Dozens rally against Chaffetz through song, not chants


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PROVO — These were unusual activities for a political rally: A get-to-know-you exercise and singing — lots of singing.

"I'd like you to turn to your neighbor and ask them whether you'd rather have dinner with President (George) Washington or President (Abraham) Lincoln," Sarah Brinton told several dozen people gathered outside the historic courthouse in Provo on Monday.

Those Utah County residents were there to show their displeasure with Congressman Jason Chaffetz. But in the end, not one chant was recited.

There was no yelling, shouting or marching at this rally, either. In its place, there was singing, and lots of it. In keeping with the theme of Presidents Day, participants belted out the words to "The Battle Hymn of The Republic," "My Country 'Tis of Thee" and "This Land Is Your Land," along with other patriotic tunes.

"I wanted to say … how I feel about our country, but in a way that was me," said Sarah Brinton, the organizer of the event. "I wanted a positive, happy place, where I can ask what I want."

What Brinton and others at Monday's rally said they want is a more thorough investigation — led by Chaffetz, their Republican congressman — into the controversial issues that have plagued President Donald Trump in the first few weeks of his administration.

"I voted for (Chaffetz) to represent our community and I want him to know there's work for him to do," Brinton told the Deseret News. "(I thought) there's just no way that I'm the only person thinking, 'Please, pay attention.'"

Rally-goers said they believe Trump has connections to Russia and conflicts of interests with his businesses, and that he has flouted several presidential norms within just a few weeks in office.

"If he goes after (Trump), I would change my views in a heartbeat," said Orem resident Skippy Jessop. "There's too many things that have gone wrong for him not to look into it."

Chaffetz, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, has previously said he believes an official query into potential financial conflicts of interest in the Trump administration would amount to "a fishing expedition." However, he has requested a formal report about whether proper security measures were followed during Trump's meeting with Japanese officials at his Mar-A-Lago resort earlier this month.

Sarah Brinton organized a group to gather in Provo on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, to sing patriotic songs and to respectfully encourage Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, to investigate President Donald Trump. (Photo: Ravell Call, Deseret News)
Sarah Brinton organized a group to gather in Provo on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, to sing patriotic songs and to respectfully encourage Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, to investigate President Donald Trump. (Photo: Ravell Call, Deseret News)

Jessop held a sign at the rally saying he was not a paid protester, referring to claims the congressman made that some protesters at a hostile town hall meeting in Cottonwood Heights earlier this month were professionally hired to cause trouble there.

"I'm insulted and embarrassed that Rep. Chaffetz would believe the hype and the rumors instead of believing us," he said. "It bothers me that he can make that statement without any proof. Go get proof and then we'll believe you."

Brinton, of Orem, said she wanted to provide a way for fellow community members to express their frustrations with Chaffetz, even if they are uncomfortable with participating in more typical protests. Her rally provided pizza and ended with a prayer from her young son.

Another organizer called it "a very Provo event."

"That just … struck me as a reflection of who I am and who our community is," Brinton said. "There are certainly those among us who voted for him, who hoped he would hold the president in check."

Brinton called Chaffetz's talk of paid protestors "short-sighted" and "dismissive."

Jessica Preece, who was one of hundreds who were shut out of the town hall in Cottonwood Heights because of a lack of capacity, attended Provo's rally in part to prove to her congressman that his constituents will continue to ask him to investigate Trump.

"There are real people who are real constituents who have real concerns. … When you're a public servant, that's your job, it's to listen to what people have to say, even when they're angry," said Preece, of Provo.

She hopes rallies like the one Monday will encourage others, who usually shy away from protests or town hall forums, to speak out. Brinton said she hopes to plan similar rallies in the future.

"It's just important for people to have a variety of ways to express their concerns," Preece said.

The quiet gathering ended with participants giving Brinton letters to deliver to Chaffetz's office this week. And just like that, with kids in tow, the non-protesting protesters dispersed without a sound.

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Ben Lockhart

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