Send us a text

Concerned about cuts to Medicaid, the possible closing of area hospitals, cuts to SNAP food programs for children, immigration, the impending worker shortage affecting farmers, tariffs, the cost of groceries, reproductive freedom and threats to American democracy, about 70 people showed up at the Goodlettsville Branch of Nashville Public Library on Aug. 20.

The Town Hall held at the library 15 miles north of Nashville was planned as a way for area residents to get information about issues in Congress from Tennessee's 6th District Congressman Republican John Rose.

The only presence of Congressman Rose was a photo on an empty chair in front of the room. He was a 'no show' even though an organizer of the event said speaker requests were filed on the Congressman's website and emails and phone calls were made to his office. There was no reply.

So the group got information from two panelists, Kiran Sreepada and Marissa King, Tennesseans with expertise in government issues.

Longtime nurse Mary Jane Bidwell said if Rose was serving his constituents, he wouldn't be afraid to show up in person. Bidwell said as an advocate for the most vulnerable, including transgender people and residents on Medicaid, "Shame on me if I don't speak up and speak out."

Kiran Sreepada said one of his current advocacy projects is working with the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. He said many immigrants in the state are scared due to ICE raids and because some who have been granted asylum hearings are picked up when they show up for their court date.

Tomesia Day said one of the issues she's most concerned about is reproductive health for women.

Twenty-year-old Trent Benge, membership director for Tennessee Young Democrats, said he's concerned about the attack on democracy. He said he's also keeping up the fight for his 16-year-old transgender brother, who can't get the care he needs in Tennessee. So his father, mother and brother moved to Colorado earlier this year.

Organizations supporting the area Town Hall meetings, and efforts to make Tennessee a more inclusive and equitable place for all, include Indivisible Nashville, Indivisible Sumner County, East Nashtivists and the National Women's Political Caucus of Tennessee.

A 6th Congressional District Town Hall Follow Up will be held at Tailgate Brew Works in Hendersonville on Thursday, Sept. 4.

Support the show

Send us a text

An estimated 500 people protested at Freedom Corner at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on June 14. The protest was one of about 2,000 demonstrations nationwide that brought an estimated 5 million people to the streets.

The “No Kings” mass mobilization opposes authoritarian measures by President Donald Trump and his administration.

The Cape Girardeau protest fanned out from a central point at Freedom Corner around a replica of the Stature of Liberty. The statue was placed there by the Boy Scouts of America in 1950.

Cape Girardeau, a town on the Mississippi River about 100 miles southeast of St. Louis, has a veterans’ home that cares for 150 people. The "No Kings" protest at Cape Girardeau included many military veterans, easily identified by messages on signs or T-shirts.

“No Kings” demonstrators at Cape Girardeau included a few 17-year-olds eager to vote in next election, some families with young children and many people in their 60s and 70s stunned by the Trump administration's attack on the foundations of democracy. Concerns expressed by signs and conversations included the administration's failure to honor court decisions, rounding up immigrants without due process, and budget cuts to programs in healthcare, nutrition and veterans benefits.

The June 14 protests across the U.S. were on the day of a military parade in Washington, D.C., organized by Trump, that cost up to an estimated $45 million in taxpayer money.

Support the show

Send us a text

Shouting the warning that America is in danger of losing its fundamental rights of free speech, the rule of law and due process, demonstrators took to the picturesque town square in Franklin, Kentucky to protest actions by President Donald Trump and his administration.

They were students and workers and retired professionals, all aware of the signs of an authoritarian attack on American democracy. Protestors expressed concerns about potentially drastic cuts to Social Security, education, healthcare, environmental programs and international agreements.

Some took to the streets for the first time, uplifted by the honking horns of support from passing drivers and the group enthusiasm. Others renewed political engagment that began decades ago during the Vietnam war and the civil rights movement.

Franklin, Kentucky protestors were among thousands demonstrating in cities and town across America on May Day, traditionally a time to show support for workers' rights. May Day 2025 had a broader focus with people from a wide range of ages, lifestyles and professions.

The day's protesters chanted the distress signal, "May Day, May Day" used by airplane pilots and boat captains to signal immediate danger. On this day, it was a distress signal for American democracy.

Support the show