- October 1, 2018
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- 85
1,000 Plus Demonstrators are expected at Trump’s Rally
Local Democrats are expecting one thousand plus protesters to line the sidewalks of Freedom Hall Civic Center in Johnson City on Monday against the rally of the U.S President Donald Trump. The Washington County Democratic Party Chair, Kate Craig said that the protest will start at 4:30 pm and last until 7:30 pm. She added that Democrats from Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina have planned to occupy the sidewalk in front of Freedom Hall. They’ll also stretch down Pactolas Rd. and Liberty Bell Blvd. She emphasized that their intention isn’t to obstruct the rally but to engage in democracy. Craig said that their goal tomorrow is to tell President Trump and voters in the area what they stand for, not just what they oppose.
Craig said, “We want folks to know exactly what we believe, what is our platform. We’re not just here to resist, we’re here to do something”. She added, acknowledging some may be concerned about safety. She added that she’s been working closely with Johnson City Police and assures there will be a heavy law enforcement presence. “We need to be respectful of what they’re doing and be in complete communication that if something were to happen that our job is not to go toe-to-toe but to report it”. The tone Democrats set tomorrow will resonate long after this rally. Craig is encouraging counter-protesters to be conscious regarding their spreading messages.