By Brandt Mannchen

On March 28, 2026, I attended the “No Kings” rally, protest, and march at Houston City Hall, along with thousands of other concerned citizens.  My friends Michael, Martha, and Bob kindly shuttled me Downtown and we mingled, marveled, watched, and listened to people exercise their Constitutional rights of free speech, assembly, and protest in a peaceful manner.

The number and diversity of people, group booths, and signs floored all of us.  Police in vehicles, on foot, and on horseback surrounded City Hall.  They were a constant presence but didn’t disrupt the event. 

I’m a lazy person and didn’t have any materials to make a sign, but the Sierra Club sent out via email some 8 x 11 posters that could be used for “No Kings” events.

I took two of the Sierra Club posters and taped them to my Sierra Club T-shirt.  The poster on the front of my shirt had a picture of a Monarch Butterfly and said, “The Only Monarch I Support”.  The poster on the back of my shirt said, “Keep Public Lands Public”.

Other Sierra Club posters that were available said, “I Will Protect Climate Because …”; “I Will Protect Public Lands Because …”; “I Will Protect Democracy Because …”; “People Over Profit”; and “Climate Change Now”.  All were in English and Spanish.

There was at least a dozen “No Kings” events held in the Houston Area, including Houston, Katy, Pearland, Sugar Land, and other places.  People were loud and clear about their disgust and anger at the Trump Administration’s handling of our country.  People want positive change, not more lies, wars, negativity, and degradation of people and landscapes.

It was great to see so many people not being silent.  Silence encourages bullies and tyrants.  Be loud, persistent, and patient in our opposition to this anti-democracy administration.

We must go forward and fight for our rights and for the rights of our fellow “Spaceship Earth” beings, all other living things, to live their lives.  No more tyranny in our journey for a green and peaceful life on Earth!