MERCED, CA – Members of this community blocked use of public money to send the Merced Sheriff’s Posse to the Trump inauguration parade! The horses had to travel by land in comfortable trailers to get to their destination while the riders and family members flew.
The Merced Sheriff’s Posse is a group that made its plan to attend the January 20th inauguration. A supposed “honor” to represent California! Seems interesting that the Posse has only attended these inaugurations for Republicans and did not go when President Obama or other Democrats were installed.
Also with their plan, they wanted the help of Merced County Board of Supervisors to approve $10,000 as part of the $80,000 it cost to travel to Washington. A couple of days before, community members picketed in the pouring rain outside a $25 per person wine and cheese fundraising event. Supporters of the Posse were caught off guard and upset!
Two days later, at the public Board of Supervisors meeting, elected Sheriff Vern Warnke commented that the Posse had reached its goal via private donations and would not need the County to provide that $10,000 safety net. And it was just as well, since there are many other projects in this impoverished, low-income community that could benefit from the money as numerous community members reminded them that day. The item was removed from the agenda and no other action was taken.
It was a victory in coordination: Once people found out that getting notified that this item was on the agenda of the Board of Supervisors, they quickly followed up by sending e-mail and text messages, preparing picket signs and making calls for and by people who care and who oppose the use of public money for this purpose.
Vigilance is what is needed during these times when those in power want to use that power for their own benefit instead of the needs of the community. We won’t be fooled by the “patriotism” displayed and mouthed by those who criticized the protests of the protectors of our money. This president is not the president for all of this country! Proud to take a stand.
