CARBONDALE, Ill. — Former U.S. Congressman and former Southern Illinois University president Glenn Poshard, who currently serves on the John A. Logan College Board of Trustees, was a featured speaker Saturday at Carbondale’s No Kings rally, one of thousands of coordinated demonstrations held across the country in what organizers and national media described as the third major No Kings mobilization. Poshard also spoke at the No Kings 3.0 event that took place later Saturday in Marion.
Poshard, who serves on the John A. Logan College Board of Trustees, spoke at the rally as a private citizen. After addressing the crowd at Turley Park, where demonstrators lined the street and passing drivers honked in support, Poshard told The Volunteer he attended because of “the authoritarian approach to everything” he sees in national politics. He said he remains “a strong believer in the Constitution and the Declaration” and added, “I don’t want to sit on the sidelines and watch things happen that I don’t believe in in terms of our government.”
Poshard said the country is moving too far toward the political extremes. “I think in this country now, we’re gravitating toward the extremes,” he said. “And that’s dangerous for democracy.” He urged younger people to get involved in politics at the local level, saying, “As a young person today, what I would say to you is, become a precinct committeeman in your party. I don’t care what party you are.” He said government depends on compromise, adding, “If young people don’t get involved and say, ‘Look, we’re going to sit down at the kitchen table. We’re going to balance the checkbook here. You’re not going to get everything you want … But we’ll find a way to go forward,’ that’s what government is.”
During the interview, Leslie Lloyd approached and joined the conversation, identifying herself on the recording as “a constituent of the 12th Congressional District.” Lloyd told Poshard, “This was probably the best part of my day,” and added, “I just love talking about politics and also reminiscing about the past.” Poshard later emphasized civility in political disagreement, saying, “We’re not here to hate each other,” and told The Volunteer reporters, “I think you’ve chosen a profession that has real merit in terms of helping people understand things.”
Reported by Will Gwaltny and Skylar Howard. Devin Miller contributed editing and formatting.
Pamela smith • Mar 30, 2026 at 12:23 pm
Thank you so very much. Story I was unable to be there,