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Thursday, November 12, 2026Nov 12

Local protesters tell president, Congress to ‘step up’

Despite chilly weather and the loud sounds of construction at the Walnut Street bridge Tuesday afternoon, a group of protesters stood by Frazier Avenue traffic to send President Barack Obama and Congress a message.

“We’re pressing Washington to fight,” said Gary Holland, 65.

Mr. Holland was one of about 18 people who attended a North Chattanooga rally organized by the self-described progressive organization MoveOn.org.

Antoinette Pereira, 59, an event organizer, said the rally was meant as a counterpoint to those who say the election of U.S. Sen.-elect Scott Brown, R-Mass., was a rejection of health care reform.