Hundreds gather at ‘No Kings’ political protests

Hundreds gather at ‘No Kings’ political protests

A huge crowd with custom signs were present in Salisbury Saturday, June 14, for the “No Kings” protest.

Tom Zetterstrom

The energized crowds, the custom signs and the constant show of support from passersby honking their horns reflected what many in the Northwest Corner want for this country — “No Kings.”

Such was the strong sentiment at rallies in Cornwall, Kent and Salisbury that mirrored the hundreds held across the country Saturday, June 14, to protest President Donald Trump’s policies and decrees.

The triangle at the junction of routes 7 and 4 in Cornwall Bridge was filled with more than 300 people, all there to express their fears about what direction the country is headed.

In Cornwall, Doug Craig, holding a huge sign of a crown being slashed, said he’s mainly concerned that Trump’s big bill “has too many hidden things.” Paul Bacsik of Sharon said, “We need co-branches of government, not one.”

Lori Welles of Cornwall believes, “There are so many things going on that people are in doubt about what is true. The Constitution is fundamental to protecting our society. The administration is lacking in humanity.”

  The protest at Cornwall on Saturday drew more than 300 participants.Ruth Epstein

David Stoneback was appalled that those who broke into the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, are being pardoned.

Ed Greene said his big concerns are how Trump is undermining the government and his lack of support for those who need help. “It’s an assault on all our programs.” His wife, Dinny Greene, added, “He’s dismantling the fabric of our society.”

Dick Sears, who was one of the organizers of the rally, walked along the edge of the grassy area chanting “Show me what democracy looks like” and later encouraged the crowd to answer “This is what democracy looks like.”

In Salisbury, hundreds gathered where Route 44 meets Route 41. Tom Zetterstrom described the scene: “A mosaic of all signs would have illustrated a broad spectrum of grievances appropriate for a Smithsonian archive about the waning days of our democracy.”

In Kent, an “Unhappy Birthday Party” was sponsored as part of the rally by the Democratic Town Committee on the Golden Falcon lot in the center of town. Participants lined Route 7 with similar signs to the other demonstrations.

Kent DTC chairman Patricia Oris energized the assembly, saying due process is the cornerstone of our democracy. She went though a litany of actions that have been taken under this administration, starting off each with the words, “How dare they” and the audience repeating the phrase. Some of these included the criminalizing abortion, the treatment of State Sen. Alex Padilla and a budget that rewards billionaires and takes food out of the mouths of children.

She mentioned the $40 million spent that day “to feed his ego on a ridiculous parade. I’m here to say we’re the true Americans. We are the patriots. We’re putting our feet down and saying enough is enough. We will survive. The power of the people is unbeatable. We are Americans and Americans bow to no king.”

  A huge crowd gathered in Kent Saturday for its ‘Unhappy Birthday Party’ for President Donald Trump sponsored by the town’s Democratic Town Committee.Ruth Esptein

Carolyn Casey of Kent said she is afraid Trump will declare martial law, suspend habeas corpus and arrest everyone. Amanda Cernitz of Kent said Trump lied when he said he’d uphold the Constitution.

Lianna Gantt led the group in an “Unhappy Birthday Song” to Trump.

“Unhappy birthday to Trump,

The guy we want to dump.

He tramples on the Constitution,

What a mean-hearted grump!”

Latest News

A scenic 32-mile loop through Litchfield County

Whenever I need to get a quick but scenic bicycle ride but don’t have time to organize a group ride that involves driving to a meeting point, I just turn right out of my driveway. That begins a 32-mile loop through some of the prettiest scenery in northern Litchfield County.

I ride south on Undermountain Road (Route 41 South) into Salisbury and turn right on Main Street (Route 44 West). If I’m meeting friends, we gather at the parking area on the west side of Salisbury Town Hall where parking is never a problem.

Keep ReadingShow less
Biking Ancramdale to Copake

This is a lovely ride that loops from Ancramdale north to Copake and back. At just over 23 miles and about 1,300 feet of elevation gain, it’s a perfect route for intermediate recreational riders and takes about two hours to complete. It’s entirely on quiet roads with little traffic, winding through rolling hills, open countryside, picturesque farms and several lakes.

Along the way, you’ll pass a couple of farmstands that are worth a quick visit. There is only one hill that might be described as steep, but it is quite short — probably less than a quarter-mile.

Keep ReadingShow less
Taking on Tanglewood

Aerial view of The Shed at Tanglewood in Lenox, Mass.

Provided

Now is the perfect time to plan ahead for symphonic music this summer at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts. Here are a few highlights from the classical programming.

Saturday, July 5: Shed Opening Night at 8 p.m. Andris Nelsons conducts the Boston Symphony Orchestra as Daniil Trifonov plays piano in an All-Rachmaninoff program. The Piano Concerto No. 3 was completed in 1909 and was written specifically to be debuted in the composer’s American tour, at another time of unrest and upheaval in Russia. Trifonev is well-equipped to take on what is considered among the most technically difficult piano pieces. This program also includes Symphonic Dances, a work encapsulating many ideas and much nostalgia.

Keep ReadingShow less
James H. Fox

SHARON — James H. Fox, resident of Sharon, passed away on May 30, 2025, at Vassar Brothers Hospital.

Born in New York, New York, to Herbert Fox and Margaret Moser, James grew up in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. He spent his summers in Gaylordsville, Connecticut, where he developed a deep connection to the community.

Keep ReadingShow less