Mike Killingsworth didn’t mind that not everybody that showed up on Tuesday night for an “Impeach Donald Trump” rally at the corner of Daniels Avenue and Airport Way was there to voice their displeasure with the President.

While holding a carboard sign that read “impeach” Killingsworth had to speak loudly over a man towing a portable speaker broadcasting favorable messages about the 45th President of the United States while a group of flag-waving supporters tried to drown out the chants of the largely pro-impeach crowd.

But his message was unequivocal.

“Nobody in this country is above the law – not even the President,” said Killingsworth – raising his voice so he could be heard. “They’re entitled to their opinion as well and they have their freedom of speech.

“In the end we will overcome – if it’s not through the impeachment process, it’ll be through the ballot box in November.”

Killingsworth was one of dozens of people who gathered for the event organized by Indivisible Manteca – a local volunteer-led affiliate of the national progressive grassroots organization that aims to get progressively-minded local people involved in politics.

While some from the organizing group felt that the pro-Trump counter protestors veered into incivility by, they claim, forcing their way into the middle of the group in an antagonistic manner, Whisper Gray – who wore a Make America Great Again hat and held up a “Trump 2020” sign – said that she enjoyed sharing her viewpoints while at the same time talking with people who don’t share them.

“I came out tonight to let people who feel the same way that I do know that they are not alone,” said Gray, who noted that she favored the economic revival under President Trump and the policies he has put into place to bolster the economy. “Everybody has been polite and friendly because this is a good community.

“This is the American ideal – being able to express your views freely. I met this very nice lady over here and she has said some very nice things to me and that’s what this community and this country is all about.”

The woman to whom Gray was referring, Alyce Eversole, said that she spent her entire life not interested or involved in politics because she was busy raising her family.

But under the current administration, Eversole said, she and her husband – a retired firefighter – felt the need to speak up and let their voices be heard.

“I was there at the Women’s March the day this President was elected, and I have become much more vocal about my views since he has taken office,” Eversole said. “I feel that I have to be more vocal – I don’t agree with the things that he is saying and doing and I think that impeachment sends a message that we aren’t going to stand for these things.”

Tuesday’s planned protest was part of a coordinated nationwide effort to send a message to Congress who will take the matter of Impeachment today at the U.S. Capital building in Washington, D.C.

For Wayne Adler, one of the founders of Indivisible Manteca, the event was a chance to show residents in an area that now has a Democratic advantage that it’s okay to speak up.

“Right now, there are hundreds of events going on all across the country,” Adler said. “It got a little bit standoffish here for a little bit, but we’re used to that.

“This is about giving people a chance to have their voices heard and an opportunity for them to get involved.”

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.