Dem
47
GOP
53
We asked readers for reports on the No Kings protests, and then we ended up going dark unexpectedly. We still want to share some of those reports, even if it's a little late. And today's an ideal day to do that (although we will also share some more next week). Today's post is already very heavy on images (see below), so we're going to limit ourselves to some written accounts from readers; we'll share some of the pictures next week:
J.G. in Inver Grove Heights, MN: My wife and I went to bed unsure if we were going to attend the "No Kings" rally being hosted in our second-ring suburb of 36,000 or not. Waking to the news of the attacks on two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses made attending much more important. As we were working on our signs, word came that Gov. Tim Walz (DFL-MN) and the State Patrol recommended people not attend rallies. This was followed shortly by an e-mail saying our event had been canceled. We weren't sure what to do, but decided that we would still go if we found others prioritizing being heard over the warnings and cancellations.
We needn't have worried about finding no one to join with. Plenty of people lined the street waving flags and signs. The event organizer was there advising people that it was "officially" canceled, and explaining how we should behave if we decided to stay. They also said that there was a police officer walking around keeping us safe, but I never saw one. (Our rally was only a few blocks from the police station, so there were plenty of squad cars driving by.) I counted 250 people, with more arriving after I had finished counting. The mood was remarkably positive, especially considering the morning's news and the heightened threat of violence. The honks and signs of support from passing cars vastly outnumbered the negative reactions we saw. (Our DFL candidate for the state house won with 57.7%, but there are plenty of Trump signs and flags as you drive around.)
This was my first protest, and I found it therapeutic after a tough morning.J.L. in Colorado Springs, CO: I read an article saying that protests aren't enough and we need to do more serious disruption. Maybe they're right, but I went to the No Kings rally here in my city. There were lots of people out—the crowd had to be in the four digits. Talking with like-minded people raised my spirits, the signs made me chuckle, and the atmosphere was invigorating. I think protests are super important to encourage us to keep fighting the good fight and to give us hope that we aren't powerless and maybe there can be a brighter future in this country.
M.C. in Glasgow, Scotland, UK: You may enjoy noting that London got to be both a site of the "No Kings" protests (against Trump) and the site of King Charles III's birthday parade, wherein a regiment troops their colour. The protest was therefore dubbed "One King" or "No Tyrants."
M.F. in Burbank, CA: My girlfriend and I attended the Pasadena, CA, "No Kings" rally. We arrived an hour early, and the crowds were already massing on the street corners. By the official start time, we had begun spilling onto the streets. Over time we closed one lane, and then another, and then another, until finally (after about an hour) the police closed the streets to cars, and everyone was able to roam freely. At the peak, we were well into the thousands.
The demonstration was extremely peaceful. The signs ranged from brilliantly witty to remarkably vulgar, and in many different languages. There was singing, dancing, chanting, drumming, and oh-so-much cow bell. The only thing that was missing was any formal ceremony. There were no speakers, no petitions, no official merch, or anything that resembled a centralized authority or plan. It was the most organic-feeling rally I have ever attended.
The most humorous moment actually occurred on the trip home, while waiting alongside other attendees at the metro train station. It is situated in the median between the eastbound and westbound 210 freeway, such that cars driving by in both directions could see us. We filled the platform, and were all still waving signs and flags at the passing cars. Many honked, waved, gave a thumbs up or a peace sign out the window. And then, out the window of a Rolls-Royce, came a middle finger. We all just laughed and shook our heads. It was the only form of counterprotest I saw; the finger of a pretentious rich person driving by at freeway speed. It was the cherry on top of an uplifting afternoon that helped remind me that I am not crazy (or, at least, that I have lots of company).M.F. in McHenry, IL: McHenry (which is Very Red) had a No Kings protest. Both sidewalks on both sides of Route 31 through McHenry were lined with people three or four deep for almost 1 mile. I would estimate about 10,000+ very enthusiastic people. Most drivers passing by were honking their support.
R.L. in Alameda, CA: It was wonderful to be out with so many people carrying so many clever signs. I've been to a few protests in Oakland in the past and I don't recall seeing Ogawa Plaza filled to the brim with people and Broadway Avenue and 14th Street full of people, as well. This was probably the largest protest I've seen.
My beef is that I'd like to see these protests more tightly focused on the matter at hand. They tend to leak into other lefty bugaboos. Of course, there is no way to control what individuals do. While I was slow-walking with thousands of people down 10th Street towards Broadway, I noted more than a few Palestinian flags and some people started chanting "from the river to the sea" (which, by the way, was co-opted from early Zionist settlers who declared in the 1940s that they wanted the land "from the river to the sea" for Jews). I quietly moved away from them, not because I disagree with them (I'm actually in alignment with their goal of a free Palestine), but because this wasn't a pro-Palestine protest. It was a pro-democracy in America protest.
What bugs me is that some of the speakers at the rally had a lot to say about Israel, Gaza, Palestinians' rights and the bombs that Israel had dropped on Tehran the night before. I don't disagree with any of this (although I felt uncomfortable seeing people cheer for Iran, who is also an enemy, simply because they don't like Israel—and we knew nothing about this conflict at the time; it was literally 12 hours after the first bombs dropped).
The reason I feel it is important to keep a pro-democracy rally focused on pro-democracy stuff is that this movement needs to build a large coalition. There were reportedly many never-Trump, former Republicans joining the rally, many of whom for which this was their first rally ever. Protest isn't a natural part of the constitution of conservative-minded people. These folks are probably not as pro-Palestine/anti-Israel as we lefties are. In fact, some of them may still disagree with us on Israel/Palestine. But we need them in the pro-democracy tent. I feel it is imperative for the speakers at the rally to be focused on the pro-democracy movement. We don't want to turn our new conservative allies away.
This is a movement that needs to grow and it is going to include people who don't agree with each other. So let's stay focused on the most important thing, the purpose of the rally, saving our democracy.T.G. in Daleyville, WI: I was at the "No Kings" rally in the obscure, pretty Republican, corner of southwest Wisco-world today. Dodgeville is a small town of about 4800, and there were about 500 at the rally. It was completely peaceful. We marched on the sidewalks about three blocks to the courthouse, where there was music and speakers. The former sheriff of the county, as well as a current deputy, both spoke movingly about the importance of preserving democracy, as did Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI).
What gives me great hope was the response of the community. The rally was on the main street of town and traffic was heavy. The huge majority of the passers-by were honking and waving signs out their sunroofs in support. Only two pickups came by in counter-protest. One had a MAGA flag hanging out the window, and the other guy just waved his red hat. None of the usual coal-rolling in-your-face MAGA response! I was amazed. This is a sea-change in attitude for this very rural farm-town.
I am sensing that we are at a point of inflection now. What I saw in rural Wisconsin is inspiring. Watching Trump actually behave himself at his birthday fete reinforced that impression. Could it be that having millions turn out in thousands of different towns and cities across the country to protest him gave him an epiphany?
Nah... I'm just wallowing in irrational exuberance. This is far from over...W.L. in Springfield, MO: Although I was unable to attend (prior engagements), I was no less proud to see a strong turnout for the No Kings demonstration here in the Queen City of the Ozarks.
Springfield, MO, is deep in the center of MO-7, the same district that was once represented by former Rep./Sen. Roy Blunt and Rep. Billy Long, and former U.S. Sec. of State John Ashcroft called nearby Willard his home (he also taught at Missouri State University here in Springfield before embarking on his political career). So this area is clearly not a bastion of liberalism. We are a college town, so we're a little more blue-leaning than the surrounding area (2 districts that represent Springfield have or had Democrats representing them). We are also home to the world headquarters of the Assemblies of God and Bass Pro Shops.
This is all preface to say that the attendance of these protests was impressive. 2,000 or so people is excellent turnout and looking at the crowds, it was clear that it wasn't solely college students that made up the majority. Even from afar, it gives me hope that we can ride out this wave of fascism, though it's still a scary time to be alive.
Thanks to all of you! (Z)