LAKEPORT>>> On Saturday, June 14, a protest by the Lake County Democrats will be held in Downtown Lakeport from noon to 2 p.m. The protest is part of the larger nationwide “No Kings” event and has the grassroots organization Indivisible as a participant. The intent of the protest is to respond to the past five months of actions by the current presidential administration and his cabinet. Additionally, it is to make the voices of people heard far and wide.
According to Marie Schrader, a member of the Lake County Democrats, the protest has been planned since February. The protest is based on the 50501, the 50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement.
“So, I called the Lake County Democrats and said, ‘Are you guys participating in this’. And they said ‘No.’ And I said ‘Why not?’ And they said ‘nobody’s organizing’ it. And I said ‘I can organize it, that’s not a problem.’” Marie Schrader shared in an interview, “Because I had preconnected with things in Lakeport, I knew how to do that. And I’ve done them ever since, this is my fifth one.”
Additionally, there’s a further significance, as expressed by Denise Rushing of Indivisible Lake County. April 19 marked 250 years since the first shots were fired in the American Revolution and June 14 is Flag Day. This day is commemorated as the day when the United States approved the design for the first national flag back in 1777.
Politically speaking, although organized by the Lake County Democrats, the protest is not partisan. This was stressed separately by different people interviewed who said the problems of the current administration affect everyone. Both Schrader and Rushing expect people who are politically right wing to attend the protest in support. Additionally, Rushing (aside from having described Indivisible as being non-partisan), noted that the shared concern is over governmental overreach by the administration.
“Our founders rejected kings,” Rushing stated. “We’re concerned citizens fighting for values and democracy, like other Americans cross country fight against lies, lawlessness, and authoritarian power grab.”
Both Schrader, Rushing and Nara Dahlbacka, President of the Lake County Democrats, have expressed that the problems of the current administration affect everyone. One such example remains the “Big Beautiful Bill” that is currently going through Congress and the impact it would have on Lake County residents if passed.
“The three million dollars in SNAP benefits would be cut. Every dollar from SNAP generates one dollar and 70 cents for our local economy,” Nara Dahlbacka explained. “Also, 54 percent of Lake County residents are on Medicaid and that funding loss affects all of us. An ambulance ride could bankrupt a family. Extra time needed for medical services could cost lives.”
A positive of Lake County, as expressed by the protest’s organizers, is in respecting others of different political persuasion and resolving any issues peacefully. The expectation for the protest is a lack of violence and for people to be inspired to speak up.
“Peaceful, non-violence protest is the bedrock of change in America,” said Rushing. “Everyone has the right to make their voice heard.”
