When 55 protesters from four different groups showed up in Medford, Taylor County to confront Rep. Tiffany about his healthcare votes, the response from inside the event made national news. A comment — ‘Tell them protesters we got guns here’ — was met with a chuckle from Tiffany, and the moment was captured and shared widely.

The incident was featured in Robert Hubbell’s widely-read national newsletter, and a reporter from The Guardian was present to witness the confrontation firsthand. The story spread across progressive media, putting a spotlight on both the courage of rural protesters and the hostility they sometimes face.

CVI members were among the 55 who stood their ground that day. Their message: we are here, we are watching, and we will not be intimidated.