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Laboring on Labor Day at the Workers Over Billionaires rally

Waterfront Park rally attracts the concerned, the comical, and a giant inflatable chicken

Image by Jamie Gardner

"Workers Over Billionaires" was the theme of the September 1 Labor Day protest demonstration staged at Waterfront Park.

The crowd began forming in the early AM. Senior citizens and middle-aged protestors made up the bulk of the early arrivals. Stephen Miller (Trump's White House Deputy Chief of Staff) has referred to protestors as "stupid white hippies." It is true that, early in the day, many in attendance looked old enough to have been at Woodstock in 1969. However younger arrivals soon began filling out the crowd.


People across the political spectrum have been advocating for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein human trafficking files. Many of the homemade signs referenced Donald Trump's longtime friendship with Epstein, and there was much discussion about whether Trump knew of or even participated in Epstein's crimes. 


United States Representative Sara Jacobs, the U.S. representative for California's 51st congressional district since 2023, spoke to the crowd. Jacobs said she favors the rich people paying more, even though she personally would pay more in taxes. This message seemed particularly well-received. 


Some attendees brought Palestinian flags, sparking discourse on both sides of the issue regarding what is going on in Israel. Now one of the most debated foreign policies issues in the United States, some of the attending supporters of Israel insisted that the starvation of Palestinians has been exaggerated. 


Former adult film star Stormy Daniels was referenced on at least one sign. Few in this crowd have forgotten about how Trump was put on trial for trying to suppress the story of his sexual involvement with her. 


Combat Veterans Against Trump were represented. Since many vets have been employed as federal workers, the recent mass firings in the federal government have caused many in this demographic to join the growing anti-Trump movement.


Other social concerns expressed on signs included Fair Wages For Healthcare Workers and someone holding up a painting of Trump being escorted in handcuffs by police, accompanied by a reference to Martin Luther King's famous speech "I Have A Dream."



At one point, a man yelled at the crowd "USA, USA, USA," which kicked off an increasing chorus of people chanting along. American flags could be seen in large numbers throughout the demonstration. 

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Some protestors showed pride in their state by wearing the California flag around them or by carrying and waving it.  


Children were enthusiastic participants in the protest. I saw children chanting slogans with their families. They looked like they were having fun. During the marching, a boy started chanting loudly "This is what democracy looks like!" The crowd followed the boy's infectious lead and chanted along. 


Some protestors made reference to "Taco" Trump, to criticize how Trump Always Chickens Out with his on-and-off again tariffs. One protestor's sign matched "Taco Trump" with a reference to Epstein. 


The giant inflatable Trump chicken was very popular, with many people posing for selfies and photos next to it. 


The flag of anarchy was carried by one of the protestors. Black has long been used by the anarchist movement as their "color" of choice. Anarchists on the radical left are to the left of Marxists (who use the color red). 


Drag actor Divine was shown sneering at Trump in a blown-up photo held by one protestor. The photo is alleged to be fake, but has nonetheless spread throughout the internet. 


Local protest song cover band The Resizters band was playing as the crowd marched through downtown. There was music entertainment at Waterfront Park, but it was a surprise to see a band playing on the streets of downtown, where the crowd was spilling onto the sidewalks. When I was on the trolley, a woman commented on how well organized the demonstration was. 


Comedy and satire can be used for great effect to comment on what is going on in society. Ridiculing our leaders can be a weapon when used properly. 


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"Workers Over Billionaires" was the theme of the September 1 Labor Day protest demonstration staged at Waterfront Park.

The crowd began forming in the early AM. Senior citizens and middle-aged protestors made up the bulk of the early arrivals. Stephen Miller (Trump's White House Deputy Chief of Staff) has referred to protestors as "stupid white hippies." It is true that, early in the day, many in attendance looked old enough to have been at Woodstock in 1969. However younger arrivals soon began filling out the crowd.


People across the political spectrum have been advocating for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein human trafficking files. Many of the homemade signs referenced Donald Trump's longtime friendship with Epstein, and there was much discussion about whether Trump knew of or even participated in Epstein's crimes. 


United States Representative Sara Jacobs, the U.S. representative for California's 51st congressional district since 2023, spoke to the crowd. Jacobs said she favors the rich people paying more, even though she personally would pay more in taxes. This message seemed particularly well-received. 


Some attendees brought Palestinian flags, sparking discourse on both sides of the issue regarding what is going on in Israel. Now one of the most debated foreign policies issues in the United States, some of the attending supporters of Israel insisted that the starvation of Palestinians has been exaggerated. 


Former adult film star Stormy Daniels was referenced on at least one sign. Few in this crowd have forgotten about how Trump was put on trial for trying to suppress the story of his sexual involvement with her. 


Combat Veterans Against Trump were represented. Since many vets have been employed as federal workers, the recent mass firings in the federal government have caused many in this demographic to join the growing anti-Trump movement.


Other social concerns expressed on signs included Fair Wages For Healthcare Workers and someone holding up a painting of Trump being escorted in handcuffs by police, accompanied by a reference to Martin Luther King's famous speech "I Have A Dream."



At one point, a man yelled at the crowd "USA, USA, USA," which kicked off an increasing chorus of people chanting along. American flags could be seen in large numbers throughout the demonstration. 

Sponsored
Sponsored

Some protestors showed pride in their state by wearing the California flag around them or by carrying and waving it.  


Children were enthusiastic participants in the protest. I saw children chanting slogans with their families. They looked like they were having fun. During the marching, a boy started chanting loudly "This is what democracy looks like!" The crowd followed the boy's infectious lead and chanted along. 


Some protestors made reference to "Taco" Trump, to criticize how Trump Always Chickens Out with his on-and-off again tariffs. One protestor's sign matched "Taco Trump" with a reference to Epstein. 


The giant inflatable Trump chicken was very popular, with many people posing for selfies and photos next to it. 


The flag of anarchy was carried by one of the protestors. Black has long been used by the anarchist movement as their "color" of choice. Anarchists on the radical left are to the left of Marxists (who use the color red). 


Drag actor Divine was shown sneering at Trump in a blown-up photo held by one protestor. The photo is alleged to be fake, but has nonetheless spread throughout the internet. 


Local protest song cover band The Resizters band was playing as the crowd marched through downtown. There was music entertainment at Waterfront Park, but it was a surprise to see a band playing on the streets of downtown, where the crowd was spilling onto the sidewalks. When I was on the trolley, a woman commented on how well organized the demonstration was. 


Comedy and satire can be used for great effect to comment on what is going on in society. Ridiculing our leaders can be a weapon when used properly. 


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