Tag Archives: countermovements

Gun Appreciation Day and Martin Luther King’s birthday

Posted on January 15, 2013 by David S. Meyer

When an interviewer asked Larry Ward, a conservative media strategist, about the appropriateness of scheduling “Gun Appreciation Day” on January 19th, the holiday commemorating Martin Luther King, Ward was quick on his feet, if not particularly sure-footed.  Martin Luther King … Continue reading →

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Threat, polarization, and mobilization in the gun debate

Posted on January 11, 2013 by David S. Meyer

Until just a few weeks ago, the notion of a policy-relevant debate about access to guns seemed fanciful.  Supporters of relatively easy access to firearms of all sorts were resolute, and advocates of limits of any kind were either silent … Continue reading →

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Movement overreach in Michigan

Posted on December 12, 2012 by David S. Meyer

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder blamed the unions when he signed legislation designed to devastate them.  He said that he had no intention of pursuing “right to work” legislation in his state, because it would be controversial and divisive.  The last … Continue reading →

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Anti-Occupy demonstration in New York is tiny

Posted on September 21, 2012 by David S. Meyer

Anti-Occupy protesters turned up outside Rockefeller Center yesterday, demonstrating against those who would speak for the 99 percent.  The rally was organized by Americans for Prosperity, which was founded–and substantially funded–by the Koch brothers.  AFP was one of the most … Continue reading →

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Boycott everything!

Posted on August 2, 2012 by David S. Meyer

Chick-Fil-A had a good day yesterday, as supporters of president Dan Cathy’s* stance in support of “traditional” marriage lined up to buy chicken sandwiches.   Radio host and one-time Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee had urged his audience to stand up for … Continue reading →

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Boycott politics

Posted on July 23, 2012 by David S. Meyer

Chick Fil A is the most recent company to fall within the sites of a boycott campaign.  Dan Cathay, president of the fast food chicken restaurant chain founded by his father, reaffirmed his commitment to an evangelical approach to his … Continue reading →

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Presidents, opinion, and activism

Posted on May 16, 2012 by David S. Meyer

Last week President Obama announced that his evolution on gay marriage had culminated in his decision to support it.  This statement was a milestone for the gay and lesbian rights movement and for America, especially as it came when same … Continue reading →

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Healthcare politics outside the court

Posted on March 31, 2012 by David S. Meyer

Most public attention to health care reform turned to arguments in front of the Supreme Court.  But while journalists and analysts interpreted every question, pause, and eye roll from the Supreme Court justices, activists took health care politics outdoors, offering … Continue reading →

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Occupy and the politics of blame

Posted on October 20, 2011 by David S. Meyer

In wanting to speak for the “99 percent,” Occupy Wall Street–and its allied campaigns around the country–has defined a constituency and a target.  The argument is that the economy and government work for only a small percentage of Americans, and … Continue reading →

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Rapturous Provocation

Posted on May 19, 2011 by David S. Meyer

People protest in opposition to something.  When those opponents promise something particularly egregious, it’s easier to convince your supporters of a real threat and the necessity of taking to the streets. That’s why social movements activate their opponents.  Every potential … Continue reading →

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