Hands Off walkers make a statement

Nearly 50 people walked along Grand Coulee's Midway Avenue Saturday with signs expressing frustration with the direction of the federal government, about twice the size of the group that has been making the gathering a weekly event for weeks.

They were joining a national push to make an impression across the country as millions hit the streets in cities large and small carrying signs and conversing about a range of complaints, from President Donald Trump's rapid changes to the federal government to pointed tests of constitutional limits to his authority, to protecting Social Security and Medicaid, and more.

"Hands Off" was the national theme that was wide enough to embrace it all.

In Grand Coulee, a wide variety of concerns were highlighted. "Orange Lies Matter," one sign read. "Hands Off Social Security," read another.

Respect Civil Service, Hands Off NPR and PBS, Trump is a Liar, Hands of Veteran Services, Hate Will Not Make Us Great, Hands Off Our Democracy, Save Our Constitution, are a few more of the slogans on placards.

The group will meet on Midway again this coming Saturday at noon and plans to join another nationwide event April 19.