OPINION: In America, there are no kings

On March 28, people across the country will come together once again for a “No Kings Day March” to declare, as we have for the last 250 years, that in America, we have no kings.

We invite you to join us, as so much is on the line. From a deadly war overseas to a lawless administration creating chaos at home, our democracy is being tested like never before.

Because what is happening right now is not normal. It is not normal for a president to undermine the Constitution, to erode public trust in our institutions and to undermine the basic civil liberties of our people. It is not normal to see families living in fear, communities destabilized and basic rights being called into question. And, it is not normal for the government to turn its back on its own people, while creating chaos at home and abroad.

Across the country, families are struggling and living in fear — the cost of groceries, gas, rent and health care are stretching families to the breaking point. At the same time, the administration is gutting essential programs our communities rely on to survive — including food, housing and health care — and unleashing violence and chaos across our communities.

Meanwhile, the president is waging a dangerous and unauthorized war in the Middle East, straining global alliances and putting our national security at risk. These actions are not making our country stronger — they are weakening our standing and endangering lives across the globe.

This is not leadership. This is not the America we know.

And, this is why “No Kings Day” matters.

It’s about standing up — not just in protest, but in defense of something bigger: the idea that power in this country belongs to the people, and not to any one individual.

In New Mexico, we understand that. Our state leaders are on the front lines defending our democracy. Our state is taking action to secure our elections, to protect our health care, and make New Mexico the first state in the nation to guarantee free child care and higher education.

Together, we are showing what it means to come together for our democracy, for our rights and for our communities. And, we are showing that as Americans — we will not accept fear, division and chaos as the new normal.

Because we deserve better. Our democracy demands better. And, our future demands that we stand up in this moment.

So, on March 28, we encourage New Mexicans across the state to join us in Albuquerque at Montgomery Park (3700 San Mateo Blvd NE) at 11 a.m. to raise your voices, stand together and reaffirm what makes this nation strong.

No kings. Just people. And, a democracy that is worth fighting for.

Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-New Mexico, has represented New Mexico 1st congressional district since 2021. Deb Haaland, is the former secretary of the Interior and New Mexico congresswoman. She is a New Mexico Democratic gubernatorial candidate.