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200 No Kings protesters gathers at Monroe's Custer Statue
200 No Kings protesters gathers at Monroe's Custer Statue
MONROE, MI — James Goodridge, 78, held a copy of the United States Constitution Saturday near Monroe's Custer Statue.
"Everything that's going on is against the constitution, from what I can see," he said. "Troops in the streets, for what? For nothing. That's good enough for me (to protest)."
Goodridge was among the crowd of about 200 who came out for the No Kings protest. June 14 in Monroe
The event was one of thousands expected across the country protesting President Donald Trump's administration policies and to draw attention away from a military parade and festival in Washington, D.C., celebrating the Army's 250th anniversary.
"The things that our government and Donald Trump are doing are completely against American democracy, and we're here to give voice to the people," said Emily Rowland.
An apparent counter protestor parked near the gathering played loud music from a vehicle. She declined to comment on what brought her to the event.
Several people passing by honked in support, while others shouted support for Trump.
Kathybeth Davis with Good Trouble Monroe, which was hosting the event, said they have a working relationship with law enforcement to keep things peaceful.
"We want the police to work with us and for us," she said.
Davis said the idea behind the protest was simple.
"Plain and simple, we have a convicted felon in office and I think he's ruining America and democracy instead of making it great again," she said.
Noah Boudrie, 23, said his family has been discussing how they disagree with the country's politics since Trump's election.
"So we thought it'd be more helpful to go out in the community and be in solidarity with other people and protest what's been going on, especially when you see the excessive waste being done in the capital of the country today in honor of the president's birthday," he said.
Scott Harper said he came out because he was concerned about his children's future.
"My main concern is for people who don't seem to fit some kind of mold of what people should be. I have two children with autism. The secretary of health and human services just said my never pay taxes, and they'll never hold a job," Harper said. "What he basically said is that they're not worthwhile citizens. They're not worth to be Americans. And like, I cannot, I'm 60 years old. I'm not going to be around forever obviously."
Barbara Standbridge, 84, is a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters.
"We're primarily educators, so we've educated a lot of people about fundamental American history. And what's happening right now is absolutely against everything that our foremothers and fathers stood for," she said. "And so, it's really a great concern for us."
