Indivisible, the nationwide network of local political action groups formed to oppose authoritarian moves by President Trump and his administration, has declared Saturday a “No Kings III” day of action. Approximately 3,000 No Kings rallies are scheduled around the United States. Locally, Stand Up Lockport is hosting a rally in front of the Kaleida Health center at South Transit and Robinson roads from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Now is the time. We need a lot of people to stand up to show our government, (what’s happening) isn’t right. … It’s not about left or right, it’s about right or wrong,” rally coordinator Monica Clifford said. “It’s about democracy. We’re losing it now, and the longer we wait the harder it will be… . Literally we could end up with a king.”
The rally is not organized around any one action or policy of the Trump administration, according to Clifford. Participants are encouraged to state their own No. 1 concern on their protest sign, whether that’s the state of American democracy generally, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s continuing campaign to round up and deport immigrants, the Iran war, the impacts of federal budget cuts / defunding, or something else. Just keep the signs clean, along with your conduct at the rally.
“We’re out in public … so we’re gonna be G-rated,” Clifford said. “We want no weapons of any kind, no violence, no alcohol or drugs. Everybody’s invited as long as you’re peaceful.”
“We really hope to see our young people who are at or close to voting age,” she added.
More than 500 people participated in Stand Up Lockport’s first No Kings rally this past October. Clifford hopes to see many more on Saturday.
For prospective participants, she said the need-to-know includes: protest signs are not required, and there’s no pressure to arrive by 11 a.m. and stay until the end.
“You don’t have to stay two hours. You don’t have to have a sign, either. Just come out and share your strength.”
Registration also is not required, but those who do register for the Lockport rally, at nokings.org or mobilize.us, will be able to receive the latest updated information about it.