Squeaky Tanks and Sad Trombones
No Kings protests draws millions; Good Trouble comes next
It was a tale of two Americas.
On one side: a genuine movement of historic proportions. An estimated 6 million Americans flooded the streets because they chose to be there, joined by solidarity protests in at least 20 countries. No orders, no conscription, no pageantry required. The power came from the people, not the props.
On the other side: a manufactured spectacle that turned our military into stage dressing for one man's ego. Professional soldiers pressed into service for political theater, complete with tanks rolling down streets to stroke authoritarian fantasies.
But here's where it gets telling: the parade fell apart. The marching was noticeably out of sync.
Was it malicious compliance? Frustration over stolen Father's Day weekends and being used as political props? Poor planning and conflicting musical cues? Low morale from rushed preparation?
Contradictory instructions about how to march?
Most likely all of the above. In the end, they undermined Trump's intended authoritarian spectacle. And no amount of AI-generated images could hide the emptiness of the bleachers and the lonely squeak of a solitary tank. Trump created a parade so boring that even he dozed off.
The contrast is staggering: millions of people worldwide standing up organically versus professional soldiers caught in an awkward political moment they never signed up for.
The organizers of No Kings aren’t resting on the laurels of this massive mobilization.
After Saturday’s powerful No Kings rallies, they’re keeping the momentum going with Good Trouble Lives On, a nationwide day of peaceful action on July 17, five years after the passing of Congressman John Lewis. Here’s the announcement and ways you can get involved:
John Lewis taught us that “Good Trouble” means organizing, peaceful protesting, and showing up, especially at the ballot box. With voting rights under attack and civil liberties on the line, we have to meet this moment with the urgency it demands.
On July 17, I’m inviting you to host or join a Good Trouble Lives On event in your community. That could mean rallies, teach-ins, service projects or anything that helps us protect our rights, build community, and get folks ready to vote.
Let’s honor Congressman Lewis by making noise in the streets and making change at the polls.
Want to get involved? Join our host call this Wednesday at 7PM ET to get everything you need to plan your event and plug into the movement.
Good Trouble Lives On because we keep showing up.
I LOVE the "squeaky little tank" picture! Perfect!
I'm also just DElighted that there are plans already for the next protest, just a little worried that the numbers in attendance will drop because of its being on a weekday rather than the week end, ya' know? Seeing the numbers increase each protest will keep adding to the momentum and enthusiasm, n'est-çe pas?
Especially as TACO's polling numbers, even from those who call themselves "MAGA" are dropping, dropping, dropping!