June 27 On June 26 the Supreme Court reinstated significant elements of the Trump regime’s Muslim ban. Refuse Fascism NYC called for an emergency protest on the same evening, declaring “NO Muslim ban!” We gathered at Columbus Circle, with our banner reading, “No Wall! No Ban! No Mass Deportations! No Fascist USA!” We had around twenty NO! signs and several people distributing flyers and getting people to sign up and stay connected while we were preparing to begin.
Refuse Fascism NYC called for an emergency protest on the same evening, declaring “NO Muslim ban!” We gathered at Columbus Circle, with our banner reading, “No Wall! No Ban! No Mass Deportations! No Fascist USA!” We had around twenty NO! signs and several people distributing flyers and getting people to sign up and stay connected while we were preparing to begin.
We started on the megaphone by explaining why we went out to protest: this is not a travel ban; this is a Muslim ban. It is an outrageous violation of the separation of church and state, and most importantly, it is paving the way for genocide. Immigrants and refugees are full human beings. We have a responsibility to humanity to drive this regime from power. July 15th: Trump and Pence must go!
Following our speak-out, we led a march to Trump Tower, chanting along the way. “March to the Tower! Drive them from Power!” “No border wall, no Muslim ban, no fascist USA!” When we arrived, we were able to get closer to Trump Tower than we ever have before. Typically we are forcibly barricaded by the NYPD, prevented from getting close, and kept across the street. On this day, though, we were able to rally directly in front of the Tower. For most of us, this was our first time ever protesting so close to this “hall of power”, the symbol of a fascist dictator who was illegitimately moved from the Tower to the White House.
Still, we were harassed by the NYPD and several fascist thugs who often follow us, but we stood firm in our conviction. One volunteer from Refuse Fascism did some excellent agitation in response to the vicious police penning us in, asking the crowd, “If you ever wondered how Hitler did it, look no further than across this gate. These are the enforcers of a fascist program.” Others spoke to the fact this means death for refugees in war-torn countries, and it fuels the anti-Muslim hatred that has been brewing in this country, emboldened by the hateful policies and rhetoric of Donald Trump. We were all deeply angered and re-energized, coming to the full realization that it’s on us to stop them.
There was a significant media presence, and Refuse Fascism volunteers were interviewed by several major news stations. The following morning, we saw beautiful photos of our rally and march in the New York Times and Al Jazeera. Every outrage perpetrated by this regime must be met with greater and greater resistance. We will keep rallying and marching to Trump Tower, meeting them with fierce resistance, getting organized and building for the time when millions of people flood the streets to DRIVE THEM OUT.