More than 200 people chanted, sang, danced and shouted jubilantly some form of the refrain “Make Billionaires Pay” on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 20, at Riverside Park in Saranac Lake.

Headed by High Peaks Democratic Socialists, Adirondack Voters for Change, Show Up, and Third Act, this gathering of peaceful protestors shared signs, stories, speeches and a march energetically led by Soma Beats.

The speakers hailed from Plattsburgh, Saranac Lake and Elizabethtown, delivering messages from unions, Planned Parenthood, grass-roots mobilizers and Democratic Socialists. Their messages were loud and clear: billionaires must pay for the cuts that are coming or that are already being enacted to Medicaid, Medicare, local hospitals and other health care providers, schools and nonprofits.

Simply said, billionaires need to pay their fair share. They don’t right now in proportion to what working people pay in taxes and social security. What’s wrong with transferring the burden to those for whom it won’t be a burden?

Pictured is Jesse Murnane of Show Up. (Provided photo — Skip Murray)

In addition to songs led by The People’s Choir, dancing led by Soma Beats and rousing speeches by Kim Hartshorn (AFL-CIO Northeast Central Labor Council) and Jesse Murnane (Show Up), QR codes were presented to act on. Attendees had an opportunity to photograph codes to email representatives, join organizations and commit to a General Strike.

For more information on upcoming events, how to register to vote, or to make your voice heard, email highpeaksdsa@gmail.com.

Kathleen Recchia

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