On Saturday, more than fifty people gathered in Nehalem to participate in a protest organized by the North County Resistance. The group continues to demonstrate against a variety of issues, with each participant bringing their own concerns to the forefront.
This week, several topics have emerged among protesters:
• Controversial and racist imagery involving President and Michelle Obama shared by Trump.
• Claims that protesters are being financially compensated for their participation.
• Legal proceedings were launched against Senator Mark Kelly and others who disagree with the President.
• Efforts to relax regulations within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Threats directed toward Greenland.
• Calls for individual Americans to protect themselves from federal government overreach.
• The Pope’s announcement that he will not return to the United States for the remainder of the year.
• Ongoing threats from ICE that impact United States citizens.
• Confusion resulting from inconsistent messages from various branches of the U.S. Government.
These concerns represent just a portion of the issues being discussed, and the list continues to grow as the political climate evolves.
There is a noticeable increase in frustration among citizens regarding the policies enacted by the U.S. Government. A particular point of anxiety centers on the unpredictable presence of ICE teams. For example, ICE has appeared in Portland, Oregon, deploying a wide array of tactics, some of which have been questioned for their legality—against protest crowds. Despite public outcry, ICE has not been halted in its activities.
Participants are now questioning what might happen if ICE were to arrive in Nehalem or Manzanita and employ similar tactics against members of the North County Resistance. It is important to note that this group is committed to peaceful protest: they refrain from raising their voices, throwing objects, or shouting at those with opposing views. This situation raises a critical question for the community—would you stand up to defend the right to peaceful protest?
As I write I wonder if I am stirring up problems, certainly not what I want to do. If you think I am, please write and let me know what you are thinking.
Coastal City Governments are reacting to ICE. Check with your City to find out what their position is.
Our North County Resistance Group needs some specific volunteers with the March 28 No Kings event coming up. Our group plans on having an event on this day in Manzanita. Because our location we have some safety challenges. To detail, we need CROSSING GUARDS, SAFETY MARSHALLS, and some SET-UP AND TEAR DOWN help.
CROSSING GUARDS will be helping people to cross, at the crosswalk, Highway 101, this crosswalk is located between Hwy. 101 and Laneda Avenue. Another crossing point is between Manzanita Avenue and Hwy. 101. If this is something you might consider, please get in touch with me. I want to be sure you understand what this job entails. Crossing Guards make sure people can safely cross either Highway 101 or Manzanita Avenue. We will supply you with orange vests and pom poms for crossing. We need 8 CROSSING GUARDS.
We need 14 SAFETY MARSHALLS-
SAFETY MARSHALLS will be placed in areas of the protests to watch the crowds. You will be given an orange vest and a particular unit of people to watch. You will not carry any signs or banners as you are to be considered neutral if placed in any incident. Your job, which will be detailed more in the future, will be to calm down the situation.
SET-UP AND TEAR DOWN-We will be bringing 30 cones to the Event plus CAUTION tape. Cones are light, but their bases weigh 5-6 pounds. CAUTION tape will be placed between the cones. We will also have a couple of tables and tents which will need to be placed in certain areas. Cones will be placed from Manzanita Avenue, along Hwy. 101, down past the Big Wave Café.
All this is being done to keep people at the protest as safe as possible. Previous events have had people cross Hwy. 101 or go from one side of the street to the other, not realizing this might be dangerous. We cannot protect everyone but want to do the best we can.
Please contact me if you might be able to help with being a Crossing Guard, Safety Marshall, or help with the Set-up and Tear-down teams.
Apologize for this being so long,
Patty