Why I protest

A photo of me I actually like. No Kings Protest in Scottsbluff, October 18, 2025. The guy with the Trump balloon took this photo of me.

It wasn’t until 2025 that I decided to protest. I’ve made the phone calls and sent the letters, but, over the last 15-20 years, all I get is a polite “fuck you” or no response at all. At today’s No King’s protest in Scottsbluff, I joined at least 300 people in an effort to try and effect some change.

I protest because I know people who are directly affected by the things that have already happened at the federal level. I protest for those who can’t come. At the last protest, there were about 75 Hispanic folks there. They didn’t come today. I protest for them.

I protest so no one can say we are accepting of the behavior of those in Washington. I protest because what is happening in my country is not something I want.

I protest because it fills me with hope. I protest because it makes me feel less alone and isolated. I protest so I can see others who feel the same way I do and that, together, we can press on. I protest because we are not all free. The fight is not finished. We have to keep going, keep letting those in power that they are there to serve us.

I protest so my friends overseas know that not everyone is happy to have a boot crushing their throat and worshiping at the feet of Trump.

I protest so the judges and the lawyers and the charitable organizations can see us and know what they are doing is right and positive.

I protest because I want my community to be better, to be kind, and for those who are marginalized by these federal policies to know we are still fighting for you.

I protest. I keep fighting. It’s what I do.

It only takes 3.5% of us to bring about change. Here are some of them today in Scottsbluff.

I had a lovely conversation with this gentleman about his service. Like all servicemen I’ve ever met, he downplayed what he did. I did my best to let him know he was awesome.

I had a fantastic conversation with this lady about why she came to the protest. Read her sign. You’ll know why.

This is one of my favorite shots from the No Kings Protest in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, on October 18, 2025.

This guy put an instant smile on my face.

These lovely folks were one of the first to arrive at the No Kings protest and stayed the entire time.

These folks wander all throughout the crowd and help keep everyone’s spirits up.

She shows up at all the protests and chants until she can barely speak.

Even if you don’t have a sign and want to show your support, organizers have you covered. You can make your own sign, use one of theirs, or wave a “No Kings in America” flag.

They didn’t want to show their faces, but that’s okay. Their signs were awesome.

Absolutely awesome.

I loved all the homemade signs today.

The counter protesters at the No Kings Protest in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, on October 18, 2025.

These lovely gentleman came all the way from Wyoming to see the No Kings Protest in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, on October 18, 2025.

Anyone who would like the original photo, please let me know. I’m happy to send it to you. I took close to 500 photos, so even if your photo isn’t here, I might still have one of you. I also posted 20 photos over on Reddit.

To everyone I know, come back tomorrow and I’ll have your pictures up. I took too many today of strangers who are now protester friends.