New Jersey Activists Go 'Colonial' On Republican Congress Members

Hear ye, hear ye, members of Congress… these Garden State activists want change.

That was the rallying call at several Republican U.S. Congress members’ offices in New Jersey earlier this month, when grassroots activists from several local progressive groups gathered in colonial-era garb to demand that their representatives “place country before party.”

During the July 5 rallies, which included appearances at the offices of Rep. Leonard Lance, Rep. Thomas MacArthur and Rep. Frank LoBiondo, activists denounced the recent actions of the Trump administration, including threats made to the Affordable Care Act, the firing of FBI Director James Comey, the “curtailment of a free press,” and recent “violent and sexist Tweets” from President Trump.

“Much like our revolutionary counterparts, we consider it a true act of patriotism to demand our elected representatives live up to the promises and pledges they’ve made to the nation,” said Alison Arne, co-chair of Action Together NJ-Atlantic/Cape May Counties.

"As a patriotic American, I have always put country before party,” said Lisa Donovan O’Dwyer, who lives in Leonard Lance’s congressional district 7. “The vitriol of the current administration has given license to racism, selfishness and isolationism. I, along with millions of resisters, are working to stop the downward spiral that our great country is on at this moment.”

• See related article: When New Jersey Dems, GOP Agree (Beyond Blue And Red)

Participating organizations at the July 5 rallies included NJ Working Families Alliance, Action Together New Jersey and Counties, BlueWaveNJ, CWA District 1, NJ District 10, NJ 11th for Change, Indivisible Cranbury, NJ 3rd Congressional District Action Group, Indivisible NJ 3rd District, SJ NOW Indivisible, SOMA Action, Indivisible New Jersey 5th District, Indivisible Princeton, United Progressive Democrats, Westfield 20/20 and We the People 07.

• See related article: Despite Cold, 200 Attend Pro-Trump Rally in Middletown
• See related article: PHOTOS, VIDEOS: Trump Rally In Seaside Heights
• See related article: Essex County Trump Supporters Speak: 'He Deserves Our Respect'

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Photo: Action Together NJ