(Story from Radio Iowa) – Organizers say there were rallies in at least 45 Iowa cities and towns on Saturday — part of a nation day of protest against Trump Administration policies. State Representative Rob Johnson of Des Moines greeted thousands at the state capitol in Des Moines.”In 10 years our children will look back and say, ‘You did something to protect our future, and I think thank you for it,'” Johnson said, to cheers. It was the second time this year a national coalition of progressive groups organized “No Kings” rallies.

“They told me that this wasn’t patriotic,” Johnson said, “but I’m here to tell you this is the most patriotic thing we’re going to do today,” Johnson said, to cheers. Renee Lietz is with Operation Grassroots, which helped organize a protest in Maquoketa that drew dozens of people.

There have been two ‘No Kings’ rallies at the Iowa Capitol this year.

“We’ve got our small group here and if you start getting a small group everywhere, pretty soon you’ve got a big group,” she said. Republican lawmakers criticized the gatherings. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson called the events “Hate America Rallies” and on Sunday during an appearance on A-B-C Johnson said if Trump were a king, the government would be open.

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(Atlantic, Iowa; KJAN) – Cass County Democratic Party Chair Denise O’Brien, Sunday issued a statement to the media, saying: “Saturday morning brought nearly 200 people together to celebrate their right to assemble and to free speech. People gathered at the Atlantic City Park on both sides of Hwy 6. There were also events in Red Oak, Creston, Clarinda, Shenandoah, Oakland and Council Bluffs. Southwest Indivisible, one of the sponsors stated that the number of protests increased from two in June to 7 on Saturday.”

O’Brien said also, “The No Kings protests took several weeks to plan and implement. Online training was provided covering topics of safety, know your rights and making sure that the actions were peaceful. Prior to the protest several news outlets and politicians stated that the attendees were paid protesters. Hamas, antifa, marxists and socialists. Most protests were peaceful, joyful and family oriented with people wearing costumes while marching through the streets. There were very few arrests and acts of violence during the October 18^th events.”

The statement quoted one participant as saying “We are not paid to be here today. We are concerned about the direction our country is taking. I was present at the June event and will participate in future gatherings if necessary. On my own time.”

O’Brien’s news released concluded by saying “The First Amendment of the Constitution protects the freedom of speech. The No Kings rallies across the United States was an expression of that right.”