A group of Rhode Island residents concerned about President-elect Donald Trump is calling on Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse to oppose the new administration. The group, which comprises progressive organizers, politicians and citizens, is known as Resist Hate RI.
On Monday a few dozen marched to the downtown offices of Senators Reed and Whitehouse to deliver signed petitions demanding that they fight to protect abortion access, keep immigration open, and oppose mass deportation.
Providence resident Don Baier was one of those demonstrating.
“I’m hoping that they can stand up for the people who elected them,” said Baier. “And that they can resist at every turn Trump’s efforts to privatize the Presidency, take away Medicare, take away Obamacare, deport people.”
Warwick resident Jessica Stults says she’s not sure what the Democratic senators will be able to accomplish, now that Republicans control Congress.
“I understand and respect that they are in a pretty limited and restricted position,” said Stults. “They don’t have a huge amount of power, but they do have some power and I expect them to use whatever power they do have to stand up for what’s right.”
Both Senators have criticized Trump’s appointment of Steve Bannon as Chief advisor. Bannon headed the website Breitbart, which has been associated with White Supremacists. Resist Hate RI delivered similar petitions to state.
The group delivered similar petitions to state officials including Governor Gina Raimondo.
