Letter to the Editor: ‘The only ones left to defend democracy are the people’

I was a member of the team that coordinated Greybull’s No Kings 3.0 rally on March 28. I was not paid to protest. I chose to protest because I believe that defending democracy requires active participation and standing up for core principles when they are threatened.

When the executive branch of our government acts in defiance of our values, norms, the Constitution and the rule of law, our foundations weaken. When the legislative branch fails to hold the executive branch accountable for its oath to defend the Constitution, we lose oversight. When the judicial branch allows partisan politics to influence its judgments, we lose trust in it. When the press is bought by oligarchs who prioritize their own interests over the nation’s, journalism suffers. When this happens, the only ones left to defend our democracy are the people.

We often talk about our rights as United States citizens. These include freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, petition and the right to keep and bear arms. However, we seldom mention our obligations and responsibilities to defend those freedoms. Among these are obeying the law, paying taxes, and serving on a jury if summoned. Some obligations I assumed people were upholding, but have learned, of late, that they have taken a back seat to citizenship, such as voting, staying informed, respecting the rights and beliefs of others, supporting the Constitution, defending our nation and participating in democracy.

Like many of you, I take these obligations and responsibilities seriously. I vote. I pay my taxes. When I see flagrant misuses of power, I call and write to my representatives. I serve on juries when called. I protest because I am motivated to defend the Constitution, oppose unequal application of the rule of law and demand due process for all. I stand against the sale of public lands, the decimation of government services, attacks on public education, the banning of books and restrictions on women’s rights. I believe our tax dollars should fund healthcare, not warfare. My protests are fundamentally driven by my commitment to preserving shared values and the nation I love.

The misconception that protesters are paid undermines the dedication of millions who stand together to defend our Constitution and way of life. It is important to recognize the genuine commitment of those exercising their right to protest.

My thanks to the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Department and the Greybull Police Department for ensuring everyone’s safety during our No Kings rally. Thanks to everyone who participated in the rally. Your courage is contagious! Let us all continue to stand up, speak out and defend our democracy together. Every voice and action counts—join us and make a difference.

Cheryl Hunt

Greybull, Wyoming