By Christa Bashinski · Entertainment Editor
“Are we great yet? Because I just feel embarrassed.”
Signs like the one quoted above lined the streets of Grove City, Hermitage and Mercer the morning of Oct. 18 in solidarity with the “No Kings” protests that took place across the nation.
“No Kings” was a series of demonstrations protesting what some view as an authoritarian government under Trump, who protestors argue has attempted to expand executive power. The administration’s actions, according to organizers, highlight the need for civic engagement and accountability on all levels of government.
Grove City Grassroots, a local organization that coordinates national protests within the county, organized the three “No Kings” demonstrations in the area. The Grove City protest drew an estimated 150 attendees, with the combined total across all three locations surpassing 1,500.
According to Volunteer Host for Grove City Grassroots Katherine Bailey, turnout far exceeded expectations as she had anticipated “at best, 20” participants. Yet, a 14-minute video from the organization’s website showed a crowd lining the streets, composed almost entirely of older participants. Aside from the occasionally raised middle finger, protesters said the event remained largely peaceful and unchallenged.
“You are not alone, you are not helpless and you can help build the kind of America that lives up to its ideals and the promise of liberty and justice for all, not for some,” Bailey said.
This isn’t the movement’s first showing, as the October demonstrations follow the initial protests held on June 14, which sparked nationwide participation under the same name. According to the “No Kings” website, while June generated over 2,100 events across the country, this month’s recent activities brought about over 2,700 events in all 50 states, totaling over 7 million participants, making it one of the largest single-day demonstrations in U.S history.
In Mercer County, where, according to Best Neighborhood, 62.2% of voters supported the Trump administration in the latest election and 36.2% aligned with the Democratic Party, the region’s traditionally perceived conservative identity isn’t as drastic as many might assume.
“Protests like this allow local minority groups to be seen and recognized as a significant voice in the community,” College Democrats President Lin Blum said.
Bailey also described the local movement as a source of encouragement, providing residents with an opportunity to connect with others who share their beliefs and visions for change.
According to protest supporters, the magnitude of these protests demonstrated the conviction that power belongs with the people. Protesters specifically reported that recent immigration raids, troop deployments and cuts to federal programs had largely stirred them onto the streets. These perceived threats to democracy motivated the movement, calling for democratic change.
“Every day there’s fresh outrage at Trump’s lawless actions. And it becomes more and more clear that his is a patrimonial administration, one that disregards the Constitution, judicial rulings, laws and policies in favor of a system of rewards and revenge, seeking to punish those who criticize him and reward those who help further his personal aims,” Bailey said. “We support the rule of law for everyone, up to the highest office in the land. We believe no one is above the law.
