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Dennis Donovan

(31,059 posts)
14. Syracuse.com: 'Do not get discouraged': Obama urges universities and law firms to stand up to Trump
Fri Apr 4, 2025, 09:35 AM
Apr 2025
Syracuse.com - (archived: https://archive.ph/eYYzh ) ‘Do not get discouraged’: Obama urges universities and law firms to stand up to Trump

Updated: Apr. 04, 2025, 6:52 a.m.|Published: Apr. 03, 2025, 9:26 p.m.

/snip/

But Obama said while he disapproved of new tariffs that sparked the stock selloff, he was more worried about Trump’s attacks on American values.

“I’m more concerned with a federal government that threatens universities if they don’t give up students who are exercising their rights to free speech,” Obama said, without ever citing Trump by name. “The idea that they can say to law firms that if you represent parties we don’t like we’re going to pull all our business is contrary to the basic compact we have as Americans.”

Trump, a Republican first elected after Obama’s two terms, has threatened to withhold billions in federal funds from universities unless they change their policies on diversity and student protests. He has also revoked security clearances for lawyers in liberal law firms.

Obama urged universities, law firms and citizens to fight back.

“If you’re a law firm being threatened, you might have to say, ‘We might lose some business because we stand for a principle,‘” the Democratic former president said. “If you are a university you might have to say, ‘We stand up for what we believe in and we’ll pay our researchers for a while from our endowment.‘”

/snip

Recommendations

10 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

I think of the double standard often..what if Obama had orally sexed a mic? Demovictory9 Apr 2025 #1
Double standard is mild malaise Apr 2025 #2
You mean the idiocracy wouldn't have cheered? mdbl Apr 2025 #7
Post removed Post removed Apr 2025 #34
whining? Kali Apr 2025 #39
Trump is softening the country up for the day he has Mark Elias thrown into jail. Wait for it. Raven Apr 2025 #3
I fear you're right. And, this BS about going after Quakerfriend Apr 2025 #4
I do, too. calimary Apr 2025 #40
Thrown into jail? Wednesdays Apr 2025 #22
Well, thrown in jail "elsewhere" (without any Due Process). Justice matters. Apr 2025 #29
Republicans are picking and choosing which parts of the Constitution they will follow, surfered Apr 2025 #5
I think in the end they'll trash the whole thing, erronis Apr 2025 #6
Cafeteria constitutionalists. BattleRow Apr 2025 #18
ding. this. AllaN01Bear Apr 2025 #21
That would make an excellent protest sign LittleGirl Apr 2025 #28
Who barred people from recording this? Emile Apr 2025 #8
Maybe someone who didn't want Obama's words to be re-arranged by AI to say things he didn't say? Attilatheblond Apr 2025 #13
his voice has been recorded enough times Conjuay Apr 2025 #44
Good question malaise Apr 2025 #16
Now then, President Obama has to get out front, and stay there. SalamanderSleeps Apr 2025 #9
Agreed . . . markpkessinger Apr 2025 #24
Agreed............. DENVERPOPS Apr 2025 #26
"The most important office in this democracy Danascot Apr 2025 #10
Shaming the G.O.P. hypocrites -- It's what Jesus Would do BoRaGard Apr 2025 #11
Good on Obama. It's about time! Now keep doing it. wordstroken Apr 2025 #12
Syracuse.com: 'Do not get discouraged': Obama urges universities and law firms to stand up to Trump Dennis Donovan Apr 2025 #14
Few if any have the dynamism of this man. Prairie_Seagull Apr 2025 #15
Obama has class, Trump is just an ass IronLionZion Apr 2025 #17
Well said as usual paleotn Apr 2025 #19
I guess the felon's wet dream of a failing casino in Gaza needs... Justice matters. Apr 2025 #30
President Obama is right, but he is "WRONG"! maxrandb Apr 2025 #20
Long live the MAGA double standard, the only standard they know. Martin68 Apr 2025 #23
Fine so far as it goes . . . markpkessinger Apr 2025 #25
agree. RockCreek Apr 2025 #32
I'm sorry, but one unrecoreded long overdue speech doesn't cut the mustard. flashman13 Apr 2025 #27
this RockCreek Apr 2025 #31
Prez Obama could shut down J-9 Apr 2025 #33
Call Orange Adolf's bluff thought crime Apr 2025 #35
This message was self-deleted by its author BidenRocks Apr 2025 #36
No Chump hasn't revoked Secret Service protection for Obama or any other former President FakeNoose Apr 2025 #37
Someone filmed it Figarosmom Apr 2025 #38
Parts of it were broadcast on PBS NewsHour, MSNBC, CNN and the networks: Rhiannon12866 Apr 2025 #41
Thanks malaise Apr 2025 #42
You're more than welcome! Rhiannon12866 Apr 2025 #43
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