On Saturday June 14th,  millions of Americans came out to demonstrate, celebrate our flag, and also say NO KINGS in America to the current president who aspires to be a king or dictator. After a tense week of ICE raids, demonstrations in many cities, and threats to protesters from some law enforcement entities and the president, the demonstrations were not only massive and peaceful, but also joyous. Creative signs expressed feelings of loyalty to the Constitution, anger at the myriad cruel, illegal actions of the current regime, and a love of democracy.   

In Addison County, thanks go to the 700-800 folks who turned out to cheer on the flag relay and express their love for this country and the rule of law, as well as their opposition to the authoritarian direction Mr. Trump and his minions are pushing. Early counts have more than 40,000 Vermonters turning out for numerous demonstrations and events around the state, and more if you include all the honks and thumbs up from passing cars!

We will need to show up again and again and keep the pressure on to effect the changes we want to see, to return to a country where the rule of law for all is followed, science and education is valued, international allies and friends are treated respectfully, our resources are used to improve lives here and around the world, and promote democratic values of justice, equality, inclusion and dignity for all people.

Thank you again to all who showed up and we look forward to seeing you, and all who care about the future of our democracy, at future events.

Bethany Barry, Dorothy Mammen, Revell Allen, Jen Wasiura, Lise Anderson, Theresal Gleason, Heidi Willis

Leadership Team of Indivisible Middlebury, for the members of Indivisible Middlebury