>[WS:] I do not there is a shred of historical evidence that social
>programs - in this country and elsewhere - were enacted as a result
>of social movement, let alone street protest. In most cases, they
>were brought by reformers in the government itself.
What about the eight hour day? It wasn't a "social program" I guess, but it was a fundamental and long fought for sea-change. Saying it was brought by government reform is like saying children are brought by obstetricians.