THEY PROTESTED during the Vietnam War. Larry, Karl and Mary, who was tear-gassed at the University of Minnesota back in the day. Nearly 60 years later, they are on the protest line again, holding signs, voicing their concerns.
And I’m there, too, standing along Minnesota State Highway 60/Fourth Street in Faribault exercising my First Amendment rights to free speech. I never thought that at my age, I would become a protester. But nearly every Saturday morning from 11 a.m.-noon for the past three months, I’ve stood in solidarity with Larry, Karl, Mary, Kate, Mercedes, Randy, Raven, Matt, Barb, Kirsten, John, Gary, Wendy, Elizabeth, Josh, Sheri, Mark, Ann, Reed, Susan, Donna, Travis, Carrie, Allison, Hannah…up to 175 people at the most recent No Kings Day protest.
I’m proud to call these kind, compassionate and caring individuals my friends. Some I’ve met on the protest line; others I knew previously. Whether friendships old or new, I value every single person who is taking a public stand against the chaos unfolding in this country. There is value in protesting.
We express our concerns in the signs we craft, or buy, and hold for passing motorists to see. Concerns about immigration enforcement, the environment, Constitutional rights, the Epstein files, voting rights, the future of our democracy, human rights, data centers, the economy, incompetency of elected officials, un-presidential images with comparisons to Jesus…and most recently the war in Iran.
I have a stash of signs in my basement and continue to create new ones. When issues pop up, I pull out the markers, the tag board or cardboard, the stencils and write a message. There’s no shortage of concerns I hold for this country and world under the current federal leadership.
Lately I’ve held “Peace, not war” signs. It’s an issue on everyone’s mind, this unnecessary war our president started without Congressional approval, without a clear understanding of the Iranian regime’s mindset, without an exit. American soldiers are dying. The economy is a mess. And on and on. Threats to bomb away a civilization don’t sit well with me. Nor do comparisons to Jesus or attacks on Pope Leo XIV.
Peace has always felt elusive. Even on the protest line, where we practice peace, we sometimes find ourselves under verbal attack from motorists who clearly support the president and his agenda. We’ve been yelled at, called “stupid, retarded, mentally ill, dumb a**es” and more while getting the middle finger sometimes accompanied by a “f**k you!”. We just smile and wave, refusing to give these angry MAGA individuals the negative reaction they desire. That said, when they drive dangerously close to us at a high rate of speed, they cross the line from free speech to public endangerment.
Nearly 60 years ago, Larry, Karl and Mary were young adults protesting the Vietnam War. I admire that they are back on the protest line. They understand the importance of speaking up, of not remaining silent.
Creatives like Wendy Anderson Halperin also understand how we can use our voices to make a difference. I recently found her book, simply titled Peace, at my local library. Published in 2013, this children’s picture book is especially relevant today. I encourage you to read it, to study Halperin’s detailed illustrations and to read the many quotes woven into the artwork. Quotes that are thought-provoking, uplifting, revealing, encouraging.
I leave you with two quotes printed in Peace:
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”—Jimi Hendrix.
“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and greed. If people all over the world would do this, it would change the earth.”—William Faulkner.
RELATED: Sahan Journal, a nonprofit digital newsroom in Minnesota dedicated to reporting for immigrants and people of color, published an outstanding article on April 21 about more than 70 Minnesota children detained by federal immigration agents during Operation Metro Surge. This is an eye-opening story that should be read by everyone, regardless of political affiliation. Click here to read.
© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Good Job Audrey!! I love your signs. We have to keep sharing our voice until this terrible behavior stops, and figure out how we ended up here in the first place. What is it about Donald Trump that people love and voted for? Is this what they wanted? The Sahan Journal was crushing to read, that any human adult would collect children and take them out of state away from their families is just sickening. This is not what a good government is supposed to do.
I have that same question about those who love and voted for Trump. I just do not get it. He’s certain not for the common man/woman or the common good. He hasn’t made life better, more affordable…, quite the opposite.
Thanks for taking time to read the Sahan Journal story about Minnesota children detained by ICE. I hope every single reader of this blog reads that story and reacts as you did.
You have great signs.
I read the journal…unbelievably sad.
Thank you. Yes, the stories of Minnesota’s detained children are incredibly sad. Something needs to change. Like no more detention camps. No more inhumane treatment of people no matter their age.
Oh, Audrey, sometimes it seems we will never get out from under the insanity of this administration. I so want to stop being nervous and worried all the time about what is happening in our country. But, when I come and stand with my signs and know that at least I am practicing my right to freedom of speech, I remember that we have been the greatest democracy ever. And, we can be that again. But, we must all raise our voices in support of the democracy our founding fathers worked so hard to create. Thanks for being such a devoted protester. I don’t think I can be there this Saturday, but should be back next week!
I share your angst, Sheri. But then I, too, remember that we must hold on to and rebuild our democracy. That requires a lot of hard work by each of us, doing whatever we can, whenever we can. I am so happy to have you beside me and other protesters on Saturday mornings, raising our voices, standing up for what is right and moral and decent.
Yes, we have to remember–we are the “we the people” that they spoke of in our country’s founding documents. We, too, must do the work. And, we will, as best we can!
YES, we will!
the ongoing peaceful protests are very powerful and mean so much. think how much yours has grown since that first one you participated in and weren’t sure exactly what to expect. now you have a group of signs ready for most protests and the ability to create more as needed, with bigger groups standing with you every time. this is huge. think about this, if everyone did this, the impact would be tremendous. i’m going to look for that book as well, had no idea it existed and was written by a michigan author. i still want to find out about the children who have been sent to michigan and what is happening with them here.
Thank you for your encouragement. Yes, if we all stood up in protest, what a message this would send. Many are, including you, and I’m thankful for that.
I know you will appreciate the “Peace” book. And thank you for trying to uncover more info about the camps in Michigan where youth are being held for ICE.
Best wishes for a big turnout today, Audrey, and well done for your persistence in the face of so much apathy (at best) and aggressive hostility (at worst). I do wonder if your country will regain any level of democracy in our lifetimes. At 72, I doubt I’ll see it, unless your constitution is extensively rewritten to prevent another convicted felon being elected.
Thank you for your support, Judith. Some 20-25 of us protested yesterday and got a mixed reaction from motorists, which is normal. Lots of support. And lots of negativity, including a guy in a black pick-up truck rolling coal at us again. Individuals like him have dug in their heels and, I expect, will continue to remain loyal to DJT, no matter what happens in this country.
I was happy to see our local police drive past us 5-6 times yesterday. I don’t know if that was intentional or simply coincidental.
Onward we continue with hopes that the mid-term elections will bring positive change in this country. It’s so needed.
Audrey, I just had to pop back here to appreciate your reply, and to ask if you heard King Charles’ address to Congress yesterday. While I’m not a royalist, I am very much for the rule of law, and he emphasised the checks and balances needed to control the executive. I’m sure once someone explains all his points to Trump, he’ll call ICE to remove the king. I hope your day of action in the US on the first of May is well supported. Love from the UK.
Judith, I’m always happy to see you popping in here. I have not heard King Charles’ entire speech, only soundbites. Now I’m inclined to listen to all of it. I don’t think Trump understands checks and balances. And if he does, he doesn’t care.
It was really dismaying to learn this morning that, on the White House X account, a photo of the two men was posted along with these words, “TWO KINGS.” Now it’s been officially confirmed, despite constant denial, that Trump considers himself to be a king. So he’s Jesus, a doctor and a king apparently in his eyes.
I agree with you 100 percent. And proudly.
Thank you, Lori!
You have definitely shared your voice in many ways over the past couple of years without growing weary. It’s been a long slog with new issues popping up all the time. Everyone has to find ways to make a difference and you have certainly found yours!
I agree. We all need to find a way to make a difference. I know yours is primarily through volunteering and connecting with individuals on a compassionate, personal level. My writing, photography, protesting, volunteering and personal connections are my ways of making a difference.