Miami Model

n. a method of diminishing political protests by applying laws or methods designed to combat terrorism, especially those involving heavy use of non-lethal force. Subjects: English, United States, Law, Police

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Citations: 2003 Naomi Klein Globe and Mail (Toronto, Can.) (Nov. 25) “The war on dissent; Heavy-handed police and propaganda tactics brought Baghdad to Miami” p. A21: In order for the Miami Model to work, the police first had to establish a connection between legitimate activists and dangerous terrorists. 2004 Bret Bell @ Savannah, Ga. Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville) (May 16) “Are protesters even going to show up?” p. A1: Many say they don’t want to subject themselves again to heavy-handed police tactics on display in Miami last fall during protests over the Free Trade Area of the Americas agreement—an aggressive approach to activists now referred to as the “Miami Model.” 2004 Indymedia (Aug. 22) “Indymedia Film Premiere: The Miami Model”: Among protestors, it has inspired a new phrase to describe the ruthless crushing of protests—"The Miami Model.” Protestors were attacked with rubber bullets, pepper spray, electric tazer guns, and shock batons, all coordinated by the new United States Department of Homeland Security, and paid for by an $8.5 million line item within the $87 billion appropriation for the Iraq war.

Posted 24 Aug 04 | Permalink | Tell a Friend