Over 700 participate in “No Kings” protest in Oshkosh

OSHKOSH, WI—(WISS)— Protesters marched and chanted in “No Kings” events across the country and through Wisconsin on Saturday, to bring attention to what protesters call the fascist and authoritarian actions of the Donald Trump Presidential Administration.  Protests were held in Madison, Milwaukee, Richland Center, Eau Claire and Northeast Wisconsin, in Green Bay, Algoma, Ripon, Manitowoc and Oshkosh, to name a few.

The “No Kings” effort is a coalition of grassroots organizations coming together. The main website for the No Kings says they aim to create a nationwide protest rejecting “Authoritarianism, Billionaire-First politics, and the militarization of our democracy.”

No Kings: Peaceful Protest

Deb Martin of Indivisible Winnebago, WI, said 400 people registered through Indivisible.org to participate in the “No Kings” protest in Oshkosh; however, many more showed up. Unofficial estimates put the numbers in the Opera House Square in downtown Oshkosh close to 1000 people. Protesters filled the Opera House Square park and spilled over to the sidewalks of Main Street.

Martin addressed the crowd to remind them to be safe, stay out of the streets, and not to engage with any counterprotesters.

“We do not want any reason for the guy in office to declare martial law. It’s not going to happen because of Oshkosh,” Martin said. “We are peaceful protesters here.”

People came to Oshkosh to participate in the protests from throughout the Fox Valley, including Neenah, Menasha, Appleton, and Fond du Lac. One couple from Portland, Oregon, held signs and joined in on the chants.

Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim joins protesters

Wisconsin Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D-Appleton) spoke in solidarity with the protesters.

“This flag means something to me. It means I have the freedom of opinions. It means I have the freedom of speech. I believe in the Constitution. I believe in three branches of government. I believe in checks and balances. I believe in all of the amendments,” Dassler-Alfheim said. “It is patriotic to stand up for those that do not have the ability to do so. It is necessary to use our voices for what’s good and what’s right about this country.”

Other lawmakers told Dassler-Alfheim not to attend the “No Kings” protest and, later, the Appleton Flag Day Parade after Minnesota Democratic state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in a political assassination. Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were attacked in a separate incident. 

“I know that when you volunteer, you put yourself forward for a civic responsibility. You’re doing it for the right reasons. You’re trying to speak for people, and the fact that there is so much anger that they lost their lives is a – It’s an emotional thing,” said Dassler-Alfheim.