Local demonstration among hundreds taking place nationwide, including two in Medford

Ashland.news staff report

A demonstration protesting actions by President Donald Trump is planned for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 5, on the Ashland Plaza, according to a post on the Mobilize.us website, one of hundreds taking place across the country, including two in Medford.

More than 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations have been planned by more than 150 groups, including civil rights organizations, labor unions, LBGTQ+ advocates, veterans and fair-elections activists, according to the Associated Press, to protest the administration’s actions on government downsizing, the economy, human rights and other issues.

“We are marching, rallying, and protesting to demand a stop the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country,” according to the Mobilize.us announcement, which adds that “a core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.”

The Ashland event is planned for the same time as a “Hands Off: National Day of Action: event in Medford organized by Oregon District 2 Indivisible and Women’s March Southern Oregon. That’s set for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 5, on the side of Hawthorne Park by 501 East Main St.

“We’re sending a clear message,” according to the event announcement, “HANDS OFF — Our Health Care, Social Security, Veterans Benefits, Schools, Medicare, Medicaid, Federal Workers and Programs!”

Another event, this one from noon to 2 p.m. in Vogel Plaza in Medford, is planned by the 50501 group — 50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement. The announced theme of the event is “Remove, reverse, reclaim: Remove corrupt politicians from office, reverse the damage, reclaim our democracy.”

The announcement also says “this is a nonviolent protest.”

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