Westport’s “No Kings” rally today was loud. It was wide-ranging.
And it was very well attended.
Over 500 people gathered on Jesup Green for speeches and songs.
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
Susan Terry started the protest — one of nearly 3,000 nationally, all in opposition to President Trump and his policies — with a stirring rendition of “America.”
Congressman Jim Himes offered a powerful vision for the day. “We are here because we love America,” he said.
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
“The song we just heard talks about ‘brotherhood.’ We are all here — Democrats, Republicans and independents — in support of that great American dream of brotherhood.”
“Peaceful actions, consistent with American values, matter,” he continued. “Things may get worse before they get better. But we all have a role to play.”
Congressman Jim Himes
Other speakers included State Senator Ceci Maher, and State Representatives Jonathan Steinberg, Dominique Johnson and Matthew Blumenthal.
Dan Bikel — a Westporter, and son of folksinger Theodore Bikel — led a singalong to “We Shall Overcome.”
Another rally, a few yards away, was even larger.
Around 2,000 people lined the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, from Taylor Place to Post Road West, holding placards and chanting slogans. It was at least as large as a similar “No Kings” event in June.
(Photo/Jim Honeycutt)
The crowd was buoyed by near-constant supportive honking, from vehicles driving slowly past on the Post Road.
There was an especially loud response by the operator of a long flatbed tow truck. On both sides of the bridge, the crowd roared its thanks.
Meanwhile in the river, 2 counter-protesters made their feelings known.
(Photo/Pam Docters)
But they were vastly outnumbered. Out-shouted. Out-flagged.
And out-signed.
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
The view from a passing car. (Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
(Photo/Catherine Campagnino)
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
Rally co-organizer Darcy Hicks, and husband Josh Koskoff.
(Photo/Catherine Campagnino)
(All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)