On Saturday, Oct. 18 an estimated seven million people internationally protested under the “No Kings” movement (CNN). This was the second major wave of protesting “No Kings”, with the first occurring on June 14 (No Kings).
The “No Kings” movement is protesting the current Trump Administration and the recent policies regarding significant cuts in healthcare funding, ICE raids, federal programs being cut and the reduction of environmental protection (No Kings).
There were multiple organized “No Kings” protests throughout Iowa, including in Iowa City. A crowd met at Pentacrest building at 10 a.m., kicking off the protest with multiple speakers sharing their take on the movement before moving into a march and ending with more speakers.
“We are here because we don’t like anything that is going on around us. We are here for the people that can’t stand up for themselves,” Mary Maxwell said, a protester in Iowa City.
Many citizens are angered, claiming that the current government is directly going against the U.S. Constitution by displaying fascist practices.
“President Trump has claimed himself to be king and is going against the U.S. Constitution. This is a protest for having no king and for having the U.S. Constitution that we have supported since 1776,” Bill Wilder said, a protester in Iowa City.
Some minorities are worried about protesting due to the possible dangers of speaking up.
“I think it’s important for people who look like me, a white person, to show up because I know right now it is a lot more dangerous for our black and brown community to show up to these places,” Tasha said, a protester in Iowa City.
People of all ages and backgrounds attended the protest, including the older generations, many of whom are worried for the future.
“A lot of us are looking at our kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews and this is not the world we want them to live in. I’m 73-years-old, I’m not going to be here forever, but we are leaving behind a real mess,” Cathy Latta said, a protester in Iowa City.
Healthcare was a concern brought up covering topics such as defunding cancer research and sheer access to proper healthcare, leaving many citizens upset.
“It’s really disheartening to know that so many people are having issues getting appropriate healthcare,” Meredith Parsons said, a protester in Iowa City.
In addition, a prominent topic that was covered in speeches, on signs and through chants was ICE and deportation. Many people live in fear of ICE being present.
Altogether, the “No Kings” protest is addressing a magnitude of topics and these protesters in Iowa City are hoping for change, starting from our representatives.
“I encourage everybody to go out and vote. If you want change, you have to go out and do something,” Monique Kluczykowski said, a protester in Iowa City.
