By Kyle Davidson, Michigan Advance
More than four months after protestors across Michigan and throughout the nation gathered in opposition to President Donald Trump and his administration for No Kings Day, communities across the state are planning to renew their opposition and raise further concerns about overreach from the federal government.
On Saturday, Oct. 18, more than 100 communities from southeast Michigan to the westernmost part of the U.P. are set to hold “No Kings” rallies in support of civil rights, democracy and the rule of law.
The League of Women Voters of Livingston County is hosting a No Kings demonstration from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday at the historic Livingston County Courthouse, 200 E. Grand River Ave., in downtown Howell.
During a Monday press conference, state representatives Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) and Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) joined with political organizers and members of advocacy groups to call out the Trump administration’s threats to immigration, free expression, political dissent and due process.
“Trump [Vice President J.D.Vance] and [White House Deputy Chief of Staff] Stephen Miller have been frank, the only legitimate Americans are those that agree with them and look like them, and the rest of us are terrorists, illegals, thugs,” said Shanay Watson-Whitaker, the director of Michigan campaigns at Reproductive Freedom For All. “It’s no accident that the only refugees currently allowed in the country are white South Africans. That’s what’s going on here, criminalizing the opposition, gutting our democracy and getting rid of people who get in the way.”
From the deployment of National Guard troops in several American cities, to the Trump Administration’s prosecution of the president’s political opponents, pressure and threats against celebrities and media outlets and the violent tactics deployed by U.S. Immigrations, Customs and Enforcement agents, speakers called out several instances of overreach since Trump took office in January.
“Even if you have never feared deportation, even if you think this doesn’t touch your life, it will,” said Isa Azaria, an organizer and educator with We The People Dissent. “Authoritarianism always starts with those deemed ‘the other.’ Once those systems of surveillance, detention and militarization are normalized, they are turned on anyone who resists.”
Christy McGillivray, executive director of the nonpartisan Voters Not Politicians, spoke out against the Trump administration’s effort to investigate groups opposed to his agenda, arguing the government is working to intimidate opponents and criminalize opposition.
However, the best way to defend the right to free speech is by using it, McGillivray said.
“This is what it means to be Americans. We are the ones living up to our Constitution’s ideals,” McGillivray said. “We are building a huge non-partisan tent. We welcome all free speech advocates and proud defenders of our Constitutionally protected civil rights to join us on the 18th and into the future. The Trump administration is lying to Americans about threats that are not real in order to hide the very real threat that they pose. We know better.”
Rheinegans closed the press conference with a call for citizens to let their voices be heard.
“The courts won’t save us. The media won’t save us. Corporate America won’t save us. That leaves us — the people. Through peaceful resistance and local organizing, we can restore our democracy. This is our moment to lead,” she said.
In addition to the Livingston County event, communities where “No Kings” rallies will be held include Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Flint, Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, St. Ignace and Sault Ste. Marie.
Michigan Advance is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jon King for questions: info@michiganadvance.com.
