By Patricia A. Scheyer
NKyTribune reporter
As the nationwide No Kings protest drew thousands of peaceful protests — in the largest-ever single day of protest — Northern Kentuckians joined together so that their voices were heard too. Two scheduled protests were held, one in downtown Covington and a second one on Mall Road in Florence.
The rules were clear: Protest peacefully with signs, banners, or costumes, but no violence. Protest the authoritarian takeover of the U.S. government and illegal ICE activities across the country. Stand up for constitutional rights, the rule of law, accountability, and America’s commitment to freedom for all.
Hundreds of people of all ages came out to designated areas for their chance to join their voices and tell the president and congress that they are not happy with the way things are going.
The main message: Nope, not today. No kings. Not today, not ever.
“This is my first No Kings protest,” said Katrina Harp of Newport. “I am originally from Somerset and we belong to the Indivisible group there, so we are strong, and we always advocate doing the right thing. I think the title is the sum total of the message today —-No Kings.”
Katrina came with her mom, Nora Harp from Florence, to the Roebling bridge, where the crowd began growing well before starting time, filling the sidewalks on both sides of the south entrance of the bridge.
Nora had participated at the rally last year in Florence and was committed to showing up again.
“I believe that we Americans have got to continue to push back,” she said. “I believe it is important to show that we have a lot of numbers of people who are gently but firmly pushing back against an administration that smacks of dictatorship. We need to continue to peacefully protest and bring in young people who are motivated and will vote. I am against ICE and that level of military approach. We need some border control, but he is targeting the wrong people.”
Walking the length of sidewalk with people holding their signs high, it was difficult to hear their voices, with a cacophony of automobile horns eagerly blaring their solidarity with the protesters.
“We think that politics should work for the American people and it is not,” said Karen Otto, from Batavia.
Amy Hunter and Greg Vondermeulen from Fort Thomas came to the bridge, Amy with a sign and Greg with a flag.
“We want to say we are not happy with the current situation in the United States,” said Greg. “It is not acceptable.”
“It is not who we are,” added Amy.
Kristie Earl, from Pierce Township, said she is very concerned about a federal program called the Trio program that has been around since 1964 and helps high school students and low income students have a chance to go to college.
“This is a very valuable and worthwhile program and they are considering cutting it,” Kristie said. “We need it to continue.”
Kris Welscher from Alexandria was definite, saying that President Trump needs to stop the war and get rid of ICE.
The Covington protest was peaceful but righteous and vocal in their intention to let people know they don’t like the current state of affairs.
Eric Bardum of Hebron had a parting shot, “No more billionaires!” he stated.
Another protest was held on Mall Road in Florence, and again, the people were showing their numbers well before the start time of noon.
Eryn Johnson of Independence was organizing the protest. About 500 signed up in advance, but people were showing up in increasingly large numbers. She said if people want to come to meetings, they can find out more about the organization at Indivisible.org. She said they usually have 40 to 60 people at their meetings.
Mary Beth Flaherty and her sister-in-law Nancy came from Erlanger to join the protest.
“Democracy is everything,” Mary Beth said, and Nancy agreed. “No new wars. ICE is a problem. And Trump needs to be investigated for the Epstein files. A lot of people need to be investigated.”
Vicki Drew came from Union came to take part.
“I have grandsons and great-grandsons,” she said. “I don’t want any more wars!”
Phyllis Tattershall England came from Burlington, and this was not her first time at a No Kings protest.
“I want my freedom to vote protected,” she stated. She also had a sign on the back of her wheelchair which proclaimed, Never underestimate an old lady who votes.
Down the street a little way were two young people, Josh Farley, 18, from Independence, and Echo Mizer, 17, from Walton.
“I am seeing a bunch of crap I don’t believe in and I don’t approve of,” Echo said when asked why she came out to protest. “I figured it was my responsibility to speak out about it. I know I can’t vote yet, but if we are inheriting the nation, I want to know we are going to be holding the right views.”
Farley agreed.
“I want to stand up for freedom and what I believe in,” he said. “I also would like to end oppression.”
Gary Fowler from Lakeside Park walked the line of protesters, not with a sign, but knowing he should be out to protest the way things were being run.
“I believe in the First Amendment,” he said. “I have the right to freedom of religion. I am an atheist, and I don’t like the religion that they are bringing to the White House.”
Gil and Brenda Fauber from Edgewood came to protest.
“I feel that if we don’t come out now, and again in November, democracy will not be retrievable in our lifetime,” Gil stated. “This is all I can do right now.”
Brenda held a sign about women’s rights.
“This is what I am here for,” she said. “I am afraid — I feel that women’s rights are going in the wrong direction, as are civil rights.”
Whatever the reason, hundreds if not thousands of people needed this day to be able to speak up and join others in protesting the status quo, saying with one voice, We are not happy — stop acting like a king and listen to the people.
