On June 14th, I joined those who love our country at one of 2000 No Kings events, as we exercised our 1st amendment right to free speech. ‘We the people’ showed up, stood up and spoke out about our opposition to the statements and actions of this administration. The date was chosen because it was in response to the vanity parade the Commander in Chief who never served, scheduled, ostensibly to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US Army. Coincidentally, it was also his 79th birthday. What could be better, he thought, than combining these two momentous occasions? He was hoping for over 200,000 people cheering, waving flags and chanting his name, like the autocrats he admires who rules, not governs their countries.
In an article published on Katie Couric Media, The White House claimed, “250,000 patriots showed up to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army,” but outside estimates put that crowd far below the 200,000 that were expected to attend. There were also reports of empty bleachers and many spectators cutting out early.”
From a fact checking site.
- The event fell significantly short of the White House’s initial expectation of 200,000 attendees [3]
- Photos showed “fields were sparsely populated” and empty seats along the parade route [3]
- There were reports of “empty bleachers and gaps in the audience” [2]
- A suspicious Craigslist advertisement emerged offering $1,000 in cryptocurrency for “seat fillers,” specifically requesting “people of color” to be prominently displayed [4]
- Social media users noted there were “more people IN the parade than AT the parade” [1]
Another ironic twist is that the Creedence Clearwater Revival song Fortunate Son was wafting through the air. My guess is that he has no clue what it means.
I watched videos after the fact that showed him grim faced and seeming to nod off as the street damaging tanks rolled through and soldiers marched in what others had described as being out of step. Perhaps they were ‘phoning in their performance,’ since they didn’t want to be seen as window dressing for a system that ultimately doesn’t serve them. The millions spent on the parade could have been used to benefit veterans and their families.
On the other side of the mirror and reality were the numbers reflected from the No Kings marches and protests. The estimates indicated that at least 5 million and perhaps up to 11 million people came out in all kinds of weather, that included torrential rain in some areas.
- Los Angeles: Over 200,000 participants [3]
- New York: Approximately 50,000 participants [3]
- Dallas: 11,000 participants [3]
- Fort Worth: 1,500-2,000 participants [3]
- Atlanta: 5,000 participants (capacity event)
Additional breakdown of attendance by state.
I was delighted to see that Philadelphia was the #1 city in terms of attendance, with 80,000 counted. This Philly girl is proud of the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.
I had friends who attended peaceful protests in Philadelphia and small towns in my region who reported no violence, and a sense of celebration and determination to overcome the tyranny unfolding before our eyes. In my local town of Doylestown, PA our protest was put together in a matter of a few days by two young people, named Emma and Madison. Their enthusiasm was contagious and the demographic changed, since most who show up for protests in rallies in our area are of my generation. There were more young people at this one, than at previous protests. I’m excited to see the next generations take the reins since it is their future at stake.
I found myself feeling safe and unafraid of repercussions or violence breaking out. The regular cast of characters were there as I stood among friends from varying decades of my life. Others were members of our community who I cross paths with throughout my week and some strangers who came together as family of choice. My friends Richard McLaughlin and Larissa Hopwood led chants. There was a festive and determined air to the experience. In the midst of the turmoil we need joy.
Despite vile disinformation, none of us were paid to attend. We could have been involved with more leisurely pursuits on that day, but our presence was essential as we gave voice to the need to embrace peace and social justice. As we stood in the center of Doylestown, cars, trucks and busses passed through, most of them honking, waving, flashing peace signs and thumbs up to encourage us. A few folks flashed us the single finger salute and I responded by blowing kisses.
It felt empowering to be in the midst of kindred spirits, and part of an historical experience. We, the people, have spoken. Now what? What kind of difference will it have made? What positive changes will we see? What I do know is that we need to keep making our voices heard. I ask for those who voted for this administration, to make a searching and fearless moral exploration and join us in healing our fractured country.
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This Post is republished on Medium.
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Photo credit: Author
