Utahns turn out for 'Not My President's Day' rally


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SALT LAKE CITY — A passionate crowd of Utahns rallied at Washington Square in downtown Salt Lake City Monday to observe what they termed "Not My President's Day" in opposition to President Donald J. Trump.

The Monday event was one of many held around the country in major metropolitan areas that included Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Baltimore and Chicago.

Protesters used the federal holiday to send a clear message to the White House that they disagree with the steps Trump is taking to crack down on populations of undocumented immigrants. Multiple banners also touched on climate change, equal rights for women and their unbridled distaste for the newly elected U.S. president.

Deelane Wulle held a sign that read, "We are united against 45," in reference to Trumps' position as 45th president of the United States.

Wulle said she attended the rally to join with others who are steadfastly opposed to Trump.

"We want to let 45 know we are not with him," she said. "The sooner he is gone the better for all of us."

Representatives from multiple groups turned out for the rally such as Utah Women Unite, Utahns Against Police Brutality and Communidades Unidas.

Protesters gather for a march from the Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building to Washington Square in Salt Lake City for the Not My President's Day Rally on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017. (Photo: Nicole Boliaux, Deseret News)
Protesters gather for a march from the Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building to Washington Square in Salt Lake City for the Not My President's Day Rally on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017. (Photo: Nicole Boliaux, Deseret News)

Carl Moore, with SLC Air Protectors, said he attended to bring the Native American voice to important environmental issues, such as the need for cleaner air.

"I am here because we are part of the human family. I am here to promote environmental rights and human rights and all of those things are what President Trump is fighting against, unfortunately."

Michael Cundick, another representative of SLC Air Protectors, said he doesn't believe the protests across the nation will do anything to make the new president reverse course, but stressed they are raising important issues nevertheless.

"I think ultimately it is not going to matter whether we are right wing, left wing or any of those divisive things," he said. "What really has to happen is communities need to look themselves in the mirror and find ways to take care of things that are important to us regardless of federal or state aid."

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About 250 people turned out for the event, despite the blustery weather threatening rain.

"Well, it's Not My President's Day," said Jamie Gray of Sandy. "I didn't vote for him, (Trump) and I don't want him here. I don't believe he is representing the core values of America and I just want my voice to be heard."

Gray said it is key for people to get involved in the election process.

"I think people got complacent and now they are seeing what happened because of that. Hopefully they see what happens if you don't vote. That is the only way to make real change."

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