Sigh of Relief After Mostly Peaceful Protests

Dear Editor,   June 14, 2025

America deserves a pat on the back for June 14th’s mostly peaceful protests! 

I, as well as probably millions of Americans breathed a huge sigh of relief after the No Kings Protests/Military Parade/Trump’s Birthday events! 

We worried before and throughout the day whether widespread violence would burn neighborhoods down and signal the beginning of weeks of bloody riots or worse. 

Did we (temporarily) dodge a bullet? 

Perhaps.  And that is something we should seriously ponder.             

But both sides for the most part showed restraint and demonstrated how protest and free speech are supposed to work.             

My hope and prayer are that all sides can reflect on the peace and success of June 14, 2025 and build on it. 

The coming days, months, and years demand introspection. Disagreement does not have to spiral into division; division need not fester into hate; and hate must never explode into violence.

We have the capacity to be better. To reflect on this moment of peace and draw lessons from it is not just a hope but a responsibility for the millions who witnessed this day unfold.

Leighton Loo

Mililani, Oahu