Standing for Liberty at the ‘No Kings’ Protest in Abilene
Posted June 20, 2025

On Saturday, June 14th, I had the opportunity to attend the “No Kings” protest right here in Abilene, Texas. Arriving just after 2:00 PM, I wore my “Freedom Above Everything” t-shirt—a personal reminder of what brought me there: a deep conviction that liberty must remain the foundation of our republic.

I parked across from City Hall and was immediately greeted by several Trump supporters standing peacefully in the lot. They were there as anti-protesters, but they were courteous, respectful, and reminded me of something important—while we may disagree on some issues, we are all Americans trying to be heard.

As I crossed the street and stepped into the heart of the rally, I was struck by the size and spirit of the crowd. Several hundred people had gathered, united not by political party, but by a shared concern for the direction of our country. It was peaceful. It was focused. And it was hopeful. Volunteers moved through the crowd offering water, making sure everyone stayed hydrated in the summer heat—small acts of care that reflect the decency at the core of this movement.

Throughout the afternoon, several speakers took to the mic to share their thoughts and experiences. But one speaker stood out. She was a lifelong Republican woman—over sixty, if I remember correctly—who captured the crowd’s attention with calm clarity and deep concern.

She spoke passionately about what she sees happening in Washington, D.C. Her message was not partisan but principled. She expressed alarm that many in Congress—especially in her own party—had surrendered too much power to the executive branch. Her words were a powerful reminder that freedom requires vigilance, no matter which party holds the reins.

Her most pointed concern centered on what she called the “Big Beautiful Bill” now making its way through Congress. She worried, as many do, about what this legislation could mean for Medicare—its structure, its funding, and its future sustainability. Her voice, steady and sincere, echoed a truth that transcends party: we must protect the most vulnerable in our society, and we must do it responsibly, with accountability, not unchecked authority.

That moment reminded me why I’m running for Congress. Not to serve a party—but to serve people. The people I met that day—Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Libertarians—showed that liberty-minded Texans are waking up. We are ready to stand against the growing power of Washington and fight for a government that listens to the people it serves.

Thank you to everyone who came out. And thank you especially to the woman who spoke with such courage and honesty. Your words continue to ring in my ears.

Let’s keep moving forward—together, and free.

Bernard Johnson