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Loretta Quinnett's avatar

I'm proud of Iowa and the demonstrations. I have been unable to attend in person due to a family medical situation and have been traveling 75 miles every day round trip plus the time spent with the family member, but wow I'm so impressed with the caliber of my fellow Iowans.

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Jill D Brosnahan's avatar

I'm so proud of all Iowans for showing up for peaceful demonstrations across our state. If we can now transform this movement into votes.

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Bob Shreck's avatar

From this Saturday's WSJ: "In Washington, Anthony Mangrum, 54, a Trump voter from Tennessee, said he came to the parade to celebrate the armed forces and those who serve. While he was riding a scooter around the city, he made a point to catch a glimpse of a “Refuse Fascism” anti-Trump protest. “This just proves how great my country is, that you can do this. I don’t think I could love it any more,” Mangrum said, calling the protest activity a remarkable expression of free speech."

I believe the authorities and mechanisms in our Constitution and the fervor of our melting pot people can outlast any one man.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Let’s hope you are correct!

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King Wiggins's avatar

I don’t understand why everyone is so upset .

At least Trump is trying hard to get things done.

The main problem is how slow the republicans in congress are acting.

But Trump genuinely loves American and all Americans.

A total change from the American hate party that did nothing for anyone except himself.

Trump is trying to keep the promises we voted for.

This is month six.. give a chance

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Robert Leonard's avatar

Sorry I missed you!

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Mary C. McCarthy's avatar

Great review Richard. I missed my protest - my USA flag and poster were put in my vehicle on Friday evening in preparation. My Saturday routine is to volunteer from 0800-1100 at a food bank. It is a busy place with amazing staff and volunteers. This Saturday we had only half the volunteers needed for the first shift. My fellow volunteers are hustlers and we commented that Fathers Day travel and the No Kings event probably were the reasons for so few volunteers. We open at 0930 and time flies. By 1115 my first shift volunteers left, we only had three replacements and we need 12. I stayed over as we had a delivery of 150 pounds of peaches and they needed to get out. I decided to stay a bit longer then head downtown to the rally.

Next time I looked at the clock it was 1215, I needed water and a break. So I sat down and looked at my phone - the news of the Minnesota shootings shook me. At 1225 I got up and went out to wrap things up, well a truck came with produce and that needed to be out. About 1:30 I left hot, sweating, and tired. I drove through downtown and saw people with signs walking about. I was so sorry to miss the No Kings protest; I had attended two previous rallies. However, your report as well as other writers in the Collaborative have given me hope that yes Iowans do prize their liberties and will work to maintain our rights. Iowa is a better place when draped in purple. Thank you for your report.

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Blue Thoughts From a Red State's avatar

Captured the scene accurately, with the sense of solidarity and commitment which was palpably felt and sorely needed.

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Keith A Moyer's avatar

I wouldn't call this stuff sh*t Richard, it's the truth. I attended the event in Ames, I never heard any guesses at head count, my estimate at 4 to 5 hundred. They have been holding weekly protest rallies at Band Shell Park but today's was moved because of a Juneteenth Celebration there today. That may have kept the count down a bit. I t took me a while to find it anyway! But I finally found it and glad I did, great speakers and many great signs.

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Kathi Zimpleman's avatar

Thank you, Master Dudley! Well done. Who’s a good boy; who’s a good boy?!

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thomas scherer's avatar

This enthusiasm and passion need to manifest at the ballot box. WE must never forget nor become prejudice or indifferent. Tremendous demonstration!

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Carol Guensburg's avatar

Wonderful column, Richard, and thanks for the terrific photos. I'm gonna get myself a sash, too. Love the layered messages behind that -- as well as the one about monarchs.

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Marcella Frevert's avatar

Thank you!

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Marcella Frevert's avatar

705154

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