No Kings Event Held in Valdez
Demonstrators at the No Kings event in Valdez on October 18. Photo by Allison Sayer.
by Allison Sayer
In coordination with events around the country, a “No Kings” demonstration was held at a major intersection in Valdez October 18. About 30 people gathered at the start of the rally, which swelled to over 50 people as the event went on. Residents of Valdez and nearby Copper Basin communities attended.
Demonstrators held signs, waved at passersby, and played music. It was also an opportunity for people to catch up with each other.
Organizer Linda Guthrie shared she has organized local events, in coordination with the national organization Indivisible, because “People’s rights are being violated. We don’t want that for our country.”
Attendee Jan Whalen shared she is a guardian for a disabled individual who was recently diagnosed with cancer. She is concerned about this person’s future due to cuts to cancer research funding, in addition to funds for benefits. Whalen shared she also is a special education teacher and is concerned about cuts to services provided in schools for special needs students.
Pastor Nicholas Schoob of the Epiphany Episcopal and Lutheran Church shared he attended the rally out of a desire to “protect people who are hurting,” in addition to taking the time to “find a connection” amongst other demonstrators in town.
There was one person at the event who could be described as a counterprotestor, although his statements were focused exclusively on the dominion of Jesus and not connected to any Trump administration policies. The Valdez Police Department (VPD) permit received by the organization included a provision not to engage with counterprotestors. Demonstrators ignored the man, although Guthrie invited him to sit down and speak with her at a separate place and time.