With the mid-term elections still in the rear-view mirror, Reno locals gathered in the city plaza last night to voice their displeasure with President Trump’s appointment of Matt Whitaker as Attorney General and possible ramifications regarding the Mueller Russia investigation. That at least was the event’s stated purpose.
“Given that his firing was timed strategically after the elections, he (Trump) may have thought the ‘resistance’ died with the election results. If so, that would be yet another error in judgment on his part,” said Laynette Evans, the event’s master of ceremonies. “There are more and more people stepping up, people who have never thought of themselves as ‘political’ before now.”
Locals and representatives from about 20 organizations gathered in the city plaza as a cold breeze blew through. In front of the BELIEVE sculpture, event organizers inflated a large satirical chicken designed to look like Trump. As attendees arrived, the midterms were the main focus of discussion, with Jacky Rosen’s election over Dean Heller being a particular point of interest.
Event speakers encouraged attendees to gather in closer as temperatures dropped, with speaker Dave Mulligan (disclosure: Mulligan works with ThisisReno, in advertising and sponsored video content) joking that it was safe as there were no Republicans in attendance to which the audience laughed. Mulligan spoke later during the event about Republicans he liked.
Once attendees gathered in, speakers began to give their thought on various subjects. The topic of the Muller’s investigation, while present, became somewhat diluted as speakers ranged in complaints against the Trump administration.
County public administrator candidate Verita Black Prothro spoke about what she explained as President Trump’s attacks on the First Amendment, Fourteenth Amendment, and the rule of law. She told the audience: “We call and we write, but now we must demand the protection of our democracy.”
She also decried the “media” for not telling the truth so they would get better ratings but did not name any particular group or incident.
Diana Loring, who is part of Moms Demand Action, spoke about the recent mass shooting in California and lead the group in a moment of silence. She said that the newly elected leaders would be held accountable regarding firearms legislation.
Mulligan talked about how he is angry every day at something President Trump has done. He explained that the president was an embarrassment on a global scale. Referencing Trump’s relationship with the Russians, Mulligan said that President Ronald Regan would be spinning in his grave given the U.S. and Russia’s past relationship.
He ended his speech by saying that he would continue to do everything in his power to have Trump removed from office before the end of his full 4-year term.
The audience of about 300 dissipated quickly as the temperature continued to drop and the speakers finished.
