May 2024 - cypherpunks - lists.cpunks.org

Director Imprisoned For Deceiving FCA In ?1.2M Fraud Probe
by Gunnar Larson 13 May '24

13 May '24

Director Imprisoned For Deceiving FCA In £1.2M Fraud Probe <https://www.law360.co.uk/financial-services-uk/articles/1835793?nl_pk=a94fc…> By Eddie Beaver A business director was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Friday for providing a forged document to investigators in a fruitless attempt to prop up the defense of self-styled investment brokers now convicted of a £1.2 million ($1.5 million) boiler room fraud. Read full article » <https://www.law360.co.uk/financial-services-uk/articles/1835793?nl_pk=a94fc…> | Save to favorites » <https://www.law360.co.uk/financial-services-uk/articles/1835793?nl_pk=a94fc…>

1 0

Fwd: [OpenRecords] Request FOIL-2023-836-00688 Extended (Mayor Adams announced paychecks will automatically be converted into cryptocurrency via Coinbase)
by Gunnar Larson 12 May '24

12 May '24

FBI, my masters in digital currency comes from Nicosia, Cyprus the only military divided capital city on the planet with UN peace keeping mission. If Gunnar Larson calls Coinbase Turkey to turn in Mayor Adams will you innovate for the women? 1-800-94-Jenny. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: <donotreply(a)records.nyc.gov> Date: Tue, Oct 17, 2023, 2:52 PM Subject: [OpenRecords] Request FOIL-2023-836-00688 Extended To: <g(a)xny.io> The Department of Finance (DOF) has *extended* the time to respond to your FOIL request FOIL-2023-836-00688 <https://a860-openrecords.nyc.gov/request/view/FOIL-2023-836-00688> for the following reasons: You can expect a response on or about Friday, December 15, 2023. Additional Information: As indicated above, we are extending the time to respond because we are working on locating and compiling responsive records, after which we must subject records to legal review. Thank you for your continued patience. Please visit FOIL-2023-836-00688 <https://a860-openrecords.nyc.gov/request/view/FOIL-2023-836-00688> to view additional information and take any necessary action.

1 2

Directorates Who Discredit Truthful Witnesses (W/80 Highlights)
by Gunnar Larson 12 May '24

12 May '24

“And the persons who ultimately are harmed by all of this, of course, is the average consumer, the average citizen, who has no knowledge, unless it paid attention to this hearing, of the extent of the manipulations that have been carried out by the largest financial institutions in America and, indeed, probably the world.” - Senator John McCain *Highlights and working notes on the ethical limits of discrediting the truthful witness, observing modern directorates and ethics rules that fail to prevent truth distortion by unethical means (Source research by Marquette Law Review).* History provides the epic example of Enron and a cunning Board of Directors of misleaders, a team of flimflam artists who used sly rhetorical skills to bamboozle the public, turning night into day. In this conception, directorates tell stories only in order to seduce and beguile regulators who fall prey to the advocate’s star-crossed tricks. Why do company Directors employ unethical, false story techniques to advance a false defense when ethical means are available? The exponential effects of this troublesome behavior requires that the firm’s every word, action and attitude be consistent with the conclusion that is dishonest. Board directors are the ultimate self policing body of an organization, responsible for setting the tone for ethical rules and standards. Not only are modern ethical rules unable to prevent directorates who use of false-story techniques, but little can be done in the way of reforming the rules themselves so that they can more effectively regulate the unethical means by which honesty is systematically discredited and made to look untruthful. - As witnessed in New York State recently, top leaders sometimes ignore ethical rules by rationalizing away conduct known to be unethical standards of professional behavior. - More abstract-oriented discussions concerning whether society’s best interests are advanced with attempts to distort outcomes by discrediting the truth has even impacted virtual currency innovation out of New York. These points simply seem invented as an outrageous scenario presented to the public by way of question, yet they are indeed true. - There is a pattern of routinely using an arsenal of tricks to subvert the truth. The culprit may argue that the version of events is untruthful, because of a motive to fabricate the truth. In actuality, incompetence is the only true motive to fabricate directorate supported dishonesty. Now more than ever, honest and ethical leaders know that each time a directorate uses talents and skills to pollute the marketplace with lies (either explicit or implicit) to manipulate profits is an act that initially diminishes the chances of a prosperous society. Such practice of engaging in conduct that involves dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation is impermissible and should not be tolerated. Without swift action, the public may lose confidence in both system wide innovation and maximizing the whole human potential of our species. - Alternatively, employing truthful answers to string together a series of inferences that collectively weaken the case of interlocking directorates. - Vigorously defending potentially problematic interlocking directorates can be systematically re-purposed with the goal of protecting the innocent. We share 80 highlights to Todd A. Berger’s (published by Marquette Law Review) “The Ethical Limits of Discrediting the Truthful Witness: How Modern Ethics Rules Fail to Prevent Truthful Witnesses from Being Discredited Through Unethical Means.” ---- Directorates Who Discredit Truthful Witnesses (W/80 Highlights): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XzfRqxxDD5OzQgkH1Ok2wdO25JZiqVev/view?usp=… -- *Gunnar Larson - xNY.io <http://www.xNY.io> | Bank.org <http://Bank.org>* MSc <https://www.unic.ac.cy/blockchain/msc-digital-currency/?utm_source=Google&u…> - Digital Currency MBA <https://www.unic.ac.cy/business-administration-entrepreneurship-and-innovat…> - Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ip) G(a)xNY.io +1-917-580-8053 New York, New York 10001

1 0

Steve Jobs's Father Was a Syrian Migrant
by Gunnar Larson 12 May '24

12 May '24

https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/12/11/steve-jobss-father-was-a-sy… U.S. News and World Report LogoSkip to content NEWS Steve Jobs's Father Was a Syrian RefugeeNewsHome Steve Jobs's Father Was a Syrian Refugee Banksy calls attention to a little-known fact in a new art installment in Calais. By Rachel Dicker Dec. 11, 2015 Save More U.S. News & World Report More This mural, created by Banksy, portrays the Apple co-founder as a Syrian refugee, drawing attention to his roots.BANKSY As civil war and Islamic State-related violence rend Syria, thousands are fleeing the country and looking to resettle. While some countries, such as Canada, are welcoming Syrian refugees with open arms, others, such as the United States, have been more xenophobic. Renowned graffiti artist Banksy recently did an installation in a Calais refugee camp depicting Steve Jobs as a Syrian refugee. BANKSY "We're often led to believe migration is a drain on the country's resources but Steve Jobs was the son of a Syrian migrant," Banksy said in a rare public statement obtained by BBC. Indeed, Jobs's biological father is Abdulfattah "John" Jandali, a Syrian-born man who emigrated to the United States. BANKSY "Apple is the world's most profitable company," Banksy added. "It pays over $7bn (£4.6bn) a year in taxes - and it only exists because [the United States] allowed in a young man from Homs." Tags: Steve Jobs, Syria Coronavirus Bulletin Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. Email Address Sign Up Sign in to manage your newsletters » Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE The 10 Worst Presidents Cartoons on President Donald Trump Photos: Obama Behind the Scenes Photos: Who Supports Joe Biden? Jobs Gains Dash Expectations See More » RECOMMENDED ARTICLES BEST COUNTRIES BEST STATES HEALTHIEST COMMUNITIES NEWS CITIES LEADERS THE REPORT PHOTOS ELECTIONS EVENTS U.S. News & World Report About Editorial Guidelines Contact Press Advertise Newsletters Jobs Site Map Store Copyright 2022 © U.S. News & World Report L.P. Terms & Conditions/Privacy Policy/California Privacy Notice/California Do Not Sell My Personal Information Request

1 5

Fwd: CityCoins Tweeted: CityCoins are another tool in a city's toolbox. ...
by Gunnar Larson 12 May '24

12 May '24

Wow, MIA and NYCCoin are claiming to be 100x better than municipal bonds... With some sort of tax scheme of opportunity? ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Twitter <info(a)twitter.com> Date: Fri, Mar 11, 2022 at 12:22 AM Subject: CityCoins Tweeted: CityCoins are another tool in a city's toolbox. ... To: Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FGunnarLarson…> <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2F&t=1+1646976…> Your Highlights [image: CityCoins's avatar] CityCoins @mineCityCoins <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FmineCityCoin…> CityCoins are another tool in a city's toolbox. CityCoins are a 100x improvement on municipal bonds. These bonds aren't held by citizens. They're issuing debt that falls on taxpayers to repay. That's tax from compulsion, not tax from opportunity. [image: reply] <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FmineCityCoin…> 2 <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FmineCityCoin…> [image: retweet] <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FmineCityCoin…> 7 <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FmineCityCoin…> [image: like] <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FmineCityCoin…> 30 <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FmineCityCoin…> <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FmineCityCoin…> <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FBigImpactHum…> -- *Gunnar Larson - xNY.io <http://www.xNY.io> | Bank.org <http://Bank.org>* MSc <https://www.unic.ac.cy/blockchain/msc-digital-currency/?utm_source=Google&u…> - Digital Currency MBA <https://www.unic.ac.cy/business-administration-entrepreneurship-and-innovat…> - Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ip) G(a)xNY.io +1-646-454-9107 New York, New York 10001

1 6

NuGenesis Seeks Litigation Funding for Claim Against FTX - Litigation Finance Journal
by Gunnar Larson 12 May '24

12 May '24

--- https://litigationfinancejournal.com/nugenesis-seeks-litigation-funding-for… NuGenesis (the purveyor of NuCoin), is reported to be exploring AI and litigation finance as investment tools in claims against FTX and Alameda Research’s alleged fraud. Cointelegraph characterizes NuGenesis as a well respected source for quality innovation in the digital asset ecosystem. After NuCoin was attacked by FTX, executives at NuGenesis began to employ AI technology to digest what could be happening behind the scenes at Alameda and the Japanese arm of FTX. Touted as ‘groundbreaking’ by Cointelegraph, NuGenesis’ crypto fraud detection software has been instrumental in uncovering alleged inconsistencies of fiduciary duty across FTX’s global enterprise. NuCoin is said to have tallied almost $55B in potential damages associated with potential FTX scams against the token. The FTX saga could yield new opportunities for litigation financiers in the crypto litigation space. As an added bonus, we have included 185 highlights to the Office of Legal Education’s “Prosecuting Computer Crimes” handbook for reference.

1 0

Fwd: MIA Coin and POX Kleptocracy: CORRUPTION FIN-2022-A001 - SAR 38(m).
by Gunnar Larson 12 May '24

12 May '24

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> Date: Wed, Apr 20, 2022, 4:38 PM Subject: MIA Coin and POX Kleptocracy: CORRUPTION FIN-2022-A001 - SAR 38(m). To: <Kleptocracy_Rewards(a)treasury.gov> Cc: <FRC(a)fincen.gov>, Alexi Anania <a(a)xny.io> Dear Department of the Treasury: >From the prompt of FinCEN's Resource Center, the details below are kindly submitted to your esteemed attention. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance. Sending you the very best regards. Thank you, Gunnar Larson -- *Gunnar Larson - xNY.io <http://www.xny.io/> - Bank.org <http://bank.org/>* MSc <https://www.unic.ac.cy/blockchain/msc-digital-currency/?utm_source=Google&u…> - Digital Currency MBA <https://www.unic.ac.cy/business-administration-entrepreneurship-and-innovat…> - Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ip) G(a)xNY.io +1-646-454-9107 New York, New York 10001 ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> Date: Fri, Apr 15, 2022 at 1:17 PM Subject: MIA Coin and POX Kleptocracy: CORRUPTION FIN-2022-A001 - SAR 38(m). To: <FRC(a)fincen.gov> Cc: cypherpunks <cypherpunks(a)lists.cpunks.org> Dear FinCEN: xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC thanks you for sending yesterday's advisory on kleptocracy and foreign public corruption. We have made 30 highlights to the FIN-2022-A001 <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yF3qDQG19J-qN1vUPC36lQfVClq3HPXB/view?usp=…> advisory for reference. *The aim of today's memo is to learn FinCEN's insights into MIA Coin and the consensus algorithm Proof of Transfer (POX). xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC is concerned about potential MIA Coin and City Coin kleptocracy that may be affecting our global enterprise. * *FinCEN may note that NYCCoin is illegal in New York State, given the BitLicense mandate. As such, we are not concerned with NYCCoin's legality given the clear BitLicense mandate. * - On February 4, 2022 we submitted a City of Miami records request for any and all correspondence between the City of Miami concerning CityCoins, MIA Coin and Stacks (STX). Additionally, any and all related correspondence concerning CityCoins, MIA Coin, Stacks (STX), Digital World Acquisition Corp and Harvard Management Company. - Today, April 15, 2022 <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OyVUBq8PcG7SVZ5lUp_oWyL0IDAR5uTP/view?usp=…> we have yet to receive the 13, 092 records. Attached you will find our latest correspondence with Miami, notifying them of our intention to contact FinCEN concerning MIA Coin and POX. - Conducting independent marketplace research, xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC established a premise to potential kleptocracy between the City of Miami and City Coins, of Iceland <https://who.is/whois/citycoins.co> international registration. Furthermore, MineMiamiCoin.com is registered in Germany <https://who.is/whois/minemiamicoin.com>. - Please find the City of Miami's resolution <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IrQwP46alrnQXRxIoXxm8kifZMVTRB_x/view?usp=…>approving gifts from City Coins ... Furthermore, City Coins suggests a $25,000 "reward" <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Eb2Q-LZNApwQRyjbBcD5-_yEW0Id51QD/view?usp=…> (that may be confused as bribery) for Mayors who participate. MIA Coin is powered by POX <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wL2kN6aMfsyT-T7g01YJSBB8meMn2SWg/view?usp=…>, a computer protocol that may exploit the U.S. and international financial systems to launder illicit gains, including through the use of shell companies, offshore financial centers, and professional service providers who enable the movement and laundering. MIA Coin' POX protocol is a wealth extraction tool that unfairly rewards an inside group of miners, rewarding patronage networks that benefit his inner circle and regime. These practices harm the competitive landscape of financial markets and often have long-term corrosive effects on good governance, democratic institutions, and human rights standards. FinCEN, we are concerned Miami's City Coin <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IrQwP46alrnQXRxIoXxm8kifZMVTRB_x/view> resolution potentially confirms Miami leaders as kleptocrats, using their position and influence to enrich themselves and their networks of corrupt actors. Finally, we understand that MIA Coin and POX operations are powered by international data warehouses, located in Iceland, Germany and Hong Kong. For these reasons, given FinCEN's alert on kleptocracy and foreign public corruption we kindly seek guidance. Sending you the very best regards. Thank you, Gunnar Larson -- *Gunnar Larson - xNY.io <http://www.xNY.io> - Bank.org <http://Bank.org>, PBC* MSc <https://www.unic.ac.cy/blockchain/msc-digital-currency/?utm_source=Google&u…> - Digital Currency MBA <https://www.unic.ac.cy/business-administration-entrepreneurship-and-innovat…> - Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ip) G(a)xNY.io +1-646-454-9107 New York, New York 10001 ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Financial Crimes Enforcement Network < fincenupdates(a)public.govdelivery.com> Date: Thu, Apr 14, 2022 at 2:46 PM Subject: FinCEN Updates: FinCEN Issues Advisory on Kleptocracy and Foreign Public Corruption To: <g(a)xny.io> *You are subscribed to FinCEN Updates. The information below is available at Fincen.gov.* *FinCEN Issues Advisory on Kleptocracy and Foreign Public Corruption* The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) today issued an advisory on kleptocracy and foreign public corruption, urging financial institutions to focus their efforts on detecting the proceeds of foreign public corruption — a priority for the U.S. Government as it continues to implement the U.S. Strategy on Countering Corruption <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVy…>. The advisory provides typologies and potential indicators of kleptocracy and other forms of foreign public corruption, namely bribery, embezzlement, extortion, and the misappropriation of public assets. *News Release:* https://www.fincen.gov/news/news-releases/fincen-issues-advisory-kleptocrac… <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVy…> *Advisory: * https://www.fincen.gov/resources/advisories/fincen-advisory-fin-2022-a001 <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVy…>

1 6

Breaking News: Robinhood Rebrands as 'Libra'
by Gunnar Larson 12 May '24

12 May '24

*SILICON VALLEY - Embroiled in the naturally malevolent evolutionary controversy of brand fakery <https://thecapital.io/article/robinhoods-brand-fake-vs-paypals-crypto-corru…> in the name of manipulating humanity, Robinhood Markets (a financial services company) rocked the brand marketing world by finally coming to its senses while vindicating Mr. Hood’s legacy. The company has distanced itself from the old Robinhood firm image of “we take advantage of our customers” with a fresh rebrand as ‘Libra.’* *Celebrated humanitarian Richard Simmons applauded the name change. “Mr. Hood’s story of altruism is loved by young and old alike world-wide. Today Mr. Hood is vindicated from association to the former Robinhood’s tricky company shenanigans. The new ‘Libra’ image is a super smart act of serving our country well... I hope the all-stars at Bear Stearns will join me in congratulating the new ‘Libra’ brand,” Simmons said.* *The nature and timing of the brand change raised eyebrows in New York, a recent familiar reaction to news from our pal <https://thecapital.io/article/robinhoods-brand-fake-vs-paypals-crypto-corru…>s from the Valley.Gleefully contemplating the long term impact on society, this reporter touts the courage of the real Mr. Hood for opposing forces similar to that of the former Robinhood.History will celebrate the newly minted Libra, which will be hailed for its valor in rebranding, even though it did so to escape the regulatory cloud that has hung over the Robinhood project since it first came into the public domain.(A Satirical Monograph on the News) *

1 2

Crypto Exchange OKX Inks F1 Mega Deal - Blockworks
by Gunnar Larson 12 May '24

12 May '24

https://blockworks.co/news/crypto-exchange-okx-inks-f1-mega-deal Crypto Exchange OKX Inks F1 Mega Deal Alliance with McLaren Racing includes branding at Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, long-term collaborations in a deal worth hundreds of millions BYBEN STRACK <https://blockworks.co/author/benstrack>/ MAY 3, 2022 06:00 AM KEY TAKEAWAYS OKX has more than 20 million users across 180 markets Miami Grand Prix title sponsor Crypto.com became the first cryptocurrency sponsor of Formula 1 last year The upcoming Formula 1 race in Miami — already carrying the name of a crypto company — will also have a team sponsored by a competing firm in the space. Ahead of the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix on May 8, exchange OKX has partnered with McLaren Racing in a multi-year deal worth “hundreds of millions,” a spokesperson told Blockworks. OKX branding will appear on McLaren cars during the event, as well as on the suits and helmets of McLaren F1 drivers Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo. “We choose our partners on the basis we can provide fans and users with meaningful experiences; we aren’t simply interested in brand exposure,” OKX Chief Marketing Officer Haider Rafique told Blockworks in an email. “We want to invest in the fans as well as our partners and lay a strong foundation for long-term future collaborations.” The deal comes shortly after Rafique joined OKX from competing exchange Okcoin. Before Okcoin, he was head of growth for Blockchain.com and was a head of product marketing at Microsoft. Rafique was a special adviser to the OKX executive team earlier this year and helped drive a multimillion-dollar partnership agreement with Manchester City. The company announced last month he will build a global marketing team to make crypto mainstream and lead the company’s international expansion efforts. OKX is the second-largest exchange by trading volume, according to data compiled by Blockworks, and reports having more than 20 million users across 180 markets. Crypto.com became the first cryptocurrency sponsor of Formula 1 in a reported $100 million deal, the company announced last June. It revealed in February that it would be the title sponsor of the Miami Grand Prix. Still, the deal is the first of its kind, an OKX spokesperson said, noting that no other crypto company has been the largest partner to a Formula 1 team before. Bybit in February became a “top tier ally” of Red Bull’s F1 team, behind title partner Oracle. “In a rapidly-evolving field, OKX is a long-established crypto brand that brings innovation, analytics and accuracy to accomplish great things,” McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said in a statement. “The first-ever Miami Grand Prix is the perfect occasion for us to launch this significant partnership, through which we will collaborate with OKX to take our fan experience to all new levels.”

1 0

Justice Alito Warns of Threats to Freedom of Speech and Religion - The New York Times
by Gunnar Larson 12 May '24

12 May '24

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/11/us/politics/justice-alito-freedom-speech… In a commencement ceremony at a Catholic university, the justice said that fundamental principles were in peril at universities and American society. Listen to this article · 3:13 min Learn more Share full article Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. in a black robe and a maroon tie. Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. has previously complained that people opposed to same-sex marriage on religious grounds are sometimes treated as bigots.Credit...Erin Schaff/The New York Times Adam Liptak By Adam Liptak May 11, 2024 Sign up for the On Politics newsletter. Your guide to the 2024 elections. Get it sent to your inbox. Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. warned on Saturday that freedom of speech was under threat at universities and that freedom of religion was in peril in society at large. “Troubled waters are slamming against some of our most fundamental principles,” he said. He made his remarks at a commencement ceremony at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, a Catholic institution. “Support for freedom of speech is declining dangerously, especially where it should find deepest acceptance,” he said. A university, he said, should be “a place for reasoned debate.” But he added that “today, very few colleges live up to that ideal.” The same is true, he said, for tolerance of religious views in society generally. “Freedom of religion is also imperiled,” he said. “When you venture out into the world, you may well find yourself in a job or a community or a social setting when you will be pressured to endorse ideas you don’t believe or to abandon core beliefs. It will be up to you to stand firm.” In other settings, Justice Alito has given a specific example, complaining that people opposed to same-sex marriage on religious grounds are sometimes treated as bigots. As the Supreme Court prepares to issue major decisions in the coming weeks, including ones on a criminal case against former President Donald J. Trump, abortion, gun rights and social media, members of its conservative majority have fanned out across the nation to offer varied takes on their work. At a judicial conference on Friday in Alabama, Justice Clarence Thomas spoke bitterly about being subjected to what he called “the nastiness and the lies.” The justice has been criticized for receiving lavish gifts and for failing to recuse himself from cases arising from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol despite his wife’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. That same day, at a judicial conference in Texas, Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh struck a sunnier tone, speaking of his dedication to neutral principles and the court’s efforts to find consensus. Those appearances were wide-ranging public conversations, while Justice Alito’s speech was brief and general. But it was laced with the justice’s characteristic pessimism. “It’s rough out there,” he said. “And, in fact, I think it is rougher out there right now than it has been for quite some time.” He received an extended standing ovation when a speaker introducing him noted that he had written the majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the 2022 decision that overruled Roe v. Wade and eliminated the constitutional right to abortion it had established. In his speech, Justice Alito said that respect for precedent, in law and life, was important. “If you read almost any opinion issued by a court in this country, you will see that the text is full of citations to past court decisions,” he said. “Those decisions, which we call precedents, are given great respect. They are not written in stone. Sometimes they must be changed, but they are not to be lightly discarded.” -- Gunnar Larson xNY.io | Bank.org MSc - Digital Currency MBA - Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ip) G(a)xNY.io +1-917-580-8053 New York, New York 10001

1 0