Workers over Billionaires. That was the message on Labor Day when thousands of Peninsula residents made a line stretching 17 miles, from Redwood City to Santa Clara, protesting Trump administration policies from federal cuts, tariffs, immigration enforcement to international crises. Organizers aimed for 17,000 people protesting “in place” along the 17 miles of El Camino.
The peaceful protest was part of a national “Workers Over Billionaires,” part of a series of anti-Trump protests that began last April. The most recent, last June, was part of a national “No Kings” protest.
Far from being lugubriously political, people enjoyed themselves. Passing motorists honked in support. Many demonstrators brought the Labor Day party with them, with chairs, sun umbrellas and even picnics. There was music along the route. People made new friends and signed up for other political groups and actions.
“A lot of people are coming out [for this demonstration] who would not go to a big city march,” said co-organizer Sally Lieber, who is also vice chair of the State Board of Equalization. “It’s important to bring people out to see that they’re not alone. The people in power now would like us to feel powerless and alone.”
Although the Mercury News lamented the high proportional representation of Baby Boomers in the crowd, Lieber noted that “‘Senior tigers’ are taking over as great activists. We’re grateful we have a lot of seasoned activists to show the way.”
The police weren’t much in evidence, and they really didn’t need to be.
“We’ve been working with police departments so they know what’s planned,” said Lieber. “We are careful to make sure traffic can flow freely, and that cross streets and highway ramps are open.”
Organizers are still tallying the turnout.
“We have a video of the whole thing, and we’re estimating over 10,000,” said Ida Rose Sylvester, founder of Together We Will Palo Alto and Mountain View. “These are the biggest demonstrations since the Vietnam War.
“There was a ‘rolling protest’ from drivers in addition to the people on the sidewalk. There were people there of every age — it was truly multigenerational. There was a phenomenal response,” she continued. “I’m getting email every day. Normally, people don’t give us feedback.”
She gave examples of some of the comments.
“People were engaged and friendly…easy to converse with, as many shared concerns over a variety of topics,” one participant wrote.
“I absolutely love these rallies,” wrote another. “This is a perfect way to show our neighbors that others care about what’s going on in our country right now. It’s thrilling to be out there with people of all ages and all races. I think it makes a difference when we come together to let it be known we are upset and we’re not going to take it lying down.”
Related Post:
No Kings Protests Planned Across Bay Area Saturday
