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