Twin Cities No Kings Rally
Remarks as prepared for delivery
Wow. This crowd of patriots. Fighting for the promise of America. Fighting for a democracy that works for all. Fighting against kings or the prospect of them.
You know the saying “once a teacher, always a teacher.” The social studies teacher in me is coming out. Democracy can seem like an abstract concept. But maybe not to you, because this is what democracy looks like!
Why do we say “no kings”? Because the only way the government acts for the people, listens to the people, responds to the people, solves the people’s problems, is if the government is made up of, by and for the people.
That’s why standing up, and showing up, being together in solidarity—millions of us—is so important. It’s the only way we can get the government to act in our interests, in our kids’ interests, in working people’s interests—the only way we can tackle housing costs, college costs, health-care costs and-child care costs, and save Social Security. It’s the only way we can rein in Immigration and Customs Enforcement and protect our students and our immigrant neighbors.
The only way is if the government is for the people. Not for billionaires or their cronies. Not for the president’s self-interest.
Donald Trump was elected because he said he wanted families to have a better, more affordable life. Instead, he’s made it harder to get by. That’s the way a king acts—not a president. He chose to start a war that is costing a billion dollars a day. He tripled ICE’s budget. But he couldn’t find the money to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits? So now Americans are losing healthcare or paying through the nose to keep it. He couldn’t fund Medicaid, so now rural hospitals are closing. He golfed at Mar-a-Lago while cutting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. He’s attacking universities and the public schools that 90 percent of American kids rely on—while Melania tries to replace teachers with robots.
And he chose to take on Minnesota. But Minnesota, through this brutal winter, you showed us the way. Compassion for our neighbors. Courage in the face of brutality. Standing up peacefully against repression. And solidarity, because we are braver and stronger when we’re together.
Solidarity also means making it clear to Target—as my union did this week, resolving that America’s educators will shop elsewhere for back-to-school, as long as Target refuses to stand up to ICE and stand up for you. You, Minnesota, the place Target is headquartered.
Trump may pretend he’s not listening. But he cannot ignore the millions of Americans in the streets today at more events than there are counties. We are a movement of many faiths, and races. A movement across geography and demography. Americans don’t agree on everything—but we agree that “we the people” have the ultimate say. Not the president—and sure as hell not a wannabe king!
So are you sick and tired of the lies? Are you angry about gas prices? Do you want a voice? Then no kings today. And freedom tomorrow. No kings today, change the country tomorrow. No kings today. Then, in November, we vote.
We vote for a country that listens to its people. We vote for one that acts for the people. We vote for hope, not fear. We vote for opportunity for all, not self-interest for some.
No kings. No crowns. No thrones.
Stay together Minnesota—and stay strong.
👏👏👏💯✊💜🇺🇸