Lawyers, Guns & Money Blog: A Progressive Powerhouse of Political Commentary
Lawyers, Guns & Money (LGM) is a well-regarded progressive blog that blends political analysis, legal critique, historical insight, and cultural commentary. Since its founding in the early 2000s, LGM has become a go-to source for readers seeking nuanced and unapologetically leftist perspectives on current events, law, labor, and American politics. Named after a song by Warren Zevon, the blog is as sharp and unconventional as its title suggests.
A Brief History of the Blog
Founded in 2004, Lawyers, Guns & Money began as a collaborative project between a group of politically engaged academics. Among the original contributors were:
- Robert Farley – a professor of political science with a focus on defense policy and international relations.
- Scott Lemieux – a legal scholar specializing in constitutional law and judicial politics.
- Erik Loomis – a labor historian known for his deep dives into working-class struggles and environmental history.
The founders envisioned LGM as a platform to engage the public with thoughtful, rigorous, and frequently humorous commentary on issues that matter—from the Supreme Court to union strikes.
Key Focus Areas of LGM
What sets LGM apart is its range of content, academic expertise, and unapologetically progressive tone. The blog’s core themes include:
1. Politics and Governance
LGM covers U.S. politics with a critical eye on both Republican and Democratic parties. While the blog is generally supportive of progressive Democratic policies, it does not shy away from criticizing centrist compromises or institutional failures on the left.
Topics often include electoral strategy, campaign finance, legislative developments, and political corruption. The authors frequently challenge conventional wisdom in political journalism and emphasize the role of structural power in shaping policy outcomes.
2. Law and the Judiciary
Legal analysis is a cornerstone of LGM’s content. With contributors like Scott Lemieux, the blog excels at dissecting Supreme Court decisions, constitutional debates, and the implications of judicial appointments. LGM is particularly known for its critique of originalism and other conservative legal doctrines.
This makes it a valuable resource for readers interested in understanding how the courts influence everyday life, civil rights, and broader political trends.
3. Labor and Class Struggle
Erik Loomis leads the blog’s labor history and worker rights coverage. His posts frequently highlight historical labor movements, union activities, and the ongoing challenges facing the working class in a neoliberal economy.
His ongoing series "This Day in Labor History" brings attention to pivotal but often overlooked events in the labor movement, tying them to present-day struggles for fair wages, job security, and workplace justice.
4. Foreign Policy and Military Affairs
Robert Farley offers insights into U.S. foreign relations, military doctrine, and global security issues. His work bridges the gap between academia and the general public, offering accessible yet nuanced perspectives on international conflict, arms control, and the politics of war.
5. Pop Culture and Media Criticism
While politics and law are LGM’s bread and butter, the blog also features cultural commentary. Contributors write about sports, music, film, and TV—often analyzing the ways in which entertainment reflects or influences political ideologies and social norms.
Writing Style and Tone
LGM’s writing combines intellectual seriousness with sharp wit and irreverence. Posts range from long-form essays and historical analyses to short takes and memes. The blog’s tone is informal yet informed—often sarcastic, sometimes polemical, and always opinionated.
It’s this mix of humor and scholarship that keeps readers coming back. Whether skewering bad-faith arguments in conservative media or unpacking a complex judicial ruling, LGM offers analysis that is both smart and readable.
Community and Engagement
LGM boasts a strong, loyal readership. Its comment sections are known for lively, sometimes contentious debates among well-informed participants. Unlike many blogs that struggle to maintain meaningful engagement, LGM’s readers are active contributors to the conversation.
The blog also has a presence on social media platforms like Twitter/X, where contributors continue the discussion in real time and share additional commentary.
Influence and Reputation
Though LGM is not a mainstream media outlet, it holds substantial influence in academic, journalistic, and political circles. Its contributors are frequently cited in scholarly publications, policy discussions, and media outlets like The American Prospect, The Nation, and Dissent.
The blog has carved out a unique niche—part think tank, part public forum, and part irreverent watchdog of American politics and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the focus of Lawyers, Guns & Money?
A: LGM focuses on progressive analysis of law, politics, labor, history, and culture. It features commentary from academic experts who engage with both current events and broader systemic issues.
Q: Who writes for LGM?
A: Core contributors include Robert Farley (foreign policy), Scott Lemieux (constitutional law), and Erik Loomis (labor history), among others. Guest contributors also appear from time to time.
Q: Is LGM affiliated with a political organization?
A: No, LGM is independently run. While it espouses a leftist perspective, it is not formally aligned with any political party or institution.
Q: How often is new content posted?
A: LGM is updated multiple times daily with a mix of long-form articles, news reactions, cultural posts, and reader discussions.
Q: Is the blog free to read?
A: Yes, all content is freely accessible. However, readers can support the blog via Patreon or direct donations to help with hosting and contributor compensation.
Q: Where can I find LGM online?
A: Visit the blog at www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com. Contributors are also active on Twitter/X.
Conclusion
Lawyers, Guns & Money stands as a unique voice in the crowded landscape of political blogging. With its combination of academic rigor, progressive values, cultural commentary, and biting humor, LGM continues to inform, challenge, and entertain a devoted audience. For readers seeking a deeper understanding of the forces shaping American society—both past and present—LGM remains an essential destination.
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