Saturday is 'No Kings Day'

By BERRY CRAIG

AFT-KEA/NEA retiree

On Saturday, activists in Paducah and more than a dozen other Kentucky cities will join the nationwide "No Kings" protest movement.  

"It is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since President Trump returned to office—a mass, nationwide protest rejecting authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of our democracy," said Leslie McColgan, co-leader of Four Rivers Indivisible and a Paducah protest organizer.

Activists will meet from 1 to 2:30 p.m. (CDT), rain or shine, on the Noble Park sidewalk on Park Avenue near the Wacinton Native American sculpture.

Explained McColgin: "The 'No Kings' mobilization is a direct response to President Trump’s self-aggrandizing $100 million birthday celebration, an event funded by taxpayers while millions are told there's no money for Social Security, SNAP, Medicaid, or public schools.

"Across all 50 states, millions will gather to declare: 'The president is not a king.'  'No Kings' is a nationwide day of defiance. From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like."

She added: "All 'No Kings' events adhere to a shared commitment to nonviolent protest and community safety. Organizers are trained in de-escalation and are working closely with local partners to ensure peaceful and powerful actions nationwide."

For a full list of events, visit www.NoKings.org  Also see www.fourriversindivisible.org