LAVALE — The ongoing war in Iran was a primary concern for many people who attended a “No Kings” protest Saturday in LaVale.
A large crowd gathered between the 700 to 900 blocks of National Highway waving signs, banners and flags at passing vehicles. The rally was one of thousands that took place across America and Europe and also focused on actions by President Donald Trump. It was the third “No Kings” protest since Trump was elected in 2024.
Richard Bever, 79, of Cumberland, is an Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam.
“The country is not what it use to be,” he said. “It’s gone way to far the wrong way. With Iran, it’s frustration. There is no protocol like there use to be. He ran on no new wars. Now look at what he’s done.”
Heather Griswold of Cumberland said she had many reasons to protest against the Trump administration.
“But, right now, the number one reason is this war in Iran that was just done for no reason,” she said. “It’s worse than the Iraq war. There was no lead up or congressional vote. There was nothing; it just happened.”
Griswold said Trump is “losing control” of the war.
“Trump has underestimated what he’s doing,” she said. “He wants $200 billion for this war effort, which would provide education, housing and health care for everyone in the United States. I do not want my tax dollars going to this insane war.”
Beth Folk, of Rawlings, said she attended the rally for her children.
“Everything that is going on now, and the mistakes being made within our government, are going to affect my kids’ future,” she said. “So I need to show my kids how to stand up for what they believe in and what is morally correct and how to stand up for those who do not have the privileges we have.
“My top concern right now is what is going on in Iran,” she said. “He (Trump) has done this with no regard for any of us in the U.S. and now we are getting stuck.”
Folk also said Trump is “taking away people’s rights and giving everything to the rich.”
“And another issue is women’s rights,” she said. “I want my daughter to make sure she can make decisions for her body. I think it’s important to stand up just like my aunt did when she was young. I will fight for women’s rights forever.”
Dawn Frigge of Cumberland shared many grievances she has with Trump.
“What brought me here above all is the corruption,” she said. “The blatant corruption and self-dealing. Look what he has done to our national debt. The war, the death of our soldiers, the price of food and inflation.
“Our economy under (President) Biden was the envy of the world,” she said. “The economists said we were pulling the global economy out of the recession. And now we have gone backward so far and so fast.
“I can’t imagine that kind of destruction he’ll bring over the next two and a half years. It’s scary to think about.”
Cumberland native Nick Gaudio, who now lives in Austin, Texas, was in town visiting family Saturday.
“We are back here for our family but decided to go to the protest,” he said. “We are seeing the government puts blocks in the way of things that they shouldn’t.”
He cited immigration and women’s issues as a big motivation for attending the rally. He said public protest is key to public awareness.
“A lot of people are on the fence, but when they come by and see us I think they say maybe I can be more involved. It builds a momentum for the right side. It can encourage others to come out.”
Jim Exum, of Cumberland, said “I think we need to defend our democracy. It’s time to stand up and fight for it. I think gay rights are under attack and education is under attack and needs more support.
“Trump’s foreign agenda is all wrong. Election denial is a big problem. The way he attacks the Constitution is a big concern for me.
“I also think that a felon has no place running for elected office in the first place — a 34-time convicted felon.”