Letters to the Editor | June 20, 2025

Regarding the editorial claiming “Dems fail to meet the moment” around the “No Kings” protests, I would suggest that that is not accurate. In Montgomery County and the whole state, Democrats are already raising money for the congressional elections, which are more than a year away. They are holding meetings with voters with the judges who are up for election or retention in November. We need to retain our Democratic judges to help if Republicans claim fraud. I believe other county committees are doing what is being done in Montgomery County, urged on by our state committee.

We are working to raise money for a Democratic candidate to replace a Republican member of Congress in a district mostly in another county. Our chair, Jason Salus, is helping volunteers to hold meetings with the judicial candidates. Volunteers are hosting meetings with candidates, and a fundraiser has already been hosted by our county chair and our wonderful Rep. Madeleine Dean, and others. Our State Rep. Mary Jo Daley attended a session with Democrats who wanted to plan what they could do now, and helped attendees to understand that we can start now to get Democrats back in control.

We have many leaders and volunteers at work. Please do not imply that the work is not happening because some of our leaders in Washington went to a fancy wedding, as well they should have done. By implying nothing is happening with the Democrats, other possible volunteers may give up already.

Penny Cutler, Lafayette Hill

We the people are out there protesting. Now it is time for our legislators — federal, state, and local — to step up and hold public meetings with their citizens in all 50 states. Why? To encourage everyone to 1) get the facts, and 2) get out and vote for democracy. Have meetings, discussions, fact-checking. Publicize these gatherings. Kudos to my representatives, Donald Norcross and Andy Kim, for getting public forums underway. It’s time for all elected officials to do their jobs and connect with us in person. That is how Dems can meet the moment.

Martha Rudolph, Turnersville

The Editorial Board is right that the Democratic Party has to do a better job of creating and promoting an agenda that will truly improve the lives of all Americans. I’m totally in favor of commercials, billboards, and more effective uses of social media to make our case. But what was the benefit of pointing out that devoted leaders of the Democratic Party, friends of the Soros and Aberdeen families, attended a wedding that had been in preparation surely before “No Kings Day” was planned? We should do our best to support our beliefs, our party, and also our friends. The fact that they ate certain types of food and the wedding was held in the Hamptons doesn’t make these Democrats any less supportive of our cause. There is so much to focus on. Usually, the board does such a great job of sticking to the important things. Let’s not give the other side something inconsequential to use against us.

Alexis Gerard Finger, Bala Cynwyd

The June 17 Inquirer editorial was spot on. The Dems did fail to meet the moment during “No Kings Day,” and they continue to do so. What is going on with the Democratic Party? David Hogg resigns as vice chair. Union leaders Randi Weingarten and Lee Saunders are at odds with the Democratic leadership. Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin is MIA. Except for a handful of senators and representatives speaking out against the lawlessness of this administration, there is not nearly enough outrage from our elected officials. I attended the “No Kings” rally with my family. It was great to see how many people came out, but we need more involvement from our Democratic leaders. Maybe the DNC could take some pointers from Ezra Levin and the Indivisible team. These people are incredibly intelligent, organized, dedicated, and inspiring.

Kathleen Clements, Philadelphia

The horrors experienced by Gaza civilians are shown on TV to the American people every day. It is not antisemitic to acknowledge the appalling human suffering of war and starvation, and to ask for governmental action to alleviate this situation. I urge our senators, Dave McCormick and John Fetterman, and my representative, Chrissy Houlahan, to support Senate Resolution 224 and House Resolution 473, calling for urgent delivery and disbursement of humanitarian aid to address the needs of civilians in Gaza. Who can support shooting at starving folks trying to obtain food?

Marjorie Herbert, Kennett Square

I read Anna Fry’s op-ed on cuts to SNAP that would result from Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.” This is truly disgraceful on many levels. First, in a nation that could literally feed the world by itself, it is unconscionable that anyone should go hungry. Especially considering the hundreds of billions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies that farmers receive. It’s not lost on me that a large percentage of farmers in our nation’s heartland voted for Trump while benefiting from this federal largesse. Second, I cannot help but note how so many Americans who call themselves Christians are fully supportive of these punitive policies toward the poorest among us.

Finally, as an actual conservative, I am often reminded of the late Jack Kemp. The father of the Urban Enterprise Zone, Kemp recognized that no segment of American society does better when another does worse. It is utterly unconscionable that so-called conservatives would add $2.5 trillion to the debt for tax relief for the wealthiest Americans on the backs of the poorest. Conservatives in America used to be able to feel like we occupied the moral high ground. Under Trump, it has been perverted into cruelty, which has never been a conservative principle. These people are not conservatives. They’re immoral.

Kenneth Rayca, Cinnaminson

On “No Kings Day,” millions of Americans in big cities and tiny towns came together to protest Donald Trump’s vile authoritarian tactics. Standing in that immense crowd, I felt things I hadn’t felt for some time — hope, delight, and relief, knowing I wasn’t alone in my fear and outrage. Many videos are circulating that capture vibrant crowds of Americans from all different walks of life protesting in solidarity, a stark contrast to the would-be dictator’s pitiful military parade. There’s this realization breaking through that, yes, the people are here, we are angry, and we can indeed mobilize in history-making numbers.

It’s important that we’re increasingly showing up in the millions. By speaking up, we’re drawing attention and setting the narrative. But movements don’t survive on protests alone. History can teach us how to build a sustained, disciplined movement that brings about real change. If we want to topple the regime, we need everyday resistance — we can support local organizations, call upon our representatives to reject dangerous legislation, learn collective noncooperation, practice open-minded conversation, care for our neighbors, and more. “No Kings Day” showed us that we the people have power, and we can get through this by building community together.

Anne Park, Philadelphia

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