NORTHEAST MICHIGAN — The “No Kings” rally Oct. 18 inspired large crowds across the nation. But Northeast Michigan saw its share of protesters as well.
Events in Houghton Lake, Hale, West Branch, Tawas, Glennie and Oscoda drew hundreds of people to the streets to protest the administration of Donald Trump. Demonstrators voiced opposition to what they described as threats to democratic institutions and civil liberties, including the administration’s use of the National Guard in American cities, as well as efforts to restrict voting access.
Some cited concerns about cuts to federal programs involving health care, as well as the president’s rhetoric toward the media, the courts and political opponents, which they said undermines the nation’s trust in the government.
Estimated attendance across Roscommon, Ogemaw, Iosco and Alcona counties:
Oscoda – 170
Tawas – 200
Hale – 50
Houghton Lake – 200
West Branch – 250
Harrisville – 163
There were Trump followers at each event, holding signs in support of the president.
George Rayl attended the Houghton Lake rally. He said turnout was strong, with more than 100 people participating.
A lifelong Houghton Lake area resident, Rayl said his parents once owned the former Lakeview Restaurant, which was located at the current site of Korbinksi Marine in Prudenville. He attended the rally because he was motivated by the current political climate.
“There are things being done by the government that are just wrong,” Rayl said. “I felt the need to protect my community against what’s happening in the federal government. And it drove me to sit on the corner in my town. And M-18 and M-55 are as close to a town square as we have. So that’s where I went.”
Laurie Spoon of Alger attended the West Branch event. She said people participated out of love for their country.
“What is happening is, in my opinion, unacceptable,” she said. “From military in our cities, to giving our hard-earned tax dollars to countries like Argentina and taking $1 trillion from health care to give GOP donors even more tax breaks.
“This was a pro-America, pro-democracy event with young families, teenagers, seniors and a lot of veterans.”
Marine Corps veteran Keith Missinne of Higgins Lake said he was protesting in support of his father, an ANTIFA member who fought in World War II.
“I swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution from all tyranny, outside and inside the country,” he said. “And according to the Constitution, due process under the law means all people — not just citizens, but all who step onto this soil.
“I came out because of the lack of constitutional protections in the present day and the usurpation of power,” he added.
Attendees were not limited to area residents.
Kelly Trombley traveled from Mount Pleasant to East Tawas with her 15-year-old grandson, Brayden Trombley. She said Brayden is a cancer survivor. And is concerned the president pulled funding for children’s cancer research.
“We fought it for six years, then got a miracle through an experimental drug from the cancer research program,” she said. “I’m here [protesting] to restore that funding. I’m very proud of Brayden for coming.”
The event brought out many first-time protesters, including Angie Novak of Standish and Amanda Paulsen of Omer, who traveled to East Tawas.
“I don’t like what Trump’s done to the country; nothing but divide us,” Novak said. “Things need to change.”
Paulsen added, “We all need to come together for change. A few in Congress can’t do it. They need us! They need to see we want change.”
Rayl said the divisiveness in the nation and his community stems from people not being exposed to the political process for decades. His perspective, he said, was shaped by watching men debate politics in his parent’s restaurant.
“I was exposed to political debate as a child,” he said. “Every morning before I went to school, I would walk past the table where the town elders would meet for coffee. “They would debate the issues of the day and when they were finished, they would get up, shake each other’s hands and go on about their day. The next morning they were back again.”
“One thing I gathered was that everyone had an opinion. But they were unanimous in drilling into my head that this is my government. And it’s a duty to participate. It’s our duty.”
Rayl said political dialogue and communication are essential to compromise, and the nation’s future.
“Everyone has an opinion. But politics is about taking those opinions, working out a compromise with people who think differently, and doing something together for the betterment of the town. At the national level, they don’t think or act that way,” he said.
“There needs to be positive change.”
- Photos courtesy of Kristi Major, Patti Brehler, Jacklyn Burgess and Laurie Spoon.
