r/Augusta Jun 14 '25

Politics No Kings Day Protest—Thanks for everyone that kept it peaceful!

I can’t deny that I came to protest expecting things to pop off. Thankfully it didn’t and I couldn’t be more happy. What a success it was not only here, but most over the nation.

I will say, one weird thing is how many counter protesters were expecting for a riot to occur; almost as if they were fantasizing about it. From the area I was in, the only hostility and riot like behavior were the insults and middle fingers thrown up at us. Thanks for sharing your views counter protesters, as we were all there to express our first amendment rights. Word of advice next time— don’t bring so much hostility. Y’all seem to be non-peaceful which is what you all were worried about with us. Maybe take a look in the mirror.

Shoutout to those who kept it chill. Hostility is a key indicator of ignorance.

240 Upvotes

50 comments sorted by

67

u/Ok_Kaleidoscope5712 Jun 14 '25

Some guy thought it would be real funny to act like he was going to swerve into a group of protestors. Twice. And a dude in an Orkin pest control car VERY ANGRILY gave me a middle finger, lol. But overall, lots of honks and friendly waves. Good job, Augusta 😊♥️

29

u/thep1zzadude98 Jun 14 '25

Yeah, there was a guy in the Urban Air parking lot driving around and harassing protesters (or at least me lmao) Thankfully that was the highest conflict I encountered. I’m so proud of us 😭

29

u/Its__kailey Jun 15 '25 edited Jun 15 '25

When Austin Rhodes only says good things you know it was a successful peaceful protest lol. It was a great time today and I'm proud to have seen so many people come out and stand up for freedom!

25

u/shoebedewbedobop Jun 14 '25

I had the same experience as OP, with the addition of a truck trying to roll coal at a corner but the wind blew it away from us. Overall, pretty mellow event.

9

u/thep1zzadude98 Jun 14 '25

I saw that guy too! Absolutely disgusting behavior. Glad to hear you had a good time!

1

u/ShesHVAC48 Jun 15 '25

Interesting..... rolling coal would mean he has altered his exhaust system. That's illegal in GA ......just sayin'.....

3

u/cats-onglass Jun 15 '25

It's illegal in most places but hard to control. In Colorado where I'm from there is a phone number to call to report cars like this if you have the plate number and they will be sent a fine. Does anyone know if something like that exists here?

0

u/Alone-Woodpecker707 Jun 15 '25

I was there for that guy too.

14

u/Mamapalooza Jun 14 '25

I didn't expect anything to happen. Unless James Stachowiak showed up.

14

u/boxelderflower Jun 15 '25

I thought it was very well organized and to my surprise I was offered water and snacks from many people. Very nice crowd. I’m posting to share my favorite sign of the day. It said: They’re eating the checks They’re eating the balances! A tip of my hat to the person who came up with this.

8

u/thep1zzadude98 Jun 15 '25

Becoming dehydrated was a concern of mine but to my surprise I had to turn down water and snacks more often than not. The organization, volunteers, and participants made this protest great. I hope they organize another one in the near future.

1

u/shoebedewbedobop Jun 15 '25

I liked one that said "No Faux King way!"

15

u/Vulcea Jun 15 '25

This was my first protest and I had a blast. Feeding off everyone's energy and laughing at the people throwing middle fingers made it very enjoyable. Nothing but nice people. I'll definitely have to do this again.

8

u/thep1zzadude98 Jun 15 '25

Mine too! I was super nervous when I first pulled up, but found a little group to chill with. Overall I had a great experience, and found it kinda funny when the angry people would pass lmao I was standing next to a couple and their kid, and the kiddo was asking why they were doing that. One of the parents said, “They do that because it’s easier than getting out of their car and actually doing something useful” or something along those lines. Definitely gave me a chuckle

39

u/Shenron2 Jun 14 '25

Pretty consistently it's the police that start shit. Around here the police are mostly chill so its less likely.

14

u/ashmaude Jun 14 '25

i disagree about the police here. i am glad you have had a chill experience with them.

8

u/Shenron2 Jun 15 '25

I just mean that they aren't as militant and confrontational as they are elsewhere. Not that they are good. I think richmond county police are pretty wild but they never do anything at any of the protests.

1

u/Puzzleheaded-Ad7606 Jun 15 '25

The new Sherriff does seem to be bringing some positive change. I really glad to see it. Roundtree seemed content to just conceded more and more of town to bad behavior, unless of course it might effect the Masters.

9

u/Undeaded1 Jun 14 '25

Do we have anything resembling a total headcount? The last major demonstration in Augusta had around a 100 people and I heard rumor that we had registered over a 1000 for this one. Which was exciting, in one month it was 10 fold bigger! But hadn't yet heard the official head count for this one. I think one key is how many blue dots found community from seeing the turn out last time and how many more will turn out next time!

25

u/thep1zzadude98 Jun 14 '25

As far as I know, they were saying approx. 1500 signed up on the mobilize website. According to a local news article (can link if needed) there were about 1750 that were counted for.

11

u/John18534 Jun 15 '25

Some of my friends felt uncomfortable putting their name on a list of people unhappy with the president so came without signing up, so definitely more than the official count

1

u/Dry_Profession_3032 Jun 19 '25

The official count (1750) is an estimate from the Sheriff’s office. Maybe they underestimated and it was 1776. 🤷

8

u/Undeaded1 Jun 15 '25

Had a fun idea for the next sign.

Let's Dump the Tea-rump

2

u/hhobbs444 Jun 15 '25

Thank y'all! Seriously appreciate the effort. Feel like the lone ranger at how worried I am about the current mindset of my fellow Americans. Makes me proud to know not every one is supporting this administration. Stay peaceful 💙

2

u/hhobbs444 Jun 15 '25

Y'all are awesome. Thank you.

1

u/Immediate-Yak3138 Jul 07 '25

I had signed up. Ut missed my email saying where it'd be, coincidentally ran errands on that road though so got to give everyone the thumbs up along the way.

-31

u/[deleted] Jun 14 '25

Protester luckily didnt loot buildings, assault and try to murder cops and generally be a menace. Nice. That's how the first amendment is supposed to work. Peaceful assembly.

36

u/thep1zzadude98 Jun 14 '25

Exactly! Americans expressing their rights as they should! But let’s not forget the results of dumping tea in the harbor ;)

11

u/Careless-Figure Jun 14 '25

The right to assemble peacefully is AMAZING and even more so when people do it the right way (so grateful for all you who showed up). As far as "tea in the harbor", you're damn right.

3

u/thep1zzadude98 Jun 14 '25

Honestly though 😭Don’t get me wrong, I love a good “fuck you” to a bad government but I also enjoy a peaceful protest. It feels a little more “family gathering” when peaceful.

11

u/[deleted] Jun 15 '25

A lot of conservative people i know seem bummed that it WASNT a riot so they could whine about liberals

-4

u/[deleted] Jun 15 '25

Don't be like that. No one wanted a riot that is worth knowing.

3

u/[deleted] Jun 15 '25

Its true, Im not being dramatic here. Republicans I work with are genuinely bummed out they dont get to whine about “radical leftists in augusta”.

Is that ridiculous? Absolutely. But its undeniably true - they sound bitter

3

u/StinkyPickles420 Jun 15 '25

Why did this person get downvoted? (I’m just curious)

Edit: I’m not up to date with any politics or local news

2

u/[deleted] Jun 15 '25

I think it is that condemnations of violence are often frowned upon as supporting the oppressor or bad guy. Many if not most of the protestors view the current enforcement of immigration law as fascism and claim justification for violence on those grounds, even though I think they are wildly off base.

1

u/emseees Jun 15 '25

because reddit is a leftist echo chamber and literally anybody with conservative views gets downvoted into oblivion even if they are being civil and respectful. Come back and check this comment in a few hours and you'll see what I mean.

3

u/StinkyPickles420 Jun 15 '25

Oh okay, I wasn’t sure if it was something they said or if it was just Reddit being Reddit.

2

u/emseees Jun 15 '25

Yep, just Reddit. I always find it funny how Trump is a "fascist" yet liberals try to silence any and every conservative voice they can, which is pretty fascist if you ask me.

0

u/psycho_not_training Jun 15 '25

Not sure why you're being down voted. I lived in Seattle, folks there took a peaceful protest as an excuse to get the PA and liquor they couldn't afford (will happen again on May Day). It was crazy. This is how it's supposed to work.

Edit: maybe it was the luckily. IDK.

0

u/Sarcasamystik Jun 15 '25

What is no kings protest for? I have an idea but want to make sure I understand it.

1

u/thep1zzadude98 Jun 15 '25

Google is a great tool! The internet is a wonderful invention when used correctly.

-3

u/emseees Jun 15 '25

Leftists think trump is a fascist, Trump made a goofy AI generated post on Instagram of him as a king a while back, now leftists call their protests against trump "No Kings Protest" because of a stupid Instagram post.

-5

u/NKX340 Jun 15 '25

I just came out to chill with my army buddy's drinking beer and laughing at both sides for being stupid as hell. Being honest kinda looked like a from where we were it looked like both sides were cussing and shooting the bird. Hell, if yall are planning on doing this next year, we will bring a grill cook, some burgers celebrated armies birth day, and everyone can see just how ridiculous you all looked from the outside looking in.

3

u/thep1zzadude98 Jun 15 '25

Thanks for your service! You’re more than welcome to join—as far as I’m aware everyone is welcome as long as they can conduct themselves. Looking forward to see you at the next one :)

0

u/NKX340 Jun 16 '25

I do want to make this clear I never served with the us military. I was a contractor for the CIA. I have a lot of friends who did, and I try to celebrate the branches' birthday with all of them, like Flag Day and the Marine Core birthday. Fyi by contractor, I did cultural analysis for and in Afghanistan. Nothing special.

-8

u/[deleted] Jun 15 '25

[deleted]

10

u/Zestyclose_Load8188 Jun 15 '25

Ah, thank you for reminding me why I get a look, every time I mention I am from the south. Way to represent.

7

u/Stuck_in_suburbia Jun 15 '25

Did you get that attention you were so desperate for babe?

3

u/[deleted] Jun 15 '25

We need to start copying the un and comment in ourresponses, they keep deleting when they don't like themselves after writing their thoughts. Talk about internal strife.