The weekend’s “No Kings” rallies drew out strong opinions across the East Bay, with residents framing the protests as everything from a celebration of civic freedom to a partisan spectacle. More than 50 of our readers commented on a post with details on the rallies.
Margaret F. (Miller Avenue) set the tone for supporters, calling the right to peaceably assemble one of the country’s defining strengths and saying attendees were there out of deep love for the Constitution and American democracy. Samantha M. (Shadowood/Tres Lagos) agreed and argued the rallies exist precisely because some fear executive overreach, while Ken V. (East 2nd – West 5th) said the point is to reject any slide toward one-person rule.
Skeptics chimed in quickly. Janet S. (Sheffield) said the conversation should include farmers and the broader economic picture, while Lorine N. (Corliss) dismissed the events outright. Mike N. (Upper Happy Valley Area) countered that frustration with Washington explains why people show up. Nancy B. (Moraga Country Club) called the rallies a waste of time, and Christoverre K. (Lorin District) took a lighter tack, noting that anyone not interested would have great weather for other plans…