Hundreds join anti-Trump protests in Vancouver

13/11/16
Author: 
The Canadian Press
Protesters rally outside Vancouver's Trump Tower on Nov. 10, 2016. (Tina Lovgreen/CBC)

[Editor: There was a second rally at the Vancouver Art Gallery on November 12 http://www.cknw.com/2016/11/12/anti-trump-protest-in-downtown-vancouver-draws-hundreds/ ]

The rally, one of many similar protests around the world, started outside Trump Tower

Hundreds of people turned up in downtown Vancouver on Thursday to protest the results of the United States presidential election.

Dozens of placards bobbed above the crowd with various slogans disparaging president-elect Donald Trump, ranging from "Build kindness, not walls" and "Proud supporter of love," to "Make America safe again," and "Prejudice kills."

 

The Republican ended a divisive election campaign on Tuesday by pulling off a widely unexpected upset, defeating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the race to the White House.

 

 

 anti trump protestors are now blocking west Georgia and walking down

 
 

The Vancouver protest was staged in front of Trump Tower, where another demonstration was held earlier this year because of its controversial namesake.

The oversized letters spelling out the Trump name immediately above the building's front doors had been covered in blue sheets and a fence surrounded the entrance.

Steve Cucuzza, a New Yorker who opted to visit Canada to escape the election-night chaos, attended the Vancouver rally. He said he wasn't expecting an anti-Trump gathering so far from home but added that he wasn't surprised.

"I think the global community has every reason to be fearful of him," Cucuzza said, describing Trump as likely the most divisive politician in American history.

Trump protest Vancouver

A protester rallies against President-elect Donald Trump in Vancouver on Nov. 10, 2016. (David Horemans/CBC)

"The fact that he literally has his hands on the nuclear codes should have everybody across the globe gravely concerned. He has a tendency to lash out and act out when he doesn't get his way."

Still, he said he wants to keep an open mind and give Trump a chance.

"I've heard people chanting "Love trumps hate," and I think that's the proper approach," Cucuzza said.

"Holding him accountable is what I'd ask everyone to do, but also give him a chance, give him a fair chance to govern."

Trump protest Vancouver

A protester demonstrating against president-elect Donald Trump marches in Vancouver on Nov. 11, 2016. (David Horemans/CBC)

Trump rally Vancouver

People march in Vancouver to protest the election of Donald Trump on Nov. 10, 2016. (Tina Lovgreen/CBC)

One man, who gave his name only as Brendan, arrived to the protest early wearing a red T-shirt with the words "Trump is my president."

He said he showed up to represent the silent majority that supports the controversial billionaire.

"I just thought I'd come and be the other side of the story," he said, expressing admiration for Trump's tough-on-immigration policies.

"He won the election so he can't be that unpopular, right?"

Trump protest Vancouver

Protesters rally on Georgia Street in Vancouver, B.C. against president-elect Donald Trump on Nov. 10, 2016. (Tina Lovgreen)

Vancouver Trump protest

Protesters rally in Vancouver against president-elect Donald Trump on Nov. 10, 2016. (Tina Lovgreen/CBC)

[Top photo: Protesters rally outside Vancouver's Trump Tower on Nov. 10, 2016. (Tina Lovgreen/CBC)]