Question of the day
Tuesday, Mar 3, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Trenton, New Jersey columnist Jeff Edelstein doesn’t much care for Gov. Bruce Rauner’s claims about his home state…
When I think of Illinois, I think of women shaped like fire hydrants wearing sausage-stained Chicago Bears sweatshirts. For the men, I just add a mustache.
I just wanted to get that out there.
Why? Because Illinois’ newly-elected governor, Bruce Rauner, said the following last week about our fair state: “New Jersey is lost. They’re going down the drain and they ain’t turning it around.” He said this in remarks to the Illinois Farm Bureau, a group with the motto, “Farm. Family. Food,” which makes me wonder if full sentences are beyond the grasp of Illinois farmers.
But enough with the cheap insults.
Rauner, who may or may not have once fed his family dog to serial killer and Illinois native John Wayne Gacy, was speaking about the property tax situation in the Prairie State, which he claims is second worst only to the property tax situation here in the Garden State. (Yes, the Prairie State. Prairies are wide open spaces. Like the craniums of most of Illinois residents.) (“Cranium” is another word for “skull,” Illinoisans.) (Say, how are those Cubbies looking this year?)
“I don’t want to compete with New Jersey on anything, especially that. That’s a disaster,” Rauner said, according to the State Journal-Register in Springfield, Illinois.
Believe you this, Rauner, we don’t want to compete with Illinois on anything either. We prefer stiffer competition. Like from New York, California, Texas. That’s the A-league right there. You guys are B-league at best. Go play with Iowa or something.
* The Question: Your response to Mr. Edelstein?
- Mason born - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:37 am:
Mr. Edelstein two words “Jersey Shore.” D-bag
- DuPage Dave - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:38 am:
At least he didn’t make a crack about women with mustaches.
- Stones - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:38 am:
To borrow from our host…Bite Me!
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:41 am:
Were not that different, Mr. Edelstein. We both have Governors who care more about their egos than serving their state with humility and responsibility.
- John Boch - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:43 am:
While I don’t know where Mr. Edelstein is looking for a date at in Illinois, I do know that we have a proud tradition of sending our governors to federal prison.
John
- A guy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:43 am:
Not everyone can be from Trenton, sir.
- Jorge - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:45 am:
Thats not very nice Mr. Edelstein. Bush league writing doesn’t help your case any.
- 309 - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:45 am:
Isn’t the nickname for New Jersey the “Armpit of America”
- PJ - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:47 am:
Out of all the jokes and conjecture volleyed up about New Jersey over the years, and the statements of a likely one-term governor get his boxers in a bunch?
- A guy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:47 am:
And…I’d stay away from fire hydrants for a while. You know, they look like Midwestern women. The most beautiful fire hydrants in the country; and very gifted if you listen to the Beach Boys.
On second thought, I’m not sure you know what a fire hydrant is. So, better yet, stay away from matches.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:48 am:
“New Jersey. New York City’s suburb”
“New Jersey. Our black pots look awfully like your black kettle.”
“New Jersey. Our swamps welcome you!”
“New Jersey. Our biggest employers are across the river.”
“New Jersey. A bedroom state.”
“New Jersey. A place to be from, but woukd prefer not to return.”
“New Jersey. Brooklyn took our basketball team.”
“New Jersey. Philadelphia’s punch line.”
“New Jersey. We have an inferiority complex, that ain’t new, but it’s all Jersey.”
“New Jersey. Even Sinatra left you.”
“New Jersey. Where NYC garbage barges dock.”
“New Jersey. Think the opposite of the Hamptons.”
“New Jersey. Where your interstate exit defines you, and not much else.”
“New Jersey. Even Princeton can’t believe its there.”
…
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:48 am:
He’s a pretty good counter-puncher. Rauner stupidly, needlessly poked dem Joizee-ites……..wait a minute…..what if it was done in order for Illinoisians to rally round their Governor……..Naa, forget it
- Tommydanger - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:48 am:
How’s the whole Atlantic City thing doing?
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:48 am:
Go pump your own gas
- Norseman - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:49 am:
Edelstein, do you want an “F…… Problem?”
- Nearly Normal - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:49 am:
Miss taking your meds this morning, Mr. Edelstein?
- Pot calling kettle - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:50 am:
Where’s Trenton?
- Michelle Flaherty - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:51 am:
I tried to contact Mr. Edelstein but he was out getting a spray tan.
- Norseman - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:51 am:
Our governor can buy your governor!
- D.P.Gumby - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:51 am:
Don’t insult a whole state just because of our idiot governor and we won’t insult a whole state just because of your idiot governor…
- Checkers - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:53 am:
Edelstein, way to fulfill the stereotype of an obnoxious New Jerseyan. I’m sure everyone is as proud of you as they are the cast of Jersey Shore.
- Norseman - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:53 am:
At least our governor likes the football team that plays in our state!
- Nearly Normal - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:54 am:
Google “New Jersey jokes” and you get over 22 million sites.
Google “Illinois jokes” and you get over 8 million.
So there.
- Michelle Flaherty - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:54 am:
New Jersey, the East Coast’s Taylorville.
- duh - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:54 am:
Uh, It’s a hot dog mustard stained Bears sweatshirt, dummy.
- MrJM - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:54 am:
“Your response to Mr. Edelstein?”
Sorry, I make it a point to never punch down.
– MrJM
- Dan Vock - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:55 am:
That’s pretty thin gruel. Rauner’s jab about property taxes might hit close to home. In one of my favorite lines about New Jersey, Matt Bai once explained: “NEW JERSEY COULD raise up its own army and invade Pennsylvania, and all the state’s voters would want to talk about, still, would be their property taxes. No other issue so dominates the political landscape of a state.” It’s old, but still a great read. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/25/magazine/25corzine-t.html?pagewanted=all
- TSG - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:55 am:
Unfortunately, all it takes to realize that his comment about Illinois women is correct is a flight from Illinois to California, Nevada, Florida, or Texas. Just comparing the people in the airports is entertaining. The obesity here is unreal.
It’d be great if we can poach some business from Texas and California. Even better if thin women come with said businesses.
There. I said it.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:55 am:
- Norseman -,
With great respect, as always. Period.
Rauner owns a piece of the Steelers…
- Matt Belcher - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:57 am:
Humor me. Why we should be the least bit concerned about what this unknown person thinks or writes?
Because he said something offensive? Who cares.
This testosterone induced–mine is bigger than yours–neighborhood bravado is another shining example of the unsung benefits of greater gender equality.
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:59 am:
Jeff, Ohhhhhhh, I gotcher A-League ryecheeeeaaaarrrrr! I’m flying the Jersey flag with both hands atcha heeaaaaarrrr!
New Jersey has its charms. Think Gary and Hammond, just not as nice or pretty.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 11:59 am:
===Humor me. Why we should be the least bit concerned about what this unknown person thinks or writes?===
Refer to your declaratory sentence and you will have your answer.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:01 pm:
“New Jersey. NYC’s pass through”
“New Jersey. Pennsylvania’s and New York’s loud and obnoxious neighbor.”
“New Jersey. Even the original Jersey wants the distinction.”
“New Jersey. Even the Jets and Giants don’t want that distinction.”
“New Jersey. Connecticut’s cousin they don’t talk about.”
“New Jersey. The Sanitation state.”
…
- Anon - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:05 pm:
Briella – “it’s saline. It’s like water. Like somebody went to the ocean and…it’s more sanitary than that. Touch ‘em.”
Olivia – “you think we can hear the ocean?”
- Jerseylicious
- John A Logan - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:06 pm:
It’s a bad day in Illinois when New Jersey is throwing insults at you. It’s like being yelled at by a homeless person because you only had dollar and fifty cents to spare.
- a drop in - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:06 pm:
“Say, how are those Cubbies looking this year?”
The Cubbies are looking fine. So are the White Sox. How are your major league baseball teams looking? Oh, yeah…….
- Jimmy CrackCorn - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:06 pm:
==Say, how are those Cubbies looking this year?==
Like they will be in contention for the next decade.
- Langhorne - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:07 pm:
Edelstein is no john Kass….. Or maybe he is.
- Norseman - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:08 pm:
Willy, my apologies. Forgot about .01’s ownership interest in the Steelers.
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:08 pm:
Yo Jeff, Snooki and JWow or Real Housewives of New Jersey?
Ohhhhhh, howsya rash?
- Ron Burgundy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:09 pm:
Back when the show was on, they used to sell Sopranos merchandise in the Newark airport, including Bada Bing items. They were actively promoting their connection with the show. Think about that for a minute.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:12 pm:
- Norseman -, I bet Bruce doesn’t, lol… Much respect, bud.
“New Jersey. The Fredo Corleone of the “Tri-State”
- Makandadawg - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:12 pm:
==== “Believe you this, Rauner, we don’t want to compete with Illinois on anything either. We prefer stiffer competition. Like from New York, California, Texas. That’s the A-league right there. You guys are B-league at best. Go play with Iowa or something.”=====.
I love this quote. That is what Rauner has been trying to sell us on, how good Iowa, Indian and Wisonsin are.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:13 pm:
He can’t do that to our State! Only we can do that to our State!
- LegalEagle - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:13 pm:
Michelle Flaherty. you do realize that Jon Corzine, the multi millionaire former governor and Senator of New Jersey, is from Taylorville.
- Matt Belcher - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:15 pm:
===Refer to your declaratory sentence and you will have your answer.===
Touché.
- RNUG - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:16 pm:
“New Jersey. We grow up looking at the back side of the Statue of Liberty.”
All you need ot know about NJ …
- RNUG - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:17 pm:
== New Jersey, the East Coast’s Taylorville. ==
New Jersey, the East Coast’s Bullpit.
There … fixed it for ya.
- Cheryl44 - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:20 pm:
Seriously? Jersey? Which exit?
- Central Scrutinizer - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:24 pm:
Understandable that he would be offended after BVR said his state was in the … drain. But he should have vented at the guy who said it.
- Black Ivy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:26 pm:
Shut the heck up, New Jersey! Governor Rauner was only speaking truth to power. Despite Governor Christie’s best efforts, corruption, bloated unions, burdensome taxes, etc. have adversely impacted the state to the point of being “lost.” Don’t blame the messenger - look inward and tackle your problems. And, FYI, Chicago loves its mustaches, fire hydrants, and sausage (in that order)!
- CapnCrunch - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:30 pm:
I have heard that when New York City needs an enema the tube is inserted at Hoboken.
- Sangamo Sam - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:33 pm:
Please don’t confuse us mustachioed fire hydrant sausage-stained Bears fans with our new Governor. He’s new at this “governing” thing. I’m sure your Governor (who in no way resembles a fire hydrant) would never say something that dumb in public.
So from the real people of The Land of Lincoln to fine citizens of The Garden State let’s instead remember what America’s greatest president, our own Abe Lincoln, once said about your state: “Alaska is so big you could fit 75 New Jerseys in it. I’d be happy if they just moved the one.”
- Vote Quimby! - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:34 pm:
Snooki. Kevin Smith. Illinois wins!
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:40 pm:
- Vote Quimby! -,
Now, now, Kevin Smith is the goods.
Blind squirrel, broken clock, etc…
- Michelle Flaherty - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:44 pm:
LegalEagle, yes. Hence the humor.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:44 pm:
===America’s greatest president, our own Abe Lincoln, once said about your state: “Alaska is so big you could fit 75 New Jerseys in it. I’d be happy if they just moved the one.”===
Where can I find that quote?
- Anonin' - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:50 pm:
We were worried
For several months we were fearful that BVR was racin’ to become West Indiana. Now we know he will be satisfied not bein’ New Jersey.
We can all rest easier
- Mittuns - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:58 pm:
Bada Bing, Bada Boom. Who’s da dopiest columnist in da room?
How ya doin’?!
- Nick Naylor - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 12:59 pm:
When Snooki, JWoww,& the Situation are the best your state can come up with, I’ll take a fireplug shaped, stain-shirted woman any day!
- Joey Buttafuccco - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 1:00 pm:
T’anks Brucie for the opening. Chump.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 1:04 pm:
===When I think of Illinois, I think of women shaped like fire hydrants wearing sausage-stained Chicago Bears sweatshirts.===
Q: Why don’t girls play hide and seek in New Jersey?
A: Because no one would look for them.
- Midstate Indy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 1:24 pm:
Edelshrimp, or whatever your name is:
I’m sorry to hear of your admittedly poor decision making in regards to your recent dating history of our lovely Illinois women and/or men, depending on the mustache, or not, in some cases.
I happen to know several Illinois farmers that could readily assemble a complete sentence that also begins with an “F” and succinctly ends with a “U.” I’m sure it would be “Fabulous Muumuu!” in honor of all those delightful Illinois beauties that you seem so eager to pontificate about.
I think the Rauner feeding his dog to Gacy thing was a bit much. I’m a little concerned about your contemplation of feeding dogs to people. Perhaps you should consider discussing your demonstratively shaky mental situation with the ASPCA as well as your favorite local psychiatric professional.
Regarding your obvious misunderstanding that Illinoisans don’t comprehend the word “Cranium,” I illustrate my understanding of the definition in the following sentence: Some from Illinois are Cubs fans, but those with an adequately developed CRANIUM support the Cardinals, and even those without anything in their CRANIUM still would never support a New Jersey team. How is your MLB team looking this year, by the way…? Exactly. Next Topic.
Finally, while I respect that you enjoy your competition stiffly, perhaps we should re-frame the discussion. If New Jersey wishes to compete, start with the lovely African nation of Djibouti, since your land area is reasonably similar. We Midwesterner’s aren’t going to let the schoolyard runt pick a fight with a kid twice his size, no matter how badly you want to.
P.S. Speaking of Iowa, the Hawkeyes absolutely slammed the Scarlet Knights 81-47 back in February. Maybe Illinois should play Iowa, sure doesn’t look like a Jersey team is up to the task. Cheers!
- LizPhairTax - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 1:49 pm:
Welcome to the Big Ten
- econ prof - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 1:56 pm:
He didn’t have to insult all Illinoisans by labeling us as Cubfans. South of I-72, we’re pretty much all Cardinal fans, and we have 11 World Titles, 19 pennants and 27 playoff appearances. We’ve been to the playoffs 11 out of the past 15 years.
- Chunga's Revenge - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 1:58 pm:
Is it true New Jersey’s motto is the Garden State because if you live there you’re always guarding everything you own?
- Anon - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 2:08 pm:
Fire hydrant? NJ has the whole water tower for its Governor.
- plate maker - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 2:11 pm:
New Jersey’s new license plate logo: NUT SACK OF THE NATION
- The Equalizer - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 2:16 pm:
Yeah, quit insulting all of Illinois! Some of us are Cardinal fans after all..
- PublicServant - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 2:19 pm:
Hey, sorry man, Rauner shouldn’t have said that. He’s a goof. But our goof isn’t worse than your goof…well, maybe.
- Amalia - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 2:46 pm:
Mr. Edelstein, not only could you not handle my shape, I would not want you to.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 2:48 pm:
The Cubs have 3 of the top 25 prospects and 5 of the top 50. The future is looking bright!
- Amalia - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 2:56 pm:
Jose Abreu says basta. Look him up cause you don’t know enough about baseball in Chicago. There’s a team called the Chicago White Sox. Enough with your Eastcoast Sports Programming Network perspective on Chicago sports.
- Roadiepig - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 2:59 pm:
Our CEO was criticizing their political and tax climate. This “reporter” immediately went to insulting the human beings living in Illinois. Not quite apples to apples ,but, after all ,he is from New Jersey so…
- Arizona Bob - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:01 pm:
C’mon. Why would the densest state in the nation want to say somethin’ like that? Sorry, its the densest POPULATED state in the US. Sorry again, after reading this article I was right the first time….
- Arizona Bob - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:11 pm:
=When I think of Illinois, I think of women shaped like fire hydrants wearing sausage-stained Chicago Bears sweatshirts=
Pretty weird fantasy. I prefer thinking of Illinoisans like Jenny McCarthy and Cindy Crawford…..
I guess if Edelstein prefers women shaped like fire hydrants wearing soiled athletic shirts, that must be a Joisey thing…
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:11 pm:
“New Jersey. We’re garden variety.”
“New Jersey. New York and Pennsylvania’s afterthought.”
“New Jersey. We’re not always angry, sometimes we’re really angry.”
“New Jersey. It’s kinda like New York, but with even less manners.”
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:17 pm:
“New Jersey. Meh.”
- Enviro - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:18 pm:
Only the Governor of New Jersey can
make the Governor of Illinois
look good in comparison.
One word: Bridgegate
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:18 pm:
What Rauner is saying is really bad news. He is rejecting the Chris Christie model of governing. Rauner is saying that the Christie model isn’t helping bring New Jersey back quick enough. Yet, New Jersey hasn’t gotten worse. The hemorrhaging New Jersey saw under Illinoisan Jon Corzine, came to an end. Christie didn’t subject the state to a “shaking”.
I don’t want the Bruce Rauner model of governing, if he thinks Illinois needs something more radical than what Christie has been doing in New Jersey.
So, it isn’t just about the insult. Rauner is turning his back on a good gubernatorial model for his new administration. Christie has been successful enough to show up during our gubernatorial election and campaign for Rauner. Our governor should be so lucky.
Rauner’s comments are an embarrassment.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:20 pm:
“New Jersey. Genuinely Fake.”
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:23 pm:
“New Jersey. Like the Hamptons, minus the Hamptons.”
- A guy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:25 pm:
Go compete with Iowa, you know, the state that picks who NJ is going to support for President every 4 years.
Can’t wait to get home to my hydrant. Got to get Mrs. Guy a Bear’s shirt. I’ll provide the sausage stain and then give it to her. BTW, she’s a hard core White Sox fan who loved Minnie.
One great thing I’ve done for her…when she wakes up and looks out the window, she knows she’s not in Jersey.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:25 pm:
“New Jersey. Water runs around it, thank goodness.”
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:27 pm:
“New Jersey. When New York rejects you.”
- Enviro - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:28 pm:
== We prefer stiffer competition. Like from New York, California, Texas. That’s the A-league right there. You guys are B-league at best.==
Mr. Edelstein, Illinois is A-League.
Now we need a governor who is A-League,
and so does New Jersey.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:29 pm:
“New Jersey. We’re whatever New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Rhode Island says we are. Just include us, please?”
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:31 pm:
“New Jersey. Where NYC puts things they don’t mind getting broken.”
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:32 pm:
“New Jersey. We’re leaders, whenever New York says we can be.”
- Tough Guy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:34 pm:
Congratulations Mr. Edelstein, you just tied our governor for the stupidest comments of the year award.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:41 pm:
“New Jersey. The little brother you’re required to have tag along.”
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:44 pm:
The powers of NJ and Illinois governor are way different. NJ governor is probably the best political gig outside of president.
In NJ, the guv and lg are the only elected statewide offices.
The governor appoints all judges, from Supremes on down, plus the AG and the SOS, subject to Senate approval. The governor also appoints all county prosecutors.
Can you imagine what Blago would have done with that, lol?
In addition, the NJ gov shares with the NY gov control of the Port Authority of New York and NJ — that’s all docks, airports, bridges, tunnels, cargo and passenger rail — to the tune of about $4 billion a year in non-tax, fee and toll based revenue and spending, plus constant revenue bonding and all the pinstripe patronage that goes with it.
Sweet gig.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:50 pm:
“New Jersey. It’s a resort. Your last one.”
- The Muse - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:52 pm:
“Women shaped like fire hydrants.” Has that guy even seen HIS governor?
- jerry 101 - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:52 pm:
New Jersey is to New York as Gary is to Chicago.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 3:55 pm:
“New Jersey. The five boroughs ’sixth man’…”
- TGS - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 4:10 pm:
How can we export fatties and import skinnies. That’d be an effort many of us would back. No tax incentives to Lane Bryant!
- Sir Reel - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 4:23 pm:
Fuggeddaboutit
- Levois - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 4:43 pm:
Someone should pull out that south park episode that seems to go after people from new jersey. South Park pulled no punches and even better we could throw it at that guy if he thinks of us as nothing more than SNL superfans lol
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 4:45 pm:
What do you call a pretty girl in Jersey?……………………….Tourist!
- olddog - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 5:40 pm:
Maybe Rauner’s mad because the governor of New Jersey knows how to work with the Democratic leadership in his legislature when he wants to.
- Emily Booth - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 6:03 pm:
Funny! Wish you lived here.
- Amalia - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 6:28 pm:
@TGS, what a jackass statement.
- lost in the weeds - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 6:41 pm:
Hey Illinois got more bridges to be closin’ and we got the fat people to overload them.
Beat that New Jersey with your fat governor.
http://www.statemaster.com/graph/trn_bri_tot_num-transportation-bridges-total-number
Oh and by the way the obesity of the various states mentioned is not that different state to state.
https://www.google.com/search?q=obesity+by+state&rlz=1C1GGGE_enUS477US483&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=643&site=webhp&tbm=isch&imgil=tGlSZ2noxYNLZM%253A%253BofKwjhLORhhEqM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fcalorielab.com%25252Fnews%25252Fcategories%25252Ffattest-states%25252F&source=iu&pf=m&fir=tGlSZ2noxYNLZM%253A%252CofKwjhLORhhEqM%252C_&usg=__O-O4iYx5A2_8At1VSTX38v3jAb8%3D&ved=0CDQQyjc&ei=K1T2VL2qDcfggwSyiYD4Aw#imgdii=_&imgrc=tGlSZ2noxYNLZM%253A%3BofKwjhLORhhEqM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcalorielab.com%252Fnews%252Fwp-images%252Fpost-images%252Ffattest-states-2011-468.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcalorielab.com%252Fnews%252Fcategories%252Ffattest-states%252F%3B468%3B366
- I B Strapped - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 6:41 pm:
Yeah there El Jeffe, that place you boyz got up dere called New Ark or sumpin? Yah, it’s really a swell place…everybody needs a .44 Mag and full body armor. Like I say, NICE…
- Jeff Edelstein - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 6:43 pm:
All in good fun, folks. NJ vs. Illinois is a fair fight …. But for real: DeLorenzo’s tomato pie. Worth the airfare. Come visit, my treat ….
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 6:46 pm:
At least our governor likes the football team that plays in our state!
You sure about that? rauner is part owner of the steelers lol
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 7:00 pm:
===- Jeff Edelstein - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 6:43 pm
All in good fun, folks. NJ vs. Illinois is a fair fight …. But for real: DeLorenzo’s tomato pie. Worth the airfare. Come visit, my treat ….===
I’m a cannoli guy, thanks. Since it’s all in good fun and all.
You mention a serial killer as a joke, that makes you a joke too.
“With kindest personal regards, I remain.
Sincerely yours,
OW
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 7:03 pm:
“New Jersey. When mentioning serial killers is just good fun.”
“New Jersey. Need a casino, Illinois? We have a few empty ones…”
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 7:05 pm:
“New Jersey. We’re not a flyover state, but we identify ourselves with expressway exits. Just sayin”
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 7:06 pm:
“New Jersey. Come for the tomato pie. That’s it.”
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 7:07 pm:
“New Jersey. If we knew better, yeah, we’d be embarrased of ourselves, ok?”
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 7:08 pm:
“New Jersey. Compared to New York, we’re like New Coke.”
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 7:10 pm:
“New Jersey. Between swamps and garbage barges, why wouldn’t we be the ‘Garden State’?”
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 7:12 pm:
“New Jersey. Please, don’t go!”
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 7:13 pm:
“New Jersey. Where native sons refer to there time there as the ‘lean years’…”
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 7:15 pm:
“New Jersey. Really, please don’t go, stay. Stay!”
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 7:31 pm:
“New Jersey. Living in the shadow of our neighbors.”
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 7:38 pm:
“New Jersey. It’s attitude, not an inferiority complex, honest.”
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 8:20 pm:
Frank didn’t sing Hoboken is my kind of town.
- FormerParatrooper - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 8:36 pm:
Been to New Jersey many times. One time I saw a very attractive woman. Found out she was from Illinois.
- Roadiepig - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 8:55 pm:
Willy you are en fuego today!
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 9:07 pm:
Dear Mr. Edelstein,
Feel better?
I know your a columnist, and just writing “get off my lawn” doesn’t help when you needs words and paragraphs, but isn’t the focus of your ire misplaced?
Your keen rationale seems to be saying that an Illinois pol taking a shot at your governor and Bruce Rauner’s idea of successes and failures of Chris Christie is a reflection of how we in Illinois see New Jersey. As a state. As citizens of illinois.
I think your failure in this column stems from the inadequacy you must feel; being so close to cities like New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and there you sit. In Trenton.
It wasn’t what Rauner said that bothered you. It appeared Illinois, the 5th largest state in the Union, Chicago, the 3rd largest city in America that was your target. It was people living in Illinois, not her governor that took the cheapest barbs, and the saddest tweaks, to fill the inches you needed filling.
See, I love my state. You want to have fun, what’s fun about a serial murder of young men? What do the Cubs have to do with any Rauner quote? Why the need to attack those in a snide way that didn’t say what Rauner said?
I felt quite sad for you. I am sure you hope, maybe, being edgy brings a light that you do indeed exist. To be honest, I didn’t even know the name of the paper you wrote for before today. So, I have heard of you, today. I’ll forget about you tomorrow.
I think what was most sad is missing the point of Rauner’s remarks. Instead of hammering or shaking Rauner’s remarks with the exploits of what is great about New Jersey, you chose to throw insult towards a state Rauner has been givernor of for about 17 minutes. Further, it’s not the governing you want to mock, it’s culture, and people, and tragedy, and even intelligence. Those questioning the smarts of another risk the reality of their own intelligence.
If I were as cynical as you, blanketing a people of a state when the target should be a governor, I’d worry about what is my goal in writing that type of column. Is it more about where you feel inferior, instead of where you see New Jersey is superior?
Maybe all you need is understanding how focus works in making a point. Maybe all you need is to spend time with victims of murder to see the crime is never a punchline. Maybe all you need is focus, instead of stringing a bunch of Dopey thoughts that never address the issues at hand.
Tomorrow, I’ll get up, read our papers in Illinois online, do my other daily tasks, work, and will move on from you. You gained nothing but a mockibg for your state, that still never moved the ball beyond two governors not agreeing any more.
I just hope tomorrow you feel better. For your own sake.
Sincerely,
OW
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 9:12 pm:
(Tips cap to - Roadiepig -)
- jake - Tuesday, Mar 3, 15 @ 10:23 pm:
The sad thing is: Edelstein was writing satirically. The Governor was being serious. And they both sounded equally weird.
- kj - Wednesday, Mar 4, 15 @ 8:35 am:
Jeff Edelstein, the Jersey Bore
- A guy - Wednesday, Mar 4, 15 @ 8:45 am:
After 127 comments, I have concluded, we could have done a much better job defending the beautiful women of Illinois.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 4, 15 @ 9:07 am:
- A Guy -, no one stopped you…
Plus, this was more about big picture venom towards Illinois as a whole, not one line in the midst of others just as distasteful.