as an atheist I take great comfort in knowing the reward is in knowing we are doing the good and worthy thing now... I will proudly be there for at least one NO KINGS rally!!

Matthew: "he will repay each person according to what he has done" "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven"

yellow dahlia

(3,467 posts)

6. These Republicans are targeting peaceful protestors.

Reply to BeneteauBum (Original post)

Fri Oct 10, 2025, 05:28 PM

Friday

If there are instigators, it is because the RW nutjobs are there to disrupt.

A large faction of the protests are made up of aging hippies, former flower children, and grannies. People are often there with their walkers or canes. There is an abundance of professional retired folks like librarians, teachers, and art teachers - hence the creative signs.

The First Amendment entitles us to freedom of speech and the right to peacefully assemble, and to petition the Govt for a redress of grievances.

The current Republican leaders need to review their Constitution. Maybe they should go meet their constituents at the protests.

BeneteauBum

(244 posts)

8. Agreed

Reply to yellow dahlia (Reply #6)

Fri Oct 10, 2025, 06:02 PM

Friday

As an aging hippie boomer, I have attended several rallies protesting the current administration. Were are of all the same ilk and have never had any problems. Now we are being advised on how (not) to react to potential violent counter protesters. Keep the faith….it will result in positive change.
Peace ☮️

yellow dahlia

(3,467 posts)

11. I watched the Indivisible Webinar this afternoon.

Reply to BeneteauBum (Reply #8)

Fri Oct 10, 2025, 06:26 PM

Friday

They are under attack, but responding with a positive message.

wnylib

(25,338 posts)

9. I was at the last No Kings protest in my town and there was a mix of ages.

Reply to yellow dahlia (Reply #6)

Fri Oct 10, 2025, 06:19 PM

Friday

The organizer was a man in his 30s. I was expecting to see a lot of older people and was surprised by how many young ones showed up, from late teens to late 30s.

I agree, though, that there will likely be RW agitators, some pretending to be one of the protesters. That's why I've been suggesting that people sing well known patriotic songs that everyone can join in on - especially if someone tries to agitate the crowd. Songs like America the Beautiful or My Country 'Tis of Thee. The contrast between peacefully singing patriotic songs and being called violent and anti-American is in itself a protest message.

Our group of protesters will gather first in a park to hear speeches and have a discussion before going to the sidewalks to march with our signs. Last time there was one of our own who thought it was amusing to antagonize people who did not agree with us. A couple of us shut her down by chanting, "Peaceful protest" until the whole group took up the chant. Afterward, when I had a chance to talk with her, I pointed out all the wrong reasons to agitate people at a protest, the main one being that it harms the protesters and our message.

yellow dahlia

(3,467 posts)

10. Yes. I think "we" need to keep it non-antagonistic...for so many reasons.

Reply to wnylib (Reply #9)

Fri Oct 10, 2025, 06:25 PM

Friday

At a visibility event I attend sometimes, a woman was stopped in traffic and giving us the finger. We threw kisses.

I love the dancing inflatable animals in Portland.

wnylib

(25,338 posts)

12. I was at a protest in my town during Trump's first term. A driver passing by gave us the finger.