Stop with the anti-Trump crusade, it's boring!

ikiT · June 2018

I just got this from my US Senator Chris Van Hollen...

I suppose it's WAY too Boring to read

One week ago, on Father’s Day, I traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas with my colleague, Senator Merkley, to investigate the reports of children being forcibly separated from their parents. What I witnessed confirmed my worst fears about the Trump Administration's cruel and inhumane family separation policy.

Our first stop was the Ursula Border Patrol Processing Center in McAllen – the center that is locally known as the “dog kennel” for the large pens of chain-link fencing that separately hold men, women, and children. We were not allowed to talk to the children, but we did talk to a mother named Reina – who had fled Guatemala with her daugher after local gangs threatened to kill them both. Reina's daughter was taken from her at the Center and she had no idea where she was. She feared that she would never see her daughter again.

After this stop, we traveled to the Hidalgo Port of Entry – a bridge that spans the Rio Grande, where asylum-seekers should be allowed to cross legally and safely into the United States to have their claims processed. However, the pedestrian crossing had been effectively closed to people seeking asylum. Local volunteers informed us that two weeks earlier asylum seekers had been left stranded on the bridge for days without food and water. Not surprisingly, they gave up and many then sought to cross the river in boats, only to be arrested and have their children taken from them.

Our next stop was a former Walmart super-store that has been converted into the Children’s Facility in Brownsville. This facility houses over 1,200 boys ages ten and up. Although we were able to tour the facility, Trump Administration officials refused to let us speak with the children. While it’s clear that the employees at this Center were doing their best to care for these children, the place was crammed and overflowing with boys as the Trump Administration was separating more and more kids from their parents.

Our last stop of the day was the Port Isabel ICE Detention Center. At the Detention Center, I heard gut-wrenching testimony from ten women in their blue prison jumpsuits who had fled extreme violence in Central America only to be arrested and have their children taken away from them when they reached the United States. These women were completely distraught over the possibility that they may never be reunited with their children.

In the days following our trip, people in Maryland and in every state have risen up to condemn this shameful policy. And, because of the outcry, President Trump finally bent to public pressure to reverse his despicable child separation policy. But our work is not done.

This new Executive Order does nothing to reunite the children who have already been taken from their parents. We have reports of children in Maryland as young as 18 months old who have been forcibly taken from their parents, and we cannot rest until these families are back together. The Executive Order also appears to subject children to indefinite imprisonment – which is unacceptable and violates previous court rulings. Bringing families back together just to lock them up again in prison camps is not a solution. There are better ways to manage this process that allow families to stay together while they go through the asylum process. The previous Administration had a program to keep kids out of jail, preserve opportunities for asylum, and enforce our laws.

Some families will meet the test to be granted asylum; others won't. But, as they go through that process, we should not be taking children from their parents or locking them up indefinitely. There are better ways that have proven to be effective. So please, keep speaking out and making your voices heard. Together, we can have secure borders and can stand up for the values that make America a beacon of light and hope to the rest of the world.

This is FASCISM. Not BORING.

To NOT SPEAK out AGAINST it is IRRESPONSIBLE.

LongestRoad · June 2018

Tiki said:

Or maybe it was...During the so called “listening session” with victims of school shootings when he was talking about arming teachers, he said “I think it could very well solve your problem.” Notice that he referred to the shooting of innocent children as “your” problem.

Is THAT one of the "views" you agree with?

Sadder and Stupider.

If you were in his shoes what is the exact terminology you would have used to describe?

PP193448 · June 2018

Windermere11 said:

Stickman24 said:

Yeah I’d prefer a little less political talk Instead of attacking why not try and find some common ground. It might be um productive. Rather than more walls.

Look by by no means am I looking to get into a political debate. I’ve loved this band and it’s members since I was 12 I’m 38 today. Weather I agree or disagree with thier personal. views it won’t affect how I view them. I agree some respect for the other side should be shown.

Completely agree. Less "political" talk and more music during shows. Originally from Seattle, I've been a Mookie fan from the beginning. Check my concert resume... And rarely do I comment online. I have better things to do in life. But personally, I feel this "political" diatribe during shows gets old. And I'm not looking to debate who's right, who's wrong, dem or rep. Trumps an idiot, so is Obama, Bush and Clinton. Most elected politicians are full of crap!! The political system (and media) is corroded with deception. But when I go to a concert, I prefer hearing the music and not political jargon. I don't need to be "instructed" who's right and wrong right after Dirty Frank and before Lukin. Everyone has a right to voice THEIR opinion on "world" issues (war, immigration, homelessness, finance, human rights, crime, guns, taxes, religion, nature, sex, sports, ect, ect, ect..) But maybe your opinion is different than the person standing next to you? So... my point is I prefer to attend (and pay for) concerts to enjoy the music and atmosphere. If I wanted to hear about politicians, how screwed up mankind is and all the other crap that's wrong in this world, I'll just turn on the TV. I've already paid the DirecTV bill ..

+1, but I don’t have Direct TV, I have Spectrum cable...

BC62528 · June 2018

I think as fans at this stage of the game we all know the drill before we purchase our tickets for the shows. I could be off, however, I think the band views it as their obligation due to their unique position to speak out on what they see as injustices (no different than their position on women's right, LGBTQ rights in North Carolina, Homelessness...and the list goes on). People can argue and say politics is different - But is it? Should it be kept in box off to the side? - I don't know the answer. All I know is that they are a great band, that makes great music and probably view their role as musicians as an opportunity to be activist. If they didn't speak out, we would have a thread or two that would say they are hypocrites and why don't they use their voice to take a stand. We can't expect to have it both ways. My stance is this - I love the band, the music they make and the friendships I have formed from the shows because of them - If they want to take a few moments during their show to shine a light on an issue that is clearly important to them - than more power to them. If you don't like it - use it as an opportunity to use the rest room or to connect with the person next to you. People said the same thing about Lennon, Dylan, Bono and many others - Rock on PJ.

Sarava · June 2018

I will always support PJ bringing their beliefs out. It is their right and what they have often stood for over the last 25+ years.

However, when it's done in a name calling, insulting and intolerant manner, I'm not sure it's going to be very productive in the long run. I think the left is missing a massive opportunity... when instead of taking the high road, they choose to stoop to the low levels that they hate from Trump and his allies.

THEBIBLEISTEN · June 2018

20 years ago Eddie brought some boxes out and ur still upset? Most the songs are political too, do u mind those? Eddie shoukd talk more about politics and I think

helplessdancer · June 2018

JimmyV said:

They lost the crowd for a half hour? I call bullshit.

me to. i'm calling bullshit on this. when did 3 mins all of a sudden become 30minutes?

helplessdancer · June 2018

Vedd Hedd said:

People are still supporting Trump?

Dear god, why?

Tristelune · June 2018

Mike D88 said:

Windermere11 said:

Trumps an idiot, so is Obama, Bush and Clinton. Most elected politicians are full of crap!!

Fuck this apathetic, ignorant noise. This is not 'politics as usual.' This is a slow regression from the world you and I know, the one that hasn't experienced a population-adjusting conflict in over half a century.

This.

on2legs · June 2018

THEBIBLEISTEN said:

20 years ago Eddie brought some boxes out and ur still upset? Most the songs are political too, do u mind those? Eddie shoukd talk more about politics and I think

I was at that show. It was more like a skit than a speech. And as a skit it kinda fell flat - I think they thought they were on Saturday Night Live.

LukinFan · June 2018

This is why it needs to continue...

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

- Martin Niemöller

deadendp · June 2018

LukinFan said:

This is why it needs to continue...

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
- Martin Niemöller

Thank you for this.

cp3iverson · June 2018

Oh look. A political thread

:wanders back into the merch thread:

Yep. Four eyed creatures on tshirts are more interesting.

deftones · June 2018

Pearl Jam is much more than a rock band. They were never just for the music and they will never be. And this is what makes them so special.

faithful2you · June 2018

I've not always agreed with the political views but have had zero issues with Eddie (or anyone in the band) vocalizing their opinions. I've always thought it was funny when people complain that they do. They've spoken out about issues since day one. You are a consumer, if you don't like the product enough that you plead for them to stop then maybe it's you that needs to find a new product to spend your money on. I see both sides and in the past 3-4 years I have lost a little respect for how he's chosen to speak out. I feel like it has gone from standing up for morals and supporting what's right to standing up for a specific party. I believe both sides are corrupt.

SpinTheLastExit · June 2018

They didn't lose the crowd for half an hour at all. It didn't take anything away from the gig. It's their mic, they can say and do what they want.

Bentleyspop · June 2018

Tiki said:

or was it that
Trump Spent One-Third of His First Year in Office Golfing and Hiding Out at His Own Private Clubs
The saddest and the stupidest.

Yesterday was golf day #117 out of 520 as "president"

mcgruff10 · June 2018

on2legs said:

THEBIBLEISTEN said:

20 years ago Eddie brought some boxes out and ur still upset? Most the songs are political too, do u mind those? Eddie shoukd talk more about politics and I think

I was at that show. It was more like a skit than a speech. And as a skit it kinda fell flat - I think they thought they were on Saturday Night Live.

Yeah it was pretty bad.

Thirty Bills Unpaid · June 2018

I hope they do a video accompaniment to one of their songs about Trump like Roger Waters did- absolutely demolishing him!

I think Trump is a slob that is not only funny looking, but a horrible person. If Trump can mock disabled people while doing presidential candidate stuff... then Pearl Jam can knock the orange one while doing rock star stuff.

People can go ahead and leave if he does. Nobody will care. The mean IQ will spike significantly and we can all have a better time!

lastexitlondon · June 2018

Humanity cannot defend trump
As a world .As the human race we all know it's wrong. So I say keep talking and keep telling everyone how wrong it all is. The passion is needed now

mrussel1 · June 2018

StuffnJunk said:

Yes cursing and name calling is reserved for Eddie

You can curse or call names on the AMT, you just can't do it about fellow members of the club. That's the difference. You won't be reprimanded for blasting a public figure.

lotsalemon · June 2018

Thirty Bills Unpaid said:

If Trump can mock disabled people while doing presidential candidate stuff... then Pearl Jam can knock the orange one while doing rock star stuff.

People love to forget this stuff. He has zero respect for anyone. He's in it for himself and his brand.

We all know where the band lies on the political spectrum. To expect them or any entertainer at this point to stay quiet, then you need to take the horse blinders off. The pro-Trump camp has no problem speaking their mind, yet when they hear opposition, they don't want to hear it.

I have the utmost respect for the office of the president, but when the president acts like an entitled child then that's where the respect ends.

dankind · June 2018

UNFU
CK THE
WORLD

Halifax2TheMax · June 2018

mcgruff10 said:

I never minded the banter from Ed, just don't ramble on and on and on like sometimes he does. (case in point, msg 1 98 when they brought out the 3000 boxes representing the whitewater investigation...ugh).
Quickly make your point and then look at Mike to start the next song.

I guess the 12,000 boxes for Team Trump Treason’s impeachment will send you to the beer and merch lines then?

mcgruff10 · June 2018

Halifax2TheMax said:

mcgruff10 said:

I never minded the banter from Ed, just don't ramble on and on and on like sometimes he does. (case in point, msg 1 98 when they brought out the 3000 boxes representing the whitewater investigation...ugh).
Quickly make your point and then look at Mike to start the next song.

I guess the 12,000 boxes for Team Trump Treason’s impeachment will send you to the beer and merch lines then?

As long as you are next to me on line.

NewJPage · June 2018

faithful2you said:

I've not always agreed with the political views but have had zero issues with Eddie (or anyone in the band) vocalizing their opinions. I've always thought it was funny when people complain that they do. They've spoken out about issues since day one. You are a consumer, if you don't like the product enough that you plead for them to stop then maybe it's you that needs to find a new product to spend your money on. I see both sides and in the past 3-4 years I have lost a little respect for how he's chosen to speak out. I feel like it has gone from standing up for morals and supporting what's right to standing up for a specific party. I believe both sides are corrupt.

He's actually been less vocal than he was during Bush era, but your "both sides are corrupt" needs to be reexamined. If you think there is any equivalence you are either massively uninformed just being lazy.

Vedd Hedd · June 2018

Vedd Hedd · June 2018

We all come here to enjoy pearl jam. Some also come to talk about other things. The above picture, believe me...I understand.....sometimes I would just rather not be bothered with "things". Then again...I'm able to escape away from that pretty easily. Just something to consider.

Halifax2TheMax · June 2018

mcgruff10 said:

Halifax2TheMax said:

mcgruff10 said:

I never minded the banter from Ed, just don't ramble on and on and on like sometimes he does. (case in point, msg 1 98 when they brought out the 3000 boxes representing the whitewater investigation...ugh).
Quickly make your point and then look at Mike to start the next song.

I guess the 12,000 boxes for Team Trump Treason’s impeachment will send you to the beer and merch lines then?

As long as you are next to me on line.

I’ll get the beers, you get the merch.

oftenreading · June 2018

Halifax2TheMax said:

mcgruff10 said:

Halifax2TheMax said:

mcgruff10 said:

I never minded the banter from Ed, just don't ramble on and on and on like sometimes he does. (case in point, msg 1 98 when they brought out the 3000 boxes representing the whitewater investigation...ugh).
Quickly make your point and then look at Mike to start the next song.

I guess the 12,000 boxes for Team Trump Treason’s impeachment will send you to the beer and merch lines then?

As long as you are next to me on line.

I’ll get the beers, you get the merch.

Tricky! You chose the easier line.

Stop with the anti-Trump crusade, it's boring!

Comments

Trump Spent One-Third of His First Year in Office Golfing and Hiding Out at His Own Private Clubs