October 18, Modesto joined the nationwide “No Kings” protest. A crowd of nearly 2,000 people gathered at Standiford Park and along McHenry Avenue to make clear their rejection of despotism.
“King” is actually a misnomer for today’s autocrats, but it communicates the history of America’s rebellion against King George III, the ruler who failed to extend his monarchy when George Washington and his new American Army said “No.”
Today’s rogues gallery of dictators and autocratic thugs, Putin in Russia, Kim Jong Un in Korea and Hungary’s Viktor Orban are from a new mold of technocratic tyrants who’ve harnessed the powers of impulse media, wealth inequality and resurgent xenophobia to establish and strengthen totalitarian regimes. The drift away from democratic values and institutions is, with few exceptions, global, and even includes unlikely countries such as France, Japan, Italy and Germany, though these last four nations have thus far held their most extreme parties at bay.
The United States is ground zero during the battle to save democracy and peaceful protest has become almost the only weapon the people command, as both our major political parties have, with few exceptions, been cowed by a president who has embraced repression and retribution as default governing styles. MAGA propaganda about nonexistent threats such as “Antifa” dissolves into absurdist farce when people wear blowup costumes, put on clown makeup and bring their children to protest masked goons in the streets.
Portland, with its long protest history, has set the new trend of inflatable costumes to defeat disinformation about mob violence and paid agitators. Anyone familiar with American history recognizes these attempts to demonize peaceful protest and suppress free speech as tactics from the Red Scare era of the 1950s, when segregation was legal, women were classified as “dependents,” and livelihoods were lost under false charges of communist affiliation.
The Trump regime’s rejection of due process in favor of arbitrary rule undermines the most basic tenets of law-abiding government. No one should be surprised. Economic justice and basic human rights established under Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal and the Civil Rights Movement have always been threatened by those who would establish totalitarian regimes based on conformity to standards of racial purity, nationalistic propaganda, and religious dogma.
Last Saturday, millions of patriotic Americans faced the darkness and dread spread by the machinations of Russel Vought and Stephen Miller with light hearts, firm resolve, and the same reservoirs of courage that defeated totalitarianism in World War II.
The most important outcome of Saturday’s “No Kings” event could turn out to be the victory of truth over propaganda. Only the most gullible of dupes could believe such a gathering of patriotic Americans could be anything other than a respectful exercise of Constitutional rights. Modesto’s reality of peaceful protest became the shared reality of majority America, government propaganda notwithstanding.
Last Saturday, millions said “No,” to despotism and “Yes” to liberty and justice for all. That’s the truth and the whole truth. Period.
Eric, you do a heck of a job writing your column. I really enjoy reading it and I have respected it ever since we started writing for the Bee. Keep up the good work and blessings on you and your efforts! Dave Bultena
Thank you Dave. More to come.
It’s a great feeling being part of a group with a noble cause.
You can’t fight autocracy from the sidelines.
I don’t understand why reducing crime, securing our border and fair trade aren’t goals our country should be striving for?
I agree! Eric, Your writing is always informative and interesting. Thank you for your commitment to truth.
Thank you Chyril.
Some observations of mine: I was there on McHenry ( couldn’t attend the park gathering due to mobility issues) and I could see jammed sidewalks all the way to Floyd and Briggsmore . The four corners on Briggsmore/ McHenry were jam packed. There was a steady parade of protesters streaming off Tokay onto McHenry. There were motorcycle police officers , which I appreciated. The protest was very high energy, very raucous and rollicking and yet courteous and respectful. I really enjoyed the inflatable costumes , especially the dancing sharks. Everyone was law abiding nd there were designated marshals to give any assistance needed and make sure everyone was on the sidewalks and help with street crossings.
I did observe some p/u trucks going back and forth repeatedly. Early on, we got some heckling, but when the numbers swelled, that stopped. And trucks going through the Safeway shopping center parking lot behind us.
I was next to Hispanic men when a man pulled up and told them he was going to kill them, then took off before pics and license plate could be recorded.
There was a MPD suv going back and forth . There were two officers and then there was only the driver.
The support from the public was mind blowing. Literally non stop honking of horns and shouts of approval. It was deafening and my ears were ringing afterwards.
I saw many many American flags, a few Palestinian flags ( and some were wearing the Palestinian kefiyes) and I saw some Mexican flags and LBGTQ flags. ( I am sorry if I got the lettering wrong, I can’t ever seem to get that right) There was every demographic out there and everyone was united.
I’ve read of desire for more protests, but so far, it’s just in the thinking stage, at least as far as I know. And I avoid social media , so I’m kind of out of the loop. I believe the moment is now and needs to seized.
Hi Eric! I’m glad you enjoyed our show. It was another great day for Democracy!
Webster definition of “king”: a male ruler of a country who usually inherits his position and rules for life. Did Trump inherit his first term and current term of president?, no he was elected both times.
Past presidents administrations and policies left a mess, Trump is cleaning it up.
Maybe some of the protesters would like to attempt moving to another country and get free healthcare?, or perhaps become criminals? Any volunteers?
Trump didn’t inherit the presidency, nor has he, or will he, rule for life. Truth is, according to Webster, “king” does not truly define Trump.
Mr. Eric Cain, when you mentioned “today’s rogues gallery of dictators and autocratic thugs” you forgot to add/ mention the current King & Queen of the United Kingdom/ England & the Kings of Norway or Belgium? Why is that?!
Although it might drive many on the left insane… the President could possibly serve a third term since the previous two terms were not served consecutively. That is why many believe Trump will run for the Presidency again in 2028… & if he wins the vote of the people, as he has done before & in this last election by a landslide, I don’t see a problem, because he will not be a “king”, he would be the democratically elected President of the United States of America.
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