Twenty protesters rallied in Houlton on Route 1 on Thursday, May 1, in coordination with more than 1,000 similar gatherings nationwide led by a 200 group coalition.
May 1 is International Workers’ Day and a day signaling disaster by countries around the globe, according to local organizers. In 1927, the USA proclaimed “Mayday” to be the official code for asking for immediate help.
“After 100 days of the Trump administration, this cry is being trumpeted from coast to coast, and by many peoples abroad,” Marilyn Roper of Houlton said. “Today not only our nation but so many other countries are shocked by firings, cut-backs of funds, unlawful deeds, and threats of takeover.”
The signs of the Houlton protesters proclaimed such messages as “Protect Head Start Workers,” “Impeach Trump” and “Tariffs are Taxes.”
Organized by Susan McMann, one of the core group of activists for peace, justice and the American way of law and order, the venue of the rally was changed from the Monument Park area in Houlton to Route 1 on the sidewalk near Pizza Hut. The time was 4 to 5 p.m., when many businesses close for the day.
Hundreds of cars went by in both directions. About one-fourth of drivers honked in support or gave a thumbs-up.
More protests are envisioned for the near future.
