I will be there with four generations of my family. From five months to 94 years. We are looking forward to celebrating how much we love our country and democracy.
An honest, genuine question: Is that really what these protests are designed to do? Simply celebrate democracy and pat ourselves on the back about how much we love our country? If so, that's not a protest, that's a festival.
The problem I have with these No Kings day events is that Trump and his entire regime *know* they're unpopular with a majority of Americans. Congressional Republicans do too. They're not stupid. If they didn't know that, Trump wouldn't be trying to get every Republican governor in the country to create more Republican districts. The issue is they don't care! Protests like this aren't going to change any of their minds. The only things they care about are power and money.
These "protests" would be much more effective if they were less protest and more voter registration, and rallies for *local* politicians running to replace Republicans on school boards and in local governments. Democrats actually could learn a lot from the Tea Party. They started this mess, and they did it after learning that targeting and winning *local* elections is the key, not targeting the federal government.
There's going to be a lot of what you suggest at the rally I'm attending in Beaverton, OR (I live in Portland but that rally is too big for me). And those activities are happening regularly all along - voter reg; post cards to voters in red states; and lots of folks are running for local offices. I wouldn't assume that the "only" thing happening at all of these events is "patting ourselves on the back."
We need to see how large we are. We need to see ourselves across the nation. These protests are for us.
Perhaps you're young, and missed the 60s. I'm old, and I was there. These gatherings matter.
Expand your vision, my friend. There are many fronts in a grassroots campaign to turn this dark tide around. And . . . it . . . is . . . HAPPENING . . .
Six decades back, we won voting rights for all, and stopped an insane war. The doubters, wet blankets, and naysayers were loud, scolding, pessimistic, and silly then, as they are now. We ignored them. We shall win this thing, too, and celebrate our 250th with a grand election in 13 months.
The classic comment I've seen today, dozens of times along the same lines:
- - - - - - - -
"We live in MAGA country in a relatively rural area. We had about 75 protesters at our first No Kings protest. We had almost 400 at Saturday’s No Kings protest. One of the comments I repeatedly heard from protestors was “It makes me feel so good to know that I am not the only one around here who feels the way I do”.
All the things you mention have been going on all along. ALL OF THEM, including the court cases that Trump is losing. Our physical presence in public is proof that we are succeeding. Trump & Co DO care, and they are scared. Their attempts to manipulate votes and to target blue-voting states is proof. And it is failing, as local officials resist and states sue, and judges stand firm. The only thing T&Co have left is lies, and over and over again they are exposed.
We meet together to show that we are a force to be reckoned with: we not alone and there are others out there who have our back. It also lets those who are hesitant know that dissent is safe, legal, and, most importantly, our duty as citizens. (Perhaps you are one of them? Come join us.)
It is very uplifting & energizing. We send a message and we share our anger & frustration with all our like-minded neighbors. We had a politician running against repug congressman at our protest in fact. I'm sure we aren't the only one. We ARE encouraging more people to join the fight at the local level. This is where that starts, when people understand they are not alone in the fight. Have you gone to one? I highly recommend it. AND YES THE REGIME DOES CARE. THEY HATE IT! Why do you think they are trying to label us all as terrorists?
Chris, you could organize your own protest and design it the way you want. I thought the No Kings event was inspiring. I ran into a friend there who said she started crying as she walked into the park and saw all the people and heard all the honking and the singing and the drumming. We are not alone.
KCMO event had volunteers having people sign statewide ballot initiatives - one against the one Trump demanded to gerrymander our Democratic district. We had local government officials speak. There were booths with opportunities to learn more about the ballot initiatives, write to our congresspeople and governors (KS and MO) on postcards that are pre-addressed and stamped, local chapters of Democrat organizations, veterans organization. Lots of ways to get involved. I thought it was a well organized event.
I ran for school board & won. I'm a progressive in a red region of a blue state. These events show that there is support for opposition to Trump & the GOP. It makes people have hope & to know they are not alone during this dark time. It helps make us all braver to speak up & hold our ground. It sends a message. I don't know if we can get out of this mess without some bad things happen, but I am delighted that the protests today were huge, well received & peaceful. It's a spring board to more activism, not self-congratulatory.
That messaging isn't new, and not confined to the Trump regime, though. Republicans, especially conservative "Christians," have portrayed Democrats and other "liberals" as anti-American or not American for decades. Conversely, they really do believe they are the only "real" Americans. It's not just messaging, it's an actual belief. In the past, this has often been part of the rural/urban divide in the United States. Rural Americans have for *years* been told by Republicans that they're the only "real" Americans. The only new thing is Trump, through the OBB, has managed to anger a lot of rural Americans, too.
I'm a rural American. I despise that messaging that suggests the only 'real' Americans live in rural areas, especially when the GOP treats them poorly & uses their sons & daughters as cannon fodder for their 'skirmishes'. There is nothing less American about my daughter who lives in a big city or more American about me who lives in a very rural part of my state. I point that out whenever my 'neighbors' make snide comments about the city-folk. We are ALL Americans.
I believe in democracy and support the No Kings protests. And fortunately, I live in a blue state, even though this specific area has a useless Repub rep. However, I do worry that the autocracy and his minions will take action to prevent the free expression of our opinions. Everyone be very careful out there.
Thank you for what you are doing. I can't be there in person. Having just had knee surgery but I will definitely be there in spirit. And hope to join you at the next one. This is Sue from Texas
Sue from Texas, we will hold you with us, so you'll be with us anyway. Thanks for sharing your support: it is important to know there are more of us out there. Heal soon and well.
Here in Yreka CA, I've got my flag, my sign, and my inflatable purple hippo costume ready to rock.
Now, if I can just find my roller skates . . .
Salutes to ye all . . . I'm thinking we might hit that magic 12 million aka 3.5% # . . . stay safe out there . . . peace, love, and laughter will guide us through this dark wood . . .
Inspired by Portland's subversive playfulness, I'm wearing a turquoise dress printed with pink axlotls & carrying a turquoise, pink & yellow sign that reads:
ANTIFA AXLOTLS
SAY NO KINGS!
NOT NOW. NOT EVER.
(Axlotls are a variety of salamander, permanently aquatic, that look like weird little angel mermaid babies with wings.)
Our Democracy, Humanity & our Earth are in a rapid free fall. If there is ONE message Jennifer & Norm you can loudly convey at your Live No Kings protest tomorrow, is we CANNOT continue on a monthly No Kings protest, but We the People who still have a remote chance to save our world must take to the streets daily until the t regime is toppled over. This is how Europe does it - even Nepal. I’m ashamed to say, not one of my friends or family will be protesting tomorrow but I keep pushing on, participating in grassroots efforts making signs today for disabled veterans for tomorrow’s rally. To do nothing, you become an intricate part of the problem. Grateful for ALL you both do (& your team) as consistency in surfacing the truth remains a lifeline in these darkest of times. 🇺🇸
Daily won't work in America. It is what it is. Every few months WILL work. Esp. if we take the energy generated and apply it to the work of organizing, registering, and education in between these events.
Over 50% increase in turnout today, from last protest, in my small reddish NC town. It was brilliant. We sang, we danced, we blew bubbles. The Portland critters are taking over the world.
Gathering with your neighbors is such a great way to be uplifted from the anger and fear! Go find a protest to join!
I’m a senior woman missing the No Kings protests due to dive trip in Fiji. I’d like to submit to the Contrarian’s coverage event a photo of me in the sea with protest sign. Anyone khow I do that? Thanks
I will be there with four generations of my family. From five months to 94 years. We are looking forward to celebrating how much we love our country and democracy.
An honest, genuine question: Is that really what these protests are designed to do? Simply celebrate democracy and pat ourselves on the back about how much we love our country? If so, that's not a protest, that's a festival.
The problem I have with these No Kings day events is that Trump and his entire regime *know* they're unpopular with a majority of Americans. Congressional Republicans do too. They're not stupid. If they didn't know that, Trump wouldn't be trying to get every Republican governor in the country to create more Republican districts. The issue is they don't care! Protests like this aren't going to change any of their minds. The only things they care about are power and money.
These "protests" would be much more effective if they were less protest and more voter registration, and rallies for *local* politicians running to replace Republicans on school boards and in local governments. Democrats actually could learn a lot from the Tea Party. They started this mess, and they did it after learning that targeting and winning *local* elections is the key, not targeting the federal government.
There's going to be a lot of what you suggest at the rally I'm attending in Beaverton, OR (I live in Portland but that rally is too big for me). And those activities are happening regularly all along - voter reg; post cards to voters in red states; and lots of folks are running for local offices. I wouldn't assume that the "only" thing happening at all of these events is "patting ourselves on the back."
We gather, we celebrate, then we go back to work.
We need to see how large we are. We need to see ourselves across the nation. These protests are for us.
Perhaps you're young, and missed the 60s. I'm old, and I was there. These gatherings matter.
Expand your vision, my friend. There are many fronts in a grassroots campaign to turn this dark tide around. And . . . it . . . is . . . HAPPENING . . .
Six decades back, we won voting rights for all, and stopped an insane war. The doubters, wet blankets, and naysayers were loud, scolding, pessimistic, and silly then, as they are now. We ignored them. We shall win this thing, too, and celebrate our 250th with a grand election in 13 months.
Know hope.
Thanks for the perspective! We need it. 🩷
The classic comment I've seen today, dozens of times along the same lines:
- - - - - - - -
"We live in MAGA country in a relatively rural area. We had about 75 protesters at our first No Kings protest. We had almost 400 at Saturday’s No Kings protest. One of the comments I repeatedly heard from protestors was “It makes me feel so good to know that I am not the only one around here who feels the way I do”.
- - - - - -
All the things you mention have been going on all along. ALL OF THEM, including the court cases that Trump is losing. Our physical presence in public is proof that we are succeeding. Trump & Co DO care, and they are scared. Their attempts to manipulate votes and to target blue-voting states is proof. And it is failing, as local officials resist and states sue, and judges stand firm. The only thing T&Co have left is lies, and over and over again they are exposed.
We meet together to show that we are a force to be reckoned with: we not alone and there are others out there who have our back. It also lets those who are hesitant know that dissent is safe, legal, and, most importantly, our duty as citizens. (Perhaps you are one of them? Come join us.)
It is very uplifting & energizing. We send a message and we share our anger & frustration with all our like-minded neighbors. We had a politician running against repug congressman at our protest in fact. I'm sure we aren't the only one. We ARE encouraging more people to join the fight at the local level. This is where that starts, when people understand they are not alone in the fight. Have you gone to one? I highly recommend it. AND YES THE REGIME DOES CARE. THEY HATE IT! Why do you think they are trying to label us all as terrorists?
Chris, you could organize your own protest and design it the way you want. I thought the No Kings event was inspiring. I ran into a friend there who said she started crying as she walked into the park and saw all the people and heard all the honking and the singing and the drumming. We are not alone.
KCMO event had volunteers having people sign statewide ballot initiatives - one against the one Trump demanded to gerrymander our Democratic district. We had local government officials speak. There were booths with opportunities to learn more about the ballot initiatives, write to our congresspeople and governors (KS and MO) on postcards that are pre-addressed and stamped, local chapters of Democrat organizations, veterans organization. Lots of ways to get involved. I thought it was a well organized event.
> "We are not alone"
THAT is the key.
Hopefully Chris is opening his mind and heart to this truth. A revolution requires joy and community to empower the massive amount of work to be done.
I ran for school board & won. I'm a progressive in a red region of a blue state. These events show that there is support for opposition to Trump & the GOP. It makes people have hope & to know they are not alone during this dark time. It helps make us all braver to speak up & hold our ground. It sends a message. I don't know if we can get out of this mess without some bad things happen, but I am delighted that the protests today were huge, well received & peaceful. It's a spring board to more activism, not self-congratulatory.
Not stupid....But Delusional, unhinged, fact free.
They have effectively weaponized ignorance. Meet them with truth.
In ours, we’re bringing food for the food insecure households in our county. It is a day of action.
72 in Kentucky, can't be there but I will be there in spirit. God Bless all of you 🙏🇺🇸✌️
We will hold you in our hearts, so you will be with us.
Did you see the bobble-head Republicans calling it the "I Hate America Rally?"
Ridiculous! But they *could* call it the "I Hate What Republicans Are Doing To My Country" rally.
That messaging isn't new, and not confined to the Trump regime, though. Republicans, especially conservative "Christians," have portrayed Democrats and other "liberals" as anti-American or not American for decades. Conversely, they really do believe they are the only "real" Americans. It's not just messaging, it's an actual belief. In the past, this has often been part of the rural/urban divide in the United States. Rural Americans have for *years* been told by Republicans that they're the only "real" Americans. The only new thing is Trump, through the OBB, has managed to anger a lot of rural Americans, too.
I'm a rural American. I despise that messaging that suggests the only 'real' Americans live in rural areas, especially when the GOP treats them poorly & uses their sons & daughters as cannon fodder for their 'skirmishes'. There is nothing less American about my daughter who lives in a big city or more American about me who lives in a very rural part of my state. I point that out whenever my 'neighbors' make snide comments about the city-folk. We are ALL Americans.
Yes, well put. But please don't call them "conservative." There is nothing conservative about anarcho-fascism or christo-fascism.
Well said. Trump is not the cause, he is the symptom of what the GOP has been perpetrating for decades now.
Exactly!
I believe in democracy and support the No Kings protests. And fortunately, I live in a blue state, even though this specific area has a useless Repub rep. However, I do worry that the autocracy and his minions will take action to prevent the free expression of our opinions. Everyone be very careful out there.
The bigger presence we have the less likely that is in most cities and towns.
Thank you for what you are doing. I can't be there in person. Having just had knee surgery but I will definitely be there in spirit. And hope to join you at the next one. This is Sue from Texas
Sue from Texas, we will hold you with us, so you'll be with us anyway. Thanks for sharing your support: it is important to know there are more of us out there. Heal soon and well.
Here in Yreka CA, I've got my flag, my sign, and my inflatable purple hippo costume ready to rock.
Now, if I can just find my roller skates . . .
Salutes to ye all . . . I'm thinking we might hit that magic 12 million aka 3.5% # . . . stay safe out there . . . peace, love, and laughter will guide us through this dark wood . . .
Seen on a sign at the rally in Mt Dora, Florida:
G.O.P. = Guardians Of Pedophiles
I will be protesting from Silverton, OR. My sign says "Fight like Flight 93. Let's Roll!"
Inspired by Portland's subversive playfulness, I'm wearing a turquoise dress printed with pink axlotls & carrying a turquoise, pink & yellow sign that reads:
ANTIFA AXLOTLS
SAY NO KINGS!
NOT NOW. NOT EVER.
(Axlotls are a variety of salamander, permanently aquatic, that look like weird little angel mermaid babies with wings.)
I intend to help keep Bremerton (WA) weird.
Sarasota FL: 9-11 a.m. looks like 3x or 4x as many people as in June. Passing motorists are overwhelmingly supportive.
Planning to join Brunswick Maine’s event today. Burke Long
I wish you all a very good No Kings Day. And sing the National Anthem because it belongs to you, the True Patriots!
Going tomorrow with my twin sister. I need to stand up with other Americans to tell the world that our voices do and always have mattered.
Our Democracy, Humanity & our Earth are in a rapid free fall. If there is ONE message Jennifer & Norm you can loudly convey at your Live No Kings protest tomorrow, is we CANNOT continue on a monthly No Kings protest, but We the People who still have a remote chance to save our world must take to the streets daily until the t regime is toppled over. This is how Europe does it - even Nepal. I’m ashamed to say, not one of my friends or family will be protesting tomorrow but I keep pushing on, participating in grassroots efforts making signs today for disabled veterans for tomorrow’s rally. To do nothing, you become an intricate part of the problem. Grateful for ALL you both do (& your team) as consistency in surfacing the truth remains a lifeline in these darkest of times. 🇺🇸
Daily won't work in America. It is what it is. Every few months WILL work. Esp. if we take the energy generated and apply it to the work of organizing, registering, and education in between these events.
Over 50% increase in turnout today, from last protest, in my small reddish NC town. It was brilliant. We sang, we danced, we blew bubbles. The Portland critters are taking over the world.
Gathering with your neighbors is such a great way to be uplifted from the anger and fear! Go find a protest to join!
I’m a senior woman missing the No Kings protests due to dive trip in Fiji. I’d like to submit to the Contrarian’s coverage event a photo of me in the sea with protest sign. Anyone khow I do that? Thanks