My wife and I participated in No Kings events in Chicago on Saturday. I went to the event downtown, and Carolyn attended one of the many neighborhood gatherings, in Welles Park on the North Side of Chicago.
Regarding the downtown rally and march, it was my impression the focus was on the death and destruction associated with the administration of President Donald Trump and his policies enacted since last fall’s No Kings events, whether that involved going on the offensive toward American sanctuary cities and their residents or invading/going on the offensive by bombing other countries.
Noticeable were the many original posters that served to protest all aspects of war now fully embraced by the Trump administration in various parts of the world. Also memorable was the deeply uttered, spontaneous and elongated chant “S-H-A-M-E! S-H-A-M-E!” when marchers stood directly across from Trump Tower along Wacker Drive.
News this past week that Trump will be our first living president to have his signature appear on the face of U.S. dollar bills could not be more fitting and appropriate. That signature will be a highly visible yet sobering reminder to all U.S. taxpayers of the enormous increase in the national debt that the Trump administration is responsible for racking up after just one year in office.
Even before the Trump administration recently asked for $200 billion in additional money to fund the ongoing war in Iran, which according to Trump has already been won, it was reported that the national debt has now surpassed $39 trillion and is expected to hit $40 trillion before the fall midterm elections.
Eventually, all of these dollars will need to be paid back, and having Trump’s signature on newly printed notes will help keep that memory fresh in the minds of those who will be footing the bill through future taxes. For the first time ever, there will be direct means to associate a living president with the enormous increase in debt he in large part has caused our country to incur.
— Mark Grenchik, Chicago
I don’t agree with ‘No Kings’
As I really do not agree with these people and their protest, what vehicle do I have, that the media will cover, to express my views?
— Greg Larson, Park Ridge
Actions are unacceptable
I was at the No Kings rally in Dixon, Illinois, on Saturday, but this letter doesn’t deal with politics; it deals with common human decency. Something in short supply these days. It was great seeing proud Americans peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights. What was disturbing were people who sped past a foot away from elderly people, shouting obscenities with faces twisted in hatred. One guy in a big Chevrolet diesel vehicle revved it up as he passed, choking folks with smoke.
Trump has encouraged violence among his supporters since before his first election. He even offered to pay the legal fees of anyone who assaulted peaceful protesters at one of his rallies. He also demonizes the other side in a way that no other president has in my lifetime, Democrat or Republican. Calling all Democrats evil is incredibly dangerous, not to mention morally reprehensible.
And don’t “both-sides” this. Only one side has elected a leader who openly advocates for violence among his supporters. That’s a fact.
If you find yourself making excuses for this behavior, think about what you’re excusing. These were grown men using vehicles to intimidate woman, children and elderly people. If you think that kind of behavior is acceptable, you are truly lost.
— Josh Price, Dixon, Illinois
The joke’s on Donald Trump
“It’s a joke.” That was President Donald Trump’s comment about No Kings protests. After local, national and European rallies altogether drew millions bearing colorful posters, international flags and pro-democracy slogans March 28, the joke’s on him.
— A.F. Benson, Aurora
City, state where kings rule
I’m hoping that someone else besides me noticed that people protesting over the weekend proclaiming “No Kings” live in a state where one party has ruled with an iron fist for decades.
Illinois and Chicago Democrats have had control for as long as I can remember. They suppress the vote and the voices of those who oppose them by drawing up the state and federal voting districts in such a bizarre and convoluted manner it’s obscene. And they do so just to keep themselves in power, and any attempt at fairness is quickly stamped out.
Chicago and Illinois are truly a land where kings rule.
— Tony LaMantia, Chicago
Rallies show who we are
Are No Kings rallies peaceful protests? You bet. But they are more than that. They are the joining together of groups of people who ignore color or ethnic background and want to show how true Americans act. They listen respectfully to the speakers, give the elderly or people with disabilities a hand when they negotiate through the crowd and are openly supportive of the people around them. They show appreciation to the people who took the time to make signs or wear special costumes. Nowhere is there the vitriol or denigration found in MAGA gatherings.
Attend a No Kings rally, and then you will know. This is who we are!
— Mary Ann McGinley, Wilmette
‘Several’ events versus 1,300
Why would the Tribune’s description under the photo of the No Kings march in Chicago in the Sunday edition say that it was one of “several” marches around the country? The article accompanying the photo accurately references the fact that there were over 3,100 registered marches.
There is a big gap between “several” and 3,100. We rely on the Tribune for accuracy. Please do better.
— Joan Keller, Lake Bluff
Tribune coverage was paltry
Really? The second largest protest in U.S. history on March 28, involving millions of our citizens, and the Tribune relegates its print coverage of Chicago’s event to an article on Page 3? It also offered no additional stories in Sunday print covering the big suburban events, involving thousands and thousands of Illinois residents. Was this a deadline issue? A staffing issue?
How could the Tribune give a story this big and affecting so many so little coverage?
— Susan Phillips, Naperville
Voting is what really matters
It is a sight that can give one pleasure, seeing all of the No Kings demonstrations taking place throughout the country and in many foreign locations. People toting clever signs and mouthing witty slogans, all with the same purpose, to show how dissatisfied with President Donald Trump they truly are.
But signs and slogans do not vote. If all someone does is hold up a sign, they have accomplished nothing. It is going to your polling place in November and marking down your choice.
If it is raining out, bring an umbrella. If it is snowing out, wear something warm. If it is hot out, bring a water bottle or two.
But vote you must. Please.
— Michael Hersh, Chicago
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