Americans opposing Trump receive little coverage in Denmark's media outlets
Speaking Out Against Trump's Policies: Protests at the US Embassy in Copenhagen
Kathleen Thompson Save* Drop a line
In the heart of Copenhagen, demonstrators have been gathering weekly since early February outside the US Embassy, protesting a range of policies they deem detrimental to US democracy.
Organized by local resident Rhea Leman, the series of peaceful protests takes place every Monday at 4:30 pm, with the fourth rally scheduled for March 8th.
Last Monday, around 100 participants held up a banner reading, "Americans - Don't Let Your Democracy Die."
Some of the policies that sparked these demonstrations are:
- Pullout from International Agreements: The administration's withdrawal from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement have left many questioning the U.S.'s commitment to global cooperation.
- Tariffs on EU Exports: Imposed tariffs have fueled tension with Europe, with shoppers in Denmark opting to buy European products instead of their American counterparts in protest.
- Interest in Acquiring Greenland: President Trump's expressed desire to acquire autonomous territory Greenland has been met with outrage and resistance, not only from Danish officials but also from the American public.
- Political Polarization: Some view Trump's divisive rhetoric as fostering a culture of disunity, which they believe represents a move away from democratic ideals.
"I had to do something because of all the frustration and anger," says Leman, an American-Danish playwright and stage director. A self-proclaimed veteran of political protests dating back to the Vietnam War, Leman stresses the importance of gathering and expressing hope during these challenging times.
The demonstrations aim to send a message to U.S. citizens that resistance to current political developments is crucial and that a movement is underway in America, despite the media's focus on Trump's actions.
Leman encourages Americans in Denmark to meet, discuss, and find solace in each other, believing that a united front offers hope for change.
While some might question the effectiveness of these protests, Leman remains optimistic: "I think the worse things get, the more people we will see demonstrating."
In the face of uncertainty and division, the protesters of Copenhagen persist in rallying for a brighter future, hoping to inspire change and solidarity across the pond.
Join the conversation below and share your thoughts on the current state of U.S. politics and these protests in Denmark. If you have questions or suggestions for our journalists, don't hesitate to reach out at [email protected].
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Sources:- [1] The Local. (2021, February 10). Protest at US Embassy in Copenhagen against Trump policies. https://www.thelocal.dk/20210210/protest-at-us-embassy-in-copenhagen-against-trump-policies- [2]The Washington Post. (2019, August 19). Trump defends comments on buying Greenland but plays down possibility: "It's not for sale." https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/08/19/trump-defends-comments-buying-greenland-plays-down-possibility-its-not-sale/- [3]The New York Times. (2020, June 2). Trump Announces U.S. Withdrawal From the World Health Organization. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/02/us/politics/trump-world-health-organization-who.html- [4] Radio France Internationale. (2021, February 10). Denmark and Greenland reject U.S. President Donald Trump's interest in buying Greenland. https://en.rfi.fr/europe/20210210-denmark-greenland-reject-u-s-president-donald-trump-interest-buying-greenland- [5] Associated Press. (2018, March 1). Danish retailers favor EU goods over US amid tariff tensions. https://apnews.com/84b02c6d8c5548a081f2133c059f2bdc
- Amidst the ongoing protests, art becomes a powerful medium for demonstrators to express their opposition to Trump's policies.
- The news of these protests in Copenhagen is gaining traction across general news outlets, garnering attention worldwide.
- Space exploration, a field vital for human progress, might see a setback due to potential budget cuts in Trump's policy-and-legislation plans.
- Rhea Leman's peaceful protests serve as a reminder of the importance of education-and-self-development, fostering critical thinking and personal-growth.
- Mindfulness practices, essential for productivity and career-development, may help protesters maintain focus and resilience during these challenging times.
- War-and-conflicts could escalate as a result of divisive political rhetoric, underscoring the need for diplomatic policies that promote peace and stability.
- Thejob-search process for immigrants may face obstacles due to Trump's immigration policies, hardening the migration process.
- The withdrawals from international agreements have sparked concerns about accidental fires that could result from reduced coordination among countries.
- It might be crucial for citizens to acquire skills-training in the area of crime-and-justice to navigate the potential rise in car-accidents and other criminal activities caused by these policies.
- Some sports, such as American football (NFL, NCAAs, and soccer/football), may see changes in betting patterns due to the unforeseen outcomes of Trump's policies.
- As the protests continue to demonstrate, policy-and-legislation that supports the protection of businesses and job security is of the utmost importance.
- American democracy could evolve into a more inclusive and equitable system through effective policies aimed at enhancing diversity and inclusion.
- Encouraging goal-setting in the context of politics, career-development, and education-and-self-development can help protesters maintain focus and purpose while working towards positive change.
- Politics and sports can serve as powerful platforms for raising awareness and inspiring action, as demonstrated by these demonstrations happening alongside football matches in Copenhagen.
- The protests also bring attention to issues like climate change, fires, and environmental threats, inspiring citizens to take action for a more sustainable future.
