ROBERTA NEE ADAMSStaff Writer

Sunday’s Democratic protest saw something they have not seen previously, a Republican counter protest. The counter protest was organized by former Tullahoma alderman Daniel Berry. Asked why he organized this time, he responded, ”Republicans have too often let these things happen, and they just become background noise. Then they become normalized. It’s time to be present. Wherever they are, we should be, too.”

Berry has been active in city politics for some time, having been a city alderman, and still attending Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) meetings. Berry was instrumental in organizing the petition to have the gay pride flag removed from city classrooms.

Just as the protests were getting under way there were a few tense moments when Robert Miller confronted Berry, shouting and holding up his phone to record the confrontation. Miller was shouting about a comment Berry had reportedly made online that he did not like. Berry said the comment made online was misconstrued by Miller. There followed a minor pushing match by bystanders to get an arm’s length between the two. Berry quickly de-escalated the scene by inviting Miller over to his truck for a cup of coffee where they could talk. The two then had a cup of coffee together and a discussion that lasted several minutes, with no raised voices.

The two groups were both on the sidewalk in front of the high school, and kept a respectable distance from each other. The Democrat group was mostly protesting ICE. The Republican group supported following the laws of the nation, and deporting those in the nation illegally.

Despite temps below freezing, quite a few people showed up for the event. There were more people in the Democrat group, it numbering about 30, and there were approximately 20 in the Republican group. The groups were easily distinguished by their signs. Both groups had speakers using bull horns. In addition, the Republican group had several large American flags. Many of the cars passing by honked for the group they supported.

All in all, it was a peaceful protest and counter protest, two groups of Americans speaking out for their beliefs. And for the most part, doing it respectfully.