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

Korematsu Day, institutionalizing commemoration

Posted on January 30, 2014 by David S. Meyer

Korematsu Day is celebrated today, and I repost the entry from the first Korematsu Day in 2011. The formal inclusion of commemoration in our calendar is a mixed blessing.  On one hand, it marks a terrible period in our nation’s … Continue reading →

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Celebrate Pete Seeger

Posted on January 28, 2014 by David S. Meyer

Pete Seeger died on Monday at 94.  He had a long and full life, one that touched many other people and helped carry many causes.  We had the good fortune that he outlived many of his (many) enemies who would … Continue reading →

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Tea Party State of the Union response

Posted on January 27, 2014 by David S. Meyer

After President Barack Obama gives his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, and after Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (from Washington state) gives the Republican response, Senator Mike Lee (Republican from Utah) will give the Tea Party response.  Senator … Continue reading →

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The March for Life and the risks and rewards of institutionalization

Posted on January 24, 2014 by David S. Meyer

Many abortion opponents showed up for the annual March for Life in Washington, DC this past week, commemorating (mourning) the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that established abortion rights across the United States. I don’t know how many; the Park … Continue reading →

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Martin Luther King Day (2014)

Posted on January 19, 2014 by David S. Meyer

(This is a repost of the MLKing Day holiday note,  with an added image–at right–from the Mall in Washington, DC.  Have a good holiday.) Martin Luther King died young enough and dramatically enough to be turned into an American hero, … Continue reading →

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Thanks to Franklin McCain

Posted on January 11, 2014 by David S. Meyer

Franklin McCain died at the age of 73, another chance for the rest of us to appreciate his commitment and courage, and to say thank you to remind ourselves of what’s possible. McCain was one of the four freshmen (not … Continue reading →

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Activism in office

Posted on December 29, 2013 by David S. Meyer

Kshama Sawant joins the Seattle City Council this week, and her support for socialism seemed newsworthy to the editors of the New York Times. The headline notes that the election makes Sawant “a rare elected voice for socialism.”  Sawant campaigned … Continue reading →

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Anticipating backlash?

Posted on December 27, 2013 by David S. Meyer

Not that it’s impossible, but it’s hard for any government, particularly the US government, to take rights away.  What seems intractable, like laws mandating schools segregated by race or prohibitions on “interracial” marriage, disappear, and over time, so does polite … Continue reading →

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Same as it ever was?: Budget politics and the Tea Party

Posted on December 13, 2013 by David S. Meyer

Successful politicians sell out the movements that give them leverage, visibility, and power.  Until yesterday, when the House of Representatives passed a rather mundane two year budget bill that disappointed virtually everyone, the House Republican leadership, particularly Speaker John Boehner, … Continue reading →

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Are the movements in Ukraine and Thailand democratic?

Posted on December 10, 2013 by David S. Meyer

I don’t know enough about these cases to say. Clifford Bob, who knows more than I do, writes with concerns: I just read your blogpost on Ukraine and Thailand.  I was struck by that juxtaposition today also.  But one thing … Continue reading →

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