Letter to Editor: Easton’s No Kings Stood Up for Democracy

On Saturday, October 18, Easton joined cities around the world in sending a clear and simple message: America has no kings.

From toddlers in strollers to residents in their nineties, roughly 1,600 people filled the streets of Easton as part of the international NO KINGS protest movement—a peaceful, determined stand against authoritarianism and the steady erosion of democratic norms.

For a small town like ours, the turnout was extraordinary. By the time the event officially began, the crowd had already doubled in size. Participants lined Route 50 at Dover Road and quickly expanded through town, waving American flags and holding homemade signs with messages of hope, love, humor, and determination.

By midmorning, demonstrators stretched from the Democratic headquarters on Dover Street all the way to Route 50 and others gathered at Oxford Road and Easton Parkway. The chant that carried across town said it all: “This is what democracy looks like!”

The event was held locally by the Talbot County Democratic Forum, with support from the Talbot County Democratic Central Committee, as part of a national initiative to reaffirm democratic values. What I witnessed that day left me profoundly encouraged.

The atmosphere was not angry or divisive—it was joyful. People hugged, laughed, and reconnected. There was an unmistakable feeling of unity and purpose. The Easton Police Department and Talbot County Sheriff’s Office maintained a respectful, cooperative presence, and the event remained peaceful from start to finish.

Local businesses benefited, too. You couldn’t walk far without seeing a Wawa cup in someone’s hand, and the pizza and coffee shops near downtown were bustling after the rally ended.

Of course, there was one lone counter-protester, shouting his support for the president and his opposition to immigrants and LGBTQ+ rights. But his voice was soon drowned out by the sounds of hundreds of car horns honking in support.

This wasn’t a partisan event. It was a patriotic one. Standing up for democracy isn’t—and should never be—the duty of one political party. It’s the responsibility of every citizen.

We don’t have to agree on everything, but we must come to the table. When we let the politics of division split us into ‘us and them,’ America fails to live up to its true potential.”

That spirit of participation is what keeps democracy alive. Our nation depends on citizens who care enough to show up—who read, question, volunteer, and vote. Democracy doesn’t fail because of bad leaders; it fails when good people stop paying attention.

Right now, America is being tested. We’ve seen truth treated as optional, institutions undermined, and power placed above principle. We’ve watched the language of democracy twisted into loyalty tests and the rule of law treated as a nuisance. But Saturday’s rally showed that people are paying attention—and they’re not willing to sit quietly while the foundations of our republic are shaken.

We came together not because we agree on everything, but because we agree on one thing: no one is above the law. Not a president. Not a billionaire. Not anyone.

The Talbot County Democratic Forum will no-doubt continue to do what it does best—bringing people together for open dialogue, civic education, and collective action. Its “Hot Topic Nights,” candidate forums, and community events are open to all. They believe that accurate information, respectful debate, and citizen participation are the bedrock of a healthy democracy.

Visit DEMforum.com or TalbotDems.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

Democracy doesn’t run on autopilot. It runs on We the People—on our energy, our engagement, and our willingness to stand up when it counts. On October 18, Easton and Talbot County showed what that looks like, and I, for one, couldn’t be prouder.

Rick Hughes
Talbot County