Letter to the editor: Join “Hands Off” protest in Manchester

March 26, 2025

Dear Editor,

Saturday, April 5, protests are scheduled across the nation. People will come together to protest the harm the current governing body is inflicting on ALL the people. People will leave the comfort of their homes, leave the security of their jobs to tell the current government, Stop, NO More, “Hands Off.” We have an opportunity to peacefully stand up for the safety of our people; we will not stand for more of the current governing bodies’ disregard and rampaging harm inflicted on her people.

Join us April 5 at the  NE corner of 52 and Main (the 4-corners intersection), where we will peacefully show solidarity against the tyranny of our current governing body. We will show up, show our community “You are not alone,” we are here and in this together.

Bring signs that reflect your message, 12–4pm. This is a self-governing event. Join for as long as you can, when you can. Stay off private property, on public sidewalks, do not disrupt flow of traffic or businesses. Be kind, act peaceful, humor and song would be great. Signage will be available, too. Please keep pets at home or in your arms.

We have the opportunity to show our neighbors and community we stand together for the protection of us all.

People will join to share a voice of epic concern, because each one of us is next. When any of us are discriminated against and harmed physically or by the current government’s dismantling of our safeguards, we are all in danger.

Every day our government proves it cannot keep us safe. It proves we, her people, are not the focus of the actions it takes. Our best interests are not on their mind. The incompetence of our governing officials is alarming. The speed of dismantling our safeguards is devious. The  disrespect shown to all of us as a nation and people is unacceptable.

I see elders, old women, lots of old women and old men marching and protesting in local demonstrations and all across the nation. Now what would cause 80+-year-old elders to take to the street en masse against their government and why? The dismay we feel is making us angry, not subduing us. This is not the America we intended to leave our children. Self-interests, investing in self-enrichment need to stop.

Many new atrocities the current governing body instigate or do not stop from happening are harming us, her people. It is agonizing to bear our very own  representatives and institutions  folding and avoiding their moral responsibilities, and financially benefiting.

Join in, let your voice and presence be your message to the government and your neighbors.

Sincerely yours,

Margaret Shaw
Elder, Grandmother, Artist, Elder Assistant, U.S. Citizen, Friend, Neighbor, and now Peaceful Resister
30+-year resident of Manchester

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.