Protests
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Protesters worried about various actions of President Donald Trump’s administration took to the streets throughout the country on Saturday, and Hancock County was no different, hosting large protests in both Ellsworth and Southwest Harbor.
In Southwest Harbor between 250-300 protestors filled the sidewalks on Main Street mid Saturday. The protest was organized by The Southwest Harbor Standers. Some of those protesting came and went while cars honked in support or turned their thumbs down to indicate they were not supportive. There was another smaller protest in Hulls Cove.
In Ellsworth, protestors filled the city hall parking lot and then marched through the downtown streets.
Nationwide, the No Kings events often focused on immigration policies and actions, the mobilization of the California National Guard and Marines, cuts in federal spending and the Washington, D.C. parade celebrating the United States Army. Today’s parade and daylong festivities also coincides with President Trump’s 79th birthday.
On June 14, 1775, which we now celebrate as Flag Day, the Second Continental Congress decided, “That six companies of expert riflemen, be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia; that each company consist of a captain, three lieutenants, four serjeants (sergeants), four corporals, a drummer or trumpeter, and sixty-eight privates…[and that] each company, as soon as completed, shall march and join the army near Boston, to be there employed as light infantry, under the command of the chief officer in that army.”
According to the Encyclopedia Brittanica, “Instead of the independent and diverse militia forces of the individual states, which had proved so unreliable during the Revolution, Washington recommended that the state contingents be organized as elements of a single national militia so that all would be similarly trained and equipped.”
Locally, protestors focused on the same nationwide issues as well as gun control, justice being for all, respecting the military, and anti-fascism.
The No Kings website writes, “No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance. From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like. We’re not gathering to feed his ego. We’re building a movement that leaves him behind. The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us. We’re not watching history happen. We’re making it. On June 14, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t—to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
In Southwest Harbor, multiple generations of one family protested together alongside others, all stationed on sidewalks near the the Southwest Harbor Craft Fair.
Protests throughout the state were peaceful though two demonstrators were reportedly arrested in Portland.
Unless otherwise specified photos by Carrie Jones/Shaun Farrar of Bar Harbor Story.
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Awesome signs! Proud of Maine!!!!
Why do there seem to be no more protests in Bar Harbor? There were a lot during the first Trump regime, & hardly any in Ellsworth. This seems to be the reverse.