Scores of local residents who are part of the fast-growing nationwide group, Indivisible, took to the streets in Platte City last Friday to show their concern for veterans. The Unite for Veterans, Unite for Americans rally took place at Highway 92 and Prairie View Road.
The focus of the rally was to show support for Veterans by uniting Americans, and to emphasize the loss of veterans’ jobs, healthcare and essential veterans’ services that have been cut and eliminated. The rally was planned so that people would come together and peacefully show support for those who have served to ensure Americans’ freedom and safety.
Indivisible Platte City, which will soon be renamed, Take Action Missouri! came together organically said Kelly Cogan, who with Dorthi Blair, are Indivisible Platte City facilitators. After the November election, Cogan met with a friend who shared concerns about the implementation of policies that would impact the lives of Missourians and all Americans.
“The day after the inauguration, it was clear all over social media that friends and other acquaintances yearned for a place to create community, share concerns, and learn what actions we, the people, can take to fight the revenge tour and isolation approach of the Trump administration,” Cogan said.
Indivisible groups are growing at a fast pace throughout the country, with more than a million members.
“Not only Indivisible groups, but grass-root groups are growing at an extraordinary level since Trump’s first administration,” Cogan said. “We just participated in an event of over 50 groups who offer a variety of supports, services, and activism opportunities.”
Indivisible also hosts virtual events, and about 400 people in the Platte City area are participating in them. They host a monthly virtual event.
The Unite for Veterans, Unite for America Rally was the first in-person event they have hosted. Many of the members attend other rallies and events around the Kansas City/St. Joseph area. Cogan sends out a Take Action weekly email.
Cogan was prompted to join Indivisible because of her love for her country, and the fact that she has served vulnerable populations most of her life.
“The ripple effect of policies and cuts directly impacts the lives of the people I work with, along with so many members of our communities,” Cogan said.
Many of her friends are Veterans, and they, along with Cogan’s grandfather struggle with PTSD. They are losing direct therapies that they rely on. This is one of the reasons she believes that people should be aware of the cuts being made to Veterans’ services and the many jobs being lost that are hurting the people who served their country.
“Veterans have served our country, often putting their lives on the line,” Cogan said. “They sacrifice time with their families to ensure our freedom. They deserve to be treated with respect, rather than having their federal jobs, healthcare, and other services ripped away.”
People attending the recent rally were encouraged to wear red, white and blue and bring signs to voice their concerns. Cogan believes it is important for people to voice their concerns publicly, and that peaceful protests are the way to make a difference.
“The current administration’s lack of respect and inability to set a positive example by being kind, polite and cordial is inexcusable,” Cogan said. “During rallies it is imperative to demonstrate respect and kindness.”
While many people believe that rallies and people voicing their concerns over disturbing issues won’t ever change anything, Cogan said that many people feel this way, and that is OK, but unity and organization can make a difference. “The rallies are a place to build community, a place to share sadness, seek camaraderie, and make a difference.”
Indivisible will be hosting a Meet the Candidate - Josh Smead at the Platte City Library on Saturday, Aug. 9. To find out more about Indivisible message: indivisibleplattecity@gmail.com