Tomorrow is No Kings Day, and I will be attending the demonstration at Reservoir Park here in Lancaster. I’ll be handing out colorful paperclips and this flyer:
đź“Ž WEAR A PAPERCLIP ON NO KINGS DAY
A small symbol with a big story
On No Kings Day, we remind ourselves that no leader — past, present, or future — should be treated like royalty. Democracy works best when we stay grounded, skeptical of myths, and committed to truth over hero‑worship.
That’s why today, I invite you to wear a paperclip.
Why a paperclip?
Because the humble paperclip has one of the funniest and most revealing stories in modern history.
During World War II, Norwegians wore paperclips on their lapels as a quiet symbol of unity and resistance against authoritarian rule. The clip stood for binding together, staying connected, and refusing to be intimidated.
After the war, a national myth grew that Norway had invented the paperclip — a story repeated so often that it became accepted truth, even though the familiar “Gem” clip was actually British. They actually erected a monument to the paperclip in Oslo. The myth wasn’t malicious; it was comforting. It felt good. It made a simple object seem heroic.
But it wasn’t true.
Why it matters today
The paperclip reminds us how easily myths form — how quickly a simple idea can be inflated into legend, and how tempting it is to rewrite history to flatter those in power.
Wearing a paperclip today says:
- We choose facts over flattering stories
- We resist the urge to crown heroes or kings
- We stand together as citizens, not subjects
- We remember that simple ideas don’t make someone a genius — they make them human
Join us
Clip one to your shirt, jacket, or bag. Wear it proudly. Let it say what needs saying:
No kings. No myths. No coronations. Just democracy — held together by all of us.
đź“Ž Take a paperclip. Take a stand.
Peace & Love, and all of the above,
Earl
earlthepearl137 
I did not know this story about the paper clip! Will wear one tomorrow here in Long Beach!
I just learned the story myself, and when I read it, I thought it was the perfect story to share for No Kings Day. The idea of the simple paperclip symbolizing solidarity against Authoritarianism was just too perfect to pass up. Maybe if we keep spreading the story, tens of millions of us will be wearing colorful paperclips by November. Have a good day at your local demonstration. It should be very enjoyable and safe with I.C.E. relegated to the airports.
Well said, Earl! I’ve worn a paperclip on my hat all of this year and most of last. See you at the protests.
No kings. Not yesterday, today, or tomorrow.
Be safe, and be loud.
To me the paper clip means that my platform is complete; I won’t leave anything out. It is better than those endless ribbons. Wish I could get out and protest. Keep up the good work. Bonnie Schiffer Â
It was a beautiful sunny day here in Lancaster. Chilly, but sunny. I planned on taking the bus to the park, even though it was only 5 blocks away, because they are long blocks, and I’m using a walker nowadays. Then, my friend Joe, who, unfortunately, is a Trump supporter drove over and picked me up. I’m glad he did, because he was shocked to see the huge turnout. Since he’s on a steady diet of Fox Faux News, he didn’t realize how unpopular Trump really is. It was a real pleasure to see the stunned look on his face when he saw the entire park completely covered with people who would gleefully dance on Trump’s grave.