LAWRENCE CO.— Nearly 300 Lawrence County residents participated in a massive nationwide demonstration known as the “No Kings” movement, joining millions of people across the United States and the world. The protest spanned over 2,700 cities in the U.S., including 52 in Indiana, and 18 countries, marking one of the largest pro-democracy demonstrations in American history.
Echoing the spirit of the original Boston Tea Party, today’s peaceful “No Kings” movement opposes modern forms of authoritarianism and inequality. Participants came from all walks of life—across age groups, faiths, political affiliations, and backgrounds—united by a commitment to protecting fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, such as freedom of speech and freedom of the press.
Local organizers say the movement is fueled by deep frustration over a range of issues, from rising costs to divisive political tactics:
- Economic Strain: Protesters are speaking out against the skyrocketing costs of groceries and other essentials, which they link to tariff policies and the deportation of farm workers. These economic pressures coincide with devastating cuts to essential public services, including educational programs and rural hospitals.
- Funding Cuts: Specific decisions, such as cutting funding for pediatric cancer research, were cited as examples of misplaced priorities.
- Political Rhetoric: Jessie Starr, one of the local organizers, voiced frustration over the current political climate. “People are frustrated,” Starr said, “not just with the costs of things, but by the name-calling and insults deliberately used by political leaders to pit us against each other.” Starr argued that if citizens engaged in civil dialogue, they would realize they “want the same things.”
Starr highlighted immigration enforcement as an example of an issue where political narratives twist public opinion. While many believe Democrats oppose all deportations, Starr clarified that the core concern is how enforcement is being carried out.
“What we’re upset about is how it’s being done,” Starr stated, citing examples of masked armed men entering schools and traumatizing children, or people being detained at courthouses while attempting to go through legal processes.
She emphasized that the lack of due process—which she said should include the chance for individuals to prove they are in the country legally before being detained or deported—is both unconstitutional and illegal.
“When people in power knowingly break the law, that’s not democracy. That’s authoritarianism. That’s dictatorship. And it goes against everything America stands for,” Starr asserted.
According to Starr, the movement is rooted in a fundamental demand for fairness. As the cost of living climbs and public services vanish, the vast majority of families are being asked to sacrifice access to healthcare, quality education, and community programs, while policies appear to primarily benefit the wealthy.
