Same. Sending thoughts, prayers, and a U-Haul.

Oh, 100%. Let’s be honest—Trump didn’t twist Columbia’s arm that hard. This reeks of opportunism, not victimhood. It’s not just capitulation—it’s collaboration.

1000%

No one’s running, no one’s voting, and still 30,000 people pulled up like, “Just here to overthrow the oligarchy, thanks.”

Columbia just became Patient Zero for authoritarian compliance in higher ed. And if students, faculty, and alumni don’t rise up now, there won’t be much left to defend by the time graduation rolls around.

I hope there is a MASSIVE student drop out.

“We are putting academic freedom, free expression, and open inquiry at the fore.” (Translated from the doublespeak: “We’re scared to death and willing to gag our professors, students and everyone else to save our salaries.”)

You’re right—Trump’s a conman, not a fool. But being cunning isn’t the same as being smart. He thrives on chaos, not strategy. He doesn’t play 4D chess; he just smashes the board and calls it a win.

Good catch! If Trump wanted a shutdown to grab power, why push Republicans to pass the CR? Simple—chaos now hurts him more than helps. Instead of burning it all down at once, he’s gutting agencies from within. A shutdown later, when it suits him? That’s still on the table. It’s all about timing.

This might’ve been a false choice—AOC, Bernie, and Pelosi supported the shutdown, so there *were* other options. At minimum, we deserve a full explanation instead of being treated like children who can’t grasp the reasoning. We’re capable of understanding the complexities—so let’s hear them.

Photograph: Danny Lyon/Magnum Photos