One Year of Protests

by Fred Bartels -

I'm a regular participant in the weekly Saturday afternoon protests at the entrance to Harbor Island.  I’m also a retired educator, a 40+ year resident of Mamaroneck, and the child of a father who fought fascism in World War 2.  Like many others I am extremely concerned about the growing authoritarianism of the Trump administration.  I could list many specific threats to our freedom by the administration but that would take pages.  This article by Jonathan Rauch in The Atlantic provides an excellent overview of Trump's major authoritarian actions.  (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/01/america-fascism-trump-maga-ice/685751/?gift=7deeCsgE8m50UsuOnXueiZb9ry5le3qDWOauqClVA6w)

I've seen and heard many concerns expressed at dozens of protests over the past year.  However, underlying the need to call out particular outrages is a deep love of liberty, democracy, decency and truth.  The people I've met at the Mamaroneck protests are overwhelmingly intelligent, friendly, open and kind, full of joy and hope for the future.  We are far from being radical leftists.  Good law abiding members of our communities is more like it.

The Mamaroneck protests were started in February 2025 by two teachers who were disturbed that some of their students were not coming to school because of concerns about being abducted by ICE.  Many of us saw these early brave protesters and felt compelled to join them and add our voices.  Our protests are very loosely organized.  The time and place is set (Saturday afternoon from 3-4pm at the entrance to Harbor Island) but that's about the extent of the coordination.  Anyone who wants can simply show up and join us.  This is grassroots protesting in its purest form.

Over the course of the past year, it has been interesting to observe the reactions from the people in passing cars.  Most either ignore us or express support through thumbs up gestures or horn honking.  A small number each week give us a thumbs down, or a middle finger, or yell out how great they think Trump is.  Recently, especially after the horrible events in Minneapolis, we've been getting A LOT of supportive honks.

It's important to note that the Village of Mamaroneck police have been very supportive of our right to peacefully protest, and to do so safely.  On a few occasions they have helped to quickly and professionally deescalate inappropriate interactions.  When our local protests have coincided with the large national protests, like the No Kings events, police presence has been very visible; a helpful deterrent to any possible troublesome behavior.

If you value freedom, democracy, decency, truth and the rule of law, and you believe these values are under threat, then please consider joining us.  If you're not quite there yet, know that we will be protesting every Saturday for as long as it takes, and you will always be welcome.  For those of you who continue to support Trump, I'm sure you'll find a way to let us know as you drive by but perhaps do so recognizing that we are all members of the same wonderful community.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of The Mamaroneck Observer.