On June 14, President Trump threw a military parade ‘birthday party’ for his 79th birthday. In response to the absurdity of the event, those against the current president and his practices threw their own parties: nationwide protests in almost every major city. Down each coast, in the middle of every red state, and even thousands gathered in the heart of our very own Portland, Maine, people stood up for their country. Is this the start of the coup? Or is it just another overly dramatic quarrel between a man and those he is meant to lead?
Leading up to the day, the organization No Kings posted numerous announcements and polls to arrange the event. Across the country, both the military and police prepared for the day. Even they knew there was nothing to be done to prevent the day. It wasn’t a secret revolution meant to burst from the seams of cities and take citizens by surprise, but rather a well thought-out, planned, and executed event.
When the day came, President Trump threw his military ‘birthday party,’ rallying numbers close to 40,000 in Washington D.C. The 45 million dollar birthday event had a weak turnout, contrasting the 5 million people shouting and screaming in the streets of cities across the map. In Portland alone, an estimated 4,000 people gathered in the greenery of Lincoln Park. Signs were hoisted high above the crowds. Mockery was heavy among the groups, with people dressing up as some sort of hybrid between the Lorax and the President. The protestors treated it like a holiday, and some suspect it might replace the already standing Flag Day. Many people hoped it was the tangible beginning of the overthrow, although no tangible action has suggested that is the case.
The police response in Portland was non-violent, likely mirroring that of the protestors. There were only 2 arrests, and no massive brawls like those seen in more southern cities. In LA, the police response was heavily brutal, with reported beatings and tear gas used on the groups. The cops trampled an old man with their horses, beat citizens with their batons, deployed tear gas and rubber bullets, all without a second’s hesitation. The mayor of the town, a Democrat herself, said nothing of the attacks, causing more anger to fest surrounding the abuse of the people’s right to assembly.
On October 18, there will be a second attempt at assembly, with open calls for people to join and a goal to make this one the biggest nationwide protest America has ever seen. As far as the citizens are concerned, this country hasn’t had a king since 1776, and we don’t plan on it now.
No Kings Day 2: October 18.
