“Show me what democracy looks like; this is what democracy looks like!” This was just one of many of the chants at the June 14 “No Kings” rally in Moscow.
On the same day that Washington, D.C. was hosting the U.S. Army’s 250th Anniversary Parade, Moscow joined 13 other protests in Idaho and over 2,000 worldwide.
Organizers estimated at least 800 people attended the Moscow rally, while KRFP counted 1,013 in attendance in Pullman.
“We are focused on people over party, issues over ideology,” Marilyn Beckett, an Indivisible Moscow co-founder, said. “People were assassinated this morning, and it’s because of Donald Trump.”
Despite many students leaving for the summer, putting a dent in Moscow’s population, turnout for the No Kings rally was significantly higher than the April “Hands Off” protest. Among ramping concerns about retaliation across the country, some said it was more important than ever to show up and speak out.
Counter-protest actions were limited and there have been no reports of violence at the Moscow or Pullman events. Protesters reported some thumbs down and other gestures, plus a few bearing “Trump won, get over it” shirts and signs.
A group of teenagers allegedly told one female protester she “needed to get pregnant to make her happy,” according to Indivisible Moscow.
Along with lining Pullman Road, cheering and waving signs, Moscow also participated in a bike relay between Moscow and Pullman. Bikers from each town, bearing U.S. flags, met in the middle of the Chipman Trail. There, they exchanged 100 scrolls containing Articles of Impeachment against Trump and a QR code to a petition.
“From all accounts the bike relay was really well received,” Beckett said.
The Indivisible Moscow volunteers and the community members who attended expressed pride in the turnout. “With so many people like that in one space, especially in such a small, conservative town, it’s very cool to see the support,” said an anonymous disabled community member.
“We had pretty broadband participation across the Palouse, young to quite old,” Beckett said.
The national protests were organized by the 50501 — short for “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement” — and Indivisible movements. Local chapters led the coordination efforts for individual protests.
National organizers claimed more than 5 million in attendance in the U.S. with over 12,500 in Idaho. The anti-tyranny sentiment was shared internationally, with 24 non-U.S. countries joining in.
Indivisible Moscow will host their next general meeting on Monday, June 23, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Latah County Fairgrounds Middle Room. Whether you have attended one of their previous events or are interested in learning more, everyone is encouraged to join, regardless of political affiliation.
Dakota Steffen can be reached at [email protected].
Dennis Nichols
What exactly did this accomplish?
kilo
about as much as Trump and Biden combined have accomplished