Dueling Rallies

On Saturday, March 25 two rallies were scheduled to take place in Providence. First was a Make America Great Again (MAGA) rally scheduled to meet at the Providence City Hall then march to the State House where speakers and like-minded citizens would rally showing their support to the Trump administration. Second, was by the group that organized the Women’s March on Washington, “Rise Up”. They were to meet at Roger Williams National Park where there would be speakers, information tables all in recognition of Women’s History month.

After MAGA supporters arrived at the State House, a group of “Resist” supporters marched up to the State House accompanied by trombones, a tuba and many many plastic buckets which were used as drums. Resist supporters formed a line in from the Trump supporters chanting and making a noisy ruckus. Enough so that a contingent of Police formed a long line separating the two dueling factions from one another. I was there to take some photos to go along with my year long photo log of happenings and places in and around Providence.

I expected an orderly rally by MAGA supporters much like the previous rallies I attended. Originally I found the confrontation interesting. As time went on I marveled at the restraint the MAGA supporters showed, it was their rally to begin with. I found it objectionable that Resist would disrupt a lawful rally of Rhode Island citizens who have the right to assemble. I recalled that at previous rallies there were no planned efforts to disrupt by anyone. Resist supporters certainly did disrupt. When speakers were introduced one had to strain to hear what was being said. Resist supporters brought loudspeakers as well as speakers worn on the head like a hat which added to the audible intrusion. It did not stop me from hearing one specific remark from one of the speakers who said in unison with “we are going to build a wall,” then said we would “build a wall around Central Falls.” That remark, to me, almost justified Resist’s presence as that remark disgusted me.

Following are some photographs taken at the rally. I know I will remain active in not supporting many of this current administration programs and policies. However, I am not sure how enthusiastically I can support Resist from here on out. I have thought from the onset that this defiance, opposition, the adversarial and dissident energy that will bring about change will be lead by “women.” To that end I will continue attending programs of “Rise Up” and take a second look at Resist.