NEWS

Columbus NC Democrats
Over 250 citizens turned out in a strong rebuke to the Un-American activities of this administration. Stearns Park, Columbus, NC.
Picture
A 20-foot tall balloon of President Trump in a diaper is seen among people taking part in a "No Kings" protest in Los Angeles ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

NO KINGS Protests Locally and Nationwide  Are a Huge Success 
A Clear Message of Defiance to the Trump Administration

Matthew Pickett - for the Polk County Dems
Stearns Park, Columbus NC and Nationwide - June 14, 2025
Over 250 like minded citizens took to the turf at Stearns Park in Columbus, NC to add their voices to the millions of Americans that turned out for the nationwide "NO KINGS" protest. The over 2,000 NO KINGS protests nationwide were designed as a rebuke to Trump's policies that are undermining democracy and destroying America. Current estimates show  five plus million people nationwide participated .

The Columbus protest was led by Robbie terKuile and the Polk County Women's Club. It was a REAL show of strength and a counterpoint to the "low energy" military parade in Washington DC. That parade was sparsely attended and overshadowed by bad weather that seemed to mirror the glower of the President.
Ivon, a sixteen year old Hispanic boy, walked to Stearns Park after his father told him Democrats were rallying. He wants to join our Young Dems!
Robbie terKuile
The 25o people strong that turned out at Stearns Park to have their voices heard all carried signs critical of the current administrations policies. Democrats, Republicans and Independents rallied = all Americans - who are deeply dismayed by what is happening to our country. Many cars passing honked their approvals and very few dissented. The overall atmosphere was one of great comity and optimism as "the people" felt the power of the first amendment in action.

The Columbus event wasn't the largest for sure - but given the small size of the local community and the short notice, it was a VERY big turnout. Other local "NO KINGS" protests in Hendersonville and Asheville had enormous crowds. ​

The 3.5% rule
Whereas, if 3.5% of a population makes a sustained peaceful effort to protest - the ruling government cannot remain in power and collapses. The protests against the Trump administration have steadily climbed since his inauguration just 6 months ago. Fingers crossed.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190513-it-only-takes-35-of-people-to-change-the-world

Help Make Our Monthly Food Drive a Success

 June 21st 9-12 at Polk County Democratic HQ
With reduction of federal food benefits and a worsening economy, our local food pantries are facing increased demand and reduced donations. We need to help! The Polk County Democratic Party is sponsoring a monthly food drive to help our neighbors and reduce hunger in our county.

What you can do-
Volunteer on June 21st at headquarters to collect donated food or deliver food to the pantries on June 23rd. If you want to volunteer email Mike Silverman at [email protected].
And
Encourage your friends and neighbors to bring non-perishable, non expired items to headquarters located at 64 Ward Street, Columbus, NC on June 21 between 9-12:00.

​Let’s show our neighbors that Democrats care and are working to address issues that are affecting our neighbors.

Update: This Bill Passed
​Senate Bill 50 Recklessly Allows Guns Without Any Permitting 

This bill would allow anyone 18 or older to carry a concealed weapon in North Carolina without a permit, training, or background check.
Let that sink in. This dangerous bill is expected to be called for a full vote tomorrow (June 11).We’re packing the gallery at the North Carolina General Assembly to send one clear message: North Carolinians reject permitless concealed carry.

Wednesday, June 11 at 12:00 PM
NC General Assembly Gallery 16 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC

Read more about the bill here.

This bill would put more guns in more places with fewer safeguards. It puts our communities, our kids, and our future at risk.
Be there tomorrow. Bring your voice. Let them know we’re watching. 

https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/Senate/PDF/S50v3.pdf

If you cannot make it - call your state senator and rep. 
NC Reps List
NC Senate List

Contact: Jake Johnson (R. NC District 113) 
email: [email protected]
​phone: 919-715-4466

Contact: Timothy Moffitt (R. Sentate District 48)
email: [email protected]
​phone: 919-733-5745

This Event has Happened
No Kings Nationwide Protest
Protest Coincides with Wasteful Military Parade in DC

In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings. NO KINGS is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from Trump and his allies. We’ve watched as they’ve cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political views, threatened to deport American citizens, and defied the courts. They’ve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies.

On Saturday, June 14, we’re taking to the streets nationwide. We’re not gathering to feed his ego. We’re building a movement that leaves him behind. The flag doesn’t belong to Donald Trump. It belongs to us. We’re not watching history happen. We’re making it. On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t—to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings. Check out nokings.org for more information.
​
A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.

Rutherford: 11am - 1pm
Location- Rutherford County Courthouse, 229 N. Main St, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Sign-up... 

Henderson: 10am - 12pm
Location- Historic Courthouse, 1 Historic Courthouse Square, Hendersonville
Sign-up... 

Asheville:  10am - 12:30pm
Location- ​Martin Luther King Jr. Park
50 Martin Luther King Jr Drive
Sign-up...

Spindale: 9 - 11am
Location- Spindale House Lawn 
More info...
​Sign-up...

Columbus: 10am - 12pm
Location- Stearns Park in Columbus
Democratic Women's Club - Polk County Voices Matter
More info...



PicturePolk County Dems Headquarters in Columbus NC

We Believe...

  • Helping people in need strengthens our community
  • The health and safety of our neighbors are important
  • Censorship through book banning and teacher harassment harms public education
  • Capitalism is at its best when it works for everyone equally
  • My "freedoms" should not hurt or infringe on anyone else's "freedoms"
  • Racism and discrimination are wrong
  • Violence and hate are NOT "legitimate political discourse"
  • Government is not the enemy; Hate, fear and disinformation are the enemy
  • Rules and laws must apply to everyone equally
  • Climate change is a real and immediate danger