Just hopping on for a quick update--NJ has taken a couple borough (municipality) commissioner seats in Camden County (notoriously corrupt). NJ Globe is calling it a "big upset"!
Any folks (especially in Jersey) have thoughts on the linked Emerson poll showing Trump’s approval/disapproval rating in NJ split at 47%? Those numbers seem devastating for the Democrats come November. The NJ Transit strike is hitting the Democratic strongholds hardest.
There is NO WAY that's accurate. People despise Ciattarelli and think he's a dipsh*t. He's run for Senate a couple times, always gets his a$$ handed to him. And while Rs are registering voters, so are Dems - with more $ coming in from DNC to help!
ciaterelli overperformed last cycle and many people think he is a moderate. there are signs all over my area with his name on them. this will be a tough election for us here. if we win this one, we can think of nj as truly a blue state, but that blood red ocean county is killing us.
“What happens between now and Labor Day really defines — more than even the first 100 days of flood-the-zone — not just Trump’s second term, but Trump’s legacy.
“It’s stopping the Third World War. It’s laying out his definitive economic and financial plan, how we’re going to finance it. Plus it’s his assault on the ‘Deep State’ and the redefinition of the Article II powers. And these are all converging into one huge fucking fight.”
I am not sure how to check the answer to this question but if anyone in this community knows how an American citizen who does not live in the US but votes and files taxes and cares about her country's future can DONATE to candidates we support please let me know. No one in England uses checkbooks anymore and no one wants my Paypal or credit card payment. I used to use Act Blue but since they have come under fire, they won't accept outside US donations. Is it illegal for a US citizen to pay funds to campaigns from outside the US? This is one more way I feel I am being disenfranchised.
I'd call the candidates' office directly and ask them how they want to receive your money. Just an idea. I have no idea, but that's what I would do. Go to the source.
I’d be surprised if that was the case, but I don’t know and I think Kate’s answer is a good one. I can tell you that at one point in my federal civil service career my political activity was heavily restricted, but even then I was free to donate money to a campaign.
I will be calling my representatives on the Obese Ugly Farce, referred to as the Big Beautiful Bill by some. Exhausted by the sugar highs that create an economic mess for Democrats to clean up. Just look at the effective dates for some of the proposals.
Additionally encourage all to speak out against Billy Long’s nomination for IRS Commissioner, scheduled for Tuesday, May 20th. An incompetent, corrupt IRS undermines everything. Link below:
Trump is losing it: President Trump on Friday accused former FBI director James Comey of calling for his assassination in a social media post with a photo of "8647" written by seashells in the sand.
"He's calling for the assassination of the president," Trump said during a Fox News interview on Friday.
The president's comments come a day after his administration said it was investigating the matter as a threat.
I just checked Urban Dictionary & it defines '86'd as: To get rid of, originally for killing someone. The phrase "80 miles out and 6 feet under" was reserved for someone who had to dig their own grave 80 miles from civilization and then get shot execution-style. All terms for 86'd originated from this, be it alcohol or eliminating.
Interesting, thanks for sharing that. Per Merriam-Webster, which doesn't include "kill" among its definitions: "There are many popular but unsubstantiated theories about the origin of eighty-six [italicized]. The explanation judged most probable according to Merriam-Webster's research is that the word was created as a rhyming slang for "nix", which means "to veto" or "to reject." Still, easy enough, not to use the term myself, and I don't plan to. I'm also pretty sure Simon is appropriately thinking I've been distracted by a squirrel again haha.
I mean... it's ridiculous, but doesn't James "her emails" Comey have something better to be doing? It's just juvenile. He repeatedly finds a way to look like a clueless, unserious idiot.
Does he think arranging shells on the beach is contributing to the resistance? Does he think this makes up for his unbelievably terrible record as FBI director?
Exactly- of all the people we're supposed to empathize with for being a target of trump, he's rock bottom on my list. I frankly think it is karma that he is going through this. He was bound and determined to put trump in office in 2016, and he can live with those consequences as far as I'm concerned.
Sounds like he's running a test of his emergency political assassination system (the one he would know about from the hundreds of political assassinations the Nazis carried out between 1921-1934, before they had official sanction to just lock people up); hope for the sake of everyone that Comey has very good security, because if this is what he's up to, and it goes as planned, it will both have a chilling effect amd encourage him to do more.
Great post Simon. LOVE THE BOSS. He so rarely speaks but when he does WOWEEE.
I have a standing donation in to The "7". Just donated to Abigail. Calling Warren, Markey and McGovern everyday! Although.... they are the ones fighting tooth and nail. I wish I could call Republicans. But Indivisible says it doesn't make a difference. Is this really true? Who else can i call?
My Indivisible chapter in Snohomish County WA advised that calling YOUR representatives really works, but out of state reps ignore you. They also stressed the importance of engaging with your state and local governments not just federal. Our local and state governments need citizen engagement more than ever. Democracy is not a spectator sport as this community well knows!
Do you have friends or relatives who reside in other states? You could call them and ask THEM to contact THEIR reps. Give them a little script and the names/numbers to call
A Judge Hannah Dugan Defense fund has been set up for her. Judge Dugan has dedicated her life to public service so unlike those in the current administration, she is far from wealthy.
“Turns out Qatar has been trying to get rid of Trump’s $400m plane since 2020, and experts believe there is no possibility it can be retrofitted to act as Air Force One.” Hmmm…. I say this means there’s something wrong with the plane. Hopefully the orange idiot got a lemon.
Simon- I called my FL MAGA reps (I hesitate to call them Representatives since they don’t represent me or even their MAGA followers) and delivered the betrayal message above to all three. Made some passing comments to the bills they are introducing instead, which are laughable if they weren’t so tone deaf. Anyway, onward and upward. I LOVE how The Boss hit a big nerve for the baby-man…
I've started calling my "rep" by his first name in both phone calls and emails. I was raised to use all of the titles and respect the office. But this dude is such a young, incompetent, MAGA kool-aid drinking, a**ki*sing, first-termer that I've decided he hasn't earned the title and likely never will. And, based on Simon's comment a couple of months ago, I no longer refer to Trump as "President" or "The President" since he refuses to honor his oath.
Called Adam Schiff’s office to tell him I expect a NO vote on the cryptocurrency scam bill. The grassroots group I volunteer with is supporting Spanberger in VA and I’m encouraging the writers in my hub to postcard for voter registration in VA. We have several campaigns going right now. Planning to attend the local protest on June 14th. Current sign idea is “Republican Silence Is Consent”.
So, the latest is that many are clamoring to speak with him, knocking down his door to make deals on tariffs, to the extent that he can't possibly meet with each and every one. He can't support due process because then we'd have to have millions of "trials."
Too much time, too much energy, too much money.
Isn't it his job to ensure that resources are invested in the above, especially when he's responsible for the manipulation of so much?
He's on social media most of the time and doesn't sleep except during high-profile events. Why doesn't he have the time for all these people who want to get an audience with him so badly?
When, oh when, are those who enabled him to get back into office going to demand proof of all this bullshit that spews out of this husk of a human's mouth?
Show Americans the proof. Because the last time he thought he had proof, his brain was too addled to recognize that it was photoshopped.
Democrats bailed out Trump and the farmers from the adverse effects of his first term tariffs on ag products: The upshot was this: Democrats financed farmers who had voted for Trump the first time, and who then voted against helping any other Americans. The definition of insanity is to do that again. I love Springsting, but no more concerts for the Kings of Hypocrisy,
I don't mean in aid of farmers. I mean a huge star-studded concert that becomes a cultural event, like Farm Aid was back in the day. Perhaps a dated reference for people younger than me.
Ha! You’re not younger than me, because no one is younger than me! 🤣Not only that, I actually watched at least one of the Farm Aid concerts. I totally agree with your idea!
Your work is so thought provoking and encourages us to ‘think outside the box’. Our best shot at stopping Trump is to work for the legislature to align with the judiciary to stop him. How about a letter to the Republican Congress members asking them to stand up? It is clear that Trump is enriching himself while doing 😌 harm to Americans — this betrayal (better word than treason) should be highlighted with public and personal messages to the individuals who continue to be afraid not to support them. Let’s reach out in a succinct and meaningful way via a letter!! Or statement echoing The Boss.
I am not very hopeful that we will get back to a “normal” functioning federal government- Project 2025 is intent on remaking it to drastically shrink all social support programs and install autocracy. This is the fight of our lives to do everything possible to protect our democracy. Congress has been complicit. Love to hear from Rep Gillen as folks like her give me hope!
Just hopping on for a quick update--NJ has taken a couple borough (municipality) commissioner seats in Camden County (notoriously corrupt). NJ Globe is calling it a "big upset"!
https://newjerseyglobe.com/local/big-upset-in-collingswood-with-36-year-re-elected-but-no-longer-mayor/
That’s great! Somehow I had missed this. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing.
Any folks (especially in Jersey) have thoughts on the linked Emerson poll showing Trump’s approval/disapproval rating in NJ split at 47%? Those numbers seem devastating for the Democrats come November. The NJ Transit strike is hitting the Democratic strongholds hardest.
https://www.insidernj.com/press-release/emerson-college-may-2025-new-jersey-poll-sherrill-and-ciattarelli-favorites-for-party-nominations/
Emerson is not a reliable pollster. These numbers are not possible given the national data. Here is another pollster that has Trump 35-62 in NJ - https://civiqs.com/results/approve_president_trump_2025?uncertainty=true&annotations=true&zoomIn=true
Thanks! Knew I came to the right source for verification!!!
Emerson is a Right aligned poll, not reliable. Outlier. Leveraged. In other words, BS
There is NO WAY that's accurate. People despise Ciattarelli and think he's a dipsh*t. He's run for Senate a couple times, always gets his a$$ handed to him. And while Rs are registering voters, so are Dems - with more $ coming in from DNC to help!
ciaterelli overperformed last cycle and many people think he is a moderate. there are signs all over my area with his name on them. this will be a tough election for us here. if we win this one, we can think of nj as truly a blue state, but that blood red ocean county is killing us.
Another reason to move Happy Hour up a few minutes earlier!
"FLOODING THE ZONE" – INCOMING SEWAGE!
“What happens between now and Labor Day really defines — more than even the first 100 days of flood-the-zone — not just Trump’s second term, but Trump’s legacy.
“It’s stopping the Third World War. It’s laying out his definitive economic and financial plan, how we’re going to finance it. Plus it’s his assault on the ‘Deep State’ and the redefinition of the Article II powers. And these are all converging into one huge fucking fight.”
– Steve Bannon, Felon and Autocracy Promoter
https://politicalwire.com/2025/05/16/trumps-second-hundred-days-matter-more/
Incoming sewage = chance for RFK Jr. to take the family for a nice bracing swim with E Coli.
Like his milk, RFK Jr. prefers his sewage raw.
I am not sure how to check the answer to this question but if anyone in this community knows how an American citizen who does not live in the US but votes and files taxes and cares about her country's future can DONATE to candidates we support please let me know. No one in England uses checkbooks anymore and no one wants my Paypal or credit card payment. I used to use Act Blue but since they have come under fire, they won't accept outside US donations. Is it illegal for a US citizen to pay funds to campaigns from outside the US? This is one more way I feel I am being disenfranchised.
I'd call the candidates' office directly and ask them how they want to receive your money. Just an idea. I have no idea, but that's what I would do. Go to the source.
I’d be surprised if that was the case, but I don’t know and I think Kate’s answer is a good one. I can tell you that at one point in my federal civil service career my political activity was heavily restricted, but even then I was free to donate money to a campaign.
You could also send money to a trusted relative or friend in the US and have them make the contribution for you.
I will be calling my representatives on the Obese Ugly Farce, referred to as the Big Beautiful Bill by some. Exhausted by the sugar highs that create an economic mess for Democrats to clean up. Just look at the effective dates for some of the proposals.
Additionally encourage all to speak out against Billy Long’s nomination for IRS Commissioner, scheduled for Tuesday, May 20th. An incompetent, corrupt IRS undermines everything. Link below:
https://ground.news/article/billy-longs-bid-to-lead-irs-under-scrutiny-over-donations-that-paid-off-personal-debt?utm_source=mobile-app&utm_medium=article-share
When you’re paranoid about sea shells...
Trump is losing it: President Trump on Friday accused former FBI director James Comey of calling for his assassination in a social media post with a photo of "8647" written by seashells in the sand.
"He's calling for the assassination of the president," Trump said during a Fox News interview on Friday.
The president's comments come a day after his administration said it was investigating the matter as a threat.
https://www.axios.com/2025/05/16/trump-comey-8647-post-assassination
According to Merriam Webster “86” means to “throw out” or “get rid of” so yeah, no, not a death threat.
Hi John,
I just checked Urban Dictionary & it defines '86'd as: To get rid of, originally for killing someone. The phrase "80 miles out and 6 feet under" was reserved for someone who had to dig their own grave 80 miles from civilization and then get shot execution-style. All terms for 86'd originated from this, be it alcohol or eliminating.
Interesting, thanks for sharing that. Per Merriam-Webster, which doesn't include "kill" among its definitions: "There are many popular but unsubstantiated theories about the origin of eighty-six [italicized]. The explanation judged most probable according to Merriam-Webster's research is that the word was created as a rhyming slang for "nix", which means "to veto" or "to reject." Still, easy enough, not to use the term myself, and I don't plan to. I'm also pretty sure Simon is appropriately thinking I've been distracted by a squirrel again haha.
I mean... it's ridiculous, but doesn't James "her emails" Comey have something better to be doing? It's just juvenile. He repeatedly finds a way to look like a clueless, unserious idiot.
Does he think arranging shells on the beach is contributing to the resistance? Does he think this makes up for his unbelievably terrible record as FBI director?
Exactly- of all the people we're supposed to empathize with for being a target of trump, he's rock bottom on my list. I frankly think it is karma that he is going through this. He was bound and determined to put trump in office in 2016, and he can live with those consequences as far as I'm concerned.
Sounds like he's running a test of his emergency political assassination system (the one he would know about from the hundreds of political assassinations the Nazis carried out between 1921-1934, before they had official sanction to just lock people up); hope for the sake of everyone that Comey has very good security, because if this is what he's up to, and it goes as planned, it will both have a chilling effect amd encourage him to do more.
Great post Simon. LOVE THE BOSS. He so rarely speaks but when he does WOWEEE.
I have a standing donation in to The "7". Just donated to Abigail. Calling Warren, Markey and McGovern everyday! Although.... they are the ones fighting tooth and nail. I wish I could call Republicans. But Indivisible says it doesn't make a difference. Is this really true? Who else can i call?
My Indivisible chapter in Snohomish County WA advised that calling YOUR representatives really works, but out of state reps ignore you. They also stressed the importance of engaging with your state and local governments not just federal. Our local and state governments need citizen engagement more than ever. Democracy is not a spectator sport as this community well knows!
Do you have friends or relatives who reside in other states? You could call them and ask THEM to contact THEIR reps. Give them a little script and the names/numbers to call
A Judge Hannah Dugan Defense fund has been set up for her. Judge Dugan has dedicated her life to public service so unlike those in the current administration, she is far from wealthy.
Here is the link: http://www.hannahdugandefensefund.org/
Since she wishes to return to the bench, there are many stipulations as to who can donate so Milwaukee Co folks cannot.
done
More than anything, I hope some of the funds go to keeping her SAFE from someone who might want to do harm.
“Turns out Qatar has been trying to get rid of Trump’s $400m plane since 2020, and experts believe there is no possibility it can be retrofitted to act as Air Force One.” Hmmm…. I say this means there’s something wrong with the plane. Hopefully the orange idiot got a lemon.
Simon- I called my FL MAGA reps (I hesitate to call them Representatives since they don’t represent me or even their MAGA followers) and delivered the betrayal message above to all three. Made some passing comments to the bills they are introducing instead, which are laughable if they weren’t so tone deaf. Anyway, onward and upward. I LOVE how The Boss hit a big nerve for the baby-man…
Thank you Elizabeth! We appreciate your work in Florida!
I've started calling my "rep" by his first name in both phone calls and emails. I was raised to use all of the titles and respect the office. But this dude is such a young, incompetent, MAGA kool-aid drinking, a**ki*sing, first-termer that I've decided he hasn't earned the title and likely never will. And, based on Simon's comment a couple of months ago, I no longer refer to Trump as "President" or "The President" since he refuses to honor his oath.
Jayne, likewise! No “Honorable” anything about these people!
Called Adam Schiff’s office to tell him I expect a NO vote on the cryptocurrency scam bill. The grassroots group I volunteer with is supporting Spanberger in VA and I’m encouraging the writers in my hub to postcard for voter registration in VA. We have several campaigns going right now. Planning to attend the local protest on June 14th. Current sign idea is “Republican Silence Is Consent”.
Just gave to Spanberger and Dugan fundraisers. I’m from WA state. Thanks for your advocacy!
So, the latest is that many are clamoring to speak with him, knocking down his door to make deals on tariffs, to the extent that he can't possibly meet with each and every one. He can't support due process because then we'd have to have millions of "trials."
Too much time, too much energy, too much money.
Isn't it his job to ensure that resources are invested in the above, especially when he's responsible for the manipulation of so much?
He's on social media most of the time and doesn't sleep except during high-profile events. Why doesn't he have the time for all these people who want to get an audience with him so badly?
When, oh when, are those who enabled him to get back into office going to demand proof of all this bullshit that spews out of this husk of a human's mouth?
Show Americans the proof. Because the last time he thought he had proof, his brain was too addled to recognize that it was photoshopped.
Wouldn't it be incredible if Springsteen was to organize a Farm-Aid-like concert with this pro-democracy message? What a July 4 event that would be!
You could contact Bruce Springsteen to convey your idea. His label is Sony Music.
https://brucespringsteen.net/ with contact form https://www.sonymusic.com/feedback/
Marilyn Laverty handles public relations c/o Shore Fire Media Public Relations in
Brooklyn https://shorefire.com/
Rob Light: is his agent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in Los Angeles. https://www.caa.com/ https://www.caa.com/contact
You know, I think I'll do that! Thanks for the info! If others want to also contact him and his agent, I'm sure it would help!
Democrats bailed out Trump and the farmers from the adverse effects of his first term tariffs on ag products: The upshot was this: Democrats financed farmers who had voted for Trump the first time, and who then voted against helping any other Americans. The definition of insanity is to do that again. I love Springsting, but no more concerts for the Kings of Hypocrisy,
I don't mean in aid of farmers. I mean a huge star-studded concert that becomes a cultural event, like Farm Aid was back in the day. Perhaps a dated reference for people younger than me.
Ha! You’re not younger than me, because no one is younger than me! 🤣Not only that, I actually watched at least one of the Farm Aid concerts. I totally agree with your idea!
You’re not OKDER than me, because no one is older than me!
It’s late.
Your work is so thought provoking and encourages us to ‘think outside the box’. Our best shot at stopping Trump is to work for the legislature to align with the judiciary to stop him. How about a letter to the Republican Congress members asking them to stand up? It is clear that Trump is enriching himself while doing 😌 harm to Americans — this betrayal (better word than treason) should be highlighted with public and personal messages to the individuals who continue to be afraid not to support them. Let’s reach out in a succinct and meaningful way via a letter!! Or statement echoing The Boss.
I am not very hopeful that we will get back to a “normal” functioning federal government- Project 2025 is intent on remaking it to drastically shrink all social support programs and install autocracy. This is the fight of our lives to do everything possible to protect our democracy. Congress has been complicit. Love to hear from Rep Gillen as folks like her give me hope!
Yes!!!