[Author's note: My sincere apologies for being away from here for an extended period of time. The old adage "Life getting in the way of living it" seems a very good explanation. Some major life matters that needed my attention came to the surface and they took my away from here. Hopefully, this post marks my regular return to The Keyboard Commentarian.]
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to join a No Kings march in my home state of New Jersey. Now, where I live -- and even more so, where the march was held -- is not far from Philadelphia, which was hosting its own No Kings march. The reason wasn't laziness to join the march held in Haddon Township, but two-fold.
First, to be a part of a march was the main reason, but the reason why the location was picked was another reason. The video below (from January of this year) will explain this:
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to join a No Kings march in my home state of New Jersey. Now, where I live -- and even more so, where the march was held -- is not far from Philadelphia, which was hosting its own No Kings march. The reason wasn't laziness to join the march held in Haddon Township, but two-fold.
First, to be a part of a march was the main reason, but the reason why the location was picked was another reason. The video below (from January of this year) will explain this:
© 2025, NJ Spotlight News
Celal was released the same day with an ankle monitor, while Emine was detained for two weeks before being released on bond. The community rallied around the family, raising funds for their legal defense and showing support for the restaurant, which has since reopened.
The community's response included a GoFundMe campaign, mentioned in the above piece. The final total raised, however, was more than $327,000 for the family's legal fees and living expenses. The couple's son, Muhammed Emanet, was one of the speakers at the march's rally.
We passed the family's Jersey Kebab restaurant along the route. Emine was outside with others when I walked passed the restaurant cheering us on and repeating THANK YOU! It was quite the moment!
The community's response included a GoFundMe campaign, mentioned in the above piece. The final total raised, however, was more than $327,000 for the family's legal fees and living expenses. The couple's son, Muhammed Emanet, was one of the speakers at the march's rally.
We passed the family's Jersey Kebab restaurant along the route. Emine was outside with others when I walked passed the restaurant cheering us on and repeating THANK YOU! It was quite the moment!
Below, are some pics I took during the march and rally. Captions are added for words that might be a little difficult to read.
"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped
in the flag and carrying a cross." -- Sinclair Lewis
"When are we allowed to say fascist?
-- exalts nation and often race above the individual
-- associated w/ a centralized autocracy
-- headed by a dictatorial leader
-- severe economic and social regimentation
-- forcible suppression of opposition"
"One nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all"
Right: "Respect our existence or expect our resistance"
"Rise up, America No kings since 1776"
"No troops in the people's streets"
Below, are two very short video clips from the march:
Chant: "Hey hey! Ho ho! Donald Trump has got to go!"
Chant: "Lock him up!"
While Philadelphia garnered more attention with 100,000 attendees, this march in Haddon Township had a whopping 3,000 participants! Quite the number for a more localized march.
Peaceful assembly to protest is everyone's right. Protest is invaluable and very much needed in these extremely difficult times. I'm nowhere near in shape, and my body let me know for a few following, but it was important to me to take part.
Nationally, the No Kings protests had approximately 5,000,000 participants!
The next No Kings march is schedule, appropriately, on Independence Day, with the slogan Independence Without Tyranny. Check our the No Kings website here.
The overarching umbrella group is known as Indivisible, and you can check their website here.
I would strongly encourage you to take part because... PROTEST IS PATRIOTIC!
Terry
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