Claims (Emily)

Regan was sworn into office for a second term around the same time that the MOVE firebombing occurred. Throughout his campaign, he would mention that he was "Barry Goldwater's heir." Goldwater, a republican presidential nominee in 1964, was a voice for the people who were opposed to the Civil Rights Act because they believed that it was in the jurisdiction of the sovereign rights of the states to control the laws, not the federal government. While Regan only opposed the federal government mandating these laws, it is sometimes misconstrued as Regan not being in support of equal rights for minorities. This could have been the case with MOVE, causing them to hoard weapons, not follow orders, and get involved in a standoff with officials.

Nonconformist groups are typically feared by government officials. The mayor of Philadelpia could have had the impression that MOVE was a nonconformist group because MOVE would not follow police orders and requests to be quiet. This could have lead to the altercation that later percipitated.