Michiganders Ready to Say “No Kings” in Bold Statewide Protests This Saturday

This Saturday, the people of Michigan, from every part of the state, are preparing to show their solidarity with one simple statement: No Kings. The protesters are planning over 70 events across Michigan, which is part of a wide national movement against the “authoritarian overreach” of the Trump administration, as the organizers describe it.

Big cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Flint, and Kalamazoo are the ones that will have the biggest demonstrations in the state. These cities are just a tiny fraction of the more than 1500 cities all over the U.S. where the protests will be going on. But, what about the chosen day? Well, it was definitely meant that way. The protesters’ intention was to synchronize their events with the “Salute to America” Trump’s military parade cum 250th U.S. Army celebration picnic at the White House. The event was marked by the presence of fighter jets, military tanks, and a price tag of $45 million, according to reports.

The opponents of it say that this is not a time to be extravagant especially in the face of the cutting of the budget of basic welfare programs like Medicaid and food aid. Many people did not see the D.C. show as a patriotic act in a time when such demonstrations are necessary for a country in crisis, but on the contrary, it was considered as a sign of increasing political show, and a lack of respect towards democratic principles.

The citizens of Detroit will have their protest in Clark Park at 1 p.m. The event will feature the congresswoman of the 13th district of Michigan, Rashida Tlaib. Rashida is the vocal critic of Trump’s kid separation policy and police brutality. On the other hand, the Grand Rapids crowd will assemble at Ah-Nab-Awen Park starting from 10 am and will have the chance to listen to the local leaders such as the city commissioner, Marshall Kilgore, and Rev. Nathan Dannison of Fountain Street Church.

Organizers are highlighting nonviolent family gatherings. They will set up action stations for the audience so they can get involved in civic matters in a real way while at the same time have activities for children that ensure it is a welcoming event for all age groups. “We are the people of non-violence,” said the prepared statement of the event organizers. “No harassment and hate speech will be the order of the day.”

The preceding position was given extra weight by statements from state Representatives Laurie Pohutsky and Carrie Rheingans earlier this week who advocated for a peaceful expression of grievances while they criticized the former administration’s using the military style to enforce the borders on immigrant communities. “The current government engaged in the act of bringing in heavily-armed agents to arrest immigrant laborers – this is not America,” Pohutsky said. “Nevertheless, we will fight back using the weapon of peace, not violence.”

Also, very conservative places like Livingston County are going to take part in the “No Kings” actions that will be organized both in Downtown Howell and Brighton. The Brighton demo is reported to be featuring the speeches of Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel and Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum, who is now engaged in the race for Secretary of State.

In Lansing, a circus-style event will be initiated. The “Kick Out the Clowns” rally will happen in the afternoon time after which a march of bright colors around the Capitol will occur and then a carnival will be set up at the “No Kings” which will continue through the night. The jolly atmosphere is meant for emphasizing government absurdity and the fact that the citizens are more and more annoyed with the way things are running the government.

Protests are primarily about safeguarding democracy, that is, not holding the idea of power in high esteem, but instead advocating the ideas of building for American democracy. With people expected to turn up in their thousands at various locations in Michigan, the clarion call is simple. It is time to stop showboating, no more autocracy, and definitely – no kings.