By David Swanson, World BEYOND War, October 18, 2025

I want to share a few photos of Saturday’s No Kings event in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Yes, to the critics, I share your concerns. These things are full of more U.S. flags than a Trump rally, and stacks and stacks of signs promoting patriotism, and a whole forest of signs telling people to do nothing for years and then “Vote!” — an absurdity that I don’t think you could find in any other country.

Yes, you’re right, there is no plan for escalation or disruption or strategic direct action beyond weekend displays. Sure it’s a demand for an empire without an obnoxious emperor. No, the organizers could never be paid enough to mention peace. No, the place was not free of ugly, mean messages or misinformed Russiagating.

Yet here I am with an antiwar shirt and antiwar signs, and I got only compliments, with nobody demanding that I leave the country or die, as would have been the case at an event for the other team.

Yes, this was an event for a team, part of a years-long campaign advertisement for the less hideous oligarchic side. But that side may have some people who really are less hideous. And, while putting its official leaders on a stage might not communicate strong, progressive messages, an open make-your-own-posters event can. Charlottesville doesn’t have speeches or marches for these events, but just thousands of people with signs — and now costumes (thank you, Portland!) — up and down both sides of a big road, with most of the cars honking in endless deafening support.

It’s almost like we’ve traveled back to 2003 but without requiring the Democrats to pretend to oppose wars. Yet, we do have a lot of them acting as though they oppose militarizing U.S. cities or depriving more people of healthcare or housing, and that’s not nothing. And it’s better bigger than smaller. Just ask your Aunt Tifa:

Not only are ordinary people happy to make fun of things that cause politicians to cower, but ordinary people are also willing to criticize the supposed leaders of their supposed team:

And the other team, too, of course:

Sometimes perhaps politeness makes way for honesty:

Sometimes I’m not sure politeness was even a consideration at all:

But mostly people demand perfectly reasonable stuff that normal countries have and which Democrats can sometimes be pushed to at least not fully oppose:

How do you like your ICE?

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