POSTNOTE after the event: we joined the group in Stillwater MN.  It was very well organized and much effort was expended to keep it as a constructive, positive and safe experience.  There was only a single police presence during our time there, and it appeared to relate to a person who had fainted.  My one recommendation is to everyone: it is great to have these public events, but their effectiveness is totally governed by what each of us do in the days afterward.  It is not enough to just show up one time.  Thanks to everyone.

*

Here is the latest about Saturday October 18.

Tonight (Oct 17) 8 pm Central on MSNBC: film on Andrew Young: The Dirty Work

pdf: No Kings graphic

We plan to participate in one of the demos.  At our age. I am reluctant to speak in certainty about this because of matters like parking, walking distance and the like.  But we will be there, and I will report at the end of this post perhaps later in the afternoon on Saturday.   Simply check back at this space, and scroll down.  Your own comments after the event are welcome, of course.

I am a veteran of demos, particularly between 2002 and 2008 – the first, an immense peace march after the death of Paul and Sheila Wellstone in October, 2002; the latter at the time of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul in summer 2008.  Three years of that time period, 2005-07, I was president of a coalition of peace groups, Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers,  and the demos were mostly related to the Iraq War.

“Antifa” is the hate word to describe the 2025 demonstrations.  I do not recall, ever, even mention of anything resembling “Antifa”, certainly not within the movement, and only rarely some external source would complain about the “radical left”, which in my experience was in no way similar to the most aggressive demonstrations in the hottest times of the Vietnam conflict.

Most likely what I’ll experience tomorrow will be similar to any other experience.  Just some peaceful people deeply concerned about the present and the future of this country.  I expect some photo op situation somewhere in this area where ICE or similar will have something to play on TV clips later.  No idea whether/if/when, but there is a possibility.

To me the importance of the ‘boots on the ground’ national event tomorrow is to demonstrate solidarity of concern.  The real work starts afterwards and daily down the road from October 18.  As a country we have entered extremely dangerous territory regarding our future as a democracy.  We stand at the edge of losing 250 years of a very proud history to some version of authoritarian rule – ironically which we, the assembled voters one year ago, voluntarily elected either by actual vote, or not voting at all.

Actions do have consequences.  So does inaction, or uninformed response.

Whether or not you can be at a demo tomorrow,  be on the court, not in the stands.  It’s our future at stake.

 

 

COMMENTS (more at end):  

from Joyce: Eric will be at one of the demonstrations. I can’t be there because I’m scheduled to give a talk at the Orchid Society, and I can’t reschedule. I’m hoping for many millions of demonstrators in the US, and I’m thrilled that 18 countries (at last count) will hold demonstrations with us.

from Brian: Thanks for sharing.   I’m going to our No Kings march in NYC tomorrow.  I’m looking forward to it.

from Mary:  We have a neighborhood group going to protest, NO KINGS. Luv your stuff old buddy,

from Frank:

from Maria: Hello DiCK,  I am going at the   ‘No Kings’  in Time Square NY.

from SAK:

Thanks Mr Bernard,

I read on your site:

“As a country we have entered extremely dangerous territory regarding our future as a democracy.  We stand at the edge of losing 250 years of a very proud history to some version of authoritarian rule . . .”

An article by Charlotte Higgins which appeared in a British paper opens with:

‘A few days ago I asked an American acquaintance – as one does these days – where he sees “it”, by which I meant the political situation, heading.’

It seems from the reply she got that she might have been asking you!

Here’s the article.

Good luck with the marches.

London, UK, will be having a demonstration too.
One paper reads:

‘Saturday 18 Oct

No Kings Day

Forming part of a global movement against Donald Trump, a “no tyrants” rally will be taking place outside the US Embassy this Saturday afternoon.

Scheduled to take place between 1pm and 3pm on Nine Elms Lane, the event aims to express opposition to Trump’s “authoritarian power grab.” ‘

To show the diversity & in no way to belittle the importance of the No Kings protests, I see also:

‘Sunday 19 Oct

Free the Gentoo Penguins

At 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, activists will gather outside the Sea Life London Aquarium to call for the release of 15 penguins, reportedly living in harsh conditions underground at the aquarium.’

from Carol: