BY: Keith S. Shikowitz, Investigative Reporter
BARDONIA, NY – On June 15, 2024, Barry Fixler of Barry’s Estate Jewelry held the third of his rallies for Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump. The rally was once again held at his store in Bardonia, where about 200 people came to show their support for him and candidate Trump. Other dignitaries in attendance were Congressman Mike Lawler and Rockland County Republican Party Chairman Lawrence Garvey.
The issues that people at the rally were concerned about included:
- The Economy
- Domestic Energy
- Gas Prices
- Grocery Prices
- Interest Rates
- Foreign Policy
Homeland Security was another notable hot-button topic. Attenders of the rally expressed concern over what they called an invasion of the country by the millions of illegal immigrants/undocumented migrants (phrasing varied). They were also upset at the possibility of double standards being applied in the Nation’s legal system.
When asked about the issues of January 6 and abortion, most people stated that both were at the very bottom of their list of issues during this election cycle.
On the point of the economy, several attendees explained that their children are not able to buy their first home with current interest rates – which have tripled since 2020. Some even said that their children are back to living with them, because of the unaffordability of housing.
The crowd started out small and increased in size over the time of the rally.
Rep. Mike Lawler took the stage after a brief introduction by Barry Fixler. He spoke about the history that was made two years ago in turning the House of Representatives to Republican control, and ending the reign of Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House. As he continued, he spoke of then-President Trump’s visit to Congress and how the Republican Party has become more unified. He then spoke about getting out to vote. Saying that we had to get out and vote early and make sure that anyone who was going to college needed to apply for and get absentee ballots.
Fixler – owner of Barry’s Estate Jewelers for many years, along with his wife, spoke about his involvement in all of their support of then-President Trump, going back to 2016. This was the third Trump rally Fixler has sponsored.
“People have counted Trump out, especially after the convictions in NYC. If you look around the country you’ll see how people of all walks of life, religions, races, creeds, colors and genders are flocking around Trump. We need to get our country back from those who are trying to take our liberties and freedoms and allowing all of the people who are coming into OUR country illegally. We also need someone in the White House who will make sure the economy is booming and we have money in our pockets.”
Fixler is the author of the book “Semper Cool“, which details his time as a Marine in Vietnam, including his 77 days of boots on the ground at the North Vietnamese border…one of the bloodiest battles of that era.
The book also shares fond memories of his time with friends that “chewed the same dirt” to protect the United States, as directed.