A recent rally on the bridge for health care rights. (Photo courtesy Eleanor Cade Busby)
To the editor:
A rally to stand together in support of constitutional rights will be held on Sunday, March 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The gathering will begin at the Memorial Park in Newcastle on the corner of Business Route 1 with the reading of the preamble and Bill of Rights to the Constitution by those gathered.
After the reading, the gathering will move and stand in solidarity with Lady Liberty and the Constitution on the Newcastle-Damariscotta bridge until 1 p.m.
Musicians are encouraged to bring guitars, drums, or any instrument they wish. All are welcome to the family-friendly event. Bring signs and flags that reflect the issues that mean the most to you and your community.
The First Amendment reads “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Freedom of speech (and information) is threatened while the press is being selectively excluded from the White House. The right to peaceably assemble has been denied in some states by direct denial of parade permits. While freedom of religion has not been attacked directly by the White House, the hate crimes blossoming all over the country indicate a new tolerance for hate and hate speech.
The March on Washington, in response to current events, inspired our March 19 community gathering. Many people from this area attended the March either in Augusta, Portland, or in Washington, D.C. Continuing this connection and sharing an event locally gives us all a chance to share our sentiments with friends, neighbors, and local politicians. Our American values and our democracy are threatened by the current agendas. Standing together and affirming our commitment can serve as a baseline for future events and the exercising of the freedoms we strive to protect.
Come and be part of the history of the bridge. In times of stress, joy, and sorrow, the bridge has become a place to take a stand without need of organizations or leaders … our bully pulpit. Bring the whole family and come stand for the rights of “We, the People.”
For more information, visit our Facebook page at Rally for Liberty & Constitutional Rights on the Bridge or email eleanorcadebusby@hotmail.com.
Eleanor Cade Busby
Damariscotta
