The day prior to the October 18th nationwide “No Kings” protest, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson made a statement labeling it as the “Hate America Rally.” Speaker Johnson went on further, claiming, “[The protesters] hate our principles…They hate the idea of individual freedom. They hate the idea of the rule of law…these people are so blinded by their hatred for Donald Trump that they can’t find one reason to celebrate America.” So, did this characterization reflect the reality on the ground at Chicago’s protest?
As I arrived at Grant Park, where the bulk of the rally was set to take place and accommodate the speakers in attendance, I was immediately struck by the sheer abundance of American flags waving across the thousands-strong crowd. Alongside them were signs adorned with images and quotes from our founding fathers, our constitution, and of various historical defenders of civil rights, including Martin Luther King Jr. I searched for those who “hate America,” but all I found were patriots.
In his pre-protest press conference, Speaker Johnson encouraged onlookers to “listen to the language they use themselves,” so I listened.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker exclaimed in the protest’s opening speech that “We are here today to defend a principle that has defined America since its founding; the belief that tyranny in any form must be resisted by the people of conscience.” He continued: “What Trump didn’t count on is Chicago coming together to stand up for freedom and individual rights, for American values, because we love America…Because we in Chicago are not afraid to stand up for fundamental American values.”
Later, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson took the stage and maintained a similar rhetoric: “We believe in a country where…freedom is afforded to all…that is America at its greatest.” Mayor Johnson would go on to repeat similar phrases of those activists who propelled Americans against our tyrannical overlords during the nation’s founding: “We have declared that we will defend our democracy. We will defend our humanity. We would tear down tyranny and we would do it together. God bless you all.” Continuing on, the Mayor further remarked, “America does not and will not ever have a king.”
Despite Speaker Johnson’s instructions, we were led to the truth of the situation—this protest was not organized to denigrate America and its values, but to promote them.
The protesters I saw at Grant Park possessed a serious concern for the future of our nation, showcased their care for the preservation of the country’s fundamental values, and carried themselves with great patriotism. We must dispel the false characterizations of bad actors if we are to stay united as a nation. The truth in the case of the “No Kings” protest is that the vast majority of its attendees hold a real love for the United States of America and truly wish for its betterment, not that they “hate America.”