MONTICELLO — Rain and cold meant nothing to concerned citizens as they gathered on the Lawrence H. Cooke Sullivan County Courthouse lawn in Monticello on Saturday for the Hands Off! National Day of Action, a rally organized by We Are One, Sullivan County’s chapter of the progressive group Indivisible. 

The event, part of a nationwide protest, aimed to voice opposition against government cuts to essential services, including Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, veterans’ services and more.

The rally went from late morning to early afternoon, with participants demanding an end to what they describe as the “slash and burn” approach to government spending, which they believe benefits wealthy individuals and corporations at the expense of the public.

“This is amazing, I just can’t believe how many people showed up in this weather, I mean really,” said Myrna Marcarian, a local activist and member of the organizing group. “That is a serious commitment.”

Marcarian explained that the rally’s purpose was to provide a space for local residents to vent their frustrations over what they see as the government’s failure to prioritize community needs.

“We are a group of very, very concerned citizens. People who are upset, angry, and given what’s going on economically, maybe in distress,” stated Marcarian. “Basically, we have a situation where we’re trying to give people an opportunity to vent, have their feelings known, make a public statement, and maybe we’d like our local officials to be aware that there is a large group of people in this county who are really concerned.”

The rally was held in response to ongoing cuts to public services, particularly those affecting working families, seniors and vulnerable populations. 

Protestors, many holding signs and chanting slogans, expressed their discontent with what they see as a government more focused on serving the interests of the wealthy than addressing the needs of ordinary citizens.

“Things are moving in directions that have not been in favor of the people really,” Marcarian added. “We need money to come back to our community. We’re the ones paying for all this stuff, so we should have a say in what’s going on.”

In addition to addressing local concerns, the rally was part of a broader movement against cuts to vital programs, which organizers argue have been severely impacted by the policies of the Trump administration and its billionaire allies. The Hands Off! National Day of Action aimed to unite citizens from across the country in a collective stand against what they see as a threat to their democracy, economy, and rights.

“No taxation without representation,” Marcarian remarked, referencing the long-held belief that citizens should have a voice in government decisions that directly affect their lives.

The Hands Off! rally in Monticello was one of many held across the United States on April 5, as part of a growing opposition movement to the policies seen as threatening the social safety net and public services that many Americans rely on.