We received so many fantastic responses, and I’ll fit as many as I can.
Here’s what you said:
“Yes, I attended the ‘No Kings’ rally in Jackson, MI. Attendance was excellent, organizers were great, music played, horns honked and I believe our point was made. Power to the People.” — Sandra Place
“I attended the No Kings protest in TC this weekend! It was great to be at, especially seeing the levity that many protestors brought with their costumes, pets and creative signs. When our president is trying to paint protest as an act of terrorism, showing up to be silly and have fun is the perfect antidote. Don’t take the costumes for lack of seriousness, rather, what we believe as an effective tool to defang false information against protestors. Violence creates more violence – by showing disciplined nonviolence and joy, the administration cannot use these protests to justify his takeover of our cities – it does allow the American people to show that millions disagree with our President’s King-like actions. Is it all we need to do to stand up? No, of course not. But it is beautiful to see millions come together to celebrate joy instead of fear and hate while also showing everyone else out there that they too can join in the resistance against fascism. ” — Nicholas Jansen
“I attended No Kings in Port Huron where there were hundreds of demonstrators who were a lot of fun and respectful. We had an overwhelming amount of vehicles that tooted their horns in support in the hour that I was there. Only about a handful of Trump supporters showed disapproval by driving by with their middle finger. One MAGA truck driver ‘rolled coal at us,’ which was very deplorable. We had elderly, moms, dads and kids, veterans and young adults with many varied signs of about the Trump regime lies and their undoing of our democracy, legal system and Constitution.” — Janet Swierkosz
“I attended the ‘No Kings’ event in Hastings on Saturday. It was my first in-person protest. I thought it was very patriotic and united, and well done. There were a few with differing opinions expressed by honking horns and waving of flags, but non-violent. I went because I am afraid of where our nation is headed if the current administration is allowed to continue its blatant disregard for our Constitution. I love the United States of America!! As a Christian, a follower of Jesus, I find little of their action to be Christ-like or Biblical. As a woman I am afraid for my rights, those of my daughter-in-laws, granddaughters, nieces, sister, and friends. Women should be able to make their own health care choices without government regulations. We can’t go backward!! I have family members in the LGBTQI community who fear for their lives with the hate promoted by the hate spewed from Washington, DC. Even if I didn’t have any close family members who are LGBTQI, I choose to respect their life expressions. I have dear friends who are immigrants and legal citizens, but the color of their skin puts them in danger. For the men in my life, I wonder how their lives will be affected by the jobs situation. ‘We the People’ need to stand up and speak up before we lose everything. Our country is big enough for immigrants – we need to improve the path to citizenship. We have ‘enough’ so that everyone can have what they need – healthcare and food assistance…” — Elnora Wallin
“I did not attend due to prior obligations elsewhere. However, I feel these protests were done responsibly and are much needed. We need to save democracy in this country. I have new hope after seeing the turnouts, every where.” — Stacey Reynolds
“Yes I was excited to be there doing something instead of just complaining, So many people looked like retired folks just like me at first, then it seemed to be more younger people just as disappointed and infuriated with this administrations autocratic ways. I’m not a radical nor far left; I’m not anti American; I’m not in the minority anymore! How dare the bullies call me names that are not true, and generalizations. Who started name calling, in his campaign?? Who are the true bullies here, the very thing I taught my children NOT to be. I’m a national park lover who wants the earth to come clean, and wish others would also. I’m sorrowful for those who worry about their next meal or health care. The next gen will be very divided.” — Nancy Montgomery
“Our protest in Farmington Hills was inspiring and joyous. There were community leaders, families with their kids, young people and seniors–all Americans of all colors including frog green and unicorn pink. Lots of funny and clever signs. Estimates are that there were 3,000 people (I think more). Despite being unhappy with what’s going on in our country, we were all happy to be together in solidarity and hope.” — Aimee Ergas
“Yes I did. It was wonderful to be with others who oppose Mr. Trump’s authoritarianism. There were 163 of us standing in the pouring rain on the corner of M72 and U.S. 23. We had a few dissenters who tried to get us splashed by driving closer to curb or yelling F bombs. We did have one truck that tried to spit on us. (Weird). In the overall we got lots of thumbs up and honks. It was fun to see the creative signs. We were able to use our right and protest.” — Kathy Baird
“I did attend a No Kings protest with several friends in Ludington. It ended up being a beautiful afternoon after the rain in the morning. A very peaceful and upbeat event! It was at Rotary Park in the center of town.” — Eric Carlson
“My husband and I attended a No Kings rally in Rogers City. The attendance was apx 150 people. This time young people joined us, which was heartening. For the most part, drivers passing by gave us a 👍🏼. There was a truck that kept accelerating and blowing smoke through the block we occupied. A protester called the cops, who spoke to the driver, who stopped for the rest of the protest. I protest with the hope that people who are discouraged will feel hopeful that our country can again become a place of fairness and compassion.” — Nancy Guregian
