I am writing to share highlights from a recent peaceful protest held outside Congressman Nick Langworthy’s office, which saw participation increase to 35 individuals from Bolivar, Olean, Friendship, and surrounding towns. This gathering served as a powerful demonstration of community concern and engagement on several pressing issues. Let it be noted that we had a lot of passersby offer their support by honking and giving thumbs up. There were also numerous walkers who thanked us and told us to “keep up the good work” and inquired as to how they might participate. One gentleman parked his car and came over to ask if he could join us.
Participants carried signs voicing their concerns regarding a variety of topics that are affecting our lives and communities, including the future of Social Security, the implications of Musk’s Doge involvement, the potential firing of federal workers, the ongoing war in Ukraine, tariffs impacting our local economy, and the broader state of democracy in our nation.
The turnout from our diverse communities underscores the urgency of these issues and the need for our elected officials to listen and respond to the needs and concerns of their constituents. It is crucial that we continue to engage in open dialogue about these matters, advocating for policies that reflect our values and priorities.
On a personal note from my husband and myself – being parents and grandparents, recent events have highlighted the fears and worries that resonate deeply within our families. As parents and grandparents, we want a world where our children can thrive, feel secure, and have opportunities for a better life. It is our responsibility to advocate for them and to ensure that their voices are heard. As retirees we are also concerned about our social security checks as we depend on this money. We, like many other Americans, paid into this program for many years. With all the personnel firings from the Social Security Administration there is a high probability that checks will be delayed and I honestly fear that they may be cut off completely at some point with this administration. This would be financially devastating to us.
I encourage all community members to stay informed and involved in these important discussions. Together, we can make our voices heard and work towards solutions that benefit everyone.
-Deb Harvey
