Dem
47
GOP
53
We don't want to overdo it with these, which is why we skipped a day yesterday. But we have enough responses that we want to do about three more of them. Maybe four. So, after this, look for a few more next week. And with that said, six more reader reports from the No Kings events last weekend:
L.N in Arden, NC, writes: My husband and I attended the protest in Asheville, NC. Our experience mirrors those in the many posts you've included so far. The energy, the speakers, the diversity of ages, the creative signs and posturing were great to experience and be a part of:
But, like other posters, I did not see the ethnic diversity represented in our community and region. The first sign I saw upon arriving was poking fun at ICE, which humbled me as to the imminent danger to our families, communities and nation caused by Donald Trump, Kristi Noem, Stephen Miller, and ICE in the areas of citizenship, immigration, law enforcement, human decency and respect for every human being. Truly shameful, unconstitutional and illegal. Thank you to B.B. in Newtown and M.G.F. in Minneapolis for recognizing and articulating the lack of diversity in protest attendance. I couldn't have said it better than M.G.F. in postulating why the crowd lacked diversity and encouraging the white folks in America to stand up and speak out in defending and living through the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, rule of law and human decency Thank you, M.G.F. We have work to do!
However, I was surprised that the speakers did not remind attendees that all politics is local and we are given the great honor of the vote. We must educate ourselves on regional issues, investigate candidate platforms and voting records and discern how those candidates will lead us into a better future of America before we go to the polls to VOTE! Oh, and oppose gerrymandering across the board. Trump 2.0 will end, and will we be ready for what comes next?
M.D. in Wakefield, MA, writes: I attended No Kings Day in Wakefield earlier this year as well as No Kings Day II. My favorite sign was one held by two young ladies right across the street from me:
R.E. in Chico, CA, writes: At the No Kings protest in Chico:
R.J. in Monroe, NJ, writes: Monroe is home to many 55+ communities. Many retirees and others came out to line the roads near the main shopping area:
A.H. in Columbus, OH, writes: Thank you for running all of the letters from people who participated in the No Kings event on the 18th. It is heartwarming. As for myself... my wife had planned to take part and I hadn't, mostly because I am an executive at a decent-size company and the sole breadwinner supporting the family and my employment agreement has some language that gives the company some levers to pull should my public behavior cause any blowback or negative publicity for the company. I only say this because I know there is risk in protesting and everyone has reasons to avoid that risk. I'm no different.
In the end, I decided the risk was worth it and went with her. I, like others, was surprised by both the large turnout and the age range of protesters. I made a sign with a slogan that called back to the Sons of Liberty and the protest slogans of some of our founding fathers:
I don't have a good picture of my wife's sign but it said, "Staying silent in times of injustice is privilege." We understand that the risk is too great for some to go out and publicly protest, so while we have typically stayed silent ourselves (we're in an R+7 district and most of our friends and neighbors are Trump supporters, although not as obviously as they once were), we can't anymore. My family loves musicals, and The Sound of Music is one of my favorites. Max was wrong when he said, "The thing to do these days is to get along with everybody." The Nazis counted on people acquiescing then and the new Nazis count on it now. But we won't. Thanks again!
G.L. in Deerfield, MA, writes: There has been so much emphasis on the sometimes admittedly clever but always questionably effective signs hoisted in the No Kings rallies.
I think the rallies would be much more effective if everybody forgot about the signs and instead brought American flags. A sea of protesters with signs is impressive, but a sea of protesters with flags would be breathtaking.
Back next week! (Z)