Defending Democracy in the Dale

On a beautiful, sunny afternoon on May 3 in Chase Park, Scarsdale residents and elected officials gathered to speak out at a rally against the Trump administration’s multiple and varied actions which pose a threat to our democracy and American principles of expertise, public health, education, and prosperity. The rally was organized by the Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee, Indivisible Scarsdale, and community members.

With a crowd of about 200 people, attendees waved American flags and raised homemade signs with messages such as “Hate Has No Home Here,” “Hands off Our Rights,” “Science Saves Lives,” and “Stop Fascism.” The event attracted concerned neighbors from Eastchester, Greenwich, Mount Pleasant, and New Rochelle, in addition to those from the local Scarsdale community.

Tim Foley, a Scarsdale resident running this year to represent Scarsdale, a portion of White Plains and West Harrison in the County Legislature, was the master of ceremonies and began the rally by asserting that what is at stake in the current crisis are not Democratic or Republican values, but American values. He also rejected the idea that public officials should only speak about kitchen table issues and not emphasize issues related to democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law. Foley, asserting that, “It was clear to our founders and our forebears that our government, with its checks and balances and its commitment to the rule not by a king but by the people is how we produce economic prosperity and the American dream,” received cheers from the crowd.

Speakers included our own Assemblywoman Amy Paulin who explained the effect of Medicaid cuts on affluent communities, like Scarsdale. Among other things, these cuts will put financial pressure on hospitals, such as Sloan Kettering, Columbia Presbyterian, and White Plains, which could lead to a decrease in care.

Other speakers, all Scarsdale residents, included: 1) Dara Kass, physician and former U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Regional Director, who spoke of the effects of NIH cuts to critical research into disease, emergency response to public health crises, and threats to jobs and the local economy; 2) Jeannie Rosenthal, a Scarsdale High School alumna, Harvard graduate, and founder of the nonprofit Let’s Get Ready, who spoke of the impact of President Trump’s attacks on higher education and academic freedom; and 3) David Zhang, a global macro economist, local realtor and naturalized citizen, who spoke of the importance of valuing the immigrant community and recognizing its rightful place in American society.

Scarsdale High School Seniors Jessica Katz and Arya Goyal made impassioned speeches about scientific research and immigration, respectively, which drew the loudest applause of the day and gave the attendees all hope that the next generation will fulfill our nation’s promise.
Congressman George Latimer and State Senator Shelley Mayer also addressed the crowd.

Here is a link to some video footage: