Several Bethel area residents attend ‘Hand’s Off’ protest in S. Paris

The demonstration was one of more than 1,200 nationwide. People opposed President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk's actions, including issues related to the economy and human rights as well as government downsizing.

About 300 protesters gathered at the intersection of Route 26 and Route 117, many from the Bethel area. Rose Lincoln/Bethel Citizen

PARIS — Several Bethel area residents were among the 400 or so protesters at the corner of Route 26 and Route 118 in Paris on Saturday morning, April 5.

Cranberry Farmer Tracyn Thayer, of Albany said, “it was pretty emotional to see all the people here.” She stood along Route 26 with her friend Scott Berk, of Otisfield.

Down the line a was group singing protest songs like, “Work to be Done” while others chanted, “Hey, hey, ho, ho. Donald Trump has got to go.” Roland Smith of Bethel said, “My grandfather, my father and my uncles all fought fascism and I’m proud to be here.”

Most motorists beeped their horns in support of the protesters while a few others yelled, “losers.” Around 11:20, protesters cheered when two Oxford County cruisers chased a truck that had left a trail of diesel smoke when he sped by the protest. Officer Tim Holland said they issued a warning to the young driver.

Oxford County officer, Tim Holland, chases a driver who he said was disrespectful when he revved his engine spewing diesel smoke on protesters in South Paris. The driver was issued a warning. Rose Lincoln/Bethel Citizen

“These are the times that try men’s souls,” read Syd Pew’s sign. He and his wife, Eileen, were two of several who came from Andover. Pew’s said, “We want to save our democracy. We have a choice of either democracy or a dictatorship.”

Protest Organizer Tobie Akerley-Gordon of South Paris was pleased with the turnout. “Lots of people wanted to go Augusta [to protest]. I’m a firm believer in staying in your community. When you’re in your community people driving by are seeing their neighbors, their teachers, the person that checked them out at Hannaford’s … You are not a number anymore, you’re actually one of their neighbors … I hope this helps to open conversations.”

Bonnie Pooley of Gilead said, “I am here because of what Senator Cory Booker did. He broke Strom Thurmond’s record … it showed me that we can all have the courage to stand up.”