Dear Editor:
On Saturday, April 5th, more than 300 Pagosa Springs residents gathered in Centennial Park to participate in the nationwide “Hands-Off” protest. This demonstration was held in response to what many of us view as Donald Trump’s and Elon Musk’s hostile attack on American rights and freedoms.
Despite the cold and dreary day, protestors arrived ready to march, carrying creative and powerful signs such as, “I’m a registered and voting Republican, and I’m outraged!” And “How is your 401k?” One participant led the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, a patriotic verse promising to be loyal and to do our best for our country.
The nationwide “Hands-Off” rallies protested a wide range of administration policies, including newly imposed global tariffs, significant cuts to government agencies and the federal workforce, and immigration raids. Over 1,200 protests drew an estimated 5.2 million participants who gathered at state capitols, city halls, and public parks to advocate for the America we believe in. In Pagosa Springs, we raised our voices to show that we are not going to let America fall to a fascist oligarchy. And we did it peacefully, lawfully, and with joy in our hearts.
Together, we invoked our First Amendment rights for freedom of speech. We chose not to be silent and hope for the best. Instead, we showed up, spoke out against injustice, and celebrated love for our country.
“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Paula Jo Miller
