OP-ED by: Danielle Griffin – Organizer for Rural Resistance

Let’s start with the truth: Rural Resistance, a grassroots organization born in the wake of Trump’s second term, was the organizer of this weekend’s peaceful protest in Portales. What began as a group of 13–18 people has grown into a powerful local movement—one built not on party lines, but on principle.

And contrary to the narrative being spun, this was not our first time showing up. We’ve been holding protests in Portales at that very same spot, almost monthly, with 1 to 2 actions nearly every month. While we proudly participate in nationwide calls to action, the work we do here is local and consistent.

Our organizers made and distributed over 200 flyers right here in Portales, and we promote every event on platforms like Indivisible and Mobilize which are tools specifically built to engage local communities and civic-minded individuals. These are not flash mobs of strangers; they are events thoughtfully planned and intentionally rooted in our town.

Now, let’s address the first and loudest lie:

The claim that this weekend’s event was made up “mostly of out-of-towners” is flat-out false. Members and organizers from Rural Resistance personally engaged with attendees, because we believe in knowing our community. Out of the estimated 230 in attendance, only about 18–25 were not Roosevelt County residents. The overwhelming majority were our neighbors, our coworkers, our community.

To attempt to discredit the labor of love that has gone into building this organization, by reducing us to a crowd of “outsiders” is not just dishonest, it’s weak. Every single protest we’ve held has drawn people who stop to thank us, engage in real conversations, and ask how they can help. That’s grassroots in action.

While many Rural Resistance members identify as Democrats, the organization itself is not party-bound. We are open to everyone who is tired of extremism, corruption, and cruelty. Republicans, Independents, third-party voters, and those with no political affiliation at all. In fact, we have lifelong Republicans who march alongside us because they no longer recognize the party they once supported.

The people behind those signs?

They’re veterans who served this country.

They’re educators who teach the next generation.

They’re parents, students, workers, and neighbors. People who just want a better future for everyone.

So why do we protest?

Because it is our First Amendment right and a moral obligation in the face of tyranny.

Let’s talk about tyranny.

Tyranny (noun): cruel, unreasonable, or arbitrary use of power or control.

If the shoe fits…

We protest because we are watching a steady erosion of rights that once defined this country:

Abortion rights have been stripped away in half the country, forcing women into state-mandated births.

LGBTQ+ rights are under attack, with book bans, bathroom bills, and laws targeting trans youth spreading like wildfire.

Healthcare remains inaccessible for millions, while efforts to gut Medicaid and the ACA are ongoing.

Social Security, paid into by every working American, is being eyed for cuts—while billionaires get tax breaks.

Veterans are being used as props while essential services and protections for them are slashed or politicized.

Religious freedom is being distorted into religious dominance and this country was not founded on Christianity, but on freedom from religious rule.

Meanwhile, the man the article so clearly wants to defend?

He incited an insurrection. He was found liable for sexual abuse. He is convicted of 34 felony crimes. He has promised to use the government to punish his enemies, purge civil servants, and centralize power in ways that mirror the rise of authoritarian regimes throughout history.

That’s not freedom. That’s fascism in a baseball cap.

Let’s also address the cheap shot about the Democratic Party “coronating” Kamala Harris.

There was no coronation. The Democratic Party’s current nominee is President Joe Biden. And while party leadership decisions may not always reflect everyone’s ideals, let’s not pretend Donald Trump’s nomination wasn’t a foregone conclusion despite the felony convictions, despite the lawsuits, despite the chaos.

As for attempts to remove Trump from the ballot:

That effort was based on the Constitution’s 14th Amendment, Section 3, which bars those who engaged in insurrection from holding office. That’s not “political lawfare”that’s the law. And Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wasn’t blocked by Democrats; he’s simply failed to meet filing deadlines or secure ballot access in many states. That’s on his campaign, not a conspiracy.

The article ended with a plea to “look deeper than signs and slogans.” We agree.

Because behind those signs are people who care deeply about democracy, community, and truth. Behind the slogans are organizers who work unpaid hours to uplift justice, protect freedom, and defend the Constitution from those who abuse it for power.

So let’s call this what it is:

This protest wasn’t “political theater.” It was a warning.

A line in the sand.

A statement from everyday Americans who refuse to bow to kings, dictators, or demagogues, no matter what flag they wrap themselves in.

We’ll continue to protest.

We’ll continue to grow.

And we’ll continue to tell the truth because we still believe in a democracy worth fighting for.

— Rural Resistance