“`html
“Hands Off!” Protesters in Fremont Voice Concerns Over Economy, Benefits, and Future Security
Published:
FREMONT, OH – On a rain-soaked Saturday, a coalition of over 100 protesters gathered in Fremont, ohio, for a “Hands Off!” exhibition. The diverse group, hailing from Sandusky and Ottawa counties, voiced concerns ranging from economic instability and potential benefit cuts to the broader state of American democracy. The demonstration, which commenced at 10 a.m.at the corner of W. State and Front streets, underscored a growing sense of unease among residents regarding their financial security and the future of vital social programs.
How to Open the eNewspaper
Tap the eNewspaper icon at the bottom right of the app screen.
USA TODAY
Bearing signs reading “How is your 401K?” and “Honk for Democracy,” the protesters articulated a range of grievances. Concerns about potential cuts to Social Security, expressed in signs declaring “Hands off Social Security,” were prominent. Others highlighted the perceived concentration of wealth, with signs stating “Demented Oligarchs Getting Everything.” The demonstration also addressed cuts to funding for essential public services, including education, libraries, museums, National Public Radio (NPR), and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
This demonstration mirrors a growing trend across the U.S., where citizens are increasingly vocal about economic disparities and the perceived erosion of social safety nets. For example, the debate surrounding Social Security reform continues to be a hot-button issue, with various proposals suggesting changes to the retirement age, benefit calculations, and payroll taxes to ensure the program’s long-term solvency. similarly,concerns about the stock market’s volatility and its impact on retirement savings,notably 401(k) plans,are widespread among Americans.
More than 100 protesters took part in the anti-Trump demonstration on Saturday in Fremont, Ohio.
Brian Earhart, a local retiree and veteran, spearheaded the Fremont demonstration, organizing it in under two weeks. His motivation stemmed from a personal concern over potential cuts to his Social Security and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.
“I don’t want to lose what I’ve got for the rest of my life right now, my Social Security, my VA benefits,”
– Brian earhart
“I don’t want to see the democracy go down, like I’ve seen the stock market go down the last couple of days. I want to help everybody who needs what we have right now.”
– Brian Earhart
Earhart initially expected around 57 attendees,but the turnout far exceeded his expectations,bolstered by the presence of partners,friends,neighbors,and members of the Peace and Justice Sandusky county group.This marked Earhart’s frist foray into political activism, driven by a desire to protect vital benefits and safeguard the democratic process.
“It’s amazing. Everybody has a different opinion about why they are here. A lot of it though, is the social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits,”
– Brian Earhart
“I have specific things that need to be done to my body. Last I heard, they are looking at laying off over 80,000 at the VA. They keep telling me that it’s not going to affect my care. I don’t understand how 80,000 people getting laid off cannot affect my care with the VA.”
– Brian Earhart
The potential impact of VA staff reductions on veteran care is a significant concern, particularly given the increasing demand for services. The VA provides healthcare to over 9 million veterans annually, and any reduction in staff could lead to longer wait times, reduced access to specialized care, and an overall decline in the quality of services.
For some attendees, like neighbors Fernando costilla and Rey Moreno, the Fremont demonstration represented their first experience with political protest. Costilla, a veteran, stated his presence was to support Earhart and fellow veterans.
“I’m a veteran and I read about this gentleman over here,”
– Fernando Costilla
“I came here to support him and all the other veterans.”
– Fernando Costilla
Moreno, whose spouse is also a veteran, echoed Costilla’s sentiments, emphasizing the need to protest against perceived threats to veterans’ well-being and the overall direction of the country.
“I think we all need to come out here and protest against what is happening right now, especially with the veterans and sustaining veterans. Everything is just really going to Hell,”
– Fernando Costilla
Larry Sanchez, left, and his wife, yena, wore yellow rain suits to protest in the Fremont ‘Hands Off!’ demonstration on Saturday. Tammy Calhoun, right, holds a sign asking, “How is your 401K?”
The specter of a volatile stock market and its impact on retirement savings loomed large at the protest. One attendee, identifying himself as John Smith, a moderate Republican, carried a sign that read “Save my 401K.”
“It’s only been days and the stock markets down. It’s hitting home. Full stop. I know what normal looks like and this isn’t it,”
– John Smith
this sentiment reflects a broader anxiety among Americans who rely on 401(k) plans for retirement income.Market downturns can erode savings and delay retirement plans,prompting concerns about financial security in later life.
Jessica Green, an artist from Put-in-Bay, contributed to the protest by creating signs, emphasizing the power of visual communication and collective action.
“Flowers say something. Reading about this protest helped make me feel safe to come,”
– Jessica Green
Believing in flower power, Jessica Green was helping make signs. She came from Put-In-Bay, because this was the closest of the ‘Hands Off’ protests to where she lives.
Dianne Selvey, a former Democratic candidate for the Ohio house, emphasized the importance of active participation in democracy, urging people to move beyond mere complaints and engage in civic action.
“I’m here as democracy is not a spectator sport. We’re all complaining about how things are, so get off the recliner on a rainy Saturday morning and go participate in democracy,”
– Dianne Selvey
Several protesters expressed a sense of disillusionment with large organizations, perceiving a failure to adequately protect the interests of ordinary Americans. Josie Setzler of Peace and justice Sandusky County highlighted a perceived need for grassroots activism to safeguard the future for younger generations.
“We can’t depend on Harvard or Columbia.ABC also caved to trump on the George Stephanopoulos case,”
– Josie Setzler
“We have to do this for our grandchildren. We have 7 grandchildren in three states.”
– Josie Setzler
Setzler highlighted the inspiration drawn from Brian Earhart’s initiative to organize the protest independently, without relying on established organizations.
|
Concern |
Potential Impact |
Possible Solutions/Actions |
|---|---|---|
|
Social Security Cuts |
Reduced retirement income for seniors, increased poverty rates among elderly. |
Advocate for progressive payroll tax increases, adjust retirement age gradually, means What actions do you think are most critical too safeguard the wellbeing of veterans and the future of our democracy?
Fremont “Hands Off!” Protest: A Conversation with Organizer Brian EarhartPublished:
Archyde News Editor: Mr. Earhart, thank you for taking the time to speak with us about the “Hands Off!” demonstration here in Fremont. The turnout was extraordinary. Can you tell us what motivated you to organize this event?
Archyde News Editor: Manny attendees expressed concerns about Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Could you elaborate on why these benefits are so crucial to the protesters?
Archyde News Editor: We heard from several veterans present. Did you notice any shared concerns among them?
Archyde News Editor: We also understand that people were worried about the economy. How significant was the role of economic concerns, such as the recent downturn in the stock market, among the protesters?
Archyde News Editor: The demonstration seemed to be fueled by more than just individual financial concerns. many people spoke about the importance of protecting democracy.Could you discuss the role of civic engagement in this event?
Archyde News Editor: what do you hope the “Hands Off!” demonstration will achieve?
Archyde News Editor: Brian, thank you for sharing your insights. Archyde News Editor: Readers, what actions do you think are most critical to safeguard the wellbeing of veterans and the future of our democracy? share your thoughts in the comments below.
Leave a Replay       Recent PostsTagsarticles
Boursorama
charm Xi'an
chronic
cojp
Crime
daily
Donald Trump
Echo (cat)
football
French companies course
Gaza
health
horoscope predictions
immovable
Indonesia
international
israel
Latest Malayalam News
Lifestyle
Major News
News
News Translated into Japanese
offers
oil prices
OPEC Budget
pakistan
Palestine
Politics
Russia
Saudi women
soccer
Sports News
stock exchanges
story
Studies
The UAE
to me
trackers
Translated News
weather
World
Xi'an Daily Official Website
Xi'an News Network
your luck today
© 2025 All rights reserved 
|