Residents across the NorthwestCorner joined millions nationwide on Saturday, turning out for “No Kings” protests to voice anger and deep concern over the current federal administration.
Despite biting winds and unseasonably low temperatures, large crowds gathered at rallies throughout the region, waving signs, chanting, singing and standing in solidarity with fellow demonstrators.
In Salisbury, organizers began early on the lawn of the White Hart Inn, placing signs along Route 44 and setting up a hay wagon to serve as a bandstand. They also strung a line of pennants where attendees were invited to write messages.
As roughly 400 people gathered ahead of the program, many shared their reasons for attending, citing a wide range of concerns and frustrations. Several pointed to what they described as growing injustice, while others focused on war, government spending and broader national priorities.
About 400 people gather in Salisbury for a “No Kings” rally on March 28. Aly Morrissey
“It’s the injustice of it all,” said Kay Blass of Falls Village.
John McGuire, aVietnam War veteran from Canaan, said he opposed the latest war.
“I’m active in the Veterans of Foreign War and would like to see no new members of that organization.”
He also noted with frustration, “We can spend loads of money on missiles, but we can’t support poor people.
Stephen Furnstand of Sharon was brief. “There are multiple problems, but the overarching one for me is corruption.”
Sophia De Boer, one of the organizers, opened the program by engaging the crowd with a call-and-response, asking who cares about issues such as rising health care costs, immigrants’ rights and victims of sex trafficking. The crowd answered in unison: “Not this president.”
State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) of Salisbury, told the crowd that she was energized by the smiles, camaraderie and sense of compassion she saw in the crowd.
She said the Connecticut General Assembly is focused on addressing high prices and ensuring fair elections amid developments in Washington. “We need to make a change in November and forever after,” she said.
Amy Lake, another organizer, recited the Declaration of Independence, inviting the audience to fill in key phrases, while Deron Bayer listed the document’s 27 grievances against King George III and asked, “Does that sound familiar?”
Salisbury “No Kings” rally.Aly Morrisey
The Rev. Heidi Truax attended with her dog Rosso, who wore a coat reading “Love Wins.”
She said the message serves “as a reminder that in the long run, cruelty burns itself out, fearmongering eventually collapses...We’re here to say this country does not belong to a would-be king. It belongs to the people. And we will keep standing up, speaking out and caring for one another.”
The event’s youngest speaker, Sophia DeDominicis Fitzpatrick, 18, a junior at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, spoke about the importance of advocacy and human rights.
“Over the years, I’ve learned more and more each day of the importance of standing up for others and yourself, and speaking out on human rights. That is why I am here speaking today. What’s going on in our country is unconstitutional and wrong. The women our age see what is going on and we are taking a stand against it. We are strong.”
Fitzpatrick was there with several other teens.
James Speyer of Sharon, a member of Lawyers Defending American Democracy, delivered an impassioned speech, opening by addressing the crowd as “fellow radical left lunatics.”
He invoked the “No Kings” theme to describe those who, he said, respect the Constitution, exercise their First Amendment rights to assemble, value kindness over cruelty, and call out what he characterized as unprecedented corruption in a democratic society.
He urged attendees to recognize what is happening in the country and respond by saying, “No. This will not stand on our watch.”
Speyer said that while there is a new attack on democracy every day, people cannot dim their outrage or mute their voices because, as he put it, “every belief is on the line.”
Thanking participants, he added, “It means more than you think. Years after this madness has passed—and it will pass—your grandchildren will ask you: ‘What did you do when the fascists were on the march?’ And you will be able to say, ‘I did not look the other way. I was not a bystander. I made my voice heard.’”
More than 300 people gather at the intersection of Routes 7 and 4 in Cornwall Bridge for a “No Kings” rally.Ruth Epstein
Cornwall
A similar scene unfolded in nearby Cornwall, where another group of residents gathered to make their voices heard.
Organizer Dick Sears looked out over the crowd at the triangle where Routes 7 and 4 meet in Cornwall Bridge and expressed his satisfaction with the turnout.
“Our counter believes we have more than 300 here,” he said.
Rallies have been held in the town every Saturday for a year now, he said proudly.
“We’re showing solidarity with others.”
A couple of participants continually circled the area, chanting, “Show me what democracy looks like” and “Hey, hey, ho, ho. Oligarchs have got to go.”
Barbara Wolkowitz called Donald Trump “a totally scary president,” while her husband, Richard Wolkowitz, is upset by what he views as the lawlessness of Donald Trump. “And his party won’t stand up to him.”
Rebecca Ridgway said she wants peace, not war. “We need a better future for everyone.”
Residents line both sides of Main Street in Kent, waving signs during a “No Kings” rally.Ruth Epstein
Kent
In Kent, a similarly strong turnout brought residents to Main Street to demonstrate their concerns.
There was a strong showing with rally goers waving signs and getting honks of support from passersby.
Father-and-son team Dan and Ben Foster of Sharon have been going to protests around the area every Saturday. “Sitting around home is not getting us anywhere,” said Dan Foster. “What got me out is the threat of ethnic cleansing,” Ben Foster said. “They want you to hate anyone who isn’t white.”
Rick Morgan and his wife, Pat, came from Pawling, NY. “I want no more lies, no more crazy,” he said.
Patricia Oris of Kent said she was there to protest “millions of issues. I also like connecting with people who feel the same way.”
Estimates had the turnout at over 250.
Protesters at Fountain Square in Amenia on March 28.Aly MOrrissey
Amenia
Meanwhile, in nearby Amenia, more than 200 people filled Fountain Square, as organizer Kim Travis pointed to growing momentum across rural communities and concern about the direction of the country.
“And we’re not stopping,” Travis said.
