Kim at Jersey City’s ‘No Kings Day’ rally: Trump wants to ‘dismantle our democracy’

The Knitty Gritty JC Social Club organized a “No Kings Day” rally against President Donald Trump (R) at Jersey City City Hall, a part of a national effort that was headlined by remarks from U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ).

By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View

“In America, we don’t accept kings! We don’t accept our neighbors being taken from their families,” Knitty Gritty volunteer organizer Courtney Walker exclaimed.

“We don’t accept the National Guard sent into our communities. We absolutely don’t accept our right to vote being stripped away. They want to tilt the playing field so much in their favor… we can’t hold them accountable.”

Walker asserted that November 4th marks important elections in New Jersey, including the race for governor that pits U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11) against Jack Ciattarelli.

“When Hudson County shows up to vote, we can change outcomes. Unfortunately, we haven’t done a very good job in the past,” she lamented.

“We are here as lovers of democracy and lovers of this country: In America, we elect our representatives, and there are no Kings!” New Jersey Working Families Alliance State Director Antoinette Miles said to cheers.

“ … We are here today to put a line in the sand to say enough is enough. We will not bend the knee. There is nothing more un-American than shutting down our government and stripping healthcare.”

Kim explained that he just came from the Capital, where he said Republicans are trying to “dismantle our democracy.”

“We do not swear an oath to a person, we swear an oath to the Constitution …  I don’t want to actually live through history,” he joked.

“…  But these are the times we live in and we have to do our part. We are the Iowa and New Hampshire of the midterm elections! We are going to shape what happens in our country.”

32BJ SEIU New Jersey State Director and Vice President Ana Maria Hill criticized the anti-worker policies of Trump, adding that many immigrants are hiding and afraid of raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“ … You’re going after grandmothers and nannies and children who are going to school! Our country is slipping out of our hands and we have to fight back,” Hill exclaimed.

32nd Legislative District state Assembly nominee Kate Brennan said that “in New Jersey, we bow to no one!” before criticizing Trump for cutting health insurance and stating that the Gateway Tunnel project is cancelled, drawing boos from the crowd.

“This is billions of dollars Congress approved! That sounds like taxation without representation! You don’t negotiate with abusers. You don’t negotiate with kings,” Brennan said.

“We should eminent domain his golf course in Bedminster!” she exclaimed to cheers. “I think we should build some affordable housing there instead.”

Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, Brennan’s running mate in LD-32, said that Trump is creating “a constitutional crisis” and “police states.”

“Trump is trying to take away that dream for immigrants every single day,” he said to boos, before exclaiming “They are afraid of us!” to cheers.

Bhalla also quoted Martin Luther King Jr., saying the arc of history is long but bends towards justice.

“We’re going to keep making sure it bends toward justice!” he reiterated.

Activist Stephanie Campos noted that Delaney Hall in Newark is the largest detention center on the East Coast and is run by a private corporation. She explained the sign she held was made by a girl whose father was deported.

“Defund ICE!” the crowd chanted.

“We gotta eminent domain his golf course in Bedminster. What about the Jared Kushner luxury tower in Journal Square?!” asked Ward E Councilman James Solomon, also mayoral candidate

“In Jersey City, America’s golden door, we do not turn the door on our brothers and sisters!. This is a man who takes from those who work to give more money to billionaires! He wants to make us feel powerless. They are trying to bully us to establish a fascist regime … We gotta stand up every single day and take our country back!”

Additionally, state Senator Raj Mukherji (D-32) had strong words about the tactics of ICE.

“They’re kidnapping folks who haven’t committed any crimes … Show your face when you’re going to do that! You cowards!” Mukherji exclaimed regarding ICE agents who wear face masks while on duty.

“They’re killing clean energy projects … that would have cut our energy bills,” he noted, also criticizing the president for his feud with comedian Jimmy Kimmel and the media as a whole.

“Muzzling the media is how strong men tighten their terrible grip!” he declared, cautioning that Trump endorsed Ciattarelli.

“This year, all eyes are on New Jersey: Democracy lives or dies in the turnout of New Jersey.”

Hoboken 5th Ward Councilman Phil Cohen the led the crowd in a round of “No Kings!” chants. He noted Bhalla signed an executive order making Hoboken a “Fair and Welcoming City,” which led them, like Jersey City, to be sued by the U.S. Department of Justice.

“We said see you in court! The Hoboken City Council codified last month, we are a trust city! … We protect our immigrant community,” Cohen stated. He also remarked on the fact that Republicans said that No Kings Day is hate-filled.

“This is a day of love! We love America. We are fighting for America … There are no Kings in America!” he exclaimed to cheers.

Throughout the event, the front of Jersey City City Hall was filled with protestors, including a couple in inflatable costumes seen in Portland, Oregon protests, like a unicorn and a dinosaur.

Police passively monitored the scene, which remained peaceful throughout the event.