A couple of hundred protestors massed and chanted on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge this morning.
It’s been a Saturday ritual for months. Today’s crowd was larger than usual. As always, passing drivers honked often, in solidarity.
(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
An hour later, 1,500 people gathered at Jesup Green. Westport was one of more than 3,000 communities nationwide, participating in the third “No Kings” rally. Previous protests were held in June and October.
As before, the Westport Police and Fire Departments, and Emergency Medical Services, ensured safety and order. They received a rousing hand.
A small part of the large crowd.
Music ranged from Bob Marley’s “Stand Up For Your Rights” to “America the Beautiful.”
Speakers included Governor Ned Lamont, Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Jim Himes.
Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas noted, “Every right — human, civil, women’s, LGBTQ, disability — came about because of people just like us. It is not partisan to believe in the rule of law, in the Constitution, in ‘we the people.'”
She then led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, emphasizing, “with liberty and justice for all.”
1st Selectman Kevin Christie was at a funeral, but sent a message that “our democracy matters.”
(Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)
102-year-old Virginia Auster was an avid rally-goer. A longtime Westporter, she now lives in Norwalk.
Senator Richard Blumenthal said, “This is what America and democracy look like.”
Inklings paper editor Nate Gerber interviews Representative Jim Himes. In his speech, the congressman said, “The realm of the mad king is as insidious as ever. He has his courtiers, his sycophants, his lickspittles. But we are the stewards of the ideals that made this country great.” (All photos Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)
Governor Ned Lamont (Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)
(Photo/Ted Horowitz)
First responders are ready. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
(Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)
Meanwhile, back on the bridge … (Photo/Susan Garment)