Peaceful protest was held in Island Park on Saturday October 18 to voice opposition to President Trump
WATCH: President Trump responds with AI video on social media
By Andrew Harris
My ten-year-old came home on Saturday afternoon after passing the scene above with lots of child-like wonder. “That was a lot of people!!” He was indifferent about the who and why, just impressed with the display in general.
Nationwide, 2700 “No Kings” events were held in unison, drawing about seven million to participate in the peaceful assemblies which opposed President Trump’s use of executive power. USA Today reported it was a historic turnout:
“If crowd estimates hold, the one-day “No Kings” event was the largest civil action in the United States since the first Earth Day, 55 years ago. No major incidents or arrests were reported during the day.
The Wellsville event was larger than any other in my memory and over double the size of neighboring Hornell’s event. Local organizing groups Rise Up Wellsville and Freedom Writers sent in this event wrap up with some photos:
“More than 250 Participants Come Out for No Kings Wellsville October 18
Wellsville NY – Rally participants came out to the Wellsville Skywalk this morning to express their love of the USA and their anger of the actions and policies of the Trump administration. Many of these actions are enabled by the US Congress and our NY-23 Congressman Nick Langworthy.
Part of a nationwide mobilization, No Kings Wellsville is one of more than 2,500 events. This mobilization is a response to President Trump’s administration sending militarized agents into our communities, disappearing immigrants, and keeping the government shut down while families struggle, reflecting widespread concern about threats to healthcare, civil liberties, immigrant rights, and the safety of communities.
We all need to remember that America is a country centered around democracy not monarchy nor fascism.”
A local Republican took note of the gathering and while he didn’t understand the logic, supported the First Amendment exercise, “Makes no sense to me but as long as they are peaceful and clean up after themselves, it’s a privilege of living in this country.”
President Trump reacted with this video created by artificial intelligence on his Truth Social network:
Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump)
Kenny Loggins, the musician behind the video soundtrack “Danger Zone” has demanded the music be removed or the video taken down.
As a snapshot of American politics, the common idiomatic expression comes to mind, “You can’t make this stuff up.”
