By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
OLEAN — Saturday’s local No Kings 2.0 Rally at Lincoln Park drew more than 600 participants. They joined an estimated 7 million demonstrators at 2,000 No Kings rallies nationwide, believed to be a record.
It was a record attendance for rallies against President Trump’s policies in Olean that began back in March in front of Rep. Nick Langworthy’s district office at Blue Bird Square.
Young and old alike waved signs along East State Street across from the Olean Municipal Building. Motorists on East State Street responded by honking their horns. Some waved back in encouragement.
Jessica Davis, a spokesman for Voice of the People Movement, which helped sponsor the No Kings 2.0 Rally, said she counted 617 individuals participating in the rally at 5 o’clock, while there four MAGA supporters across the street. The first No Kings march drew 478 demonstrators to Lincoln Park.
Davis said it was important for the people to be voicing their concerns to see that others are participating. “We are getting a lot of support from the community,” she said. Honking horns of support for demonstrators is proof of this.
“Demonstrations like this show there is lively debate,” Davis said. “I’m glad to see the strength of democracy in Olean.” Social media postings and word of mouth was responsible for the large number of demonstrators, she said.
“People are just fed up,” Davis said, who cited the impending loss of health care for millions of Americans and the Trump administration’s attacks on trans people. Congress is not holding Trump accountable and he is not following the rule of law. “Do we look like we are domestic terrorists?
Democratic congressional candidate Aaron Gies of Olean spoke in front of the gazebo at Lincoln Park at the beginning of the rally. This was not a hate America rally as House Speaker Mike Johnson said the other day, Gies emphasized. “I’m talking about what I love about America and why it’s good for America that we do not have a king.”
Gies added: “I’m here because I love America. I love this imperfect country so much. I love freedom of speech and freedom of the press to hold powerful people accountable.” He also loves freedom of religion.
As he concluded his speech, Gies led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
In the background came a new chant: “Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho. Donald Trump has got to go.”
The Olean Star spoke with a number of the No Kings 2.0 demonstrators, asking why they were there.
Rob Mrowka of Machias was dressed as a Revolutionary War soldier as he sat near the Barry Street roundabout and carried a sign. “I’m fed up with tariffs and facism. I’m not here for myself, I’m here for my granddaughter. I don’t want her to face a life without democracy.”
Jude Griswald of Mt. Jewett said, “It’s wrong that our leadership (in Congress) is not doing its job. They are for themselves, not the people. We don’t want any more kings.”
Sara Memmott, an Olean native living in Michigan, but visiting family in Olean, said, “I feel like the federal government under Trump is doing some illegal things. People need to stand up and say no. We need to protect our Constitution and not have an authoritarian president.”
Theresa Zepp of Delevan said she was protesting “so we don’t end up with a dictator. I believe in equal rights for everybody.”
Tracee Howell of Olean said she attended the No Kings 2.0 demonstration “Because I believe in democracy and our Constitution.” The country needs to guarantee the rule of law for everyone.
