Author Archives: David S. Meyer

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About David S. Meyer

Author and professor of Sociology and Political Science at the University of California, Irvine

Thugs, Threats, and Repression

Rutgers University historian Mark Bray has fled the country, relocating with his family to Spain this week. Bray hasn’t been arrested, indicted, or placed on one of Donald Trump’s enemies list; his health and welfare–and that of his family–have been … Continue reading

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Jimmy Kimmel, free speech, and turning points

When the Trump episode (epoch?) in American life ends, the brief suspension of a late night talk show host may well mark the turning point when Republicans and conservatives began to abandon this president’s authoritarian aspirations. And why not? It’s … Continue reading

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Searching for Solidarity in Higher Education (1)

I want to know what we’re doing to save higher education in America from the Trump Administration. Tell me what you know about. Here’s what I’ve seen: The victims of the Trump Administration’s scattershot but relentless campaign against America’s colleges … Continue reading

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Labor Day (repost and rewritten)

(2021) Here’s a repost and re-edit of some thoughts about Labor Day and its origins. As long as I’ve been aware, Labor has faced a moment of crisis–an extended moment. But things can always get worse and even more urgent. … Continue reading

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Froze and reversed the arms race: anniversary, repost.

I’m reposting this reminder about the massive nuclear freeze march, part of an important campaign in the 1980s. Of course, nuclear weapons are rarely the most salient story today, when a war rages in Ukraine, activists across the country demonstrate … Continue reading

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How the LA protests might work for activists and politicians. A note on strategy.

The fallout from the immigration protests in Los Angeles that started this weekend will play out for a long while, far long than the protests–which are likely to continue and, maybe, change form in the next few days and nights. … Continue reading

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Polarization and the National Guard

President Trump federalized the National Guard, promising to promote public order and protect Immigration agents in Los Angeles. You see, protesters had turned up to bear witness and maybe stop the wholesale detention (and deportation) of masses of people who … Continue reading

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Kent State Anniversary (May 4, 1970, revised and reposted)

This is a repost of a report on the Kent State shootings, on occasion of an anniversary. At the end, I’ve added a bit on Neil Young’s emblematic song, which helped keep the memory alive. As I write in 2025, … Continue reading

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May Day 2025, it’s not just labor…

This is a repost and edit of an earlier post. As always, May Day is an international day of protest for workers rights.  Below is a picture of a march at a courthouse in Philadelphia. CBS News has posted great … Continue reading

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Harvard fronts a defense of higher education

Not for the first time, the Onion’s headline said it all…almost. Hang onto whatever personal or political gripes you might have with Harvard University; surely, they must be justified. Still, let’s recognize that the nation’s oldest and richest (endowment >$60b) … Continue reading

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