Speaking for the People

On May 9, downtown Sidney's typical traffic of workers busy in the duties, the lunch crowd hurrying to their favorite menu and people out for an afternoon walk were suddenly interrupted by the site of numerous trucks, busses and RVs making their way into town from the west.

The blaring horns and American flags flying proudly told observers this was not a random lineup of vehicles, but a deliberate assembly. The Peoples Convoy stopped for the night at Sapp Brothers where an assembly was held.

The evening included a rally with organizers speaking of why there is a convoy, the next day's plans and an outline of the do's and don'ts. Organizers stressed The People's Convoy is a peaceful effort. Anyone who intents to “storm a building” or be confrontational will be removed from the convoy, a man known as “Santa” said.

Marcus Sommers, one of the organizers of the convoy, said the convoy started in California in February of this year. The Peoples Convoy is not political, it is not partisan or racial. It is a group representing several different beliefs and political platforms with one primary platform: support of freedom.

“The neat part about the convoy — the varying beliefs. We're all getting along. There's differences, but we all get along,” Sommers said.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a wake-up call, an awareness of the impact of some of the policies being put in place.

This is the second trip to Washington, D.C., for some in the convoy. Sommers said he was in D.C. for about three weeks when bills came up in California

“We decided we would let the people decide if we go back,” he said.

On the way back in this trip, The People's Convoy stopped in Olympia, Wash., for a “Defeat the Mandates” Rally.

Sommers said the convoys are not just about bringing recognition to the cause. It is about encouraging people to get involved in the social and political processes.

“One thing the convoy did was create state groups,” he said. “That's something I've been a huge advocate of, people getting involved.”

Sommers said if he had to go home that night (May 9), he would hold his head high having been part of something bigger than himself. He encourages people to “stop talking about it and start doing something about it” when it comes to issues facing American society. He said he didn't serve the country militarily, but this is one way he can serve his country.

He said he has been away from his family about four months. Funding has happened through donations.

“This movement, this convoy, is funded by the people,” he said.

Sommers describes the time in the convoy as “it's been fun, but it's not been fun. He said it has not been fun being away from his family, but it is fun to see people can still be good and to see people show up to offer support.

“This shouldn't even be happening, but if that's what it takes, I'm glad to be part of it,” he said.

Donations are made through The People's Convoy website, thepeoplesconvoy.org, or in person. Sommers said any other source soliciting for the convoy is not associated with The Peoples Convoy.

Sommers said there are people who cannot support the convoy financially but pray for those taking part in it. However, he said there are many who could be part of the convoy.

“There's so many able-bodied people who should be here,” he said.