By Barbara Slayter
Among the thousands of demonstrators across the country for the “Hands-Off Protest” Saturday, April 5 were 50 Lincolnites who joined the rally at the Boston Common opposing the current administration’s abrupt and widespread dismantling of programs, services, and institutions that have long been part of Americans’ lives.
Specifically, what were participants protesting? Numerous conversations and posters irevealed widespread alarm over attacks on Social Security and Medicaid; mass firings of federal workers, immigration raids, the chainsaw tactics of Elon Musk and DOGE, cuts in scientific research, dismantling of educational programs, national park services, and veterans’ benefits, and the arrest of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts University graduate student.
The Lincoln contingent gets ready to board the bus to join the protest in Boston (click to enlarge).
Despite the raw, cold, and rainy weather, the mood both at the rally and on the Doherty’s bus (arranged by the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee) was buoyant, determined, and hopeful. Participants appreciated the fervor and commitment of the speakers from a variety of Massachusetts organizations and networks, and especially from Sen. Ed Markey, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and Rep. Ayanna Presley. Also welcome were the ease of the waiting, warm bus and the skillful driver who deposited us mere steps from the Boston Common and then safely back at Ballfield Road at the end of the rally.
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