30,000 “Pissed off” Americans: A Photo Essay of the No Kings Protests in  Portland 

30,000 Americans, “pissed off” at the increasingly reckless and ruthless actions and policies of Trump, marched in the 3rd No Kings protest in Portland on March 28.  Organizers reported that over 8 million Americans marched across the US in the nationwide No Kings protests.

Many of the protestors in Portland held hand made signs which expressed their outrage, disgust and hatred for Trump’s actions.   Their messages called out:  “No Kings, No ICE, No Wars,”  “Fuck Trump,”  “IRAN from the Epsein Files,” “No One is above the Law,” “No war on Iran,” “Resist and Disobey,” “Hate will not make us great,” “Fight Fascism with Solidarity,” “Is he dead yet?” and “Are we great yet?   Cuz all I feel is shame and sadness.”   Amidst the joyful spirit of resistance many were feeling,  there was also a palpable fear that Trump’s war on Iran is destroying this country, as well as Iran and the rest of the world.   There was a sense of urgency that the time is now for  people who care  about democracy, humanity and the rule of law to rise up, fight back and stop Trump.

The three No Kings protests, which have drawn huge numbers in recent months, have been criticised for their allegiance to the Democratic Party.   Although several speakers urged the crowd to vote for more Democrats in the congressional elections this November, many also criticised the Democrats for their cowardice and inability to stand up to Trump and the Republicans, as well as for their complicity in supporting Israel in its ongoing genocide against the Palestinians.

Many Americans are well aware that protests, even huge ones like No Kings, are just the beginning.   Protests alone are not enough to change the direction this country is rapidly heading down.   What we need is a growing movement against the US empire and its endless wars, militarism, the weapons manufacturers who profit off the killings and destruction of entire countries, and its increasing use of violent wars and thuggish violations of  the rule of law and human rights.   There was a sense of hope that when enough people rise up, organize, and fight back, we can bring real change to make the US a better country, and the world safer.   But more than hope, we need real courage for the long and hard struggles ahead.

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