Group rallies against president at Augusta intersection

Feb. 18--A handful of Donald Trump protesters and a smaller group of Trump supporters rallied in Augusta's medical district Friday afternoon.

Harrisburg activist Denice Traina, who organized the protest to align with Friday's national general strike, distributed literature about single-payer healthcare and a living wage.

"We're very disappointed" in the president, she said. "He's acting more like a CEO than a president. We seek respect -- that leads to trust -- and we don't see that happening."

On an opposite corner at the Walton Way/15th Street intersection, two Trump supporters waved signs. One who had arrived in a Burke County vehicle with neo-Confederate decals wore a "Make America Great" hat with a pirate bandanna covering his face.

The masked protester refused to speak or give his name, but was later joined by three others, including Martinez gun rights advocate Jim Stachowiak, who gave an explanation for the face covering.

"Every masked terrorist attack has been done by a Muslim refugee," Stachowiak said. "Don't give your name. The media is not your friend, as Trump says."

The anti-Trump group never exceeded 20 people but drew honks and waves from motorists.

Tom Moroney questioned the president's taking advice from "someone like Steve Bannon who has no credibility at all, who sits in on all his meetings," but who is "apocalyptic. He believes in the end time."

Kathee Cammisa said she had gone with two friends to Washington, D.C., for the Women's March on Washington.

"I have never done this before, but this is out of control," Cammisa said.

Mike Mizzell said the Affordable Care Act had saved his life by covering treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other pre-existing conditions he had.

"If it wasn't for President Obama and the Affordable Care Act, I wouldn't be able to be here today," he said.

Reach Susan McCord at (706) 823-3215 or susan.mccord@augustachronicle.com.

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