By Victoria Andrews
Seniors for the Constitution
‘No Kings IV’ held at Des Moines’ Big Catch Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 17 brought 512 passionate souls together and, coincidentally, raised $512 for the Des Moines Area Food Bank (thank you all!).
Des Moines’ turnout was lower than previous No Kings rallies. This was expected by national organizers, due to its theme: protecting our vote. It didn’t incite the same degree of anger as the last, which focused on ICE’s unprecedented violence. But it was the last opportunity before the midterms to remind people that change can happen, but only if enough eligible people exercise their rights…and vote.
Many of those interviewed along Marine View Drive brought signs related to the theme, but not all of them. And many mentioned the theme, but not all of them. As you can tell from their responses and their signs, they were all extremely concerned about what is happening in our country.
The same question was asked of each person:
“Why was another No Kings Day necessary?”
Cynthia of Kent responded: “Because it’s only getting worse!”
Her friend Laurie added, “It’s getting ridiculous, the speed by which the vomit is coming out of the White House! He’s throwing our country down the drain for his own selfish greed.”
Dolores from Des Moines answered, “We need to keep the pressure on and remind people of the consequences of the current behavior.” Standing with her, also from Des Moines, Vera said, “This particular one is important because people’s lives are so busy and complicated that as the midterms come up it would be easy for them to forget to vote without reminders like this.”
Chris from SeaTac, immediately responded, “Election Day!” He added, “Visibility- reminding people to vote…and I wanted to show off my new sign!” (It read, “Tax the rich. They’ll still be rich.”) His wife Nancy was thoughtful: “I’m not sure if it makes any difference, but it makes me feel good. I don’t feel so alone being around other like-minded people.”
Des Moines resident Sue’s answer was quick: “Why ISN’T it!” (necessary) Her daughter Kate from Normandy Park concurred, while Kate’s daughter Sophie (age 4), had a more pragmatic answer: “’Cause nobody was able to stay home and hang out with me.”
Chad from Normandy Park stated, “Because sitting around griping about things is not enough. You’ve got to get up off the couch and save your country. Next to him Stacey added, “Vote! Because the same guy’s still in there!”
David from Des Moines’s answer was, “If you don’t keep the momentum up and you lose it at the last minute, they have all the political devices to make it go their way. So we need the momentum to make sure we get a good turnout. I think more people didn’t vote in the last election than those who voted for either side. There are a lot of eligible voters out there.”
Rob from Normandy Park was blunt: “Because we need to wake up!”
Lisa from Auburn responded, “This one’s necessary to get out the vote! Actually, it’s probably the most important No Kings, thus my sign.” (It reads: “Not voting is the #1 cause of unwanted presidencies.”)
Veronique from Burien stated, “Nothing has changed and it’s something we can do. It’s not enough, but it’s something. It can feel lonely, even in a blue state.” Her husband Mel’s thoughts were, “Try to help make a change. I don’t think we’ve every seen our government so corrupt. It’s not just economics, it’s ethics- sheer corruption.” Their T-shirts sported all four No Kings dates on the back.
Janit, who’s lived in Boulevard Park for 27 years but is from Toronto with a green card, did not want to show her face, which says a lot about how local the ICE fear is, said, “I think we should have had one in June. We missed the momentum. This one isn’t as well attended. ‘They’re’ (MAGA) still out there, but they’re just being a little more quiet.”
Veda, a Des Moines resident for 50 years, answered, “It’s just so sad that it IS necessary, that so many people don’t understand the depth of the depravity and ignorance.”
Kate from Burien was succinct: “Because change hasn’t happened yet.”
Doreen from Des Moines quipped, “So we don’t have to do it again next week!” Her friend Rebecca, also from Des Moines, answered, “So we can stop history from repeating itself. Authoritarianism figures come into power and that small ruling group then tries to turn classes against each other, when we have a lot in common.” Rounding out the trio was Anita, who stated simply, “It’s a reminder to vote!”
Saundra from Des Moines, wearing her puffy costume (thanks for that!), proclaimed, “Because we have a spineless GOP and Senate!” Her friend Brenda from Des Moines took a moment: “Ohhhh…Why is it NOT (necessary)? We haven’t won till we’ve won. We need to get the word out.”
Three friends, one from Lake Tapps, the others from Des Moines, were taking a break on a bench. Linda began, “Because Trump is still in the office!” Laurie chimed in, “Because we’ve got to take the House – at least! We need control of the committees and subpoena power.” And Marjie opined, “People need to realize how important it is to vote and to vote against Trump and all of his sycophants.”
Finally, Allen, a Viet Nam veteran from Burien, stated what we all should keep in mind, “It’s the people’s movement. We’re all just coming together. We know it’s wrong and we want to make it right.”
Your ballot should have arrived by now. Look at what the candidates stand for and if you care about “making it right,” vote your conscience.
