By Caitlin Philippo
POLITICALLY minded Savannahians braved a heat advisory to gather in Thompson Square on Saturday to protest the recent passing of the Republican’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” whose sweeping cuts to critical government programs have caused outrage across Georgia.
The Big Beautiful Backlash Rally + March, organized by Coastal Georgia for Democracy, was held in order to draw attention to the political maneuvering of Trump devotees whose blind support of the President has residents questioning their ability to faithfully represent Georgia.
The intense heat was matched only by the fervency of the guest speakers, which included Corey Foreman, Chairman of the Bryan County Democratic Committee and Patti Hewitt, the Executive Director of Coastal Georgia People’s PAC.
The speeches opened with Rev. Michael Chaney Jr. from the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany Savannah, whose impassioned words set the tone and drew widespread cheers from the crowd.
“We are bigger than this bill. We are stronger in our will. And our love will overcome in our communities and at the ballot box,” Rev. Chaney said.
Attendees did not mince words when denouncing Rep. Buddy Carter, whose person and policies were front and center in the hot seat. Event speakers were positioned in front of a large banner that declared “Buddy Carter does not care about you.”
Rick Ellison, a former veteran, government worker, and President of Retirees Unite for a Better, enthusiastically condemned Carter to onlookers.
“We have to do better and Buddy Carter is not the answer. Nor is Trump. I have been to Buddy Carter’s Office. He hasn’t held a town hall in eleven years. That is ridiculous. He is afraid to talk to us…he is a coward,” Ellison said.
In a conversation with The Savannahian, members of Coastal Georgia For Democracy discussed their motivations and goals in organizing the rally and just how detrimental Rep. Buddy Carter’s actions are to the welfare of Georgia.
“Based on his own words and votes, Rep. Carter clearly does not care about working families. He is supporting a billionaire-first agenda. Buddy Carter has publicly and proudly declared himself a 'MAGA Warrior' and is voting for policies that will have significant adverse effects for a huge portion of his district. He has made it clear that his priority is to serve Trump’s agenda over the needs of the people of Georgia," said Kevin Potts, Director of Operations for CGFD.
A key undertone of the event were efforts to mobilize a younger generation toward political engagement, and to increase awareness of the brass tacks of what will happen to everyday Georgians as a result of the bill’s passing.
“People need to understand that what the GOP just passed is, without hyperbole, set up to be one of the most destructive pieces of legislation for anyone outside the one percent income bracket,” described Potts.
“Tens of thousands of District One residents, including those who voted for Carter, will be hurt… ‘working families”, a term both parties like to tout, will be deeply affected. Voters must understand this. It’s not a partisan talking point – it is the reality of the bill,” he continued.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities recently released numbers that illustrate how the extreme cuts, which will largely take place after the 2026 election midterms, will strip health care from millions of American while also raising the cost of living.
But as evidenced by the support of the event, the war against complete Trump domination is not yet lost, and the time to fight will be at the upcoming elections.
“Now is not the time to lose hope, or give up. This administration has been working hard and fast to strip away rights, access to services, and benefits. We have to work even harder” said Suzanne Moccia, the Director of Communications for the CGFD.
“People need to vote, organize, help with mutual aid organizations such as food banks, and run for office, especially at the local level so we can build stronger communities within Savannah and Chatham County. We need policies that benefit 100 percent of the people, not just the one percent,” added Potts.
“We recognize that change happens through accumulation, not single events. We have to keep persisting. Our communities are going to need us. Showing up physically over time works because it creates visible proof that resistance is real, growing, and sustained” finished Moccia, inspiring us with the reminder that the path for Georgia leads forward.