Monthly Archives: September 2016

Persistence, part III: William Barber is ready

Posted on September 28, 2016 by David S. Meyer

As the demonstration and discussions about the killing of Keith Scott continued, The New York Times found an activist voice to explain what was going on. On the Op-Ed page, Rev. Dr. William Barber published “Why are we protesting in Charlotte,”  … Continue reading →

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Persistence, part II: Kaepernick’s anthem protest and police violence

Posted on September 26, 2016 by David S. Meyer

Most attempted campaigns stall out quickly, but sometimes… Almost no one noticed when San Francisco 49 back-up quarterback Colin Kaepernick started his protest of police violence. Conservative media and the professional football commentariat pilloried Kaepernick, suggesting that his protest was … Continue reading →

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Persistence, part I: Charlotte videos

Posted on September 25, 2016 by David S. Meyer

The big story that activists always face is one in which authorities tell them that their efforts are inappropriate, ill-considered, and ineffective–or even counterproductive. (And, sometimes, they are.) It takes a certainty that comes from courage, social support, and stubborness to keep at … Continue reading →

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Where’s Occupy? (five years on….)

Posted on September 22, 2016 by David S. Meyer

What happened to the amazing movement that captured public attention five years ago? Last Saturday was the anniversary of the day the first Occupiers ambled marched through lower Manhattan and ambled into Zuccotti Park–where they stayed for two months, inspiring … Continue reading →

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The repressive power of tolerance

Posted on September 10, 2016 by David S. Meyer

One way protest works is by provoking overreaction from opponents. Remember, Colin Kaepernick sat out the national anthem for three days before anyone noticed. It was the reaction from people who took offense that drew attention to the quarterback and–to … Continue reading →

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The risks of standing out–by sitting down

Posted on September 5, 2016 by David S. Meyer

San Francisco 49er quarterback and national anthem dissenter Colin Kaepernick stands to earn more than $10 million this year, and most of it is guaranteed–unlike the contracts for most professional football players. This very substantial sum belies the very serious … Continue reading →

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Labor Day 2016

Posted on September 5, 2016 by David S. Meyer

For Labor Day Weekend, here’s a reminder about the history of this commemoration in America (reposted from 2011–with a postscript about new labor efforts). Successful politicians exploit, buy off, and sell out the movements that sometimes buoy their campaigns.  This … Continue reading →

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