By Dawn Laguerre
UTICA – On Saturday, October 18th, 2800 people in Rome, 1500 in Utica, and an expected more than 300 in Herkimer joined thousands of peaceful protests across the nation for the second No Kings Day. Participants demonstrated cheerful enthusiasm and displays of patriotism while voicing their opposition to President Trump’s continuing authoritarian power grabs. 
All three gatherings had speakers and were filled with energetic and committed crowds chanting and singing. Speakers at the Rome rally, held on the First Amendment Lawn at Fort Stanwix, gave passionate defenses of democracy and the need to rise to the moment in unity and with perseverance.
Raymond Meier – Republican, who represented Rome on the county legislature beginning in 1986, then served as Oneida County Executive from 1991-1996. He was elected to the NYS Senate’s 47th district and served 5 terms from 1997-2007 was passionate in stating, “In 1974 I took an oath as a brand new Second Lieutenant to the Constitution, and every time I was elected to office, I swore an oath to this document again. Donald J Trump took the same oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States just like I did. He’s violated that oath time, and time, and time again, and continues to do so.”
Jacqueline Nelson – President of the NAACP Rome Branch and NAACP NYS Conference Western Region Education Director said, “I wanna say hello to the defenders of democracy! There are many challenges before us and we do not shrink from these challenges, in fact, we rise. We insist on truth over lies, on accountability and transparency.”
Michael Corbett – retired Air Force Colonel and former commander of the Northeast Air Defense Sector shared, “To many we appear to be an eclectic group with many different interests. But, one interest unites us all-dissatisfaction with the Trump administration. We want our voice to be heard in government decisions, we want truth from our government- neither of which we are receiving now. We want the democracy envisioned by our founding fathers. The people here love America, but they hate authoritarianism. No kings- not now, not ever.” 
Susan Eilenberg – a 50 year Rome resident who has served on the Rome Common Council and the Rome Planning Board and has been active in non-profits and businesses, stated, “The message from the White House is clear: do not defy me! This is the moment when we must do exactly that. We are the patriots in this country, we are the defenders of this country. We will not be cowered into silent submission by a wannabe dictator.”
Molly McHugh – An Oneida High School Student demanded recognition of the youth perspective saying, “What the Trump administration calls ‘ceasing the indoctrination of kids’ is a censorship of our lives as human beings. We aren’t made to be pawns under someone else’s control but the authors of our own stories.” 
Across the Mohawk Valley, local people attending the rallies mentioned common themes when asked why they participated today.
“Being here is a sign of hope.” Mike, Richfield Springs
“I’m here to protest the destruction of American values, American freedom, and American institutions and to effect change,” said Larry of Utica.
Dan from Frankfort stated that “It’s more important than ever to be here, and it shows that people are speaking out.”
Suzy from Utica said that “There is a strength in numbers that allows others to be more vocal.”
On June 14, more than five million people across all 50 states joined No Kings in the largest single-day protest to date against President Trump’s authoritarianism. The October 18 day of action is the next step in this growing movement, channeling that energy into yet another coordinated, peaceful mobilization.
The Utica, Rome, and Herkimer No Kings rallies were sponsored by Indivisible Mohawk Valley and co-sponsored by 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, League of Women Voters Utica-Rome Metropolitan Area, NAACP Oneida County/Utica Branch, NAACP Rome Branch, Oneida County Democratic Committee, Rome Democratic Committee, Oneida County Pride Association, Oneida County Democratic Women’s Club.
Photos and videos from the events below and at the links here:
CONTACT: Dawn LaGuerre | laguerremedia@gmail.com | (315) 266-7548
