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

Tipping Points and a “No Fly Zone” in Libya

Posted on March 23, 2011 by David S. Meyer

The Arab Spring has played out differently in each country in which it appeared, largely a function of just who is willing to defect from supporting the regime and throw in with the dissidents.  In Egypt, the military was willing … Continue reading →

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Where’s the Peace Movement: The Problem of Urgency, Exhibit B

Posted on March 21, 2011 by David S. Meyer

Antiwar activists have had a hard time agreeing on goals and strategies and commanding public attention.  This is striking, particularly when President Obama has just engaged American military forces in action in Libya, while the wars continue in Iraq and … Continue reading →

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GLBT Fundraising Falters: The Problem of Urgency, Exhibit A

Posted on March 20, 2011 by David S. Meyer

It was a good year for the gay and lesbian movement.  The last few years have included policy victories: the end of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell in the military, a few favorable court decisions, and the institution of same sex … Continue reading →

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Global Antinuclear Revival

Posted on March 18, 2011 by David S. Meyer

No nuclear plant outside Japan is less safe today than it was before the horrific earthquake/tsunami combination that unleashed an unfolding nuclear nightmare in Japan. But the accidents in Japan underscore the risks of planning only for crises that might … Continue reading →

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Out of the (Sesame) Street and into the Capitol

Posted on March 17, 2011 by David S. Meyer

The Sesame Street cast and crew appeared in Washington DC yesterday, to lobby against cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The House has already voted to zero out the appropriation, which totals about $420 million dollars. Although that’s a … Continue reading →

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Nuclear Power and Protest

Posted on March 16, 2011 by David S. Meyer

The continuing disaster in Japan hasn’t closed the nuclear debate in the United States, even as many national political figures, including President Barack Obama, have been trying to invigorate the nuclear power industry. This is a social movement story. In … Continue reading →

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On Wisconsin: After Defeat, Activists Pick New Arenas

Posted on March 12, 2011 by David S. Meyer

When a door closes, start trying the windows.  A defeat in Wisconsin has spurred a new wave of activism, and advocates have turned their attention beyond the state senate. In the United States, when activists lose a battle in one … Continue reading →

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Investigating Religions: Congress, Muslims, and Terror

Posted on March 10, 2011 by David S. Meyer

I’m deeply troubled by the hearings in the House of Representatives that opened today, “The Extent of Radicalization in the American Muslim Community and that Community’s Response.”  Initiated by Representative Peter King, a Republican from Long Island, it’s hard to … Continue reading →

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Irvine 11 update

Posted on March 10, 2011 by David S. Meyer

Nothing’s happened, but there’s plenty of news.  Coverage continues this morning on NPR. Recall (post here): The Irvine 11 are students who disrupted Israeli ambassador Michael Oren’s speech here at UCI.  After facing discipline on campus, they now face criminal … Continue reading →

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The Hidden Camera: Technology, Testimony, and Truth

Posted on March 9, 2011 by David S. Meyer

Conservative hidden camera insurgent, James O’Keefe, has notched a victory on his own checkered activist scorecard, taking down the CEO of National Public Radio, Vivian Schiller, who resigned under pressure this morning. Pretending to be a potential donors (funneling money … Continue reading →

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