Eagle County residents take to Edwards roundabout for National Day of Action rally
Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily
As crowds gathered for snow and Closing Weekend celebrations in Vail, another gathering of Eagle County locals was taking place downvalley in Edwards. Local demonstrators took to the main roundabout Saturday to participate in the National Day of Action, a countrywide mobilization effort against Trump administration policies and “to rise up against unconstitutional power grabs tearing our country and families apart,” according to event organizers.
“So many great things that you can do on a Saturday, and this has got to be the most important thing to do,” said Beverly Smith of Avon, who was picketing alongside her husband, Jim. “I understand there’s eight inches of new snow in Vail, but this might be a little bit more important,” Jim said. “Hopefully we get some people to change their minds by the time the midterms come around.”
Heather McGlasson, of Texas, was visiting the valley when she heard about the rally, and decided to join the cause. For her, “it’s all about protecting the Constitution and the people’s rights,” she said as she waved her picket sign, which stated: “Get ’em by the midterms.”
The rally was supported by Eagle County Democrats, as well as Neighbors For Change and Indivisible, a new grassroots organization with a branch in Eagle County. Paula Clements joined Indivisible as a way to connect with others in the community who are feeling the stress of the political climate. “I’m here because I am a concerned citizen. … I’m also a veteran. And the things that are going on in our government are just appalling to me, and I couldn’t stay at home.” Clements said.
“And so we felt like we wanted to have a way of connecting with our neighbors. Let them know they’re not alone. I’ve been trying to talk to people here today, and there’s a lot of people that have told me the same thing. They’re afraid. They’re going to their therapist. They’re disgusted. They’re angry. And you know when you’re at home and having those feelings alone, it’s not helpful or healthy. So I think getting out to be with like-minded people gives us all hope and courage.”
“Today is about standing up to this takeover of our democracy by a few people,” said Lisa Lewis, chair of Eagle County Democrats. “And we just want to make sure that we retain our rights. We fight for other people, not just Democrats.”
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A letter to the editor from Lewis published April 16 states: “To create real change, our collective action must not only continue — it must grow. History tells us that when just 3.5% of a population engages in sustained, nonviolent protest, transformational change becomes possible.”
