The No Kings Day protest of October 18, 2025, had been characterized as the “Hate America Rally” supported by the “Communist Party USA” and other far-left and communist groups, funded by George Soros,  and part of Antifa and the pro-Hamas wing. Additionally, the president and his administration have asserted that protests opposing his agenda are orchestrated by paid actors.

Did you know that there is actually a company called Crowds on Demand that provides that service? Who knew?

NO KINGS DAY IN CENTRAL TEXAS

I appeared at the town square in La Grange, Texas, with my protest sign, a bottle of water, and an American flag. The area is deep red, with Trump having won 77.6% of the vote in the county in 2024. (Note: the county is rural, having approximately 25,000 residents with a median age of 48.6, and 69.8% of us are white.)

I received a text message before the event, emphasizing the importance of the protest being peaceful—violence or property damage would not be tolerated. Nevertheless, Texas Governor Greg Abbott summoned the National Guard to Austin, just in case. I did not see any National Guard, police officers, or deputy sheriffs, for that matter.

To my amazement, approximately 100 protesters appeared, mostly with homemade signs. The vast majority were over fifty years old.

MY FELLOW NO KINGS PROTESTERS

Inquiring minds want to know. Were these dangerous paid rioters who hate America?

In truth, protests in La Grange began in the spring when an 82-year-old woman texted a few friends, saying that something had to be done. It morphed from there. I saw a veteran, a woman in a wheelchair, met a gay retired dentist, and delighted in a woman sporting a pink tutu. The protester in a green blow-up costume made me laugh.

Many were wearing yellow kerchiefs, a color symbolizing peaceful resistance and unity. From the chatter around me, it was apparent that my fellow protesters love this country as much as I do.

NO KINGS VIOLENCE

My usual spot was taken, so I went to the empty concrete planter that sits at the side of the road. I sat down next to a woman who had a cast on her foot. Usually, we get a few cars that go by and give us the F… Y.. sign. Sometimes we get a thumbs down or a Trump hat waved at us. Lately, we have had more supportive honks than detractors.

But today was different. When I arrived at the planter, a man who was a vendor at the nearby farmer’s market was complaining bitterly to one of the protestors assigned to keep the peace. He rudely claimed that the protests suppressed sales and threatened to call the cops. (Note: We were not blocking the entrances to the market, walking in the market, or waving signs at the vendors.)

The two settled on a certain distance away from the booths where the crowd would stand. When the vendor felt someone got too close, he would jump up and approach us, complaining angrily. At one point, the main organizer approached him, and he yelled “shut up” at her, even though she had not uttered a word.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON NO KINGS RALLY

Afterward, as I was helping a friend pack up from the farmer’s market, I glanced at the angry man’s booth. He was selling hangings of the American flag done in wood, which were quite attractive. Sadness flooded me. He and I love our country, but agitators on both sides have frightened us into thinking the other side is violent.

Only by talking things out can we find common ground. If our country’s leaders will not do that, it is incumbent upon each of us to reach out to the other side.

Oh, and President Trump, if you know where I can collect a paycheck for being there, please let me know.

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