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Opinion

Speak Up: Valley ‘No Kings’ protests spark online debate

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No Kings protests across the Valley brought out thousands of protestors who voiced their opposition to the Trump administration. The protests also triggered hundreds of comments both for and against. Here’s what a selection of readers had to say on social media:

From Nextdoor

  • “These are real patriots that care about their country!” — Chuck G.
  • “If they were patriots, they would been equally vocal about not letting in millions of illegal people under the previous administration. They are no more patriotic than those that get up every day, go to work, support their families, pay their taxes and save their protests for the voting booth.” — Elizabeth Belome
  • “They are proliferating the negativity of our elected representatives; that’s not patriotic. We as citizens should be better than that.” — Jim Ditro
  • “I'm sure we’re all better off with Iran having a nuke.” — Robert Fischer
  • “The protests must’ve worked. Still no king.” — Jacob Stuart
  • “Patriots support our officers and military.” — Don Stillwell
  • “No king in Iran. U.S. military prevented that. No king in Venezuela anymore. Which country is next? You’re all right no kings of other nations will control the global economy. The U.S. controls the global economy.” — Brett Martin
  • “Unpatriotic’ is demolishing the East Wing of the White House for a golden party room, wearing a campaign baseball cap in front of fallen soldiers, trash-talking plaques installed under former presidents’ portraits, hinting you might manipulate an unconstitutional third term.” — Jeff Jacobs
  • “This isn’t about left or right. It’s about basic humanity … America is falling and it’s not because of the people it’s because of our government.” — Akasha Morriston
  • “Way to Go!” — C.C. Vea
  • “No kings is divisive. It doesn’t need to be on here but if they want to post it, standby for incoming.” — Rick Ramirez
  • “I find it weird that so many commenters make fun of/discount people exercising their Constitutional right to peacefully protest their government. If you all want to get together and protest Hobbs, I’ll recognize and respect your right to do so.” — Rob Schultz
  • “The gathering was beautiful filled with love, friendliness, patriotism, cute dogs, compassionate and deeply concerned folks; United States citizens standing up for what they believe in. Our Republic operates on the freedoms laid out in clear language. Democracy is the biggest asset we have as citizens of our country; it is what gave us the respect we once shared with other great free nations.” — Sharon Ledbetter
  • “I’m positive that this is the beginning of the end of our civilization. Robots will make better decisions.” — Lola Larco
  • “I was there. A beautiful day, so much fun chatting with others and so much creativity!” — Sandra Conti
  • “Protests are a way for the people to voice their opinion as a collective.” — David Scholefield
  • “It would be interesting to see how many of these folks protesting have ever put their life on the line in the military to protect the very freedoms they enjoy.” — Dennis Marino
  • “These aren’t just protesters. They are everyone who thinks standing up for democracy is important and stop other people trying to destroy the best thing about our country.” — Lynn Brodsky
  • “While I don't agree with the folks protesting, I spent a 33-year career defending their right to do just this. I’d still do it, but the Air Force said, ‘you're done.’ One doesn't have to agree with another to respect their rights.” — Steve Wood
  • “Imagine spending an entire day protesting something that does not exist.” — Shawn Patterson
  • “I didn’t know that the protests were still active!” — Terese LoPresti

From Facebook

  • “It’s great to see so many elderly people, who have predominantly voted Republican in the past, stand up against white Christian nationalism.” — William Auburn
  • “Proud to live in a democracy that allows peaceful protests for something or someone you disagree with.” — Tracy Rothstein
  • “I know that this will anger many, but the reason people are protesting is because we have a president who is not following the Constitution. He is doing what he wants … before any leader gets to the point where they become a dictator, or a king, people protest and use their freedom of speech to bring awareness to others that action must be taken before our rights are taken away.” — Nancy Damone
  • “Everyone is entitled to their opinion. We will see what happens in November. Life goes on.” — Dana Saar
  • “I wish I knew what the Democratic party stands for; it appears they are only against everything.” — Tim Maas
  • “Quit voting for Democrats and that will go a long way to saving our country.” — Ron Bertolini
  • “I proudly claim Jesus is king. Trump is my president.” — Eileen Nelson Parisi
  • “They sure don’t represent the Arizona I grew up in and loved.” — Tonya Himes
  • “Gotta love our constitutional right to freedom to assemble and say what we think and feel.
  • Wonder how or if this movement will influence the midterms.” — Debra Nolen
  • “Feeling grateful for the courage of our Fountain Hills community to speak out against injustice. Back in October we had approximately 600 folks, this time 1,000. Thank you all who came out and for all those who drove by honking and giving the thumbs up.” — Kimberly Bartman
  • “I celebrate Fourth of July, no kings for 250 years.” — Anne Leach
  • “My king is Jesus. He should be yours as well.” — Sandi Kay Meehan
  • “Unbelievable ... keep slaying those non-existent dragons.” — Tony Pierce
  • “They will be sorry if they continue to ban ICE! Who will help them?” — Mardi Mickey
  • “Great patriots! With all the talk of Trump’s war, the $1B daily cost, service members in harm’s way, high gas prices, record debt, a pedophile cover-up, and a narcissistic felon putting his name on everything while ignoring affordability and health care crises for Americans, it’s great to see Fountain Hills participate in the 3,300 protests across 50 states.” — Don Scott
  • “I got a new crown for Trump so he can be an even bigger and better king.” — Barbara Russo
  • “Why do people have to be so mean to each other? I am saddened reading a post on a local page in the town I live in and love and see hate because of differences in opinion. To those that stood for what you believe in and marched in peaceful protest, I applaud you for standing up for what you believe in. To all that act like children, calling names and being hateful to others for having different opinions, shame on you no matter what your opinions are.” — Veronica Picchietti Hill

No Kings, protests, Valley, Fountain Hills, Surprise, protesters

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