Article: The Future Speaks: No Kings Day Dawns in Bali

In Sanur Beach, a handmade poster, a smiling waiter, and a hotel staff's unexpected enthusiasm reveal how a simple idea can spread-- informally, organically, and across oceans-- one day ahead of the United States.

It's already happening-- Bali is a day ahead, and "No Kings Day" is already taking shape here.

Last night, when I went to dinner with my friend Kristen in Sanur Beach, I brought a sheet of hotel stationery and my trusty Sharpie to make a poster. As I worked, one of the waiters-- who spoke very little English-- came over, studied what I was doing, broke into a huge smile and gave me two energetic thumbs up!

OEN Managing Editor Meryl Ann Butler creating a 'No Kings' poster in a Balinese restaurant.
(Image by Meryl Ann Butler) Details DMCA

After I finished it, Kristen and I went to the hotel's business office to ask if we could make copies. They told us they could print up to 30 for free. I asked for 20, mentioning we might come back later for the remaining 10-- and they told us, "For this one, we'll print as many as you want! Do you mind if we make copies for ourselves?"

They told us Bali has been significantly impacted economically in recent years-- and they clearly understood the message.

The two lovely gals in the hotel office, Dena and Ala, not only made our copies, but requested permission to make some for themselves!
(Image by Meryl Ann Butler) Details DMCA

We placed the posters just outside our hotel room, in a small sitting area along the main walkway, with a note: "Please take one if you'd like." Kristen and I-- and now, presumably, quite a few others as the posters circulate-- are each doing our own small part here in Bali, as people pick up posters and carry the message in their own way-- no central plan, just shared conviction.

When we tried to register our activity on NoKings.org, we received this message:
"The owner of this website (www.mobilize.us ) has banned the country or region your IP address is in (ID) from accessing this website."

So we can't officially report our participation-- but make no mistake: there is support here. From Americans in Bali-- and from the Balinese themselves.