Area protestors again gather in Biddeford

By RANDY SEAVER | Editor

A small group of roughly 25 area residents once again gathered Thursday near the corner of Main and Water streets in Biddeford to let passing motorists know how they feel about various national political issues, from wealth inequality to the military conflict in Iran and concerns about policies being put into place over the last two years by President Donald Trump and his supporters.

The so-called “No Kings” rallies became part of an organic, grassroots movement that first began picking up steam only a few months after the president was elected in November 2024.

On a beautiful Friday afternoon — the first day of May — the protestors seemed energetic but also relaxed and enjoying the mild temperatures.

Many of those protesting are regular attendees of the weekly gathering near one of the city’s busiest intersections.

James and Sandra Katz of Saco said they try to attend the regular rallies as often as possible.

James Katz is a Vietnam veteran who was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969.

“I went to Vietnam so that President Trump didn’t have to put on a uniform and put his life on the line in defense of our great nation,” Katz said while holding a small, simple black and white sign that read “Say No to Tyranny.”

**SANDRA & JAMES KATZ** of Saco are regular attendees of the anti-President Trump rallies that routinely take place near the intersection of Main and Water streets in Biddeford. James Katz is a Vietnam veteran who says he served in the U.S. Army so that Trump would not have to go. The president received five deferments during the draft, including one for a medical condition, bone-spurs. | *Randy Seaver photo*

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When asked what he believes is current government tyranny, Katz pointed to what he described as an escalating erosion of individual liberties and American ideals regarding choice and self-determination.

“The principles I fought for in Vietnam are fading right here – right now – in the United States,” Katz said. “Yes, it makes me angry.”

“I went to Vietnam so that
President Trump didn’t have
to put on a uniform.”
— James Katz, Saco

Katz said that his service in Vietnam continued a family tradition of military service that stretches back three generations.

“Both my father and grandfather served in the Army Infantry,” Katz said proudly.

The Paul family of Biddeford was well represented at Friday’s demonstration, including Any Paul, Pris Paul and Chris Paul.

Kennebunk residents Becky Palmer and Gae Carbone also attended the rally, and said Friday’s warming temperatures made an “important and necessary” event even more satisfying.

“It’s nice being outdoors on a day like today,” Palmer said,

During our brief time at the rally, we noted an overwhelming majority of passing motorists were willing to sound their horns and yell message s of support and admiration to the protestors.

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