As Missouri Gov. Mike Parson prepares to reopen the state’s economy early next month, hundreds of people outside the state Capitol on Tuesday protested what the government has done so far to try to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Protesters of all ages participated while carrying American flags.
There were lots of messages on display by the protesters, including frustration with the pace of the economy being reopened — or that it was closed at all — and concerns about government infringement on liberties: “Poverty kills too! Reopen MO;” “Freedom is essential! Save our economy!;” “Governor! Start this economic engine now!!;” “No more forced social distancing;” “Don’t tread on me;” “Fear GOVT-20 more than COVD-19;” and “Make ‘1984’ fiction again.”
There were also flags and clothing with campaign slogans of President Donald Trump, some references to pandemic-related conspiracy theories about billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates, and a group of three men who showed up visibly armed with military-style rifles.
