On October 18, between 2 to 5:30 p.m., thousands took to the streets at the No Kings protest at the Capitol. The protestors were protesting President Trump and his government’s illiberal, king-like policies. This protest is said to be one of the biggest protests in history. With 20,000 to 30,000 people in attendance, in Austin, people from all walks of life shared their feelings peacefully with homemade signs, inflatable costumes, and American flags. 

Unfortunately, despite being an 18-year-old adult, I was not able to attend the protest. I was told that I could go, but not alone due to recent instances of politically driven violence at protests. It is 2025, not 1933. The fact that my family is worried about my safety when it comes to freedom of speech is terrifying. We as Americans shouldn’t have to feel the need to prepare to be beaten up, tear gassed, and detained just for speaking out on our beliefs. 

To think that in 2004, not very long ago, I wouldn’t have had to write a paper on my lack of safety at a peaceful protest is sad. I was told that if it was back in the day, I would have been able to attend the protest. The fact that it is not okay now, in 2025, is very upsetting. 

Outside of the vast lakes and rolling hills of Austin, on October 15, journalists left the Pentagon due to government-imposed restrictions. The restrictions, written in a pledge, stated that journalists were to “refrain from reporting information not authorised for release by the US Department of War.”  When asked about this, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the new rules are just “common sense.”

As a proud student-journalist who is planning on minoring in journalism in college, this makes me enraged. These recent political events directly go against the First Amendment, which says “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.” The fact that the government told journalists at the Pentagon that they were not allowed to report on key global issues, such as America’s interference with foreign affairs, without explicit approval is sickening. Americans want to know what is happening in their country. Americans deserve to know what’s happening in their country. The fact that the government thinks it’s okay to directly impose restrictions on freedom of press is not only disheartening to all those who wish to seek the truth, but a slap-in-the-face to all those who worked to make America as free of a country as possible.  

Yet, these events have taught me something. It is important to stand your ground and fight for what you believe in. It is in times like this, that sticking together is important. Whether it be protests, writing letters to local politicians, or even writing stories like this, always remember that the pen is mightier than the sword.