By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following the June 14th “No Kings” anti-Trump protests, which drew an estimated 4 to 6 million participants nationwide, a new wave of demonstrations is planned for July 17th under the banner “Good Trouble Lives On.” These protests, organized by groups like Good Trouble Lives On and the 50501 Movement, aim to oppose the Trump administration’s actions on civil rights, attacks on marginalized communities, and cuts to social programs. The planned demonstrations will take place in numerous cities across the U.S., continuing the momentum of previous national protests against the Trump administration.
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A “National Day of Action” against former President Trump is planned for July 17th, and the scheduling of this protest is sparking considerable debate. While the intention is clearly to maintain momentum from previous demonstrations, concerns are being raised regarding the choice of a Thursday, a weekday that may significantly limit participation for many. The potential impact of reduced turnout on the perception of the movement’s strength is a major worry.
This concern stems from the reality that many people work during the week and cannot easily take time off, potentially leading to a much smaller crowd than if the protest were held on a weekend. The fear is that a smaller turnout could be misinterpreted by the media and opponents as a sign of waning support, damaging the movement’s narrative and momentum.
Some are arguing that a weekday protest sends the wrong message, potentially undermining the progress made by previous demonstrations. The belief is that significant impact requires a level of consistent, widespread engagement that a single, weekday protest may not achieve. The argument is that a more substantial and sustained showing of public dissent is required to truly challenge the political establishment.
Others counter this point by highlighting the significance of continuing the momentum, regardless of the day of the week. The importance of sustained activism and public display of opposition to Trump’s influence and ideology is seen as paramount. The July 17th demonstration is presented as a crucial step in that ongoing process, and the smaller turnout is viewed as a less significant issue than the act of continued protest itself.
The debate also touches upon the broader effectiveness of protest methods. While street demonstrations are important, some argue that a more impactful approach would involve strategies that directly disrupt the flow of capital and economic power, which they believe to be the true source of influence for the political figures targeted.
Several commenters suggest that only impactful economic disruptions, such as boycotts of businesses, will gain the attention of those they aim to oppose. The current approach, involving intermittent protests, is considered insufficient to create significant change and is contrasted with more sustained activist movements in other countries.
A frequent point of contention is the lack of regular, sustained protests. Several commenters suggest that daily or at least weekly protests are necessary to build and maintain momentum. The current sporadic schedule is seen as too infrequent to produce meaningful, lasting change. The contrast is drawn with sustained weekly movements in the past which have demonstrably created significant change.
The July 4th, a day of significant national symbolism, is also brought up. Some suggest this date would have been a more powerful and symbolically resonant occasion for a demonstration, given its historical weight. Others counter that choosing this date may present various challenges.
Despite the concerns about the weekday timing, there’s a clear sense of determination to continue the protests. The July 17th event is seen as part of a longer-term strategy, rather than a singular event. Many express a commitment to ongoing activism, even if it is not always visible on a large scale.
However, the challenges of balancing participation, maximizing impact, and sustaining momentum remain central to the discussion surrounding the July 17th protest. The ongoing debate reflects the complexities of organizing and maintaining effective social and political movements. The success of the July 17th protest, and future actions, will hinge on navigating these intricate considerations.