Our government has been passing new laws and legislation that jeopardize the American people, going against their responsibility of putting our best interests first. Access to healthcare, affordable food and housing, and government assistance programs have been gutted, and necessary initiatives like the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion organization impact every American citizen. The increased funding and growing support for Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people has raised a great deal of alarm and disapproval.
Lately, campuses across the country have begun to hold protests and rallies to demonstrate and voice their distaste and condemnation for the rising theft of rights and necessary resources. Students and staff alike, politicians and alumni, community members and leaders are coming together more and more to go against the new regime and government system. The University of Pennsylvania had a demonstration on its campus earlier this month to take a stand against the new repeal of healthcare rights and access for trans patients, the detention of American citizen Mahmoud Khalil, and other significant political changes.
The rally emphasized the growing list of issues present in the city. The increasing rates of deportation nationwide were labeled as “dehumanizing, degrading, and horrific” by one of the speakers. Many of those present nodded in agreement as they stated, “There is no such thing as an illegal person,” and stressed the need for legal services and access to safe spaces.
As the rally went on, the main message became clear: the public is not accepting those in power. Not at all. One of the speakers rose to the front and declared that both parties were ruling in favor of the top percentage, the ruling class. Our voices are not the priority as they should be, and the compromised safety of the country leads to the compromised integrity of the civilians. One of the speakers put a great deal of emphasis on the need to “make the country work for us… and respect all of us.”
When asked why they chose to speak at the rally, one of the speakers shared that the “policies that the government is handing down are absurd and are negatively impacting lives” from all backgrounds and classes. Anyone who thought they would be untouched is sadly mistaken.
The continuous ruin of the country and decline of our quality of life is “rooted in the desire for billionaires to keep oppressing everyone in the country,” primarily those in the working class. This was the main concern and point of contention that sparked the organization of the rally: the unjust balance of power that favors the wealthy is destroying our country and killing its civilians.
The descent of human rights and lack of safety afforded to those speaking out is overwhelmingly targeted toward those going against the American-funded genocide of Palestinians. The University of Pennsylvania’s complacency and lack of action were called out significantly during this protest. A speaker noted that the administration’s inability to protect their students was embarrassing and unacceptable. It shows us that the people have “no influence… that it is an illusion that you have power.” If the establishment that is meant to care for and cater to your needs does not do so, then what do the people have?
The rally garnered a sizable crowd of about 150 or so in the audience, holding signs in support of various causes. Many people donned masks and sunglasses to hide their identities, and all those interviewed wished to remain anonymous. The speakers urged the audience and community members to continue to come together and speak out. One speaker stated that “people should organize outside of the official and traditional” areas of the organization. And that we cannot rely on the government to care for us. We need to demand that they do what is necessary to keep our country alive and in good shape.
