It is more than an assertion or an assumption that the United States of America is not faring well now. Regardless of your politics, you know America is in trouble. Factions have eroded us, leaving us divided at every level. These are unprecedented times.
We have so much negativity happening that it is almost overwhelming. I say this as a 4th quarter guy nearing overtime. I have witnessed a lot over my lifetime; however, this level of strife is new even to me.
Many of us were a part of the Civil Rights Movement. We marched, being close to people with hoods over their faces and dogs that wanted to bite us.
We have a history of being marginalized and misunderstood. When it rains on some, it storms on others. Through it all, we have maintained our dignity and our self-respect. We haven’t been broken by the pressures of unequal and unjust.
Our history is such that stilted and slanted laws didn’t wilt us or destroy us. We didn’t give in and we didn’t give up. Our lives have been prideful and purposeful in every respect.
Civil Rights marches and protests gave future activists a platform and a model to follow. In my opinion, many people who didn’t understand the Civil Rights Movement now embrace it.
Today, people see their rights and civil liberties taken from them. Each day, a new law or executive mandate eats at the very core of our democracy. Humanity has taken a back seat to tyranny and authoritarianism. Civility and decency have been replaced by rudeness and deceit.
Some kept waiting for a change, thinking it would get better. Well, it didn’t and it won’t be without us doing something about it.
Thus, the No Kings marches began. They started out with the demonstrated signs that democracy was no longer fundamental to our country’s foundation. Organizers saw that our nation was becoming unhinged. The people had to act to stop this economic and moral pain.
The initial No Kings protest was held on June 14, 2025. Reports show it was held on the current president’s 79th birthday with a military parade held in his honor. Another No Kings demonstration was held on March 28th, just weeks ago.
Millions of people across America marched in solidarity decrying this administration’s regulations and instant laws that penalize people and families. Many of us have taken part in these protests because we want change in America.
It is only when we stand up against men and women whose procedures and programs hurt Americans that there will be changes made. Over the past several months, fear and trepidation have crept into our nation’s consciousness. Promises have been deferred, and hopes have been diminished. Questions are many, but answers are few and vague.
No Kings’ protests have received financial support from foundations, including the Ford Foundation, the NoVo Foundation, and the Rockefeller Foundation. On the ground and on-site organizers include the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Indivisible.
Researchers at the Government Accountability Institute say $294,487,641.00 in grant funding from six major donors has supported No Kings marches and protests.
Noteworthy speakers at the No Kings rallies have included Robert DeNiro, Letitia James, Chelsia Rice, Bruce Springsteen, Cliff Albright, and Bernie Sanders. These names represent just a small sampling of people who have spoken out about this current form of government. They all realize the problems our country is facing today.
No Kings marches will continue to be a movement for all who believe the quality of our lives is important. There have been protests at over 3,300 locations, and more are coming. That is my opinion as we get closer to the midterm elections.
Every day of every week, we must be resolute in knowing that we live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. No kings reside here.
