“We Fought for Democracy—Now We’re Fighting Again”
The town of Prescott Valley, Arizona had a No Kings rally and it was an impressive sight.
It’s a mostly conservative area. The town has around 53,000 people. It’s part of the quad-cities area around the city of Prescott. The first No Kings rally was held in Prescott at the town square.
The Prescott Valley rally, rather than being all bunched up on the town square, stretched out along the sidewalk lining highway 69 which is a very busy highway cutting through the town. The difference that makes is that the many people driving by see the rally. And they get the full impact of the number of people because they are stretched out in a line. The organizers counted the attendance at 2,500.
There were six counter-protesters across the highway. There were also a handful of drivers that shouted obscenities or gave rude gestures, but drivers honking and waving in support were almost constant throughout the two hours.
Perhaps the oldest person there was James Kimes, 79. He walks with a cane and such slow baby steps it takes a very long time to cross the street. But he was there.
As I walked the line I saw a few people with veterans hats and signs and started seeking them out, and also people who had signs about being former GOP. They did not want to give their full names but were eager to speak. Letting them speak for themselves says it all.
“I’m upset with the way he treats veterans and trying to ruin our democracy, and retribution and all that crappy stuff. He’s an evil man, but he’s got a clique of people that follow him and that’s the problem. His sycophants. But this has really motivated me and inspired me because we went to Vietnam to defend democracy and then we have to come back and fight for it.” Mike from Prescott. A Vietnam veteran and school teacher for 33 years.
“My father and uncle fought in WWII and they would not like to see Trump basically spit on the constitution.” John, a resident of Prescott Valley and friend of Mike.
“Basically I’m here because in the country we have a mess right now. We have an unqualified person leading this country and we have too much ignorance among the people who voted him in. And I think they’re trying to kill education, they’re trying to dumb-down America. I was in the Vietnam war. Last time I was at a protest like this was in the ’60s and we were protesting the Vietnam war.” Joe, local and Navy Aviator.
“I’m here at the No Kings rally because I didn’t fight for our country to liberate other countries to have a dictator in our country.” Jack, local, Air Force.
“I realized that nothing that was good for people ever came out of the GOP it’s all about protecting their power and nothing about taking care of people.” Bill, local, just moved from Montana. He was carrying a sign that said, “Why I’m no longer GOP.”
“I consider myself a constitutionalist, so if it violates the constitution in any way I’m against it, it’s that simple.” She was a veteran in a wheelchair who did not want to give her name. Younger than the other veterans I talked to. A local. Said her being in a wheelchair was in part a result of her service.
“I’m here because my father fought in WWII and because I was in the military and I just don’t like what’s happening with our military right now. It’s not right. It’s not constitutional and it should be brought in front of congress to stop it.” Preston, a local who said he was not a liberal and had voted for Republicans sometimes in the past.
“I’m glad to be here. I think it’s important to support America and Americans and true Americans and to protest all of the criminality that’s happening with the Trump administration.” Ron, a former Republican, now independent, and says he’s a transplant from Kansas, now local.
10 Comments
Excellent article. Thank you for focusing on Veterans and former GOP.
By all the honks and waves that we got, maybe Prescott, Prescott Valley are not as red as we think.
Thanks for this summary. It highlights a valid sampling of the true Americans, patriots, veterans, voters, citizens and neighbors that are standing up for the constitution, the rule of law, due process, democracy and shared values of a country we love dearly. People gathered peacefully with purpose, passion and hope.
Good article! It was an uplifting experience to be a participant. BTW – my husband was there (also a vet) and he’s 84 years old!
What you didn’t realize is Those “Honks” also included the middle finger. Obvious that you were paid. The minute 12 noon hit you all disappeared because you’re hourly pittance ran out
My father was a career army officer, I grew up as an army brat. He joined the army on his 18th birthday to fight facism in WW2. I know he’d be horrified by the Trump presidency.
The turnout was amazing! I talked with some Republicans at the protest yesterday, and they have had enough of Trump. It was a great atmosphere, and very uplifting.
The GOP isn’t as red as we think either. The media is on their side, so they make us think we are way outnumbered. Plus they are so corrupt they can buy votes and voting machines.
Thank you for writing up the powerful words of the Vets present at the rally. Their observations offer critical insights into the” important enough to go to war” issues playing out in the US right now, policies that in practice inspired the massive rallies across the country.
No Kings Kingman also had the most attendees ever! 350 according to the local paper. Only one counterprotester. ONE.
It was the most joyful crowd I’ve ever seen besides the Renaissance Fair
Well done, Prescott! Wonderful perspective, interviewing Vets and the children of Vets who fought and died in WWII to defend the world against facists – the original Antifa.