“No Kings” protesters were heard across the nation into Bryson City, where upward of 250 Swain County Democratic Party members and supporters held a peaceful demonstration on the corner of Everett and Main streets Saturday afternoon.
Protests were organized to stand against the policies and actions of President Donald Trump, coinciding with his 79th birthday and 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army held in Arlington, Va. and Washington, D.C.
Army officials have made public the estimated $45 million spent on its anniversary celebration.
Former Florida state Sen. Nancy Argenziano (2002-08), a lifelong republican who now lives in Bryson City, stood behind protesters.
“I support the military 100%,” said Argenziano. However, they are military not just one person’s military and we have to fight for that right.”
Argenziano could not recall another time in U.S. history when M1A2 Abrams tanks rolled down American streets as World War II era B-25 bombers flew overhead.
“The Army, Navy and Marines were all established at the same time in 1775,” said Argenziano. “They all deserve to be celebrated but we can’t afford that.”
Argenziano referenced the shooting deaths of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, along with Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who were shot and wounded early Saturday.
“I was a state legislature and to think that they were killed,” said Argenziano.
Garett Lagan, Swain County Democratic Party chair, collaborated with law enforcement over the weekend to keep the local protest peaceful and safe.
“Nobody wants violence at protests, me, least of all,” said Lagan. “I’ve been in protests when it turns bad. I don’t want to get pepper sprayed. I love this town. I love this county. That’s why I’m doing this. We’re not going to be burning things. We’re not going to be breaking shop windows. We are doing this for democracy.”
Lagan added that no one was paid to attend the “No Kings” rally in Bryson City.
“We do not have the budget to pay people to be here,” said Lagan. “We are doing this because we are passionate about democracy.”
“Democracy is at risk,” said Argenziano. “The people have spoken and we’re not being listened to. If you happen to have a different view, lean more liberal or you’re softer on feeding little kids then you are no longer entitled to constitutional rights. That is the definition of tyranny.”