No King's Day USA

North Adams, Massachusetts, on June 14,  2025, NO KINGS DAY IN USA

Too many challenges have happened in the last three days that I had to overcome in order to write this article! Yet, here it is:

15 organizations and concerned citizens in the Berkshires hosted: Relay for Democracy; No Kings North Adams, Great Barrington, West Stockbridge  and Pittsfield; and Projecting Democracy, from 8 in the morning until 11 pm at night. A very busy and important day!

Meanwhile, President Trump had 'decreed' via an Executive Order to celebrate the 250th year of the US Army, and his own 79th year by rolling panzer/tanks, missiles and other military vehicles as well as soldiers - not yet in 'goose step' marching through the streets of Washington, D.C. A very expensive affair while belt tightening for many social, educational, scientific, health, art. and many more  programs and lawfully awarded funds that would benefit ALL in the US are still on the cutting block for the next budget year and decade!

Hundreds of participants crowded around City Hall in North Adams listening to speakers, while additional hundreds more lined the surrounding streets holding up signs, posters and American flags, until a Police car blocked the street at the bridge leading into the city. Organizers at that point had signaled to the police and began to form a march through downtown North Adams. We were circling around several blocks then returned back to City Hall, where the crowd disbursed. Cars that were caught in the traffic stop from different directions were honking, mostly in support of the rally and perhaps not all in agreement.

When we moved to the Berkshires some 20 years ago, North Adams was a pretty conservative city.  That has changed over the years with newcomers from many states. east to west, moving into the area. At that time, rents were low and quite a significant percentage of houses were empty or even abandoned. Now, the empty housing stock has been updated which gives the City better vibes and a positive outlook and the community has become active, creative and younger. MASS MoCA, The Clark Art Institute, two colleges in North County, and the growing number of creative people of all kinds have been a drawn here, and artists brought other artists and have settled as well. Actually, North Adams, the entire city, has been named the Best Hidden Gem of Massachusetts! Who would have believed that some years ago?

That said, the community cares about all neighbors, which is true for the entire Berkshires, an extensive area, the Berkshire Hills,  which is divided by North-, Central- and South - County. So, the above organizations with all its members, open to everyone, will continue to work hard for our democracy and defend the Constitution.

More than 2000 rallies happened on June 14 in all 50 States and the estimated numbers vary from 5 million to 11 million protesters.  Here in the Berkshires, we did our part!

Michael Bedford,  a friend, and one of the organizers of the rally, sent me the following paragraph:

"The June 14th demonstration in North Adams drew over 600 people together in voicing our deep concerns about Trump's escalating attacks on democracy. This gathering may have been one of the largest political gatherings in North Adam's recent history. The joy and support people expressed was one of the main benefits of my helping organize this event.  Knowing we are not alone, but joined in community together, shows we the people, not Donald Trump, are winning."

 And Will Bunch wrote in the Philadelphia Inquirer: " The Flag is mightier than the tank."

Amen!