Dissatisfaction growing over Trump policies, actions

Mark Roesler-Begalke’s active involvement in the south Lincoln County communities of Troy and Libby is unquestioned.

Since moving from Wisconsin to Troy 30 years ago, he’s been a para-educator in Libby Public Schools, a trustee of the Troy School Board, a member of the Lincoln County Library system, treasurer of the Montana Unified School Trust, with the county Community Health Center, Bull Lake Rod and Gun Club and Troy Park District Board.

Last week in front of the Lincoln County Courthouse, Roesler-Begalke’s publicly illustrated his displeasure with the actions of Pres. Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

He carried a home-made, cardboard sign. On one side, it read, “Trump is a Facist (sic).” On the opposite side, “Stop Musk Trump.”

“My major motivation to be out here is get people to stand up to this man (Trump),” Roesler-Begalke said. “What he and Musk are trying to do is illegal. They are trying to dismantle our government.

“I think they are in the process of destroying our country. He does not like people telling him he is wrong and I really don’t think people understand where he wants to take this country.”

After being asked what direction he thinks Trump seeks, Roesler-Begalke said, “One that is lily-white and only benefits the rich.”

Roesler-Begalke said he is retired and plans to continue to demonstrate in front of the courthouse.

“I was out here on Inauguration Day and I plan to keep coming back,” he said.

Roesler-Begalke demonstrated on Feb. 12 and was back on Feb. 18.

“I’m not out here looking for a confrontation, but I want people to consider what is happening,” he said. “I think this is the worst situation our country has been in my lifetime since the Vietnam era.”

When The Western News spoke to Roesler-Begalke, he said people’s reactions to him was largely mixed.

“I’ve had 10 thumbs up, seven middle fingers and one thumbs down. No one has thrown anything at me, so it’s been mostly civil,” Roesler-Begalke said. “But I also think being in front of the courthouse with its cameras is a good idea.”

Following his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, Trump, and the man he appointed to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency, Musk, have been heavily criticized for some of their actions, including budget-pausing federal programs that are meant to mitigate wildfire risk in western states.

The criticisms heightened recently with the announcement that about 3,400 U.S. Forest Service employees were fired. That’s about 10% of its workforce.

Roesler-Begalke, who also advocated for disability rights, said, “You just can’t cut everything. There needs to be more thought put into it than what we’re seeing.”