On Aug. 2 of 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed by the founding fathers that marked the beginning of American independence from King George III of England. In this document, they stated how they were now an independent nation from Britain, while also stating how all humans are created equal with unalienable rights. Years after the initial signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution was signed, which established a fair and righteous government. But how well has that righteous government carried through?
In modern-day America, the people are divided on the current government with democrats claiming the current day government is full of corruption that no longer benefits all of the American people. Whilst the Republican party continues to argue against the beliefs of the Democrats- claiming a righteous and productive government. As President Donald Trump’s first year in office wraps up, the Democratic public is fuming about how things have been run so far, stating that he is a “dictator” and “looking for a kingly position.”
In the first few months of Trump’s presidency, No Kings protests began popping up in multiple states. People marching through the streets holding banners and signs, some dressed in costumes and others screaming their hearts out. All chanting the same things such as, “America has no kings,” “No kings, no tyrants, we will not stay silent” and more.
During the previous No Kings protests, there were wishes of peaceful protest, as that is part of every American’s first amendment right: the right to protest. Throughout all of the 50 official states of America, all have had No King protests take place. Some American territories have participated in these protests, and countries in Europe have even participated. However, some of these protests turned violent or destructive with both protesters and law enforcement pointing the finger as to who’s to blame.
Many news sources covered it, but some people chose to laugh at the marching, with others barely acknowledging it. Although, there was a notable boost in Democratic morale and these protests have sparked lawmakers to pay closer attention to the president’s actions. Democrats everywhere began sharing the hope that the future No Kings protest would produce a better result than the one they received in the previous protests.
On Oct. 18, there were No King’s protests throughout all 50 states as well as in U.S. territories where people marched through the streets of their states holding signs, chanting and some even dressed up for the occasion. Nearly 7 million people came out to share their grievances on how they believed the government was no longer something that benefited all. Republican leaders have dismissed these protests and have taken to calling them a “hate America rally,” as put by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson.
The American people are exercising their right to free speech by protesting in the streets of America as they believe President Trump is trying to obtain a king-like position. Only time will tell just how effective these protests prove to be as change rarely comes immediately through protesting, no matter how large a scale they turn out to be.
