Brent Peak
Submitted photo/Brent Peak
By Brent Peak | Phoenix
On Oct. 18, over 8,400 residents across Arizona’s 8th Congressional District — represented by Rep. Abe Hamadeh — gathered for No Kings, a nationwide day of peaceful protest affirming that democracy belongs to the people. Ten protest sites stretched across Phoenix, Anthem, Peoria, Glendale, Sun City, Sun City West and Surprise.
From start to finish, the day was peaceful. Except for one hit-and-run incident involving a golf cart driver in Sun City, there were no arrests, minimal confrontations and a great deal of mutual respect.
Participants exercised their First Amendment rights responsibly, and the vast majority of passersby responded with equal calm and courtesy — and many with equal enthusiasm. It was a day that reflected well on both sides of the political aisle — a reminder that disagreement doesn’t have to mean incivility, aggression or violence.
We want to express our deep gratitude to the law enforcement professionals who made this possible: the Phoenix Police Department, Glendale Police Department, Surprise Police Department, Peoria Police Department and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
Their professionalism, presence and coordination with protest leaders helped ensure safety, civility and the free expression of ideas throughout the day.
At a time when polarization so often dominates headlines, Oct. 18 stood as proof that democracy still works when people show up, speak up and treat one another with respect.
We are profoundly thankful.
Editor’s note: Brent Peak is co-chair of the progressive grassroots group Northwest Valley Indivisible. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.