Monthly Archives: March 2025

Cesar Chavez Day, 2025

Commemoration of Cesar Chavez Day is an annual ritual in California–and in Politics Outdoors. The day is a chance to reflect on Chavez, the movement he led, which continues, and the issues he and that movement addressed. (It also seems to … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Moral choices to resist generally come unannounced

The Trump Resistance I featured large numbers of people who went out of their way to confront legal and moral threats. Millions turned out for demonstrations, when they could have stayed at home. Thousands braved traffic or mass transit to … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

When victims try to bargain

Columbia University’s surrender to the Trump Administration’s initial demands was unsurprising; its enthusiasm in raising the White flag was. Columbia’s administration announced a raft of new policies on free speech, student discipline, admissions, and academic administration, all in hopes of … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Columbia University negotiates with terrorists: The Trump Administration

Taking hostages is an act of terror. Kidnappers hold more and less innocents to gain attention, extort money, and bully others into doing something they don’t want to do. Taking hostages is morally reprehensible and widely recognized as a war … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Examples and education for higher ed and the rest of us

The Trump administration was very clear that Mahmoud Khalil was an example; ICE officers arrested, jailed, and planned deportation to teach everyone else a lesson. The government intends to deport Khalil, a legal permanent resident (green card), because he had … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Strategizing an Opposition in Trump II

I get more calls from journalists in turbulent political times, generally when there’s interest in figuring out viable political and protest strategies. In the last week or so, I’ve commented on a consumer boycott announced by a thus far marginal … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment