journalists to concerned citizens -- we are not only promoting accountability but also ensuring that the history of this era is preserved for future generations."**

Álvarez-Aranyos told attendees at the rally that he experienced a fascist dictator while growing up in the Dominican Republic, and he warned that Trump's anti-democratic policies are fascist.

During the March 4, 2025, Refuse Fascism protest in Washington, DC, Carlos Álvarez-Aranyos, founder of American Opposition, speaks to the audience of protesters about the Democrats' failure to stop Trump's threat to democracy. (Videos © John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

Álvarez-Aranyos continued with a message to Democrats.

Álvarez-Aranyos speaks to the audience of protesters about what he believes the Democrats in Congress should do in defiant opposition to President Trump, who would be addressing the joint session of Congress that evening. 

Also addressing the crowd was Sunsara Taylor, one of the founders of the Refuse Fascism movement. She compared the present fascist actions of the Trump Administration to Germany in the 1930s as Adolf Hitler took over the government with escalating abuse of human rights and increasing atrocities leading to the Holocaust.

Sunsara Taylor of Refuse Fascism, compares the present actions of the Trump Administration to the increasingly fascist Nazi government under Hitler leading up to World War II.

Taylor concludes by inviting the audience to join the Refuse Fascism movement and to contribute their own ideas and talents to defeat fascism.

Sunsara Taylor of Refuse Fascism tells the audience of supporters what needs to be done, encourages the audience to refuse to accept a fascist America, and thanks them for their participation.

The special guest speaker at the rally was Marione Ingram, a German-born, Jewish Holocaust survivor and Civil Rights activist. She began her speech to the crowd with the story of her childhood experience in Nazi Germany.

Holocaust survivor Marione Ingram addresses the crowd at the rally, comparing her experience under Nazi fascism in World War II with the present situation under the Trump Administration in the US.

Ingram continues, comparing her experience with that of the victims of Israeli aggression in Gaza.

Holocaust survivor Marione Ingram compares her childhood experience during World War II, being pursued by the Nazis, to Israel's aggression against Palestinians in Gaza, while Israel is supported by the present and past US Administrations.

Ingram was active in the Civil Rights movement in the US and was a volunteer for the 1963 March on Washington. She has protested actively against Israel's actions in Gaza, repeating that war is not the answer and calling for peace and love.***

Following the main speakers, some participants in a nearby Rally for Ukraine walked to the Refuse Fascism Rally in the park because police had asked them to leave the area near the Russell Senate building where they were meeting the same afternoon. Some stayed, displaying their signs for Ukraine.

On March 4, 2025, Ukraine supporters leave the site of their Ukraine Rally in Washington, DC, at the request of police clearing the area near the Russell Senate building. Some join the Refuse Fascism Rally nearby.

Two of the Ukraine supporters agree to an anonymous photo. 

Police on bicycles patrol near the rally in the Upper Senate Park.

The Refuse Fascism Rally was very peaceful. The group emphasizes determined, defiant, non-violent action.

Ukraine colors were present on several signs at the Refuse Fascism Rally.

From the Refuse Fascism Mission Statement for 2025:

"Refuse Fascism leads people to understand and resist Trump/MAGA fascism. We unite with people from diverse perspectives to stop the second Trump regime from consolidating power and carrying out great horrors. Through our podcast and other public programs we expose and analyze the threat we face, promote efforts to defend people targeted by the fascists, and most essentially challenge and inspire the non-fascist majority of people living in the United States, the tens of millions of people who care about humanity and hate what Trump represents, to break out of the deadly confines of politics-as-usual and engage in determined, defiant action to defeat this American Fascism."****

Editor's Notes:

* See refusefascism.org for more information on the movement.

** See https://www.americanopposition.org/about
Click here for the Trump Administrative Action Database (TAAD).

*** Read more about Marione Ingram here.

**** Click here for the full mission statement.

"Not My Presidents' Day" protest at US Capitol opposes Trump-Musk policies: Video, photo essay

By Michele Bourdieu

Participants in the Feb. 17, 2025, "Not My Presidents' Day" protest near the US Capitol in Washington, DC, listen to speakers opposing the current Administration's policies and join in chants such as, "We will not go back!" The inverted flag is a sign of distress. Click on photos for larger versions. (Photos © John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now unless otherwise indicated.)

WASHINGTON, DC -- On February 17, 2025, a large crowd gathered and marched around the reflecting pool near the US Capitol building in Washington, DC, to express the need to save democracy, to oppose the current policies of President Trump and Elon Musk and to create awareness of the unjust firing of federal workers and the threats to public education, diversity and more.

The peaceful event, supported by similar protests across the United States at state capitols, was organized by the 50501 Movement, a grassroots organization opposing the recent policies and executive orders of President Donald Trump. 50501 stands for "50 protests. 50 states. 1 movement."*

Here are some photos and videos of the DC event from Keweenaw Now.

Displaying a sign that recalls a "No King" theme of the rally, this gentleman in 18th-century garb welcomed us as we arrived. 

As we joined the crowd near the reflecting pool, we recorded some of their chants.

During the Feb. 17, 2025, rally for Democracy near the US Capitol, participants gather near the reflecting pool, displaying signs and chanting. (Video by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

Seated near the reflecting pool, a group of citizens display their signs to the passing crowd. The lady on the right, a retired teacher, is being interviewed about her concerns for education funding.

Signs reflect more concerns for education and cuts to federal funding that result in profits/low taxes for the rich.

Feb. 17, Presidents' Day, intended to be in honor of George Washington's and Abraham Lincoln's birthdays, is overshadowed by the un-democratic leaders pictured on this ironic sign. 

Many are concerned that this moment in history could repeat what happened in 1930s Germany, leading to WWII.

Keweenaw Now interviewed some participants in the crowd, who explained their motivation for joining the protest.

Heather, a student from Maryland, carrying a sign to demonstrate her views of the present Administration, tells Keweenaw Now why she is participating. Chatting with her are Virginia residents Barry and Joyce, who also express their views. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Many signs and chants voice the wide opposition to Elon Musk, considered the wealthiest man in the world, who did not run for any office but who appears to make decisions as if he were president -- decisions that benefit the very wealthy and threaten democratic principles.

This "jester" attracted our attention as a unique piece of artwork at the rally, so Keweenaw Now interviewed Barbara, the lady carrying him. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Barbara, who formerly worked with USAID on environmental issues, tells Keweenaw Now why she is participating. She also explains the symbolism of the "jester" she carries. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

As participants marched along the reflecting pool, they repeated chants expressing the need for unity to fight against the new Administration's overreach that threatens democracy, attacks diversity, deports immigrants, cancels crucial foreign aid, fires essential federal workers, attempts to cancel many environmental protections and efforts to address climate change, and isolates the U.S. from allies all over the world.

As they march toward a gathering place to listen to speakers, marchers sing "Solidarity Forever." (Video by Keweenaw Now)

This young man proudly displays his sign criticizing Project 2025. According to Wikipedia, Project 2025, published by the conservative Heritage Foundation in 2023, is "a political initiative to reshape the federal government of the United States and consolidate executive power in favor of right-wing policies."**

Here is another sign calling attention to Project 2025 and the two people attempting to carry out its agenda.

As we followed the crowd moving toward the speakers, we noticed a sign about Fox News and decided to interview Danielle, who was carrying it.

Local resident Danielle displays a sign referring to Trump supporter Fox News.

Danielle gives Keweenaw Now several reasons for her participation in the protest. Editor's note: The climate change text was added here without our intention or ability to removse it. Move your cursor to the right margin if you wish to remove it temporarily. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

As the crowd moved along the reflecting pool, they began another enthusiastic chant.

Participants in the rally take up the chant, "This is what Democracy looks like" as they walk toward a gathering place for speakers near the Capitol reflecting pool. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

This skeleton is not just for Halloween! Even though Feb. 17, Presidents' Day, is a national holiday and Senate and House were not in session, many signs presented strong messages to members of Congress.

Opposition to Elon Musk and his policies was evident in the participants' chants, including this one. (Video by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

The crowd listened and responded to speakers who reminded them of the many issues to be addressed in opposition to the Administration's draconian policies.

Near the Capitol, participants listen to a speaker who cites democratic freedoms achieved in the last century, from Social Security to the end of segregation. (Video by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

The speaker challenges the crowd to fight for victims of the unjust policies of the present Administration. The inverted flag is a sign of distress. (Video by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

The crowd protests, chanting "We Won't Go Back!" The slogan expresses public resistance to the policies of the present Administration that are attempting to take away hard-won freedoms such as social security, Medicare, equality, women's rights, gay rights, measures against climate change, diversity in the work place and more. (Video by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

The crowd again calls for unity, chanting, "The People, United, Will Never Be Defeated" as they walk near the reflecting pool following speeches. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

With determination, participants chant, "Power to the People!" (Video by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

Following the speeches it's "no rest for the weary" as this group of protesters continue to display their signs while they relax near the reflecting pool. Although the forecast was in the 40s with wind, chilly for DC, the sunshine made it a pleasant day for the event.***

We continued walking around the reflecting pool to the opposite side, where a group of young speakers expressed views based on their individual experiences.

As the Feb. 17, 2025, protest near the US Capitol winds down, a young woman speaks to a crowd gathered near the reflecting pool. She encourages them to be brave despite the uncertainty caused by the present political situation but also to take care of themselves as they keep up the fight. (Video by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

A young student speaks to a crowd gathered near the reflecting pool about discrimination against LGBT young people under the present Administration. (Video by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

Gabriel, a young local resident, whose wife recently lost her federal job, tells the crowd gathered near the reflecting pool why people must resist the present policies of the Administration. (Video by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

A message left on the sidewalk expresses one purpose of the protest.

According to NPR (National Public Radio) thousands participated in this Feb. 17 protest at the US Capitol and many more held similar events at state capitols across the country.

Editor's Notes:

* To learn more about the 50501 Movement visit their Web site.

** See the Wikipedia article on Project 2025 for many references to articles that describe its agenda -- which seems to be an agenda for the Trump Administration -- to take over key government agencies or even eliminate them, reduce taxes for corporations, reduce environmental regulations and promote fossil fuels, arrest and deport illegal immigrants, defund important medical research and more. The article also states, "Legal experts say it would undermine the rule of law, separation of powers, separation of church and state, and civil liberties."

*** To read about the supportive protest in Houghton, Michigan, with entirely different weather, see the Feb. 19, 2025, Keweenaw Now article by Alexandra Larsen, "Concerned citizens brave bitter cold in No King's Day march for democracy, justice, integrity, accountability and more."

Letter: To US Rep. Jack Bergman from League of Women Voters of the Copper Country

HOUGHTON --Twenty of the League of Women Voters Copper Country Chapter (LWVCC) Board of Directors and members conducted a Zoom meeting with three members of Michigan First District U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman's Washington D.C. staff on Monday, Feb.24, in order to share their concerns over the current executive orders impacting the local area, all of Michigan, the entire country, and around the world. Since it was very difficult to get Rep. Bergman to hold in-person meetings locally, even during the recent Congressional break, the League's Board of Directors arranged the next best option of a zoom call. (Inset logo courtesy League of Women Voters of the Copper Country.)

During the 40-minute Zoom call, the group identified eight top concerns, invited Board members and other members to prepare 3-minute statements describing their concerns, and stated what they would like Rep. Bergman to do to address these concerns.

A letter summarizing the concerns presented and possible next steps that Rep. Bergman could take was sent to Rep. Bergman following the meeting.

In their discussion with Bergman's staffers, the LWVCC group began their letter, summarized here, by noting common ground in the following concerns:

1. Support for Ukraine: The letter asks Rep. Bergman to check the executive branch’s false statements about the war and work with Congress to continue support for Ukraine’s sovereignty against Russia’s invasion.

2. DOGE and Congress’s role in budgets for federal agencies: Noting that the First District has federal employees working in four National Parks, three National Forests, and five National Wildlife Refuges, the LWVCC group asks Bergman "to speak out to check DOGE and the executive branch to properly vet employees accessing sensitive information, and utilize Congress and agency leadership in determining workforce and national security needs before layoffs and elimination of programs."

3. Congress and the Budget: The letter states, "The budget that is before congress when it returns attempts to make permanent tax cuts for the most wealthy individuals and corporations while we are seeing threats of funding cuts to Medicaid and Social Security." The group asks Bergman and other members of Congress to consider the negative effects that budget would have on middle and working class families in rural Upper Peninsula communities.

Based on the discussion with Bergman's staffers, the letter then lists the following concerns the LWVCC group believes they disagree on:

1. The Save Act will drastically impact millions of Americans' ability to vote: This Act would increase costly barriers to voting rather than increase access to voting, which is at the heart of the League's mission. The restrictions the Act proposes would make voting more difficult for people in rural areas and married women who have changed their names to verify their voting status. LWVCC asks Bergman to oppose this legislation.

2. Line 5: The letter cites the great risk to the Great Lakes and their contribution to economy and culture, the lack of benefit from the oil pipeline in Michigan, and Enbridge's terrible environmental track record. LWVCC asks Bergman to support  relocating the pipeline to Canada.

3. Climate Change: Noting the damage from extreme weather could cost the global economy $3 trillion per year by 2050, the letter urges Rep. Bergman to support sensible policies to mitigate climate disasters and save spending billions on rebuilding and restoration.

4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): The LWVCC group reminds Rep. Bergman that, despite the equality written in the Constitution, DEI has been weaponized for political gain and made those who have historically been excluded targets of further harm. As an organization with roots in women's suffrage, LWVCC requests that Bergman and all of Congress to describe DEI related programs and activities as intergenerational efforts to reflect what the Constitution promises.

To read the entire letter sent to Rep. Bergman, CLICK HERE.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. It is fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, in principle and in practice. The League of Women Voters of the Copper Country serves the people of Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties in Michigan. For more information on the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country, visit their Web site.

Concerned citizens brave bitter cold in No King's Day march for democracy, justice, integrity, accountability and more

By Alexandra Larsen*

Braving extreme winter weather and sub-zero wind chills, some of the 60 participants in the February 17, 2025, No King's Day march display their signs as their rally to protect democracy and oppose Trump-Musk defunding begins at Bridgeview Park in Houghton, Michigan. Click on photos for larger versions. (Photos © and courtesy Alexandra Larsen)

HOUGHTON --  A determined crowd of 60 marched in harsh winter weather to assert that Monday, February 17, 2025, was Presidents' Day, not King's Day. With the temperature hovering around zero degrees Fahrenheit and the windchill making it feel like -16, the crowd joined protesters across the country in the "50501 Movement: A National Call for Justice, Integrity, and Accountability."**

The enthusiastic group assembled at Bridgeview Park in Houghton, Mich., before their march across the Lift Bridge between Houghton and Hancock.

With flags and signs, marchers assemble at Bridgeview Park near the Lift Bridge.

Protesters indicated they were concerned about a constitutional crisis, the firing of federal employees, the stopping of health research, and equal rights for all.

Houghton resident Bill Fink -- a retired, longtime federal employee with the National Park Service -- spoke of his concerns about the Trump Administration's recent unjust firing of federal workers.

Former National Park Service employee Bill Fink says he joined the march because of his concerns for federal workers both in the past and today.

Barry Fink of Houghton said, "We call on Congress to act now to stop the infringement on its legislative authority and respond to the ongoing assault on our democracy on behalf of the American people."

Marchers held signs including, "Make America Better," "Stop the Steal," "Government of/by/for the people, not by/for Billionaires," "Protect our Constitution," "Save our Democracy," "Dissent is Patriotic," and "No oligarchs."

Bundled up for the frigid weather, more marchers gather with their signs at Bridgeview Park. 

Elizabeth Benyi of Calumet said she was marching to "bring attention to the ways DOGE and King Musk are destroying the lives of citizens/taxpayers/voters." She cited the story of a devoted husband, father, and patriot who lost his job in a ruthless manner, knowing he represents many other civil servants across the country.

More participants arrive at Bridgeview Park and prepare to march across the Lift Bridge.

Catherine Paavola said she was glad to see so many people who showed up to oppose the policies of the Trump Administration, including especially the firing of federal workers, which "is going to be a terrible, terrible loss to our entire nation."

Catherine Paavola expresses her concern for government workers.

Marchers proceeded up Shelden Avenue to the bridge, where they stood holding their signs for passing cars and chanting, "Hey, hey! Ho, Ho! Trump and Musk have got to go!" and inquiring, "Where is Bergman? Louisiana?"***

Marchers display their flags and signs on Shelden Avenue in Houghton as they head for the Lift Bridge to Hancock.

Linda Belote of Houghton, who gave permission to indicate that she is 84 years old, said, "Cold and snow are no reason to be a 'no show.'  If I can do this to make a statement, lots of others can too, and I hope they do. The president has to hear that 'We The People' support our Constitution, our three-part government with checks and balances, and not government by executive officer by himself. We are not an autocracy."

Marchers head up Shelden Avenue toward the bridge. Linda Belote is pictured at left with her ski poles for good balance.

The group then crossed the bridge, held signs for honking passers-by, and returned to stand on the corner for awhile longer.

Marchers cross the Lift Bridge to Hancock and return in frigid, windy conditions -- near zero degrees F. with very cold wind chills.

Flags in the wind are evidence of even colder temperatures on the bridge.

Many age groups were represented among the participants in the No King's Day march. One of the youngest was Anna of Atlantic Mine.

Anna displays her sign and says why she is marching.

Donna Cole of Twin Lakes joined the marchers on the bridge and commented on her reasons for joining the march.

"We cannot stand by silently when we see injustice," Cole said. "We cannot allow freedoms to be taken away from those most vulnerable. Also I feel very strongly that we must support Ukraine in their fight to remain free and the Palestinians in their right to live in peace in their homeland."

During the bridge walk, Donna Cole of Twin Lakes displays a quote from Abraham Lincoln: "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves." 

Sarah Green of Calumet, an organizer of the march, who has been speaking during public comment periods at recent local government meetings, spoke about her concerns and the need for citizens to contact their representatives about the dangers of the Trump-Musk policies of firing government employees, including veterans. She also mentions First US House District Representative Jack Bergman's failure to communicate with citizens.

Sarah Green, one of the organizers of the Feb. 17 No King's Day march, cites some reasons for the march and citizens' opposition to the policies of Elon Musk and President Trump.

Following the march, Sarah Green spoke to the group about attending local government meetings, voicing their concerns and contacting elected officials and legislators.**** She will be making comments at the following meetings:

Hancock City Council: 6 p.m. today, Wednesday, Feb. 19, in Hancock City Hall Council Chambers. Public comments are at the beginning of the meeting.

Calumet Township: 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at the Calumet Township Office, 25880 Red Jacket Road, Calumet, MI.

A Houghton County Democratic Party initiative to discuss what can be done on the local level to resist the Federal power grab. The first meeting will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the Orpheum Theater in Hancock. 

Editor's Notes:

* Guest author Alexandra Larsen, of Atlantic Mine, has worked as an Integrated Marketing Communication Specialist/Editor for Michigan Tech and enjoys writing. While her background is in business and marketing, Alexandra has served as a School Volunteer at South Range Elementary School for the past 10 years and is Vice President of their Parent Teachers Organization. She is also the mother of five children and is active in church and community volunteer work.

** According to a Newsweek article, "The 50501 Movement is a grassroots initiative organizing mass protests against the Trump administration's policies. The name derives from the movement's goal: 50 states, 50 protests, in one day (Feb. 17, 2025). Organizers and participants advocate for a variety of causes, including immigrant rights, government accountability and opposition to Project 2025."

*** Sarah Green encourages concerned citizens to call Rep. Bergman's office. He is supposed to be in the First District this week but has been difficult to reach. His phone numbers include these: DC Office, 202-225-4735; Traverse City, 231-944-7633; Gwinn, 906-273-2227.

**** See also Sarah Green's letter, posted on Keweenaw Now on Feb. 14, 2025.