PEACEFUL PROTEST OR TANKS IN THE STREETS
Protests are as deeply baked into American history as, well, pie. From the Boston Tea Party to the Black Lives Matter movement, Americans have long embraced their right to wave signs, chant slogans, and occasionally glue themselves to things in the name of justice. But in the age of Trump, this cherished tradition has met its most vocal detractor—Donald J. Trump, a man who reportedly hates pie and seems equally averse to public dissent. Coincidence? I think not.
This Saturday, June 14, 2025, Americans will once again take to the streets in the "No More Kings" rallies, protesting Trump's authoritarian tendencies. It's no accident that these protests coincide with Trump's military parade in Washington, D.C., a spectacle celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary and—surprise!—Trump's 79th birthday. Nothing screams "democracy" quite like tanks rolling down Pennsylvania Avenue while the president warns protesters they’ll face "very heavy force." Ah, the sweet aroma of freedom... mixed with the faint whiff of dictatorship.
Protests: The Original American Pastime
Protesting is as American as baseball, jazz, and arguing with strangers on the internet. It’s a tradition that predates the Constitution itself. The Boston Tea Party of 1773 wasn’t just a protest against British taxation—it was a full-blown costume party with political overtones. Colonists dressed as Mohawk Indians dumped tea into Boston Harbor, proving that even in the 18th century, Americans knew how to make a statement (and a mess).
Fast forward to the 20th century, and protests became even more iconic. The Civil Rights Movement gave us the Montgomery bus boycott and the March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his legendary "I Have a Dream" speech. Meanwhile, Vietnam War protests brought flower power to the forefront as citizens demanded peace, often while dodging tear gas canisters.
And let’s not forget the Women’s Suffrage Movement, which involved decades of marches and rallies culminating in the 19th Amendment. Without those protests, half the population would still be waiting for their turn at the ballot box. So yes, America owes much of its progress to people who decided enough was enough and took to the streets.
Trump vs. Protesters: A Love-Hate Relationship (Minus the Love)
Donald Trump has never been a fan of protests—unless they’re in his favor, of course. During his presidency and beyond, he’s repeatedly dismissed protesters as "unpatriotic" or part of some nebulous "radical left conspiracy." His disdain for dissent reached new heights when he suggested using military force against protesters during the George Floyd demonstrations in 2020. Now, with his upcoming military parade, Trump is doubling down on his anti-protest rhetoric.
The June 14 parade is set to feature military vehicles, soldiers in historic uniforms, and aircraft flyovers. It’s like a Fourth of July celebration—if the Fourth of July were planned by someone who binge-watched documentaries about European dictators. Trump has warned that any protesters at the event will face "very big force," which sounds less like a presidential statement and more like something out of a bad action movie.
This isn’t the first time Trump has flirted with authoritarian tactics. He’s previously praised China’s response to Tiananmen Square (yikes) and even considered invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy military forces domestically. It’s almost as if he missed the memo about America being a democracy—or maybe he just didn’t read it because it didn’t have his name in big gold letters.
The "No More Kings" Movement
In response to Trump’s parade and threats against free speech, activists across the country are organizing "No More Kings" rallies. The name is a cheeky nod to America’s revolutionary roots and a reminder that this country was founded on rejecting authoritarian rule. These protests will take place in cities big and small, from New York to Boise, proving that Americans don’t need fancy parades to make their voices heard.
The rallies aim to highlight Trump’s pattern of undermining democratic norms, from his attacks on free speech to his admiration for autocratic leaders. It’s a grassroots effort that channels the spirit of past movements while adding a modern twist—because nothing says 2025 like protest signs with QR codes linking to petitions.
Peaceful Protest: A Proud Tradition
Despite Trump’s warnings of "heavy force," it’s worth noting that many of America’s most impactful protests have been peaceful. The Civil Rights Movement is a shining example of nonviolent resistance leading to monumental change. Even more recent movements like Occupy Wall Street and March for Our Lives have relied on peaceful tactics to draw attention to economic inequality and gun violence.
Of course, not all protests are without conflict. The Boston Tea Party wasn’t exactly a model of decorum (sorry about your tea, Britain), and some demonstrations have escalated into riots when tensions boiled over. But by and large, protests in America have been about making noise without throwing punches—a testament to the power of peaceful dissent.
Why Protests Matter
Protests aren’t just about shouting slogans or holding clever signs (though let’s be honest, some of those signs are pure gold). They’re about holding power accountable and pushing for change when traditional avenues fall short. From demanding civil rights to advocating for climate action, protests have shaped public policy and shifted societal norms in ways that voting alone often cannot.
And let’s not forget: protesting is a constitutional right. The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech, assembly, and petitioning the government for redress of grievances. In other words, protesting isn’t just allowed—it’s encouraged. It’s what separates democracies from regimes where dissent is met with imprisonment or worse.
The Irony of Trump's Parade
There’s something deeply ironic about Trump hosting a military parade while simultaneously threatening protesters. The U.S. Army exists to defend the Constitution—including the First Amendment rights that Trump seems so eager to suppress. It’s as if he’s throwing himself a birthday party but refusing to share the cake (or pie, if he could stomach it).
Moreover, comparing this parade to European WWII celebrations feels like a stretch. Those parades marked victories over fascism; this one feels more like an ode to narcissism. If history has taught us anything, it’s that militarized displays of power rarely age well—just ask any dictator whose statues are now gathering dust in storage units.
A Call to Action
As Americans prepare for June 14, it’s worth remembering that protesting isn’t just an act of defiance; it’s an act of patriotism. By standing up for democracy and pushing back against authoritarianism, protesters honor the very principles this country was founded on.
So grab your signs, lace up your marching shoes, and don’t forget your sunscreen—it’s going to be a long day in the sun. Whether you’re attending a "No More Kings" rally or simply cheering from afar, know that you’re part of a proud tradition that stretches back centuries.
Because in America, protesting isn’t just a right—it’s a duty. And if Trump doesn’t like it? Well, maybe he should try some pie—it might sweeten his outlook on life.
Conclusion
Protests are woven into the fabric of American identity, serving as both a mirror of societal discontent and a catalyst for change. From dumping tea into Boston Harbor to marching for racial justice, Americans have always found creative ways to make their voices heard—even when those in power would rather they stay silent.
As Trump prepares for his military parade with threats of "very heavy force," it’s clear that the battle for free speech and democratic values is far from over. But if history is any guide, those who take to the streets on June 14 will be continuing a legacy that no amount of tanks or flyovers can erase.
So here’s to protesting: as American as apple pie—and way more satisfying than any parade could ever be.
Big Education Ape: WE DON'T DO KINGS: NATIONWIDE PROTESTS TO RAIN ON TRUMP'S $45M BIRTHDAY MILITARY PARADE #NoKingsDay #DefendDemocracy #AmericaStrong https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/05/we-dont-do-kings-nationwide-protests-to.html