50501
by Steve West on June 14, 2025
I just returned from the 50501 (50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement) "No Kings" protest rally in Bowie. This was the second 50501 protest rally that Brenda and I have attended. The first one was in early April and was attended by about 100 people. This one, coinciding with Trump's military/birthday parade, had about 200 attendees. It was so well attended that the Public Library, local high school, and Performing Arts Center parking lots were full and Brenda dropped me of before her quest to find parking. We even had an industrial sized taco truck that made a fortune, I'm sure. Local police were present, ensuring that traffic was unaffected. The protestors were enthusiastic and peaceful. Brenda and I carried signs saying, "America Doesn't Do Kings", and "Confidence is Quiet, Insecurity is Loud". Both signs were emblazoned with a large white crown with a graffiti-like, spray-painted X across it. We waved them at passing cars which more often than not, responded with prolonged use of horns in a show of comradery and waves from open windows. American flags were prevalent, and we were intermittently led in chants like, "What does Democracy look like? This is what Democracy looks like." The organizers thanked me for my attendance and three people asked to take my photograph. I think they were merely chronicling their own adventure, so I don't expect a Trump lackey showing up at my door. When I told Lauren about it, she was impressed. I shared that I had attended dozens of protests on the University of Maryland campus during my six years there, she said my coolness level just went to eleven. Go figure. Totally worth it.
Two Replies to 50501
Scott Hardie | June 15, 2025
Good on both of you for exercising your rights! They're what we celebrate when we celebrate America, after all. And shame on overzealous law enforcement who prefer to escalate tension.
I know people who disregard all of these protests as fake staged events funded by George Soros. As if tens of thousands of actors across the country could be hired, all at once and without a single person leaking it. As if it's so hard to believe that people really could be upset with Trump's presidency! I had few qualms about Biden's presidency, but I never doubted the sincerity of protests against him. Hell, I never doubted the sincerity of the January 6 protesters either, motivated though they were by Trump's whopping lie about "winning" the 2020 election. Is it truly inconceivable that someone could truly dislike Trump? Then again, I should have long ago ceased being surprised by any crazy thing believed by a certain conspiracy-minded number among us; that's on me, I guess.
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Evie Totty | June 15, 2025
Nice!!! That's so cool that you have that history.
I went to one in Huntsville, AL. I had planned on going to my local one in Bham, but my dtr messaged me saying "The Kid wants to go to a protest Sat." And I was like "Hell yeah!" Come to find out they didn't have a ride, so I drove the two hours to go there instead.
Probably 500 or so there - but honestly, I'm bad at estimating. At least 500 though. Rained on us, but it was fine. Stood by the street after the speeches and many horns honked.