”No Kings” in the City of Presidents
Cries against tyranny struck a familiar chord in Quincy, MA
By Susan Labandibar
On Saturday I stood in Quincy, Massachusetts, City of Presidents, listening to Congressman Stephen Lynch, a familiar figure to many in Massachusetts. Now entering his 25th year in Congress, Lynch is well-versed in the rhythms of political speech. His words, along with the bright sunshine, and the live band all seemed so relaxed that I half-expected the crowd to start singing the words to Bob Marley’s crooner, One Love/People Get Ready.
Speaking to protesters from the steps of the First Parish Church Congressman Lynch was just steps away from the church basement where John Adams and John Quincy Adams lie in hand-hewn sarcophagi. Both Presidents were ardent defenders of our democracy.
John Adams believed in the balance of powers. He helped draft the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780, which was used as a model by the framers of the U.S. Constitution. Adams’ son, John Quincy Adams, was known as the “Hell Hound of Slavery.” He read thousands of citizen petitions demanding an end to slavery into the Congressional record, over the fierce opposition of southern legislators, who tried to ban discussion of anti-slavery petitions.
During the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Benjamin Franklin was leaving Independence Hall in Philadelphia when someone asked him:
“Well, Doctor, what have we got — a Republic or a Monarchy?”
Franklin replied: “A Republic, if you can keep it.”
Though Franklin’s challenge to future generations was familiar to all, many of the Quincyans and their neighbors at the rally were standing up to tyranny for the first time - and they found it to be an enjoyable experience.
Though the band never did play “Let’s get together and feel alright,” there was a comforting familiarity about gathering in the City of Presidents to oppose a would-be king.
On October 18th, I expected a fired-up crowd, not a chill one. But maybe that’s the point. Democracy isn’t always loud demands. It’s steady — like the beat of a song we all know by heart.