June 18, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: I, like many of my fellow citizens, showed up at Hopkins Green on Saturday, June 14, for the “No Kings” rally. The majority of us were well over 50 and undoubtedly remember the protest marches and rallies of the 60s and 70s. While the organizers of the rally were undoubtedly well-intentioned, let me be blunt and say that this turned out to be the most enervating protest rally that I ever participated in or saw. I can only speak for myself, (although I daresay that many of those in attendance shared my disappointment), but I did not attend to listen to long recitations of issues that we already stand for.
I attended to protest the things that we STAND AGAINST. Why didn’t we chant together “No Kings”? Why, instead of being taught a complicated, tuneless song that few could sing, didn’t we sing “We Shall Overcome,” or “My Country Tis of Thee”, or any other patriotic song that we knew and could join in together with enthusiasm? Why didn’t we recite the Pledge of Allegiance right up front and loudly? Didn’t the speakers recognize that the people who showed up were there to let out a lot of our emotions – our frustration, fears and angst with the direction our government is taking? Couldn’t they recognize that most of the applause was merely polite, not excited and energetic? Sorry, but I left the “Rally That Wasn’t” feeling more dispirited than energized and ready to stand up and act! I know that we can do better than this. Indeed, we had better do better than this if we want to make a difference! DEE JOYCE-HAYES Rockbridge County
