By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
PENTWATER — Approximately 400 people participated in a protest Saturday, June 14, as part of the national “No Kings” mass protests.
The local event was organized by the Oceana County Democrats. Protesters gathered in the Village Green and recited the preamble to the US Constitution — as seen in this video, and then marched down one block of Hancock Street — the main street in the village, which has a population of about 900.
The Pentwater Police Department briefly blocked off Hancock Street in the vicinity of the protest. Pentwater Police Chief Laude Hartrum said the blockade was done was for safety reasons. “There was no violence,” Chief Hartrum said.
“We are united against kings and are mobilizing to reject President Trump’s corruption and abuse of power,” avowed a written statement from the Oceana County Democrats organization provided prior to the event.
“The Army’s birthday marks the beginning of America’s rejection of kings. On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress created the U.S. Army to stand up against a monarch who claimed absolute power. Two hundred and fifty years later, President Trump wants to twist that legacy into a birthday party for himself that is expected to cost millions of our tax dollars, all while Republicans claim there’s no money for Social Security, SNAP, or Medicaid.
“President Trump has already indicated that he’s aiming for at least a third term, and now he’s planning a self-aggrandizing military parade in D.C. This is bigger than political disagreement. The administration has defied our courts, deported American citizens, disappeared people off the streets without due process, and slashed our services — all while orchestrating a massive giveaway to their billionaire allies. Enough is enough.
“That’s why we are saying: No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings. It’s in our DNA as a country. We are defending the ideals our forefathers fought for. This country doesn’t belong to strongmen. It belongs to us — to we the people.”
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