Cole’s ‘No Kings’ column was salt in a wound

Althea Cole’s Sunday post-event analysis of the Cedar Rapids “No Kings” rally on Oct. 18, was salt rubbed into the wound of The Gazette’s failure to cover it. Her pedantic, condescending lecture on America’s revolution neglected to identify the myriad Trump violations of the very freedoms put forth or aspired to by the brave and independence- loving individuals referenced, or Trump’s ruthless constitutional bulldozing.

Standing up for democracy when an obsequious Congress won’t, building a living, moving, peaceful barrier to further democratic decline is absolutely meaningful. It demonstrates vast opposition to gross corruption, cruel, brutal acts, nonstop lying and shameful rhetoric. Reduced energy prices? Please! Policies are inconsistent, hypocritical and shallow, ramming through quick fixes on low-hanging fruit rather than meticulously navigating complex solutions for difficult issues. Closing the border was easy; immigration reform, helping Iowan employers, is too hard. Therefore, rallies continue. Change of this magnitude requires time and persistence.

Protests are not for old Democrats by design. They consist of those who stand for justice. Boomers, formerly young people, have more time, a larger world view and a desire to leave the world a better place. The perfectly metaphoric image of the former East Wing begs the true question. Why are you NOT protesting?

Cole could put some rigorous research into exposing the Epstein files or rescuing countless disappeared people. You know, something hard and substantial. We could rally around that!

Suzanne Renner

Cedar Rapids