Protest is Patriotic-Let’s Reclaim the American Spirit of Peaceful Dissent
by Mark M. Bello
Patriotic Americans across the nation gathered this weekend for a “No Kings” Rally — a peaceful demonstration against Donald Trump’s increasingly draconian policies and dictatorial tendencies. Their message was simple: America was founded on freedom, not fear.
And yet, instead of engaging with the substance of their concerns, Republican leaders branded these citizens as “Hate America” activists. The Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, even tied the rallies to Hamas and Antifa, declaring:
“We’re so angry about it. I mean, I’m a very patient guy, but I’ve had it with these people. The theory we have right now — they have a hate America rally that’s scheduled for October 18 on the National Mall. It’s the pro-Hamas wing and Antifa people…”
Unlike Johnson, while I don’t support his hateful rhetoric, I defend his right to speak. It is frighteningly sad how often the Speaker and his MAGA brethren choose to selectively support our Constitution to appease their far-right base and its fearless leader.
Let’s pause for a quick civics lesson, shall we?
Peaceful protest is not “anti-American.” It is the very essence of being American.
Our founders fought a revolution against monarchy — against the idea of absolute power concentrated in one man. The right to speak out against government excess is enshrined in the First Amendment of our Constitution. The right to organize, dissent, protest, demonstrate, and demand accountability from our leaders — these are not acts of hate; they are acts of citizenship.
Even the Republicans’ favorite amendment — the Second Amendment — was written to guard against government abuse. Its roots lie in fear of tyranny. The founders wanted citizens to be able to stand against a government that turned on its people.
So when American citizens gather peacefully, carry signs instead of guns, and chant for justice instead of threatening violence, they honor the very spirit of the Revolution.
Meanwhile, when our leaders respond to criticism with threats, unleash troops or armed federal agents into American streets, label dissenters or the free press as “enemies,” or prosecute their political opponents, they mimic the worst impulses of authoritarian regimes.
- North Korea parades its military to intimidate its people.
- China uses state force and vile threats to crush dissent.
- Russia jails protesters and journalists who dare to speak the truth.
Peaceful protest is not hate. It is not chaos. It is democracy in action.
So, to every American who marched this weekend — hold your heads high. You honored the legacy and promise of America. No Kings is a fabulous American concept that many so-called patriots have forgotten or ignored since a certain wannabe despot entered the political arena.
The No Kings rally wasn’t a sign of division; it was a sign of life. A very American way of life that reminds the world that freedom still lives and breathes here — at least, for now.
How about we keep it that way?