What better day to hail the Commander in Chief than Presidents Day? That was the sentiment of a group of Patriots who turned out on a cold, blustery afternoon to show their support for President Trump.
Calling themselves the 7-11 Corner Patriots for their meeting place along William Floyd Parkway in Shirley, the flag-waving group was serenaded by the honks of motorists signaling their approval.
“We’re here to express our gratitude for a president who’s going to save our country from the failures of Joe Biden,” said George Pritchard, the driving force behind the Patriot group. “From inflation to wars to illegal immigration, Trump was left a mess. We’re behind him 100 percent to clean it up,” the North Shirley resident proclaimed.
The 7-11 patriots have staked out the Moriches-Middle Island Road corner for a few years now, displaying flags and signs for their favored candidates. “We were out here for Congressman Lee Zeldin when he ran for governor, and we are delighted the president chose him to head the EPA,” said Mike Osip of Calverton. “They’re going to do great things for our country.”
George Miklas agreed: “Donald Trump is a hero among the presidents. He left the life of luxury and risked his life to take care of the little guy. He wants us to be prosperous. He wants us to be safe. He keeps pushing ahead with the MAGA agenda no matter what they throw at him.”
“President Trump put one of our own in his cabinet. That says a lot. We have the commissioner of the EPA right here from our community. It's exciting,” said Zeldin neighbor Cathi Schwarting. “We love the direction he’s taking this country.”
The pro-Trump demonstrators do have their detractors, as once in a while, a passing driver rolls down their window and hurls an expletive. “F*ck Trump was a common refrain. “These people are so brainwashed,” Pritchard commented. “They have to be in complete denial not to see what the president has done just in his first few weeks in office. The billions in waste he has exposed already is mind-boggling, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”
“Elections do have consequences,” noted Pat Hahn from Center Moriches. “The consequence is Donald Trump will make America great again. I’m really not sure what these other people want.”