What Democracy Sounds Like

Rhonda J. Miller

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POLITICS

Americans are taking to the streets and town halls to protest the gutting of federal agencies and programs millions of people depend on to maintain health, home and family. Drastic cuts to education, healthcare, national security, veterans benefits and international programs have ignited a movement to save the nation's endangered democracy.

OCT 20

Protestors Say 'No Kings' and 'No Fascists': Clarksville, Tennessee, October 18, 2025

Send us a text Crowds of demonstrators lined a major commercial thoroughfare in Clarksville, Tennessee on Oct. 18 protesting actions by the Trump administration related to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, healthcare, education, immigration raids by ICE and the use of the National Guard in U.S. cities. The Clarksville demonstration was part of the ‘No Kings’ nationwide protest that brought out an estimated seven million people in 2,700 cities and towns across America. Clarksville is near Fort Campbell, a sprawling Army post that spans the Tennessee/Kentucky border. Demonstrators lining up along Wilma Rudolph Blvd. included high school and college students, working professionals, parents with children in strollers, older Americans and military veterans. The Oct. 18 protests happened during a U.S. government shutdown when most federal employees were not being paid. Support the show

5 min
AUG 27

Republican Congressman a 'No Show' at Town Hall: Goodlettsville, Tennessee, August 20, 2025

Send us a text Concerned about cuts to Medicaid, the possible closing of area hospitals, cuts to SNAP food programs for children, immigration, the impending worker shortage affecting farmers, tariffs, the cost of groceries, reproductive freedom and threats to American democracy, about 70 people showed up at the Goodlettsville Branch of Nashville Public Library on Aug. 20. The Town Hall held at the library 15 miles north of Nashville was planned as a way for area residents to get information about issues in Congress from Tennessee's 6th District Congressman Republican John Rose. The only presence of Congressman Rose was a photo on an empty chair in front of the room. He was a 'no show' even though an organizer of the event said speaker requests were filed on the Congressman's website and emails and phone calls were made to his office. There was no reply. So the group got information from two panelists, Kiran Sreepada and Marissa King, Tennesseans with expertise in government issues. Longtime nurse Mary Jane Bidwell said if Rose was serving his constituents, he wouldn't be afraid to show up in person. Bidwell said as an advocate for the most vulnerable, including transgender people and residents on Medicaid, "Shame on me if I don't speak up and speak out." Kiran Sreepada said one of his current advocacy projects is working with the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. He said many immigrants in the state are scared due to ICE raids and because some who have been granted asylum hearings are picked up when they show up for their court date. Tomesia Day said one of the issues she's most concerned about is reproductive health for women. Twenty-year-old Trent Benge, membership director for Tennessee Young Democrats, said he's concerned about the attack on democracy. He said he's also keeping up the fight for his 16-year-old transgender brother, who can't get the care he needs in Tennessee. So his father, mother and brother moved to Colorado earlier this year. Organizations supporting the area Town Hall meetings, and efforts to make Tennessee a more inclusive and equitable place for all, include Indivisible Nashville, Indivisible Sumner County, East Nashtivists and the National Women's Political Caucus of Tennessee. A 6th Congressional District Town Hall Follow Up will be held at Tailgate Brew Works in Hendersonville on Thursday, Sept. 4. Support the show

6 min
JUN 16

'No Kings' in the USA: Cape Girardeau, Missouri, June 14, 2025

Send us a text An estimated 500 people protested at Freedom Corner at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on June 14. The protest was one of about 2,000 demonstrations nationwide that brought an estimated 5 million people to the streets. The “No Kings” mass mobilization opposes authoritarian measures by President Donald Trump and his administration. The Cape Girardeau protest fanned out from a central point at Freedom Corner around a replica of the Stature of Liberty. The statue was placed there by the Boy Scouts of America in 1950. Cape Girardeau, a town on the Mississippi River about 100 miles southeast of St. Louis, has a veterans’ home that cares for 150 people. The "No Kings" protest at Cape Girardeau included many military veterans, easily identified by messages on signs or T-shirts. “No Kings” demonstrators at Cape Girardeau included a few 17-year-olds eager to vote in next election, some families with young children and many people in their 60s and 70s stunned by the Trump administration's attack on the foundations of democracy. Concerns expressed by signs and conversations included the administration's failure to honor court decisions, rounding up immigrants without due process, and budget cuts to programs in healthcare, nutrition and veterans benefits. The June 14 protests across the U.S. were on the day of a military parade in Washington, D.C., organized by Trump, that cost up to an estimated $45 million in taxpayer money. Support the show

5 min
MAY 3

Democracy in Danger: Franklin, Kentucky, May 1, 2025

Send us a text Shouting the warning that America is in danger of losing its fundamental rights of free speech, the rule of law and due process, demonstrators took to the picturesque town square in Franklin, Kentucky to protest actions by President Donald Trump and his administration. They were students and workers and retired professionals, all aware of the signs of an authoritarian attack on American democracy. Protestors expressed concerns about potentially drastic cuts to Social Security, education, healthcare, environmental programs and international agreements. Some took to the streets for the first time, uplifted by the honking horns of support from passing drivers and the group enthusiasm. Others renewed political engagment that began decades ago during the Vietnam war and the civil rights movement. Franklin, Kentucky protestors were among thousands demonstrating in cities and town across America on May Day, traditionally a time to show support for workers' rights. May Day 2025 had a broader focus with people from a wide range of ages, lifestyles and professions. The day's protesters chanted the distress signal, "May Day, May Day" used by airplane pilots and boat captains to signal immediate danger. On this day, it was a distress signal for American democracy. Support the show

6 min
APR 23

Standing Up for Democracy: Nashville, Tennessee, April 19, 2025

Send us a text The grassroots uprising against the policies of President Donald Trump and his administration brought an estimated 2,500 people onto the streets of Nashville, Tennessee on April 19. Protesters lined up along West End Avenue, spilling outward from a central point between Centennial Park and Vanderbilt University. They carried signs like "United against Trump," “Navy veteran fighting Trump’s tyranny” and “Accept that Trump is an agent of Putin tasked with weakening the U.S. and everything he does suddenly makes sense." They chanted “‘Hey, hey, ho, ho, Donald Trump has got to go” and ”This is what democracy looks like.” The April 19 demonstration was part of a nationwide social action criticizing the Trump administration and its drastic cuts to programs for health, education, the military, national security, veterans benefits and international relations. Small business owners, students, veterans, social workers, retirees and health care professionals at the Nashville protest cited concerns about budget cuts and the firing of thousands of federal employees impacting families, businesses and individuals. Many at the Nashville protest said they’re stunned by how the Trump administration is ignoring the rule of law, deporting people without due process and slashing the foundations of democracy. Newsweek reported that organizers of the nationwide event said more than three million people protested in cities and towns across the U.S. The group 50501, which stands for 50 protests in 50 states for one united cause, was a main coordinator of the April 19 event. Third Act Tennessee was one of the organizers of the Nashville protest titled "Never Again is Now." Support the show

5 min
APR 12

Taking Democracy to the Streets: New York, April 5, 2025

Send us a text Thousands of people chanted "This is what democracy looks like" as they boldly marched through New York City to protest President Donald Trump's cuts to programs that impact the health, safety, education, financial security and the international reputation of America. The peaceful march was part of a coordinated effort across the U.S. on April 5 as many Americans grow increasingly impatient with the lack of action by Congress to protect basic American values and the rule of law. Support the show

5 min

6 Episodes

Americans are taking to the streets and town halls to protest the gutting of federal agencies and programs millions of people depend on to maintain health, home and family. Drastic cuts to education, healthcare, national security, veterans benefits and international programs have ignited a movement to save the nation's endangered democracy.

Creator

Rhonda J. Miller
Years Active

2K
Episodes

6
Rating

Clean
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© 2025 What Democracy Sounds Like
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What Democracy Sounds Like