'Trump Is Not Above the Law:' 5 p.m. Rallies Today Protest Justice Dept. Move

"Rapid response" demonstrations are mobilized in Detroit, four suburbs, Ann Arbor and around Michigan in reaction to the president's choice for acting attorney general. 

President Trump on Wedsnesday afternoon forced Attorney General Jeff Sessions to quit and replaced him wiuth "a loyalist who has echoed the president’s complaints about the special counsel investigation into Russia’s election interference and will now take charge of the inquiry," as The New York Times puts it.

That triggers MoveOn, Public Citizen, Common Cause, People for the American Way and other groups to push back. "Rapid response" websites with the message below already existed for "emergency" protests in case special prosecutor Robert Mueller is fired:

Donald Trump just crossed a red line, violating the independence of the investigation pursuing criminal charges in the Trump-Russia scandal and cover-up.

Trump putting himself above the law is a threat to our democracy, and we’ve got to get Congress to stop him.

We're mobilizing immediately to demand accountability, because Trump is not above the law.

Wednesday's selection of Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general is considered that "red line." It raises "questions about the future of the inquiry led by the special counsel," according to The Times

 

These are among Southeast Michigan rallies at 5 p.m. Thursday:

• Detroit: Outside federal courthouse, 231 W. Lafayette Blvd. between Washington Boulevard and Shelby Street. 
• Troy: Sidewalk at 625 E. Big Beaver Rd. (16 Mile), distrtict office of U.S. Rep. Dave Trott, a Republican.
• Ferndale: City Center (meet at Woodward Avenue and Nine Mile Road).
• Southgate: Sidewalks at intersection of Fort Street and Chestnut, near Oak.
• Westland: Outside police department, 36701 Ford Rd.
• Ann Arbor: Federal Building, 200 E. Liberty St.

"Protesting tips" are posted:

• If you have the materials, make a sign. Keep it short and pithy. "Impeach Trump" or "Not Above the Law" are some ideas.
• Bring an American flag. You are patriots.
• Take photos/videos and post to social media. It is important for as many people as possible to be aware.
• If possible, dress nicely. It will make it that much more difficult for protesters to be painted as a "mob."
• Above all, be civil. Do not attack anyone or vandalize anything.
• Please protest responsibly