"Gypsy Robe" offends the Romans

Political correctness has gone completely over the cliff.  Now Actor's Equity Association, the union representing professional US actors who work in the theatre, have sent this letter out via email to all its members.  Apparently, for over 60 years the union has been offending the Romans.   The extreme left is going absolutely bonkers.   For the record... a "gypsy" in the world of musical theatre refers to a chorus performer who because of the short life expectancy of any given production, performs from show to show their entire career.   For years, the NYC theatre Broadway community has hosted a mostly fun, but sometimes ridiculous show with all kinds of antics at which the robe gets passed from one chorus member ("gypsy") to another.  Debated now is the word "gypsy".  Read for yourselves.

Dear Member, I wanted you to hear this news from me first. This season will be the last for the name "Gypsy Robe." The tradition and the ceremony before opening night of a Broadway musical, in which Equity honors the chorus member with the most Broadway Chorus credits, will continue, but the name will change.  Equity's National Council recommended this week that we retire the name "Gypsy Robe." I supported this change, and as chair of the ACCA Committee, I led the charge at the committee level.  That is not where I started on this issue. If you had asked me when I first joined Equity's Council, I never thought I would sit down to write this message.   When I think of the Robe, I think about the intent behind the tradition, which has become an institution of our community. For over 60 years we have celebrated our members with legs in the business with a fun event on opening night. Many people have received the Robe more than once and some have even passed on receiving it again, so that more of us can feel the pride of an event that celebrates lasting in a business most don’t even get started in.  But here is the reality: this name is no longer appropriate, particularly as we engage in our work to reduce hiring bias in the theatre industry. I hope you will join me and take a moment to consider the difference between intent and impact.   The word "Gypsy" originates as a slur employed against the Romani people. Romani (also called Roma) people didn't travel from place to place because they wanted to. Historically, they traveled because no one, no country, no sovereign state, accepted them. Still today they suffer persecution and are treated as second-class citizens. They obviously didn't have a union behind them negotiating their time or travel conditions or overtime rates.   Good intentions don’t sanitize the huge impact an expression has, and how much the words we use matter. We can – and we will – continue the Robe tradition. But we cannot appropriate someone else’s identity without their voice attached to it. The Robe has carried as its name an insult to people who have literally not been allowed the same kinds of privileges and rights that we all have created a union to defend. That must stop.  History will not go away because of the change of a name. But what we can do is control our own actions. As a union, a collective created to champion actors' rights and be their voice, we must lead by example.   This change may not easy for everyone. But it is right.  In Solidarity,   Kim Jordan  Chair, Advisory Committee on Chorus Affairs

Brian P. Stack takes off the Gloves

NJ State Senator & Union City Mayor Brian P. Stack released a statement reading:

"Please take a moment to read this important message regarding our current situation in the county.

How dare the current county administration believe they have an inherit right to do nothing in office and remain there. What has happened in this county administration for a long time is simple, they have forgotten the RESIDENTS they serve! While all too focused on the political machine. They claim to be about the people, but the make up of the administration does not represent our residents. More than that, they have failed to include our minorities in key positions in our county. This is no longer the 1950’s when one political boss is served. I work really hard daily and speak to 100’s of residents who seek help and assistance from county government. These residents go ignored and with no help at all from the current county administration. This has to stop. Hudson County residents deserve and should expect more. If the current administration seeks re-election, although I believe they have lost the fire in their belly years ago, force them to present their record and our candidate will do the same. They shouldn’t be afraid of us calling them out or try to make this personal, but understand clearly it is and will always be about the people we serve. I take pride in representing our minorities that include African- Americans, Hispanics , Arab-Americans, South Asians, and many other minorities who go forgotten too often. All residents, regardless of ethnicity, should have a voice in our community. Hopefully, a fight does not occur from this, but if need be I WILL NEVER BACK DOWN. I will never forget the most important part, “THE PEOPLE.” Please join me in our fight to bring more services to our communities!" #timeforchange

Menendez kicks off re-election campaign in Stackland

US Senator Bob Menendez today kicked off his re-election campaign in his home turf, Union City, NJ.  The Union City High School gymnasium was bursting at the seems with students and teachers, administrators, and politicians from all over the State.  The students received an education for sure. 

The speakers included fellow State Senator & Union City Mayor Brian P. Stack, Governor Phil Murphy, and fellow US Senator Cory Booker.  All spoke eloquently, and each proudly wearing New Jersey on their chests, with Menendez even referencing the popular phrase “Jersey Strong”.  Every speaker pledged their support to the US Senator’s bid for re-election.  Host city Mayor Stack spoke the most brief, but was for sure fired up, and the students were quick to applaud and show love for their Mayor.

Governor Murphy with a big smile on his face literally hopped onto the stage as though a teenager.  He joked as to the size of yet another rally in Union City.  The City and Mayor are synonymous for their lively and extremely well attended events.  Senator Booker, a talented speaker, got the crowd going and on their feet with a well delivered message about "us" against "them"… "them" being the Republicans and the President.  Menedez, a great orator himself, delivered a well rehearsed and well delivered speech.  He dug into the Republicans’ national agenda, and how he has always stood up for the people of New Jersey.  “After Sandy”, he said, “When everyone left, I was still here working for you.”  But the best quote of the day was when he said to the hundreds of students present, “I know some of you are too young to vote, but I’m your vote”, which received a great ovation from everyone.

It was a love fest for one one Jersey’s own.  One however, could sense the tension in the room, even in this extremely large gymnasium, due to the ever growing Hudson County reignited political infighting.  The political divide in the county will surely affect everyone in the State, including Menendez, because, hey, sides must be chosen and decisions made, and no one is safe.  Like other political wars, there will be casualties on both sides, and even those who try to remain neutral will suffer the consequences.  This is Hudson County, where politics is a contact sport.

(Sitting in the front row, the State's power players: State Senator & Mayor Brian P. Stack, US Senator Cory Booker, NJ Governor Phil Murphy.)

The event went off without a hitch.  Security was everywhere, no doubt due to the madness we’re grappling with nationwide.

Mayor Brian P. Stack & his Union City First Team host a Party

Last Thursday night The Graycliff in Moonachie burst at the seams with yet another pack-to-the-hilt fundraising event my State Senator and Union City Mayor Brian P. Stack & his Union City First Team.  In attendance was Governor Phil Murphy and just about every politician aligned with Stack’s team.  Missing was County Executive Tom DeGise and a few others.  No surprise since Stack and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, also in attendance, announced a few weeks back that they will not support DeGise for re-election.

It was a love fest for Stack and his running mates Commissioners Maryury Martinetti, Lucio Fernandez, Celin Valdivia, and newcomer Wendy Grullon.  Commissioner Tilo Rivas will not be seeking another term on the Commission, but will remain as County Freeholder.

Stack spoke from the heart, at times using a tough tone, obviously sending a message to someone in particular.  The crowd, mostly listening, lapped it all up.  Obviously this is their man.

The party was festive and entertaining.  Not too much gossiping between pols, since all mostly left after the speech by Stack.

One thing is for sure... Stack has support.  Lot's and lot's of support.  And not just from the people he represents.

Can Rivas beat Sires for Congress?

The Rumor mill at work...

After over a decade of being a Union City Commissioner, Tilo Rivas called it quits, leaving some heads scratching.  But wait, he will continue serving as Hudson County Freeholder AND being part of the Stack formidable political machine.

Shortly after the Rivas announcement by Stack, hundreds of volunteers were hitting the pavement getting petitions signed for Rivas' posible run for Congress.  What does this mean?  By possibly squaring Rivas up against sitting Congressman Albio Sires, who’s on the ballot in June, the Hudson County political war is sure to intensify.

Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise and Sires are buddies, two Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO) long-time members with close ties.  Is the County Organization heading towards a civil war?

When Stack and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop announced that they would not support DeGise for re-election, many eyebrows were raised.   But when petitions for Rivas began to be circulated, many hearts must have skipped.  Sires for one must be weighing his options; Mayor Turner from Weehawken, a Sire’s protege, must be trying to sort things out; as for North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco… not going to speculate.

Can Rivas beat Sires?  One on one, no way.  But with Stack’s monumental get-out-the-vote power supreme… maybe.

Stack & Fulop show DeGise the door

Brian P. Stack & Steven Fulop will NOT support DeGise’s re-election for Hudson County Executive

Union City Mayor & State Senator Brian P. Stack and Jersey City Mayor Steve issued a joint statement saying they will not be supporting Tom DeGise as Hudson County Executive, almost guaranteeing the exit door for DeGise.

“With regard to Hudson County’s next County Executive, we wish to state that we are seeking a new vision that is more closely aligned with our governmental ideals. While we are grateful for County Executive DeGise’s service, we look forward working with new county government leadership that will complement shifts related to a growing and changing population, as well as an increased regional influence. Consequently, we will be supporting a new candidate for that office,” impart read the release.

Tom DeGise, 66, is a former Jersey City council president.  He  ran for mayor in 2001, but lost the runoff to Glenn Cunningham.  He became County Executive in a 2002 special election after Bob Janiszewski’s resignation.  DeGise, who has been re-elected four times, says that he will seek re-election to a new term next year no matter what. 

Many names are being rumored around, but none confirmed.  Most notably mentioned is Freeholder Bill O’Dea.

A New Kind of Immigrant

For those who passed through Ellis Island and other ports of entry. Back in 1900 when there was a rush from all areas of Europe to come to the United States, people had to get off a ship and stand in a long line in New York and be documented.

Some would even get down on their hands and knees and kiss the ground. They made a pledge to uphold the laws and support their new country in good and bad times. They made learning English a primary rule in their new American households and some even changed their names to blend in with their new home.

They had waved goodbye to their birth place to give their children a new life and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate into one culture. Nothing was handed to them. No free lunches, no welfare, no labor laws to protect them. All they had were the skills and craftsmanship they had brought with them to trade for a future of prosperity.

Most of their children came of age when World War II broke out. My father fought alongside men whose parents had come straight over from Germany , Italy , France and Japan None of these 1st generation Americans ever gave any thought about what country their parents had come from. They were Americans fighting Hitler, Mussolini and the Emperor of Japan . They were defending the United States of America as one people.

When we liberated France , no one in those villages were looking for the French American, the German American or the Irish American. The people of France saw only Americans. And we carried one flag that represented one country. Not one of those immigrant sons would have thought about picking up another country's flag and waving it to represent who they were. It would have been a disgrace to their parents who had sacrificed so much to be here. These immigrants truly knew what it meant to be an American. They stirred the melting pot into one red, white and blue bowl.

And here we are with a new kind of immigrant who wants the same rights and privileges. Only they want to achieve it by playing with a different set of rules, one that includes the entitlement card and a guarantee of being faithful to their mother country.

That's not what being an American is all about. The immigrants who landed on Ellis Island in the early 1900's deserve better than that for all the toil, hard work and sacrifice in raising future generations to create a land that has become a beacon for those legally searching for a better life. They would be appalled that they are being used as an example by those waving foreign country flags.

Stack Rallies in Hudson County

LEGISLATION TO SHIELD NJ SANCTUARY CITIES

STATE SENATOR/UNION CITY MAYOR BRIAN P. STACK, STATE ASSEMBLYMAN RAJ MUKHERJI, AND STATE ASSEMBLYWOMAN ANNETTE CHAPARRO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO SHIELD NJ SANCTUARY CITIES FROM THREATENED FEDERAL FUNDING CUTS

UNION CITY, NJ – State lawmakers representing the most ethnically diverse legislative district in New Jersey announced their sponsorship of a bill that will create a program to provide supplementary grant funding to a municipality or county that has been denied or otherwise lost federal grant funding based upon its status as a sanctuary jurisdiction. The bill is numbered S3007 in the Senate, where it was introduced yesterday, and A4590 in the Assembly.

Sanctuary jurisdictions are those that do not use local resources to enforce federal immigration laws. The Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution prevents the federal government from requiring state or local agencies to implement federal law or regulations. Nevertheless, President Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from cities that will not enforce immigration laws. Under the program established by the bill, a sanctuary jurisdiction can apply to the Commissioner of Community Affairs for a dollar-for-dollar match of State appropriated moneys to supplement any deficit created by the loss of federal grant funding.

“Just as Union City is one of the most diverse cities in the country, New Jersey is one of the most diverse states in our nation. Our immigrant communities have enriched our state’s history and contributed to its economic and cultural prosperity,” noted Stack. “Residents need not fear coming forward to assist law enforcement or calling city agencies to access services. We must do our part to protect them, regardless of documentation status or national origin.”

Mukherji added, “Mayors and police chiefs should not be torn between doing the morally right thing and protecting all of their residents or cooperate with unconscionable federal directives that will tear families apart, for fear of losing funding and having to raise taxes. This measure will ensure that if the White House follows through with threats to cut aid, the State will have their backs.”

Chaparro remarked, “Our state and our nation have always valued the principle that it’s not where we came from but where we’re going that matters. When policies start to vilify immigrant communities that made vital contributions to our democracy, we must do our part to protect our neighbors.”

New Jersey’s 33rd Legislative District, represented by Senator Brian Stack, Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, and Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro, is comprised of Union City, which has a long history as a sanctuary city and where nearly 85% of the population was Hispanic or Latino as of the 2010 Census; Jersey City, home to Ellis Island or the “Gateway to America;” Hoboken; and Weehawken. The district is located entirely within Hudson County, which has played a pivotal role in welcoming immigrants to this nation. Regardless of citizenship status, nation of origin, or religion, the nurturing of an environment of inclusiveness, which protects the values of democracy and freedom and respects the human dignity of all residents of the State, is of vital concern to New Jersey.

Watch complete statement as reported by "La Revista Semanal"

https://youtu.be/cQRvpLKDnoo

ABOUT THE SPONSORS

Senator Brian P. Stack has also served as Mayor of Union City since 2000 and in the Legislature since 2003, when he was first elected to the New Jersey General Assembly. He has a long history of championing local causes.  Prior to serving in elective office, Senator Stack was a community activist and tenant advocate. While serving as a Hudson County Freeholder, he fought numerous battles on behalf of local residents. In the Senate, where he has served since 2008, he presently sits on both the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and Senate Judiciary Committee.  He has earned a reputation for accessibility and as a zealous, round-the-clock advocate for his constituents, including immigrant communities. Through the nonprofit Brian P. Stack Civic Association, Mayor and Senator Stack has helped tens of thousands of residents and their families with a myriad of housing, employment, and immigration issues; meeting the needs of victims of disasters; and delivering countless turkeys to indigent families on Thanksgiving and toys to needy children during the holiday season.

Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, who is presently the only South Asian lawmaker in the state, is a son of immigrants. He previously served as Deputy Mayor of Jersey City. Two weeks after September 11, he sold a successful information technology company he had built as a teen to enlist in the U.S. Marines as a reservist, where he served as a Sergeant in military intelligence.  A healthcare lawyer and entrepreneur, Mr. Mukherji has also served as a municipal prosecutor and, for nine years, has volunteered his time to serve as Chairman of the Jersey City Housing Authority.  In the Assembly, he sits on the Budget, Commerce and Economic Development, and Labor Committees, in which roles he has earned a reputation as a champion of the middle class, the disadvantaged, and working families.

Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro, was first elected to the State Legislature on November 3, 2015. She sits on the Homeland Security and State Preparedness, Law and Public Safety, and Transportation and Independent Authorities committees. Assemblywoman Chaparro holds the distinction of being the first woman from Hoboken and only the second woman ever elected to represent the 33rd Legislative District. Ms. Chaparro is a product of the Hoboken public school system, a proud mother of three, and is a Clerk II in the City of Hoboken.  She has previously served as a Board Secretary to the Hoboken Planning and Zoning Boards and as a member of the Hoboken Rent Control Board.

(UNION CITY, NJ) – Following the death of Cuban Dictator, Fidel Castro, the City of Union City’s Mayor, Brian P. Stack and the Board of Commissioners are scheduled to hold a ceremony to raise the Cuban flag in solidarity with the millions of Cubans around the world who have suffered under the Castro regime. 

“We stand together with all Cubans in Union City, Hudson County and around the world who have been enslaved, impoverished, disenfranchised and suffered many atrocities at the hands of Fidel Castro,” said Mayor Brian P. Stack.  “It is my sincere hope that Castro’s death will lead to freedom for the Cuban people and subsequently a relationship with the United States.  When the people of Cuba are finally free, we will celebrate together.” 

Hudson County is home to the largest population of Cuban immigrants in the Northeastern United States.  Cubans in Union City and all over the world are rejoicing in death of the infamous dictator and have expressed hope that real change will come for the people of Cuba.  Repressive laws have allowed for the imprisonment and even deaths of thousands of political protesters and caused many leave their families to seek refuge in the United States.

Union City will hold the Cuban Flag Raising Ceremony at 4 PM on November 28, 2016 at 38^th Street and Palisade Avenue across from City Hall.  The Mayor and Board of Commissioners invite the public to join them as they raise the Cuban flag in solidarity with Cubans all around the world. 

Latest NowPolitic Poll

Here are the results of our latest poll:

How dow do you feel about the Welfare System?

It’s enabling poverty:  80%

It’s terrible: 20%

What do you think of Rev. Al Sharpton?

A complete joke:  90%

I don’t know anything about him: 10%

Cuban Parade of New Jersey 2016

The Annual Cuban Parade of New Jersey and one of the State's biggest parade, kicks off on Sunday, Jun 5th, 2016 at 12:00 PM from Bergenline Avenue & 79th Street in North Bergen.  The parade goes thru North Bergen, Guttenberg, West New York, and Union City.  It usually draws between 200,000 to 300,000 spectators.  This year the parade will feature the music of probably the best loved Latin band from New Jersey, Maxima Alerta on the UNIVISION float. Maxima Alerta, originally from Cuba, was the best known Cuban fusion band in the island.  Also on the parade will be many dignitaries such as news anchor Rafael Pineda, Rolman Vergara, etc.

It promises to be a great afternoon of Cuban culture up-close and personal.  You don't need to be Cuban to enjoy.

World Premiere Screening... Bahia de Cochinos, Nuestra Perspectiva

Provocative New Film Premieres in Union City

"Bahía de Cochinos, Nuestra Perspectiva"

("Bay of Pigs, Our perspective") 

(Union City, NJ)  MeLu Films and The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc. present the World Premiere screening of the documentary "Bahia de Cochinos, Nuestra perspectiva" on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at 7:00 PM at the Union City Performing Arts Center, 2500 Kennedy Boulevard, Union City, NJ.  Free Admission.  Refreshments served. Free parking at the Parking Deck located on 23rd Street between Summit & Kerrigan Avenues.  The cast and crew of the film will be present.  

"Bahia de Cochinos, Nuestra perspectiva" is a documentary film about the Bay of pigs as told through the eyes of Cuban Exiles who actually participated in the invasion.  Now, many years later, they contemplate the happenings and share their individual satires and feelings with us.  That story comes at a price, a price we ask them if they would be willing to pay again.  When all is said and done, are these past invaders resentful?  Do they cast any blame?  Who lost most in the Bay of Pigs invasion?

Featured in the film is testimony by members of the 2506 Brigade: Ángel Casabona Ruiz, Isidoro López González, Ricardo Montero Duque, Raúl Puig Sánchez, and Alvin Ross Diaz; as well as Sergio Gatria, director of the Cuban Information Center.  Their stories are moving and shed light of the infamous Bay of Pigs Invasion.  The film is bound to create some serious dialogue about what truly lies behind the events leading up to the invasion and the fallout thereafter.  

The film is directed by renowned Cuban director, Ricardo Bacallao and Lucio Fernandez; and produced by MeLu Films and The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc.; Megan Fernandez, Executive Producer.  The entire film crew was from Hudson County. The producers held a pre-release screening of the film in 2015 to get feedback before completing the project this month. 

(Please note:  this film is presented in Spanish, but informational materials in English will be handed out prior to the screening; and all discussions will be conducted in both English & Spanish.)

For more information, visit:

www.MeLuFilms.blogspot.com

www.GraceTheatre.com

www.UnionCityPAC.com

Black Lives Matter... "an excuse for violence"

Here are the results of our most recent poll.  Some may be surprising, but here's what your neighbors are thinking:

When asked, "How do you feel about the Lives Matter Movement?", 50% of respondents said it was reverse racism, and the other 50% believed it was a ridiculous movement.  Many folks who wrote us said they believed it was an excuse for violence, and some felt that both the welfare system and political correctness are destroying this country.  One person wrote that this "movement' was dividing the country and creating more harm than good, and that images of black youth destroying and looting property does not help.

When asked, "Who would you most likely vote for president?", 85% of respondents said Donald Trump to a mere 15% said Hillary Clinton.

When asked, "What is the news organization you most trust?", 75% of respondents said FOX News and 25% said BBC.

Latest NowPolitic Poll

(100% of respondents rated NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio's job performance as "Bad")

Here are the results of our latest poll.  Some results may surprise you, but here’s what your neighbors are thinking and feeling:

When asked, “How do you rate drivers in Hudson County?”

0% said “Great”

0% said “Just ok”

50% said “Bad”

50% said “The worst”

When asked, “What quality of life issues need to be addressed by authorities in Hudson County, NJ?”

0% said “Garbage?Littering”

50% said “Jaywalking”

0% said “Bad drivers”

50% said “Crime”

0% said “Abandoned buildings”

When asked, “How do you rate NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio's job performance thus far?”

0% said “Great”

0% said “Just ok”

100% said “Bad”

0% said “Horrible”

NOW Politic received this very interesting take on Donald Trump as a high school student, written by a fellow student. VOTE AS YOU WISH, AND LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT TRUMP - - A personal note from Peter Ticktin who knows the guy from high school. As a law firm, we at The Ticktin Law Group do not like to get involved in politics.  As soon as we endorse one side, we risk alienating everyone on the other side.  Also, our lawyers and staff are, themselves, on both sides.  Politics is not our game.  However, Justice is! If you saw a guy get publicly smeared, and you knew him well from the days you were friends and seniors together in high school, if you knew him to be a decent and honest man, would you want to say something?  This is why I need to share what I know.  I was aghast at watching last night's debate.  It was a set-up.  The moderators, Cruz, and Rubio were all like little alligators trying to take a bite out of Trump.  Yes, Donald Trump has had some failures, but he has been exceedingly successful.  None of this came out.  Instead, there was a general attack.  Rubio simply makes up lies.  He pretends that Trump has small hands and makes fun of him for something which isn't even real.  He pretends that Donald wets his pants, and makes fun of him, as though it was true, and then he calls Donald Trump a "Bully."  I am not suggesting that you should vote or not vote for anyone.  I just need to defend a former friend who is being smeared. Like Donald Trump, I attended New York Military Academy ("NYMA") for high school.  In fact, in our senior year, together, Donald was my captain, and I was his 1st Platoon Sergeant.  I sometimes joke that I ran his first company for him, Company "A." People don't really change much from the ages of 17 and 18, and I know this guy.  I know him to be a good decent guy.  We lived and breathed an Honor Code in those years.  It wasn't just a rule.  It was our way of life.  Neither Donald, nor any other cadet who graduated with us would ever lie, cheat, or steal from a fellow cadet.  These values became irreversibly intertwined in the fabric of our personalities, of who we are. Of the 99 guys (no girls in those days) in our class, there is not one who I know who has a bad word to say about Donald Trump.  Think of it.  With all the jealousies which arise in high school and thereafter, with all the potential envy, not one of us has anything other than positive memories of this man.  How could we?  He was an "A" student, a top athlete, and as a leader, he was highly respected.  We never feared him, yet we never wanted to disappoint him. He had our respect.  He was never a bigot in any way, shape or form.  He only hates those who hate.  Of course he denounces the KKK.  As to the discussion with the New York Times, it is his choice to release the 'off the record' remarks.  However, if he does, it opens the door for all political opposition to make that demand for everyone, and that means that our press will never get those 'off the record' remarks which help them to understand the realities of the campaign.  Moreover, the idea that Donald Trump confessed some alternate theory of his position is preposterous.  Can anyone believe that all those NY Times reporters are walking around knowing some deep dark nasty secret about a guy who is seeking an endorsement? The Republican establishment is afraid of Donald Trump.  Why?  They are afraid that he will lose to Hillary.  They don't hate Donald.  They hate her.  They are so fearful that they fail to see that by expanding the base of voters for Trump, he is more likely to win. Watching the chorus of whiners, decriers, denigrators, and self-righteous put-down experts from so many directions, from Mit Romney, to Megyn Kelly, Little Mario, it has to make you wonder.  Why?  Why are so many people so angry with Donald Trump, that they are lying, name calling, ridiculing, and demeaning him as they do.  Either they are afraid, or they know him to be evil.  This is why I feel the need to speak out at this time.  I know this man.  He is a lot of things, but he is not evil.  He is a decent honest guy who loves this country, and who is willing to sacrifice so much of what is left of his life, because he knows that this country needs to be fixed, and that it is going to require someone who can do the job.  He just doesn't see anything around him other than political hacks, so he is willing to take this huge responsibility. I'm not saying that he is the only one who can do the job.  My point is simply as to his motivation and his goodness. This next decade is going to be one of major changes.  We all see the climate changing, and the world food supply is getting lower.  Our fish stock around the world is running low.  Oil prices will cause countries to fail.  The Middle East is beyond repair, and we have become weak and ineffective around the world.  Donald Trump sees the issues and knows that he can assemble leaders who would have the best chance of fixing things.  This is why he is running.  He does not need it for his own aggrandizement.  He doesn't need another big jet or to take up residence in the White House.  He just wants things to be fixed, and he knows that the politicians won't fix anything. I knew Donald Trump and was close to him in our senior year in high school.  I just want you to know that there is nothing to fear from him.  His character is as good as it gets.  He is a patriot, taking on a heroic task, and being thanked by massive abuse.  If you want to see a true reflection of a man, look at his children.  Need I say more? A Personal Note from: Peter Ticktin

Latest NOW Politic Poll

Here are the results of our latest poll:

How do you rate President Obama's job performance?

Just ok:  66%
Horrible: 33%

What do you believe is the single most important issue facing our country?

Crime: 66%
Terrorism: 33%

How safe do you feel living in Hudson County, New Jersey?

Somewhat safe:  66%
Not safe at all:  33%

Pres. Obama in Cuba

U.S. President Barack Obama is visiting Cuba with Cubans on the island cheering and some in the US ranting.  Obama and Raul Castro held a joint press conference, surprising many, with Obama putting the authoritarian government in Havana on the hot seat, taking questions from reporters and urging Castro to do the same.  There were several pointed queries on human rights, political prisoners and economic reforms, at times making Castro uneasy, and abruptly saying it was enough.

Both sides basically agreed that they disagree on many issues, however they both agree on one... both insist the embargo must end.  Obama even as so much saying, it will be lifted.  

The people of Cuba are rejoicing at the idea of improved relations, for even Google plans to open a plant there.  However some Cubans in the US are angry at the prospect, while a vast majority of both Americans and Cubans feel it’s time. They feel that even though Obama’s deal is not the best, at least is a step in the right direction, and that it is way over due for changes in Cuba.

The one misstep for President Obama was maybe accidental, or maybe not.  As he was placing flowers honoring Cuban Patriot Jose Marti, he was also posed directly in front of a large mural depicting the infamous Che Guevara, considered by many a terrorist and murderer.

When it’s all said and done, the relationship with Cuba is changing rapidly and more significantly, it is a change no one can now put on hold, not even the leaders from the respective countries.  History will ultimately be the judge.

NOW Politic most recent poll

Here are the results of our most recent polls.

When we asked, “Who would you like for US President?”

50% Sen. Marco Rubio

25% Hillary Clinton

12% Gov. John Kasich

12% Sen. Bernie Sanders

0% Sen. Ted Cruz

0% Donald Trump

When we asked, “Who would you vote for as the next New Jersey Governor?”

33% Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop

16% Sen. Pres. Stephen Sweeney

50% Other

When we asked, “How do you feel about President Obama's visit to Cuba?”

16% Hated it

83% Loved it

Fulop attacks Gov Chris Christie

In Hudson County where nothing is surprising in politics, and everything is fair game, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop this week has put up a new website urging NJ Governor Chris Christie to step down.  Fulop insists that Christie is more interested in campaigning with businessman and GOP front runner Donald Trump than attending to matters at home.  

What seemed to have prompted Fulop, according to The Jersey Journal, is the decision by Christie not to show up at Monday’s funeral for a New Jersey state trooper killed in the line of duty so he could campaign with Trump.

The Governor has widely been criticized for his many trips out of state to campaign or raise funds.  However, the same criticism has been lobbied at Fulop who everyone believes has his eye on the governorship.

Fulop’s stepdownchris.com may be viewed by some of his own critics as “pot calling kettle…”  But, nevertheless, it is Hudson County, NJ.  It also appears that folks are fearing Christie less and less after his White House bid came crashing down.  Time will tell how all this plays out.