Were you as intrigued as we were by the notice on page 11 of last week’s edition of this newspaper?
“Rally for Respect! will take place at Triangle Park in Chagrin Falls from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 5. The event is organized by “Hands Off!” According to information provided by Hands Off! representatives, the rally will be a small part of a nationwide mobilization day during which Americans will gather across the country to rally against the current administration’s “acting with willful disregard for the future of our country, our allies and us in so many different ways and to demand a stop to the chaos.”
The Rally for Respect, according to the information provided, will give like-minded people the opportunity to peacefully gather and express their discontent. For more information, visit mobilize.us/handsoff/event/765388.”
The organizer for the Chagrin Falls rally is Bainbridge resident Lisa Meade, who is part of a growing number of everyday people concerned about the current state of our nation and is doing something about it. I am telling you this to preempt those out there who will read this and predict the local event is the devious work of “outside agitators” most likely Communists, Marxists, Stalinists and scary-humans-that-don’t-look-like-us.”
Lisa is none of the above.
“I am not presently associated with any particular group,” she said in an email describing the rally as part of a nationwide grassroots movement “I thought it would be useful for those in our community to have an opportunity to voice their concern.”
In fact, there are similar rallies scheduled all over Ohio and our region. If you go, and you should, be prepared to take part in the great American tradition of the peaceful redress of grievances. It is one of the most uplifting Democracy-affirming things you can do for yourself and your country.
To those of you who failed to vote for president last Nov. 5 or those of you who “mistakenly” voted for the narrowest of margins wolf-in-sheep’s clothing winner of that election, consider showing up and supporting the event as your chance for redemption.
To review: This shamefully un-American president and his democracy-hating South African immigrant’s wrecking crew are not the only two responsible for the systematic attempted murder of America and its “we the people” (not we the billionaires) form of government.
As if that was not bad enough, consider the complicit majority of Congress that has predictably fallen in line as co-conspirators and refuse to discuss the systematic ruination of our beloved country with their constituent citizens. They include Ohio’s flock of MAGA Republicans and our very own, town-hall-resistant District 14 Congressman David Joyce.
But his absence does not mean citizens can’t call their own town hall meeting. Where is it written that their congressman has to RSVP his attendance or show up at all? And so, as part of the April 5 consciousness-raising events, District 14 Democrats will host a free town hall from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Metzenbaum Center, 8200 Cedar Rd., Chester Township. Sponsoring organizations include County Democratic parties from Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Portage, Trumbull as well as the Chagrin Gateway Democrats and Indivisible NEO.
It is open to all residents of Geauga, Lake, Ashtabula, Portage and Trumbull counties. But, be advised, if you go, you must RSVP to: www.geaugadems.com by April 4.Got a question to ask during the meeting? Submit it with your RSVP. Speakers will be on hand to discuss the DOGE cuts and their effects on local government programs, taxes, veterans, education, agriculture and Ukraine.
Geauga Democratic party leader Janet Carson of Bainbridge tells us that, yes, Mr. Joyce has been invited to attend in four different ways.
“We asked in person at the Friday protests at his Mentor office, we had at least five individuals including myself call and ask on his voice mail or directly with staff and we were told we needed to send a formal request which we’ve also done sending a letter to both his DC and Mentor offices. No formal response yet.”
So far, he has obeyed party instructions to NOT go near one of these public forums because angry constituents asking hard questions and demanding answers of tongue-tied politicians is not a good look.
It is a damned if you do and damned if you don’t situation for probable town hall avoiders like Dave Joyce. Side with the angry masses and the party will primary you. Stay true to the Trump/Musk wrecking crew and your constituents will primary you. He has served since 2013 and his seat is up for reelection in 2026.
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