Protestors join rally against Trump’s policies
About a dozen protestors gather in Central Park in Owatonna Feb. 5 in opposition to President Trump’s policies. The local protest was a direct result of the national movement, 50 states, 50 protests, one day. Submitted photo
A loosely organized protest gathered in Owatonna’s Central Park as part of a national movement to oppose President Trump’s policies.
The local effort coordinated by Mary Kay Feltes drew about a dozen people to Central Park on Feb. 5. Feltes said she saw a call for the nationwide protest and put out a message for anyone to join her in the park.
Some carried signs urging political leaders to “protect our democracy.” Another said, “Democracy worked for 248 years. No fascists now or ever.”
They all walked peacefully around Central Park four or five times carrying their signs and banners.
“I am anti-current administration,” said Feltes, noting she is most troubled by the immigration issue. “I know many immigrants. I can’t imagine they would be discarded so easily,” she said.
Feltes is concerned America is “sliding backwards” because of Trump’s policies and the involvement of billionaire businessman Elon Musk. “We don’t want to go backwards in this world,” she said.
Beth Gilthvedt also joined in the protest calling for “justice, justice so all may live. Pray for peace, work for justice.” She said she was inspired to join the rally to “stand up for the rule of law” and be an ally for those who can’t speak for themselves.
“I pray, and I pray for peace,” Gilthvedt said. “There is a lot of fear in this community. I’m not anti-government, but I want to see people taken care of.”
The group may have been small, but Gilthvedt said their message was powerful. “We all feel the stuff going on at the federal level is not good,” she said.
For Gilthvedt, she finds herself most concerned about what she considers “the takeoff by billionaires of government and deciding things that affect all of us.” She specifically pointed to Musk and other billionaires that have aligned with Trump. “They are not in touch with people in our communities,” she said, adding they are just looking to get richer.
Gilthevedt was appalled at local residents who shared “nasty comments” after she posted a photograph of the protest on Concerned Citizens of Steele County.