Pennsylvanians are feeling the squeeze of rising gas prices, expensive groceries and a political environment that to some seems unfriendly and even hostile.
At a No Kings rally in Scranton on Saturday, Karen Showalter of MomsRising used real lemonade as a visual symbol of the economic squeeze voters are experiencing.
Such issues as child care, gun safety, health care, and food insecurity aren’t specific to mothers, but often significantly affect their lives.
So, equipped with lemonade and the willingness to listen, Showalter reminded event participants of the importance of their vote.
Partisan politics aside, she said most people would benefit from lower costs and better access to health care.
“We have a lot of common ground when it comes to affordability,” she said. “Look at the candidates.”
Attendees of Saturday’s No Kings rally in Scranton on Oct. 17, react to Rabbi Daniel Swartz’ remarks encouraging people to thoughtfully vote. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
James Arscott, a retired anesthesiologist from Waverly, holds up a sign reminding others that he was not paid to be at a No Kings rally on Saturday, Oct. 17 in Scranton. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Attendees of a No Kings rally in Scranton on Oct. 17, 2026, hold up signs encouraging voters to vote and expressing dissatisfaction with the current administration. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Attendees of a No Kings rally in Scranton on Oct. 17, 2026, hold up signs encouraging voters to vote and expressing dissatisfaction with the current administration. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Attendees of a No Kings rally in Scranton on Oct. 17, 2026, hold up signs encouraging voters to vote and expressing dissatisfaction with the current administration. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
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Attendees of Saturday’s No Kings rally in Scranton on Oct. 17, react to Rabbi Daniel Swartz’ remarks encouraging people to thoughtfully vote. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Rabbi: Vote compassion
Rabbi Daniel Swartz, of Temple Hesed, encouraged people to vote with compassion and vote out politics of continuing cruelty.
A member of Faith 250, a fellowship of two dozen faith communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Swartz encourages those of different faiths to work together and share ideas.
Swartz referenced Frederick Douglass’ speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?,” delivered on July 5, 1852, condemning America’s celebration of liberty while millions of Black Americans remained enslaved under the Fugitive Slave Act.
What the two periods of history had in common, he said, was the importance of people not only believing in what is right, but acting and voting accordingly.
He encouraged people to get out and vote no matter the weather, pressure from others, or inconvenience.
Voting was that important, he said.
A time to speak out
Sarah Balmer, of Covington Township, recalled a time in the country’s history when immigrants were welcomed.
After adopting her daughter from China in 2009, she never worried about security.
But with the advent of arrests of minorities by ICE agents under the current administration, that sense of ease is gone, she said.
She recalled seeing ICE agents as she and her daughter were on their way out of a theater production in November.
So, Balmer warned her daughter, Lily Mei, to stay in the car while she got out and began recording the agents.
The agents came from a nearby home and saw her video recording them. They recorded her back and took photos.
She believes she was entered into a national database and has some fear.
But she is also angry and determined to keep fighting for what is right when it comes to immigration and other issues.
Attending Saturday’s event was an opportunity to join with others to make changes through their vote, she said.
Jim Arscott, of Waverly, a retired anesthesiologist and Army Reserve officer, is also concerned with issues including immigration and the placement of immigrants, legal and illegal, in what he deemed “concentration camps.”
Arscott is also upset over the current administration implementing a controversial deal to allow the import of Russian diesel and reports that the White House ordered restrictions on satellite communication tools utilized by Ukraine’s military.
As Arscott held a sign indicating he hadn’t been paid to participate in Saturday’s event, many motorists driving by Court House Square honked in a show of support.
The 71-year-old did not hesitate to respond with a smile and a wave.
Oct. 19 is the deadline to register to vote in the 2026 general election.
For information about voting in Lackawanna County, visit https://tinyurl.com/2frs7848.