Labor Day Rally in Denver Pushes Back Against Corporate Power

Hundreds gather to call for a democracy that serves workers first

Story and Photos by Yvens Alex Saintil

 Protesters march along Lincoln Street in Denver.

On Monday, September 1, hundreds of people gathered on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol to mark Labor Day with a call for change: a society that prioritizes workers over billionaires. Unlike other recent rallies, this event focused on a unified demand for "People Over Profits" and a commitment to ongoing grassroots action.

The event was organized by a coalition of progressive groups, including 50501 Colorado, the Denver branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Indivisible Denver Action, and Political Revolution. Their stated goal is to challenge corporate power and steer American politics toward policies that better serve the interests of working people.

Protesters gather on the lawn of the Colorado State Capitol building in Denver, holding a sign that reads, "Prison without due process is a concentration camp."

Michele Swenson holds a sign that reads "Economy & Healthcare For the People, not Billionaire Kleptocrats' Profits."

Protesters march through downtown Denver, carrying signs criticizing well-known figures. One sign shows a caricature of Donald Trump and Elon Musk in prison jumpsuits with the words "PROJECT 2026," while another states "Make Guillotines Great Again."

A large American flag is carried upside down as the crowd marches through downtown Denver

A protester carries a banner for "LA MORATORIA CHICANA," calling for the termination of contracts with private prisons, as they march with others.

Before the march, which was less than a mile long, demonstrators gathered to discuss their views on democracy and the economy. Michele Swenson from Health Care for All Colorado argued that billionaires have taken over the political system at the expense of ordinary citizens.

“We’ve created a kleptocracy over the last 50 years, and we must end the billionaire kleptocracy,” Swenson stated. “The government should serve the people, not the billionaire class. That’s why I believe we need an economy and healthcare policies that benefit the public, not the billionaire kleptocrats.”

Marchers gathered in front of the Colorado State Capitol building, with multiple protest signs visible.

Protesters stand on a staircase outside a building in Denver. One person in dark clothing and a mask holds a sign with a prominent swastika symbol and the words "Greedy Oppressive Pedophiles."

A person wearing a hat and sunglasses is holding a sign that says "TRUMP IS THE OPPOSITE OF JESUS," with the Colorado State Capitol building visible in the background.

During a brief moment in the march, a protester stands in front of a sign reading "TRUMPISM IS DICTATORSHIP & FASCISM."

Swenson, who has participated in numerous protests, said she plans to continue attending as long as necessary. She has written extensively on this topic, including her 2005 book, “Democracy Under Assault: TheoPolitics, Incivility, and Violence on the Right,” and a recent article in “Common Dreams”. In her article, she explores how privatization and profit-oriented health policies have influenced the past 50 years.

As the march moved along Lincoln Street, other participants shared concerns about the future. Kay Landon, a retired teacher and parent, expressed her concern over the current political climate and the erosion of democratic freedoms. “I am very worried about the young people in our world,” Landon said. “I worry about the kids I once taught. I trained them to think independently, but with the repression in our country now, I fear they may no longer be able to do so legally."

For many, the rally's message transcended policy, underscoring ongoing efforts for a more just and democratic society..