I am responding to the letter in paper on the No Kings march and rally held in two locations in our county. He completely missed the message of the movement. Instead he focused on some who used profanity, the words Nazi or dictator in their signs.

He completely ignored the speeches made, the songs sung and the unity of almost 800 people in Fredonia and an additional 400 in Jamestown who say “No Kings.” He also seemed to have no idea why anyone would come to the rally wearing an inflatable costume. I will attempt to explain some of this to him and other readers who may hold similar misguided information.

The No Kings march and rally was against the authoritarian policies of Donald Trump and corruption in his administration. Marches and rallies were in 2,700American cities, protests in every American city, with more than 7 million people participating. Trump has expanded the scope of his presidential power, using executive orders to dismantle parts of the federal government and to deploy National Guard troops to U.S. cities despite objections by state governors – all according to the plan outlined in project 2025. We reject all of that and call for a return to our principals as outlined in our constitution and in our laws

We are very concerned with the ICE raids that seem to be indiscriminate and meant to invoke fear rather than target known convicted felons. They do not target known felon criminals. Rather ICE seems to target those who may be undocumented for a variety of reasons, but are contributing members of our society. Many have been in our country for years working, some brought here as babies knowing no other country than the USA.

Rather than these, at times violent raids, we need an immigration bill. Why is Congress not doing their job, per our constitution, that would address many of the issues around immigration and asylum?

We are concerned that rights specifically stated in our Constitution such as due process and habeas corps are ignored? And yes due process applies to both citizens and non citizens in our country.

Additional Concerns include the bombing of ships supposedly drug dealers headed for our Country. However, no evidence has been presented to support this idea. I have strong doubts that many of those boats had any drugs on them or that they were headed to our country. But even if they were drug dealers, since when is dealing drugs a capital offense? No due process or habeas corps applied. Clear violation of both USA law and international law.

Concerned about folks being deported not back to their home land but to foreign countries where they have no ties or connections. Families of many of the deported were never told where their loved ones were sent or how they could contact them. Many taken by masked men who refuse to state their names or what agency they work for.

Concerns about military troops sent into cities over the objection of the mayors and governors of those states. They use the excuse the cities are out of control with crime so the federal government must step in. However, how can this be when for instance, Portland saw a DROP in crime in the past year. Facts do not match what we are being told.

These are just a few examples of what many of us feel is an overstep of the executive branch. Too often they act as if they are a King or Dictator, ignoring even court orders as if the judicial branch was not equal. In response we say “No Kings” in the USA.

As for the use of costumes, it is a peaceful way to counter the administration by using humor rather than violence. I am very proud of the resistors who refuse to engage in violence but rather find humor a most effective tool.

I hope this helps to explain the message of No Kings and our commitment to our constitution and laws and norms of our great country.

Judi Lutz Woods is a Fredonia resident.