Yesterday I joined at least 6,000 other people for a No Kings rally near the state capitol here in Salem. We protested Trump’s authoritarianism and inhumane policies.
The rally was energizing. Also, highly positive, fun, and entertaining.
It felt great to be among so many people who felt the same way about Trump’s destructive actions in his second try as president: disgusted and shocked, yet optimistic about our nation’s future if we stand together and resist Trump’s efforts to turn our democracy into an autocracy.
Here’s photos that I took, followed by several brief videos.
Lots of blow-up animals. Zero sign of Antifa, Marxists, or Hamas lovers, contrary to what Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson ridiculously said about No Kings attendees.
Every sign I saw, I agreed with. Though “Cluck Around and Find Out” was pleasingly ambiguous.
I felt seriously non-costumed. But there’s no way I could come up with something as creative as many No Kings rally-goers did.
Many signs also were wonderfully creative. I really liked this one.
The whimsy, lightness, and joy of the No Kings rally was in marked contrast to the darkness, cruelty, and oppression of the Trump administration.
Contrary to what I said above, actually there was an Antifa presence at the rally. Or rather, Aunt Tifa.
Heartily agree with this sign’s message: No Hate, No Fear, Immigrants are Welcomed Here.
Here’s a brief video I made of No Kings rally goers near Center Street. My wife told me that No Kings organizers wanted people to wear yellow, so I dug out a Columbia jacket. That explains my comment about wearing yellow, which few others did.
And here’s a brief video I made of marchers in downtown Salem.
OPB, Oregon Public Broadcasting, has a video that shows several No Kings rallies in our state. The Salem rally is included near the end.
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