Why Protest?

Reflections from Carolyn Hohne, First Vice Chair, Clear Creek Democratic Party

This summer, the Clear Creek Democrats have been out on the street, protesting and marching against the excesses of the current administration. Carolyn Hohne, the First Vice Chair of the Clear Creek Democratic Party, discusses why protest is important at this time.

People often ask me if protests are effective and why I participate in them. Here’s my answer:

 I’m not sure that protests will change policy, but I think that they certainly have that potential when we do it nationwide and turn out in large numbers. That gets noticed by this egocentric administration. It also catches the attention of any Senator, Representative, County Commissioner, or City Council member who needs to run for reelection in 2026, especially in districts or towns where the races might be close. It’s very possible that behind the scenes, those candidates are influencing the administration, and at some point, soon, it could have an impact on votes in Congress. But changing policy isn’t the only reason why I protest.

Here are many reasons why I protest and march:

• I’ve met some of the best people while protesting. These are people who share my passion for raising their voices in opposition to the current state of our nation. They are willing to prepare signs, carry American flags, and give up some of their leisure time to fight for this country. Some of the people I’ve met have fast friends. They raise my spirits when things get me down, and I do the same for them. We laugh (and sometimes cry) together. They don’t think I’m crazy for feeling the way I do.

• There’s a lot of bad news out there. Protests help me feel like I’m doing something to fight back. It’s one of my coping mechanisms. I always feel accomplished after spending an hour or so with my sign on the side of a busy road or bridge with others.

• Protesting gives people the confidence to take a stand. This will pay off when the elections get closer, as we are forming huge “armies” of volunteers who will be willing to send postcards, knock on doors, and make phone calls for candidates.

• I enjoy working toward a cause with diverse people. Protests give you an opportunity to learn what’s important to each generation and what’s important to people who don’t look like me. I often gain new perspectives on certain topics from the people I protest with based on their unique experiences.

• Protests have taken me to some of the most beautiful parts of the state. Whether it’s closer to home like Idaho Springs, or overlooking the continental divide from the Genesee I-70 overpass, or enjoying the beauty of our state capital, or savoring a slice of pizza at the BEST pizza joint in Northglenn, or visiting beautiful Littleton, protesting has taken me to new places and has allowed me to meet people who have different elected officials that they either support or are fighting to replace.

• Giving people confidence to fight back is a great feeling. Inviting others to join me who have never protested before or might have some fear about putting themselves out there and then witnessing them gain self-confidence and a sense of power when they show up, feels good.

• I’m educating those who don’t pay attention to the news and politics. When someone drives by and sees my “Immigrants are welcome here” sign, they know that not everyone thinks that immigrants are a bad thing. When they see other signs about Medicaid cuts and the selling of national lands, they learn that things that they might care about are going to be impacted. Perhaps they will go home and research the topic further to learn more.

I have been asking my friends on the protest line the same question: Why do you protest?  Some of their responses:

• “I protest because I want my daughter to know that I tried. I tried to make the world that I am leaving her better.”

• “I protest for the people who can’t be out there for various reasons…work, fear, those who are busy taking care of their family, etc.”

• “I protest so the world knows the majority of us are NOT okay with what’s going on and so the administration knows we will not just sit back and watch them destroy our beloved country and constitution.”

• “[I protest] to maximize the participant numbers to show [the middle finger] to the administration, and, more selfishly, for the vibe and energy which fills me with the energy to keep fighting.”

• “I protest because my privilege allows me to do it much more safely than many other marginalized groups. I speak out on behalf of those who are scared to protest because of the risk of violence or ICE detainment. And, most importantly, because research shows that once we hit the 3.5% mark, we are destined for change, and that gives me hope. It is also a great outlet for frustration to be out and speaking up! This is the fight of my generation. We stand on the backs of the giants before us who peacefully resisted and fought for democracy and equality for all of us. People like MLK, Rosa Parks, John Lewis, Marsha P. Johnson, Gloria Steinem, and all of the others who have put their lives on the line.

• “Because I need someplace to put my rage – and I’ve met some amazing people doing it!!!”

If you haven’t joined a protest yet, I hope that this article gives you the courage and motivation to join us for Fight Back Fridays on the 4th Friday of the month or at any of the national protests. You can find these events and many other opportunities to protest at www.mobilize.us. Use the “Map” feature to locate a protest near where you live or when you’re traveling out of the area.  You, too, can help defend our democracy.