May Day protest attracts 250+, some counter protesters

Protesters gathering on the Chester Green on May Day afternoon. <small>Photos by Shawn Cunningham unless otherwise noted

Protesters gathering on the Chester Green on May Day afternoon. Photos by Shawn Cunningham unless otherwise noted

On Thursday afternoon, May 1, the Chester Green was — as it had been a month ago — lined with anti-Trump demonstrators carrying signs, waving at drivers and listening to speakers who, for this May Day celebration, emphasized the importance of workers and unions in building the American middle class.

Town Democratic Chair Heather Chase speaks to the crowd <small>Photo by Jade Barbee

Town Democratic chair Heather Chase speaks to the crowd Photo by Jade Barbee

May Day is an international recognition of workers.

The demonstration was one of many across the country that was sponsored by a coalition of unions, activist organizations including Move On and groups such as The Working Families Party.

According to Chester’s Town Democratic Committee, the event drew more than 250 protesters whose signs called for the impeachment of Trump, support of labor unions and the protection of democracy. Signs ranged from German Pastor Martin Niemoller’s haunting, “First they came for the communists, but I’m not a communist, so I didn’t speak out,” to simpler signs that read, “Resist.”

Just down the street in Chester, several dozen protesters carrying pro-Trump signs held a counter demonstration.

Speakers included newly elected CTDC chair and former State House Rep. Heather Chase and May Day organizers Steve Dock and Robert Nied. Weathersfield resident Elizabeth Streeter-Meuse criticized arrests by the U. S. Border Patrol of eight migrant farm workers in northern Vermont, workers who are considered essential for the state’s dairy industry.

Up the street, Trump supporters let their feeling be known

Up the street, Trump supporters let their feelings be known.

In Vermont, May Day Strong demonstrations also took place in Williston, Montpelier, Brattleboro and Bennington, among others. Nationally, 800 demonstrations took place from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. In Philadelphia, Vermont’s U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders spoke to demonstrators who carried signs that read “Workers over Billionaires.” Some people were arrested for blocking traffic.

A sampling of signs along the Green. Photo by Jade Barbee

CTDC May Day Strong organizer Dock said simply, “That was an excellent turnout and lots of positive energy and fun took place.”

Story compiled from a Chester Democratic Committee press release and staff reports.

Filed Under: ChesterFeaturedLatest News

About the Author:

RSSComments (0)

Trackback URL

Leave a Reply

Editor's Note: Due to the recent repeated comments from some readers, including those using aliases, which is against our stated policy, we will be closing comments after an article has been up for eight days. We will allow one comment per reader per article. As always, first name or initial and last name required. COMMENTS WILL BE DELETED WITHOUT THEM. Again, no aliases accepted.