“Don’t agonize, organize.”
Those three words—plain and simple—were the message from Congressman Pat Ryan (D-NY) in his talk Wednesday to a jam-packed audience of 400 in Saugerties.
No, he wasn’t speaking to a partisan Democratic crowd. Instead, he was addressing a room full of business and community leaders at an event hosted by the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Historically, Chambers of Commerce have tended toward pro-business stances, advocating less government influence and leaning Republican. However, anyone who was in the ballroom at Diamond Mills for the event would say that an aura of concern permeated the gathering, driven by current events in Washington.
As America approaches Day 100 of Trump 2.0, each day brings new warning signs that appear increasingly alarming to American democracy.
From mass deportations in defiance of the Supreme Court to what some have called extortion in securing about $1 billion in concessions from major law firms perceived as hostile to the president, the public is witnessing American freedoms steadily chipped away. Additionally, “Liberation Day” tariffs proclaimed by President Trump have created anxiety from Wall Street to Main Street. The icing on the cake came Monday during a White House meeting with El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, where Trump—in all seriousness—confirmed that he has asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to explore using prisons outside the U.S. to potentially house American citizens who may have violated the law.
To connect national concerns to local communities, Ryan, who represents many residents in The Overlook Region, largely focused his 18-minute address to the Chamber on preserving and protecting freedoms and ensuring safer, more affordable communities.
“The values we hold dearly and the sense of community and togetherness that we have here is lacking very much in Washington,” Ryan said, urging the audience to speak up. “And, I encourage the Chamber, if willing, to articulate their concerns to Washington.”
“I have seen people speak up who normally don’t. If we don’t, we are in a real risk for our country,” the congressman continued.
Ryan emphasized his message to the Trump administration clearly: “if you mess with my people, I will fight for them until the end.”
During a 40-minute Q&A, a man who described himself as a Democrat and a school teacher expressed fear about speaking out. “I don’t want to speak out because I feel threatened and I have concerns about being tracked by DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency).”
Ryan responded, “A lot of people are wrestling with this. Let me assure you, I am here to speak on your behalf.”
The former Ulster County executive highlighted that Trump returned to office last November promising to lower everyday costs. “Well, he’s just not meeting the moment. Tariffs are taxes. At a time when we need to bring prices down, he is punishing people.”
Ryan cited the illegal deportation to El Salvador of Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia, stating that the actions of Trump and the U.S. Department of Justice “not only crossed a bright red line but was a fundamentally unconstitutional act” in ignoring a unanimous Supreme Court decision.
“This case is heart-wrenching. I was fearful this would happen. We created a checks and balance system in our country,” Ryan added.
Ryan also listed federal programs currently under threat from the Trump administration, including Social Security, veterans’ benefits, law enforcement, public broadcasting and the arts, food and nutrition programs, and public libraries.
On Social Security, Ryan vowed to prioritize ensuring the program’s solvency and guarantee that every county in the U.S. has at least one Social Security office.
Cynthia Kane, development director of the Woodstock Film Festival, asked Ryan about Republican efforts to gut public broadcasting. Ryan responded that public broadcasting “is one of the most efficiently run programs and cutting funds would be very harmful.” He apologized for the “mean” behavior of House Republicans at a recent congressional hearing involving the heads of PBS and NPR. He added that he is also actively working to block efforts to cut federal support for local libraries in the region.
Although bipartisanship seems to be waning early into Trump’s second term, Ryan emphasized he is not giving up on collaborating with Republican colleagues. He pointed to his affordability agenda, including co-sponsoring the Lowering Grocery Prices Act with Rep. Mike Lawler (R-17). Additionally, Ryan said he is working across the aisle to secure funding to enhance local community safety, expedite middle-class housing construction, and lower prescription drug costs. Ryan also voiced support for the recently passed HALT Fentanyl Act, which permanently classifies fentanyl as a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act. The legislation, now approved by both houses of Congress, awaits the president’s signature.
Ryan further pledged to work with county and town officials on issues affecting EMS and first-responder programs and committed to improving highway infrastructure to enhance pedestrian safety.
Scott Widmeyer is co-founder of The Overlook. Reach him at scott@theoverlooknews.com.