Editorial Letters: GOP Legislators Might Benefit from Adopting Costco and Ben & Jerry's Strategies
In a letter to the editor, columnist Robin Abcarian's piece detailing how prominent businesses such as Harvard, Costco, and Ben & Jerry's, among others, are standing up to President Trump's attempts to bully and intimidate them has elicited praise. Bill Crosby of Laguna Woods commends the "brave" resistance to the administration's efforts to dismantle democratic institutions. Crosby laments the lack of bravery demonstrated by some Republican lawmakers, who he believes should emulate these businesses in adhering to their philosophical principles.
In a separate letter, Ginette Watson of San Clemente shares her appreciation for a mentioned article. As a gift-giver, Watson is happy to discover Penzeys Spices as an option for her home chef friends.
In recent times, several major American businesses and civil institutions have demonstrated resistance or opposition to President Trump’s attempts to undermine democratic institutions and norms[1]. Key instances of resistance include:
- Top law firms, like Perkins Coie, Paul, Weiss, and WilmerHale, have faced retaliation for their roles in supporting democracy, opposing administration actions, or promoting diversity initiatives. Some of these firms have challenged the government through lawsuits and public statements[3].
- Over 670 charitable organizations have united, pledging collective action if their work or the non-governmental organizations they support are challenged. These groups stand against perceived threats to civil society[1].
- A nationwide coalition of nonprofits, including the Vera Institute of Justice, Center for Children & Youth Justice, Chinese for Affirmative Action, FORCE Detroit, and Health Resources in Action, have sued to oppose federal grant terminations that affect community safety and justice programs. The organizations argue that the administration's actions will harm communities and are challenging the cuts[2].
- Universities like Harvard have also been challenged, with some institutions organizing responses to political interference[1].
Though specific brands and businesses have been vocal against certain administration policies, the broader business community's resistance has been fragmented. However, the trend is moving towards collective action, with law firms and the nonprofit sector taking the lead[1][3][2].
- Robin Abcarian's piece, detailing businesses standing up to President Trump, has garnered support, with Bill Crosby of Laguna Woods believing these companies are bravely resisting the administration's efforts to dismantle democratic institutions and encouraging Republican lawmakers to follow suit.
- In contrast, Ginette Watson of San Clemente praises an unspecified article, expressing her delight in discovering Penzeys Spices, a business she finds suitable for her home chef friends within the general news and policy-and-legislation context.
- As reported in the given text, several businesses and civil institutions, such as top law firms, charitable organizations, coalitions of nonprofits, and universities, have either faced retaliation or have united in opposition to President Trump's attempts to undermine democratic institutions, with lawsuits, public statements, and collective actions taken in response.
- Despite some fragmentation, the trend in business resistance is moving towards collective action, with law firms and the nonprofit sector playing a leading role, as showcased in various instances mentioned throughout the text focused on policy-and-legislation and general news.
