Speakers in Decorah Warn of Political Division, Call for Nonviolent Action

Our Driftless region deserves more than postcards — it deserves a watchdog. Be that support. DECORAH — Homemade signs waved across the Winneshiek County courthouse lawn on Saturday for the second iteration of the "No Kings" Rally, a peaceful demonstration organized by local groups including Indivisible, Winneshiek Democrats, 5051, and Decorah Community for Immigrant Rights. Participants marched from the College Drive Bridge before convening at the courthouse. Organizer Cheryl Wieseler opened the event by referencing the nation's founding principles. "Nearly 250 years ago, our founders said 'no' to a king, and 'yes' to checks and balances and the rule of law," Wieseler said. "We gather today because in America, we don't remain silent while our neighbors are being kidnapped off the streets. In America, we show up. In America, we stand up. In America, we speak up. And in America, we say 'no kings.'" Wieseler, who helped coordinate logistics with local churches and safety volunteers, thanked attendees who came "from all over," including as far as California. She noted that the event was volunteer-led and funded by donations, and invited participants to gather later at Pulpit Rock Brewing Company. Speakers Call for Action and Accountability The rally included speakers addressing themes such as immigration, civic engagement and nonviolence. Iowa's 2nd Congressional District candidate Kathy Dolter, a U.S. Army veteran and nurse, was introduced as the first speaker. Dolter was followed by Iowa House Representative Ross Wilburn. Wilburn was followed by Mariann Fant, who discussed U.S. immigration enforcement and historical injustices. Fant recounted witnessing an Iowa resident detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after requesting a change in visa status. She said the individual was given two options: return to their home country immediately or wait several months in detention for a judge's decision. Fant characterized current immigration practices as "a system of unchecked control and the brazen breakdown of democracy," and encouraged attendees to move from outrage to sustained civic engagement. "Democracy doesn't fix itself," Fant said. "The state counts on our silence, our fear, and our inaction. Find your place in this struggle and continue to show up after today." "We Are the People": Calls for Unity Across Divides Local writer and artist Gabriel Andreas encouraged attendees to focus on shared challenges rather than partisan divisions. "This has been framed as a struggle of 'left versus right,' [...] but it is actually a struggle between us regular folks and the handful of billionaires," Andreas said. "We have far more in common with each other than we do the billionaires... We are all being lied to." Andreas urged the crowd to "prepare for the long haul," to seek unity, and to act as "bridge builders" rather than divisive opponents. "The dream of America has always been bigger and brighter than the reality," he said. "But it's not over… when I look out at you today I see so much possibility." Following Andreas, Wieseler quoted author and political organizer Stacey Abrams from her Assembly Required podcast. "We can't fix everything everywhere all at once, but we can each do something somewhere soon." She encouraged participants to "find your something," whether that meant joining an organization, calling legislators or baking cookies for volunteers. "We can't do it without you," she said. Examining "Freedom" Decorah City Council member Cody Whittle spoke about the meaning of freedom and how the term is used in American culture. "My whole life I have heard the saying, 'Freedom isn't free.' And though I understand the intentions behind this phrase, for my whole life I have thought that this is a bullshit sentence," Whittle said. "Freedom is baseline existence. [It's] not something awarded to us by our governments; it's a fundamental element of life itself." Whittle reflected on how the idea of freedom has been shaped by culture and history. "For thousands of years, the Native people of this continent thrived in communion with the natural world around them never having had to pay 'the price' of freedom," he said. "That is, of course, until European settler colonialists came to these shores." Whittle said true freedom can only exist when it extends to everyone. "A united country is a liberated country," he said. "A society that works together for the betterment of all people, with respect and gratitude to the natural world, is a truly free society." "No Kings": Rally Culminates in a Plea for Democracy The rally concluded with remarks from longtime Decorah resident and former Winneshiek County Supervisor Steve MacCargar, who spoke about the importance of nonviolence and civic engagement. MacCargar referenced the killing of Minnesota state legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband, which authorities said appeared to be politically motivated. He warned of the dangers of rising political extremism. "In the middle of the night, with a police uniform on and multiple weapons, he assaulted people in their homes," he said. "Political assassination is not a way our country can survive." MacCargar led the crowd through a call-and-response: "We are called to stand up and stand together. Will we do it?""Yes, we will!" MacCargar also criticized President Donald Trump, comparing his conduct to that of King George during the Revolutionary era. He cited Trump's threats to invoke the Insurrection Act and his actions on Jan. 6, 2021. "Will we stand for that behavior?" he asked, to which the crowd replied, "No, we won't." MacCargar closed by urging attendees to defend democratic institutions through nonviolent action before ending the event with a group singing of "America the Beautiful." Unlock a world of knowledge! Sign up for free DecorahNews.com newsletters and receive local news, local events and everything that is happening in and around Decorah.