Posted on 03/07/2016 9:11:05 PM PST by Red Steel
CHICAGO (WLS) -- In response to Donald Trump's plan to hold a campaign rally at the UIC Pavilion on Friday, students, instructors and others have called for the event to be canceled. But University of Illinois - Chicago's chancellor says he has no grounds to deny Trump the use of the arena, as his campaign is paying for it.
About 180 UIC faculty and staff sent a letter Monday to the chancellor expressing concern about the rally and as of about 6 p.m. Monday, a petition on MoveOn.org had more than 44,000 signatures of people who opposed the event.
The petition's home page says, "UIC is home to working students... immigrant and students of color to have access to higher education and graduate ... The platform Trump would announce at the UIC Pavilion is a direct attack on much of the UIC student body."
Trump, who is vying for the GOP presidential nomination, is rallying supporters ahead of Illinois' March 15 primary.
On campus, 75 student leaders got together to plan their protest.
"Really, he just feeding the fear of a lot of the misconceptions that people seem to have about these minority groups," says Asal Wadhen, a UIC student.
"What we want to do is advocate for the groups that Trump's campaign has dehumanized," says Juan Rojas of "Stop Trump Chicago."
Elsewhere on the campaign trail, Trump's opponents are shrugging off his attacks. Texas Senator Ted Cruz insists momentum is shifting his way, while Florida Senator Marco Rubio rebuffed Trump's call for him to drop out after dropping to third place.
"Of course Donald Trump is calling on people to drop out," Sen. Rubio said. "But Donald suffered some real damage over the last week and people are starting to learn that Donald Trump, the character, and Donald Trump, the person, are not the same thing."
Trump has been able to smoke the rats out of their holes like no other. Let them riot, and show who they really are, and what their real motivations are.
He'll be constantly and continually interrupted by demonstrations in the seats...and I fear chaos erupting. As we constantly see, screening of the crowds is not 100% foolproof.
It's not a good milieu for Mr. Trump to be in. I wish he'd stage a "blue flu" a day or two before the appearance.
Leni
I hear you, Leni.
Trump is fearless, and I give him props for going into the belly of the beast.
In a way, he shows he will not let others determine his right to speak. He has business interests and buildings in Chicago, so he is very familiar with the lay of the land there.
Nevertheless we need to pray for his safety. And pray against those who would do him harm.
This is a very risky and dangerous move by Trump. If I were his SS and private security, I would advise against it STRONGLY!
Ditto that....but as an Illinoisan born and bred, I'm familiar with that area. I still have bad vibes.
Pray to the Lord, but pass the ammunition.
Leni
Spot on. The first basic thing I learned in my 20 year elected political career was "Speeches 101", i.e., you go to speak where your votes are, not where they aren't.
Of course, Mr. Trump shatters all shibboleths, but this event is tinged with danger, not as much to him personally but to the whole venue and outside area.
Leni
It's the same in Philadelphia! The doors are a great source of pride. Also many of the rowhouses in Philly's Italian Market district have picture windows. The homeowners make displays year-round for all the religious and secular holidays. It is such a treat just to take a walk around the neighborhood. Thanks for the memories!
Very interesting inside look at the situation in which Trump will find himself there!
I would love for Trump to take a brand new message to this audience. He says he can unify, this is a big chance.
I live in Wheeling, IL. Although Chicago has a low percentage of Republicans, it, has more Republicans than many cities. At least 400,000 Chicago residents voted for a republican, statewide candidate, within the past five years. Trump probably hopes the majority of those people will vote for him, next week.
Poll: More Illinoisans Favor Gay Marriage Than Recreational Marijuana
New Simon Poll finds overwhelming support for legal medical marijuana, but majority oppose recreational use.
By Reboot Illinois (News Partner) - March 8, 2016 12:21 pm ET
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.