Demonstrators express concerns over government program cuts, democracy itself
By Debora Gordon for Ashland.news
Saturday morning’s 300 or so protestors on Ashland Plaza were uniform in their objections to everything Donald Trump has done since his return to office, as well as the actions of Elon Musk, adding Ashland voices to a nationwide chorus declaring “Hands Off” a wide range of government programs threatened with cuts, as well as democracy itself.
Amidst chants of “Hey hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has got to go” and “The people, united, will never be defeated,” the crowd gathered along North Main Street where passing cars honked their support.
The predominantly older crowd identified concerns about prospective cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid as among their chief concerns.
Kay Hagen, 65, said she joined the rally “because I feel like I have to do something. This is wrong. This is not the country I was raised in. This is not OK.
“I think first about Social Security. I worked my hard my whole life to get Social Security. I am finally even able to collect and it’s my money and he has no right to take my money,” Hagen said. “This is a country that is supposed to be equal for everyone and he’s taking that away.”
A woman who asked to identified only as Mimi mentioned attacks across the spectrum and the overall impact on democracy.
“Because we’re losing it,” she said. “We’re rolling back civil rights and Johnson-era protections. Attacking trans people for just existing in America. Women have lost rights, bodily autonomy and health care. Gay marriage, interracial marriage, attacking education. Trying to go back to the Jim Crow era.”
Edward, age 70, who also declined to give his last name, expressed a range of concerns summed up by the “Save democracy” flag sign he held.
“Trump is making a lot of executive orders that are unconstitutional, unethical, immoral, that will hurt all Americans and they’re ignoring the court orders,” Edward said. “It’s like they’re doing what they’re doing is to see if they can get away with it without concern for the people. … He doesn’t understand when we talk about ‘diversity,’ it is not just black and brown folks, it’s the elderly, disabled, somebody who can’t speak. That’s diversity and it’s inclusion — including and making people feel welcome.”
Demonstrator Dan O’Neil noted, among his concerns, “Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, USAID, the Constitution, the people’s livelihoods. Of course the tariffs. I, personally, since Trump has been elected, have lost $68,000 in my IRA, as of yesterday.”
The rally raises spirits of those opposed to Trump’s policies, O’Neil said. “The rallies encourages people — a lot of Democrats were a little bit lost after the election results. And i think it will encourage them to bond with their friends and do other actions”
Sam Schuh came equipped with poster board and markers for anyone who didn’t bring their own. She was motivated to come for mother’s needs in particular.
“My mom is totally disabled and gets Social Security disability as well as Medicare,” Schuh said, “and I am concerned about her losing that, because as a single person who is the only income maker of my family, I cannot afford those medical bills.”
Abortion rights are also among Schuh’s concerns, she said. “I am a young woman of color who has possible complications as a result of trying to get pregnant at some point, things that I can’t avoid, like fibroids. It just happens and I need to be able to have access to the proper medical care.”
Rally attendees Jason and Vanessa Houk are well known in the Ashland community for, among other things, organizing community dinners and collecting basic supplies for the unhoused and others in need.
“We have daughters and I worry terribly for their future, what’s going to happen as far as health care goes,” Vanessa said. “Just everything, what the state of the world is going to be.”
“But look at this crowd,” added Jason. “The future will not be dictated by the survival of the fittest, but survival of the friendliest. We need to start good life. We need to start building networks and neighbors because really our leaders are becoming irrelevant in our lives.”
Another attendee, Dr. Michale Sequiera, a physician and health officer said, “We’re immigrants who came over from Macau (China). My parents gave up everything to come here. I think it’s vital. For all of us who are concerned about democracy and what’s happening to our people, to our federal programs that are helping people, that we all have to … resist all this happening.”
Email freelance writer Debora Gordon at debora.ashlandnews@gmail.com.
Related story: Thousands in Medford join nationwide protests against Trump administration policies (April 5, 2025)
