Tag Archives: commemoration

Martin Luther King Day (2013): The advantages of dead heroes

Posted on January 21, 2013 by David S. Meyer

(Today’s presidential inauguration lands on the Martin Luther King Day holiday.  This is a repost on the no-longer contested King holiday.) Martin Luther King died young enough and dramatically enough to be turned into an American hero, but it was … Continue reading →

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A day for labor

Posted on September 1, 2012 by David S. Meyer

For Labor Day Weekend, here’s a reminder about the history of this commemoration in America (reposted from 2011). Successful politicians exploit, buy off, and sell out the movements that sometimes buoy their campaigns.  This American story is an old one, … Continue reading →

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A day for Labor

Posted on September 7, 2011 by David S. Meyer

Successful politicians exploit, buy off, and sell out the movements that sometimes buoy their campaigns.  This American story is an old one, and it’s one that leaves activists disappointed, wary, and cynical, even especially about the politicians who do the … Continue reading →

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Cesar Chavez Day

Posted on March 26, 2011 by David S. Meyer

On my campus, we commemorated Cesar Chavez Day early, yesterday, rather than March 31 (his birthday), by closing.  The state established the holiday in 2000, and six other states have followed suit.  In California, the legislature calls upon public schools … Continue reading →

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Korematsu Day: The Politics of Vindication

Posted on January 31, 2011 by David S. Meyer

Today Californians celebrate the first Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution.  Represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, Korematsu challenged the constitutionality of relocating and interning Japanese Americans during World War II.  Three Supreme Court Justices agreed … Continue reading →

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Roe v. Wade commemorations

Posted on January 25, 2011 by David S. Meyer

Visitors to Washington, DC can choose either an anti-abortion or abortion rights demonstration this week. The March for Life started with a rally on the National Mall, then activists marched to the Supreme Court to protest Roe v. Wade, praying … Continue reading →

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