The No Kings rally in Menomonie today was part of a network of over 2500 rallies held across the country. Over 1000 people showed up for the rally on a beautiful early fall day in town.
The crowd started gathering early, with a determined group of protestors lining the Crescent St. area of town, carefully separated along the side of the road, and carrying signs like a human Burma Shave ad.
By 2, the crowd was gathering in Wilson Park to be inspired by speeches and to hear music from Weapons of Brass Destruction. The music was moving and the speeches were brief and to the point. The crowd carried an array of signs and some attendees wore inflatable costumes, as has been the case in many rallies for democracy around the country.
The emphasis of the rally was that people must stand up and have a plan for action - channeling their anger and fear into a productive way forward. As part of that mission, donations were taken of shelf-stable food, winter clothing, and toiletries to help out people in Dunn County who are in need of support as our social safety net is dismantled.
After the speeches the crowd lined up behind the band and walked off into downtown, like a New Orleans Second Line, mourning the loss of democracy.
The protest was peaceful and there were no incidents of confrontations that we saw.
Other rallies were held throughout the Chippewa Valley, with a reported 6000 people at the earlier rally in Eau Claire.
This evening we will bring you some coverage of other rallies around the country.
Memberships
Steve is a member of LION Publishers , the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, the Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce, the Online News Association, and the Local Media Consortium, and is active in Health Dunn Right.
He has been a computer guy most of his life but has published a political blog, a discussion website, and now Eye On Dunn County.
Add new comment