As part of many “Workers Over Billionaires” Labor Day rallies nationwide, Peterborough saw more than 200 protesters turn out on Sept. 1.

At the same time, in Concord, Bernie Sanders spoke to a rally estimated at 4,000 people standing up for American workers. See related story on page 15. 

Steve Smillie from Peterborough said he attends local pro-democracy rallies to provide one example of what’s happening to many others. Smillie, who is blind, said his Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, food assistance was cut from $167 a month to $70.

“I just want people to know,” he said.

Steve Smillie from Peterborough said he attends local pro-democracy rallies to provide one example of what’s happening to many others. He said his Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP food assistance was cut from $167 a month to $70. Credit: COURTESY SHARON MONAHAN

Abhai Raj Llewellyn of Dublin attended the protest with Rick Florean and Frances Kessler from New Boston. Both Llewelleyn and Florean are military veterans, as were both Florean’s father and son. Florean’s son was a navy pilot whose plane was shot down.

Proud son of an immigrant, Florean said “I lack for nothing because my father worked so hard.”

Kessler said, “I am here as a very concerned citizen.”     

From left: Frances Kessler, Abhai Raj Llewellyn and Rick Florean. Credit: COURTESY FRANCIE VON MERTENS

Ted O’Brien of Sharon, and Sarah Simpkins of Amherst, were joined by Simpkin’s son Elias. As Simpkins’ sign states, as a United States Agency for International Development staffer, she was among the first in the civil service to be fired as President Trump halted the agency’s international assistance programs.

Credit: COURTESY MICHAEL GEORGE
Sarah Simpkins, of Amherst, left, and Ted O’Brien of Sharon, right. Credit: COURTESY MICHAEL GEORGE
Beth Brown of Winter Street protesting cuts to healthcare. Credit: COURTESY MICHAEL GEORGE