 |
What was it thinking? The Dwight D. Opperman Foundation, which administers the Ruth Bader Ginsburg legacy award, has cancelled its April 13 gala at the Library of Congress.
The cancellation comes after the family of the late Supreme Court justice blasted this year’s intended honorees, and demanded that her name be removed from the award.
Ginsburg, a feminist and liberal icon, helped establish the award to recognize women of distinction.
Having other ideas, the Foundation expanded the award this year to include men who have changed the world by doing what they do best.”
It pitched the addition of men to adhere to Ginsburg’s teachings about equality. Politics was not considered.
On March 13, it announced its 2024 slate of nominees. It included former Fox News/News Corp. chief Rupert Murdoch, one-time junk bond king and now philanthropist Michael Milken, Tesla/Space X/Boring Co/X chief Elon Musk, actor Sylvester Stallone and jack-of-all trades Martha Stewart.
The Opperman press release included a quote from each of the intended winners.
Murdoch said: “This recognition not only reflects my journey in the media and publishing industry but also represents the relentless defense of civil liberties and a commitment to civil discourse that Justice Ginsburg embodied.”
The Ginsburgs aren't buying it.
Jane Ginsburg, Columbia Law School professor, said in a family statement that the Opperman Foundation “strayed far from the original award” and from what her mother stood for. The “Notorious R.B.G.” would have concurred.
A past winner, Barbra Streisand, also condemned the choice of this year’s honorees. “I had the privilege of meeting Justice Ginsburg on several occasions, and I strongly doubt she would approve of these awardees,” she posted on X.
The Foundation has thrown in the towel. It now plans to reconsider its mission over the next few months and decide how and whether to proceed in the future.
It has taken down its website, which is currently under revision. The site promises to be back shortly.
We will see about that.
Ben & Jerry’s, which has been a thorn in the side of corporate parent Unilever for its progressive advocacy, is looking for a PR manager.
The job specs call for PR support and strategic media programs to drive brand awareness and its core values and campaigns.
Ben & Jerry’s says its product mission is to make and distribute the finest quality natural ice cream and euphoric concoctions.
Its social mission focuses on climate, social, racial and economic justice.
The ideal candidate is purpose-driven, interested in bringing about political and social change, and “recognizes power dynamics and how biases play out in interactions throughout society.”
The hired PR person may be dealing with new power dynamics at the South Burlington, VT-based company as Unilever announced plans on March 18 to spin off its ice cream business, which also includes Breyers, Magnum, Wall’s and Talenti.
It would be sweet if Ben & Jerry’s could regain its corporate independence.
Trump guys move into the media spotlight. Peter Navarro, who was president Trump’s director of trade and manufacturing policy, checked himself into federal prison on March 18 to serve a four-month sentence for failure to comply with a subpoena regarding the Jan. 6 Capitol Hill uprising.
The 76-year-old is the first former White House official to be jailed for contempt of Congress. Will Trump follow Navarro’s footsteps?
Taking a cue from Rudy Giuliani’s “Four Seasons Total Landscaping” press conference, Navarro spoke with reporters for about 30 minutes from a gas station near the Miami lock-up. “I am pissed—that’s what I am feeling now,” said Navarro before reporting to duty at the prison.
Wilbur Ross, who was Trump’s commerce secretary, also had an eventful March 18 as the New York Stock Exchange began delisting proceedings against Ross’ SPAC for not making a deal within three years of going public.
Ross, 86, was unperturbed. He plans to list Ross Acquisition Corp. on the NASDAQ, which has the same three-years or you are bounced requirement.
Ross still has hopes of making a big score. Trump also has dreams of making it big via his Truth Social SPAC deal. He could use the cash.
Republican tough guys Josh Hawley and Tom Cotton want Biden to send the National Guard to Columbia University to put an end to student protests... Bernie blasts Bibi for insulting America's intelligence by equating criticism of Israel's government with antisemitism... German court convicts former financial PR exec who claims he wasn't aware that trading on tips is illegal. 
Southern governors claim they know what's best for their working class, and it's not pay raises... A Ukrainian human rights group played a key role in convincing House Speaker Mike Johnson to hold a vote to send arms to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan... Trump Media & Technology Group blames short-selling and not lousy outlook for its stock slump.
The techniques deployed by OJ Simpson's defense team in the 'trial of the century' served as a harbinger for those used by Donald Trump... People worry about the politicization of medical science just as much as they fret about another pandemic, according to Edelman Trust Barometer... Book bans aren't restricted to red states as deep blue Illinois, Connecticut and Maryland challenged at least 100 titles in 2023.
The NBA, which promotes legalized gambling 24/7, seems more than hypocritical for banning player for placing bets... Diocese of Brooklyn promises to issue press release the next time one of its priests is charged with sexual abuse... Truth Social aspires to be one of Donald Trump's iconic American brands, just like Trump University or Trump Steaks or Trump Ice Cubes.
Publicis Groupe CEO Arthur Sadoun puts competition on notice... Macy's throws in the towel as it appoints two directors nominated by its unwanted suitor... The Profile in Wimpery Award goes to the Ford Presidential Foundation for stiffing American hero and former Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney.
Have a comment? Send it to 
No comments have been submitted for this story yet.