Dear Editor: Next Saturday, Oct. 18, Sitkans for Peace and Democracy will join people all over the country to declare that the U.S. is a democracy, not a monarchy. Instead of our regular weekly vigil at the roundabout, we will gather on Castle Hill/Noow Tlein at 10 a.m. for a group photo to show our Alaska congressional delegation that Sitkans say: No Czars, No Kings on Lingít Aaní! Everyone is invited to participate!
The Trump administration is trying hard to discredit No Kings Day. On Friday, speaker Mike Johnson described the upcoming No Kings Day protest as the “hate-America” rally that would draw “the pro-Hamas wing” and “the antifa people.” However, rather than being a “hate-America” rally, Saturday’s protest is an opportunity for all of us who love America to express our determination that our nation’s ideals not be crushed by the Trump regime.
It is not hyperbole to describe the Trump administration as authoritarian. Trump is putting military troops on our streets, investigating his political opponents, claiming emergency powers over prerogatives that the Constitution gives to Congress, eroding government’s independent functions, coercing the media, universities and law firms, flouting due process and the rule of law, and ignoring court orders and threatening judges. Trump has repeatedly threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, which authorizes the president to use military forces domestically in the event of an insurrection or rebellion.
No Kings Day is a chance for us to publicly rededicate ourselves to democracy, the rule of law, equal protection under the law, and our right to believe what we want, say what we want, and choose our leaders without fear of recrimination.
It is important for all of us to come out next Saturday – numbers matter! History shows that mobilizing masses of ordinary people in nonviolent direct action – at least 3.5% of the population – is our best shot at toppling authoritarian regimes. In the U.S., that means 11.5 million people. In Sitka, that means about 290. Even if you’re not normally a protest sort of person, please join fellow Sitkans this Saturday for No Kings Day – because we love this country and we believe in democracy.
Feel free to bring a sign with your favorite No Czars, No Kings message.
Tory O’Connell Curran,
Donna Donohoe, Cindy Litman for Sitkans for Peace & Democracy
