Pissed Off Grandmas

The Pissed Off Grandma's also gathered at Elmwood Park to interview with Josh Reyes / OWH and perform.

Watch the interview & performance!

Pissed Off Grandmas 

The Grannies attended the Nebraska State Fair with the intention of performing several songs and participating in what was advertised as a public forum. Senator Pete Ricketts’ “Federal Issues Forum” was listed in the official fair gate-book as “a public forum to discuss key issues,” and approximately 200 individuals were in attendance. 

Senator Ricketts opened the event by referencing what he called “The Big Beautiful  Bill,” which elicited a mixed response - some applauded, while others reacted with laughter.  As the forum progressed, audience reactions varied, with intermittent applause and respectful expressions of dissent. 

Comments such as “That’s not true,” “Tell the truth, Pete,” and “Stop the lies, Pete” were voiced without vulgarity or disruption. The POG group rose from a  Non Partisan Non Violent and Family friendly language foundation that is the " Like Minded Friends Indivisable" of the Omaha area. 

We never condone the use of profanity in efforts to bring awareness to the issues surrounding the current attacks on Democracy.

Despite the civil nature of these remarks, attendees who expressed disagreement were quickly confronted by security personnel. Early in the program, security moved to silence and remove individuals perceived as dissenting. 

When initial efforts to remove attendees were met with resistance, State Patrol officers were called in to assist. Two members of the Grannies were asked to leave, prompting the entire group to exit in solidarity. 

They were informed that they were banned from the building but permitted to remain on the fairgrounds and perform outside. After leaving the venue, members of the group reported being monitored and followed throughout the fairgrounds.

It is worth noting the substantial presence of law enforcement at the event, including uniformed security in black and blue attire, undercover officers, and numerous State Patrol agents.

Outside the building, the Grannies performed “This Land Is Your Land” twice—a song emblematic of the values they hoped to uphold.

Following the event, Nebraska State Patrol spokesperson Cody Thomas confirmed that approximately 7–10 individuals were escorted out. 

A State Fair representative later clarified that the forum was a “private event” coordinated by Senator Ricketts’ Senate office, with Capitol Police determining that certain attendees were disruptive. 

This designation contradicted the fair’s own promotional materials, which had described the forum as a public opportunity to engage on key issues - leading to confusion when attendees were removed for expressing their views.

Ricketts Stated:

"This Federal Issues Forum is an opportunity to discuss the progress we’ve made in delivering results for Nebraskans,” Ricketts said. “We’re protecting families, securing the border, and fostering a stronger economy. I encourage Nebraskans to attend.” The event will be open to the public. The panel discussions will include a moderated question and answer portion.

Conclusion

What was presented as a public forum became, in practice, a tightly controlled event where dissenting voices were not permitted. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and petition. 

These rights must be upheld, especially in spaces advertised as public forums for civic engagement.

Pissed Off Grandmas now have a new friend they met at the Nebraska State Fair - “Lady Liberty" -  who was also banned from the forum and later escorted off the fairgrounds. Thank you, Lady Liberty for standing up for Democracy!