America is still a young nation, founded on reasoned argument and the right to challenge authority. Looking back over the past 249 years, the country has evolved through cycles of protest—against slavery, for labor rights, women’s suffrage, civil rights, climate action and LGBTQ rights.
In 2025, the nature of protest is shifting again. The Overlook Region (TOR) has become a microcosm of the national mood in the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term.
Last Saturday in Saugerties, roughly 200 citizens gathered at the corner of Main and Market Streets, holding signs and voicing dissent. “Democracy Needs Your Courage,” “We the People Will Not Be Silenced,” “Cowards in Congress,” “Resist Fascism” and “Rise and Resist,” the signs read. Veterans, grandmothers, ministers, parents, people with disabilities, seniors, farmers and small business owners stood shoulder to shoulder.
Earlier this month, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) addressed thousands of young people at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California: “You can turn away and ignore what goes on, but if you do, you do it at your own peril.”
These are perilous times. It takes courage, resolve and patriotism to protest, especially when the president, his Cabinet, Republican leaders in Congress, and to some extent the Supreme Court, appear unmoved.
At the Saugerties rally, I asked some of the sign-holders what motivates them to show up.
“These times demand speaking out against the damage being done to the federal government, to our rights, and to the economy,” said Reed Rubey, of Tannersville.
Tress Palmer of Saugerties offered a personal reason. “I am sad and overwhelmed, and showing up helps me deal with it.”
An Independent, Palmer said she hopes Republicans in Congress will recognize the scale and tone of these peaceful protests and “be brave and see that we have their backs.”
Susan Auchincloss of Woodstock wasn’t certain the protests would change anything, but said, “If they will, I want to be part of it.”
Her motivation, she explained, is not to deepen the country’s divide. “People who seriously disagree should be able to set aside their differences long enough to hear the other side, understand what they are thinking, what they believe and feel. If I would be in a dialogue with someone opposed to my point of view, I would be willing to listen with an open heart even if I am not listened to in return.”
I’ve found it heartening to hear from neighbors on both sides in TOR about how they’re navigating these first months of Trump’s second term. Palmer, who has Trump-supporting neighbors, said they remain friends and are quick to lend a hand. “It’s not about further polarization,” she added.
From my perspective, Washington’s response has been largely one-sided. Republicans in Congress appear muted, perhaps intimidated by the administration. Democrats have raised their voices but are mostly powerless unless a wave of Republicans breaks rank.
And that is the question: Will they?
Earlier this month, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said, “We are all afraid. I am very anxious about using my voice because retaliation is real.”
To Murkowski, I ask: What’s more important—protecting democracy or protecting your Senate seat ahead of re-election?
Other Republican senators have also expressed mild disapproval. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said she is “concerned” about Trump’s policies. And Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), also facing re-election, recently called the president’s tariff plan “pretty rough.” She also urged Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reverse layoffs of nearly 200 workers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in her state.
There is not much public bravery among congressional Republicans so far—but the dam could still break.
On the local level, I urge residents of TOR to extend their concerns to nearby congressional districts represented by Republicans. That includes Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY-21), both of whom are rumored contenders for the 2026 gubernatorial race. A visit to Rockland County or the Adirondacks with your message might be worth the trip.
Don’t forget Federal Transit Administration chief Marc Molinaro, either. Though he lost NY-19 last cycle, he may reemerge in 2026 or 2028.
Earlier this week, Rep. Pat Ryan (D-NY) warned of sweeping federal agriculture cuts impacting the Hudson Valley’s Regional Food Bank. “That’s two million fewer meals,” Ryan said, “which means our kids, seniors and veterans going hungry.”
One Republican who broke ranks was state Assemblymember Brian Maher, whose district includes parts of TOR, including Shandaken. “This funding is essential to continue fighting food insecurity,” Maher said. “I will continue working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, including Congressman Ryan, to address this issue.”
Palmer and Auchincloss offered closing thoughts that speak to a broader American imperative.Said Palmer: “The need to collaborate is more important now than ever.” And from Auchincloss: “We need to build an alternative to the current madness. It’s the only way we will get to a livable future.”
Scott Widmeyer is co-founder of The Overlook. Reach him at scott@theoverlooknews.com.
