On Saturday, March 28, over 3,300 “No Kings Day 3.0” protest rallies took place across the US and in countries around the world.
Organizers estimated that 8 million people participated nationally, calling it the largest single-day demonstration in US history. Here in the LC Valley, observers estimated between 550 and 600 people attend the rally at 5th and Bridge Streets in Clarkston.
Like the previous rallies, people of all ages came out, most carrying signs objecting to the authoritarian policies of Donald Trump, his illegal war in Iran, and the corruption in his administration.
Some people wore costumes. A few folks brought their dogs. Despite the deadly serious issues that underpinned the rally, spirits were high, with people smiling and talking as they waved to passing cars.
Our informal gauge of public sentiment is the “thumb to finger index”, where we assess how many people driving by give a thumbs up or honk their horns versus the number who flip us off. The ratio for this event was very positive – lots more thumbs than fingers.
Here are some photos that capture the spirit of the day. (Click on any photo to enlarge it.)
Photos courtesy of Pete Gertonson, Larry Hamrin, and Mike Johnston
The national organizers (Indivisible, 50501.org and others) have begun to talk about the next major event – a general strike planned for May 1. Ezra Levin, one of the co-founders of Indivisible said, “On May 1, on May Day, we are saying, ‘No business as usual. “No work, no school, no shopping. We’re going to show up and say we’re putting workers over billionaires and kings.”
As details emerge about local events on May 1, we’ll publish more information.
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