Dressed in star-spangled attire and carrying signs stating things like “No Tyrants” and “Protect Democracy,” hundreds of protestors joined a “No Kings” rally in Farmingville on Oct. 18 as part of a movement protesting President Donald Trump’s policies.
The event, organized by United Voices for Freedom: Long Island, a progressive group, took place on the east side of N. Ocean Avenue between the LIE and Horseblock Road.
Participants joined millions of protestors in cities and towns across the country to speak out against what they view as corruption, cruelty and censorship by the Trump administration.
More than a dozen “No Kings” rallies took place across Long Island on Saturday, attracting thousands of protestors, according to Newsday.
In Farmingville, drivers who honked in support of the rally were met with a roar of cheers.
Peter Portogallo, 26, of Holtsville, paced up and down the sidewalk with his ukulele, playing a spin-off of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land.” Some protestors sang along.
“No kings in your land, no kings in my land.”
Olivia Pfeifer, 22, of Medford, said she had never participated in a rally or protest before but wanted to get involved in the No Kings movement to “spread awareness about the corrupt government that we have right now.”
Samuel Epstein, 71, of Miller Place, wore his late father’s U.S. Army uniform. He said he came to the rally in honor of his father and his two uncles, who also served in the military.
“Beating up on weak people is not who we are. We’re supposed to protect people who can’t defend themselves. … What about the employers? They should be sponsoring these immigrants and making them apprentices until they can get through the system.”
John Emmel, 26, of Coram, was handed a megaphone after overhearing his thundering voice chanting: “It’s not about me, it’s about we!,” “Honk for America!” and “Honk for democracy!”
“It’s less so for the people who are standing here because I know how they feel about the current situation,” Emmel said. “The most important thing is to get through to the people that are passing by and maybe didn’t think about coming out today because they need to hear our message.”
About a dozen counter-protestors demonstrated their support for President Trump and his administration throughout the rally. One male in a dark gray Chevrolet SUV slowed down as he approached the rally and rolled down his window, revealing a hat that spelled the letters “ICE” on the front. Another counter-protestor who videotaped herself walking up and down the sidewalk while chanting “Donald Trump!” declined a request for an interview.
“I want people to do more research and not be afraid to stand up for what they believe in,” Pfeifer said about what she hopes these rallies accomplish. “Hopefully, we get more voters and people aren’t afraid to get involved.”
