Super minor point of correction: the firebombing happened later that evening when the governor and his family were upstairs in bed. Gd only knows what would have happened had the attack actually occurred during the seder. He's my governor, though, and I agree heartily with everything else you said!
Yes, I was going to point that out. Thank you for doing so first. In some ways, that is an even scarier scenario, because everyone was asleep in another wing of the Governor's mansion.
Even more nit-picky point: the dangling modifier makes it sound as if the bomber was sitting at the Seder table with the Shapiros. It’s rare for Jen to make such an error!
I had no trouble either; but I know Jen, an excellent writer, does not want basic errors to slip onto her articles. It's the classic, "Smothered in gravy and onions, Mom carried in the Thanksgiving turkey" mistake.
I am happy to see that the sentence in question has been edited so that now it is factually correct and not confusing or misleading. And to answer people’s questions, I was confused by Jen’s writing and actually went looking online to see if there had been two different arson fires at Gov Shapiro’s residence. But my second comment was trying to be funny/make light. I am not a closet MAGA (geez you guys, let’s not give the MAGAs the realm of humor, too!). I should have known that any attempt at humor would fall flat in an online forum though, since it’s lacking in body language and other non textual cues. Sorry if I riled anyone’s feathers and I’ll go back to quietly reading Substack posts again.
True, context matters, and readers unconsciously compensate for, uh, "infelicities," but it's best not to have a potentially ambiguous sentence depend on the sentences before or after. The insertion of "Shapiro was" (or "the governor was") would have made it clear: "Last year, when Shapiro was sitting . . ."
And yet….! He was sitting at the table while sleeping? I rarely have to go fact-checking Contrarian articles, and it’s disappointing to me to have to do it this time. It means I’ll be less trustful of other facts reported here.
Ok, I will. Now that I rethink it, the man who threw the bombs could be the one sitting at the table, which allows the Shapiro family to be asleep in their beds at the time of the incident. 🤷🏼♂️
Uh, Lia, Jen stated that " a man threw 2 Molotove cocktails into Shapiro's home, igniting a fire". The key word being *into*!!! It's quite clear that the man was not, as you suggest, "sitting at the table"!!! I would encourage you to make an effort to read articles more carefully from now on. Perhaps, even read something through twice before making your comments.
And, it's one thing if you truly were confused about Jen's writing, but it is another whole situation if you were pretending to be confused for the purpose of being "funny". In that case I would agree with Mary Buchert's statement.
Give us a break, Lia. You try writing a well researched article every day like Jennifer Rubin! Makes me wonder if you are a hidden MAGA person deflecting fom the critical issues facing us today. Get a life.
So be it. The general gist is clear. I don't waste my time verifying the tiny stuff that doesn't change the overall meaning. I trust Contrarians intentions to truth. They are an incredible help at this time.
Came here to say that. And it was earlier this year, not last year. While it is a minor point in the context of the attacks on our democracy, accuracy in reporting is critical; once there is a discrepancy in facts, there is reasonable suspicion of other statements.
Yes! I have been telling folks this for a long time. If people on the dark side can pounce on one single line of inaccuracy, they'll use that as an excuse to say, "see, you can't believe what they tell you!"
I agree that accuracy is super-important when we are dealing with a fact-free opposition. I often note slight issues of spelling (usually homonyms), grammar as pointed out here and slight misstatements of facts. Knowing The Contrarians are writing early and quickly in response to the events as they come along, I have shrugged them off. But I have also assumed that, once an error is pointed out, it will be edited to be corrected. I have noticed this happening in MSM, specifically in fact in the Washington Post. Our alternative media do need to correct it. And I have always believed that this very issue is what differentiates responsible reporting (and opinion writing) from propaganda. Honest reporters make honest mistakes and when pointed out, they correct them.
Isn’t the designation of anyone who opposes or disagrees with him as ANTIFA, or antifascist, a tacit admission that his regime is fascist? And getting more so each day?
Not really a name he invented. As you note it's an acronym for anti-fascist, which Trump has latched upon to chuck at anyone who is in disagreement. Like 'socialist' 'communist' and 'liberal', it is used in a pejorative manner. What's wrong with being anti-fascist?
Don't worry fellow Contrarians, I'm sure Susan Collins will join with the other so-called moderates and deliver a speech on the Senate floor denouncing all the attacks on free speech and the other abuses of the Trump and administration. Yeah, I know it will never happen, but THAT is the problem. Everything Trump says and does is the responsibility of the gutless Susan Collins Republicans that make a mockery of their oath to defend the constitution.
I agree. Collins will express her deep concern about Trump’s violations of our First Amendment rights then vote to exonerate him because she's sure that he finally learned his lesson. She needs to be voted out of office in November 2026!
Unless a few Congressional Republicans, many who know Trump is nuts but live in fear, some for their lives, to come forward, we may never have an election. Need psychological reinforcement.
Why only yesterday I heard she assembled her entire Lean Cuisine dinner choices and had a frank, no-holds-brarred discussion with them. It was stirring. The conversation, of course, the meals just sat there....
Thank you, but firmly rooted for the lasy 53 years. Still, we feel put upon most of the time, and abandoned the rest. Our Governor has just removed the mandetory vaccinations of our state's school children. And he's apointed a bufoon as our states surgeon general.
I really admire Gov. Shapiro. He is a “get it done” leader. Not just the quick rebuilding of the I-95 bridge, either. He is plain spoken w/no BS & I hope we see him run for either Senate or President in 2028. I’m glad he’s getting out front on this, and I wish our “main stream media” had also covered this (HA HA - LOL!). I can’t imagine mustering the courage he has after what he and his family went through. Thanks, Jen Rubin, for covering & highlighting this. I think this crackdown will only accelerate the paradigm shift of getting news and commentary from traditional network TV to Substack, YouTube & Podcasts, and I’m here for it!
All of us need to stand up and call this Authoritarian and Fascist takeover for what it is. Plan to be out there, peacefully protesting on October 18. It would be breathtaking and impossible to ignore for tRump and the rethugs if we could mobilize 20 or 25 million that day. You can find a protest near you here.
While our ship continues to sink during this ruthless amoral political firestorm let’s not forget We The People are fighting not just for our Democracy, Humanity, but also for our Earth. Substack’s Jason Anthony’s amazing environmental essay’s are alarmingly noteworthy:
With the demise of TV comedians, perhaps now is the time to create a "National Trump-Joke-of-the-Week" movement. Something that parody's Trump's never-ending stream of blather. He can use his sycophant FCC minions to attack and threaten individuals and their sponsors, but I doubt they can stop a national movement. No one even has to do something extreme (pushing the limit of offensiveness), simply use Trump's words and actions against him. See just how thin his skin really is - that would be fun! And don't forget his minions, they are fair game.
ANTIFA is supposed to be shorthand for “Anti-Fascist” which would include you, me, and the guy behind the tree NOT wearing a MAGA hat. In other words, it’s not really “a thing” except in the minds of the cultists. Bravo Gov. Shapiro! We need all Democratic governors to stand up for what’s right, good, and just because the GOP governors are mostly sycophants.
It would certainly include my Dad who survived the "Battle of the Bulge," and I'm often happy he is no longer on this earthly plane, to see support for the Nazis he was fighting.
My dad was in the Navy and was doing battle with the Japanese in WWII. Like you, I am glad he isn't here to see what has become of the Republican Party that he supported during his lifetime. Selfishly, I wish I still had my parents just so I'd have their wisdom and support during these times, but thankfully, they've been spared witnessing this crap.
The same sentiments apply to my uncle who served throughout the South Pacific in WWII as an Army Sharpshooter. He never talked about the war, and was also a Republican who would have been disgusted with what it became. Fortunately neither he nor my parents (both Democrats) have lived to see this.
Jennifer: I remember trying to talk with a boy in high school who just kept repeating everything I said back to me. There was no "conversation" to be had. Period. I was just a kid and didn't know what to do but remember exactly how I felt--stuffed, as if someone was stuffing my words back into my brain or "down my throat."
That's exactly how I feel when I try (I used to do so, but no more) to talk to a Trump supporter or when I see the Press trying to ask Trump a legitimate question, or when I hear Congressional interviews these days--there is no authenticity to it from the get go. You know you are going to get a gobbledegook mess with diversionary tactics and gaslighted interpretations almost with every word. And look out, Press, if he asks you where you work.
How to kill a democracy? Kill not only truth, but the language it rides in on.
You can get stickers on the Interweb with pictures of Rump pointing, and the saying "I did that!!!" to put in various places in your local supermarket.
It's something, anyway, and maybe it will dawn on his remaining supporters that he is largely responsible for the extra $$ they pay.
Actually, Dawn, it is great fun. You look up and down the aisle to make sure you're alone, keep one hidden in your hand, pick the price that looks most outrageous, and plunk one on. I tend to focus on the meat and egg cases, but these days anything could be fair game.
Etsy has a great selection. Trump-Tariffs Did That! We also ordered
our shirts for NO Kings on the 18th. My TBI brother who loves Disney told me to cancel Disney because of what they did. Proud of him as he loves Disney. Cancelled. Americans deserve better.
No first day, or even 'in two weeks' the end of the war in Ukraine as promised either. He even promised to release the Epstein files. How's that going?
Agree. Seems everyone understands the corruption associated with Epstein Files-go with that and grocery price increases! As James Carville said, "It's the economy stupid." Americans deserve better.
Readers who subscribe to Heather Cox Richardson's "Letters from an American" will recognize the type in one not-named-here troll who "graces" the comments with his stink all the time. He never shuts up, never stops bullying others, never sounds anything like a 4-year-old imbecile (my apologies to the vast majority of 4-year-olds) and acts as though his pee actually etches glass. A Trumpian combination of narcisstic idiocy, verbal incoherence, disinformation and ridiculous condescension. It's what we're all up against.
Thank you for your thoughtful your thoughtful and heartfelt column. Today, we are all called to stand up for democracy. History will remember those who don’t.
Super minor point of correction: the firebombing happened later that evening when the governor and his family were upstairs in bed. Gd only knows what would have happened had the attack actually occurred during the seder. He's my governor, though, and I agree heartily with everything else you said!
Yes, I was going to point that out. Thank you for doing so first. In some ways, that is an even scarier scenario, because everyone was asleep in another wing of the Governor's mansion.
Even more nit-picky point: the dangling modifier makes it sound as if the bomber was sitting at the Seder table with the Shapiros. It’s rare for Jen to make such an error!
OMG, folks, I had no trouble understanding Jen's meaning, here!!!
I had no trouble either; but I know Jen, an excellent writer, does not want basic errors to slip onto her articles. It's the classic, "Smothered in gravy and onions, Mom carried in the Thanksgiving turkey" mistake.
Thanks for the gravy and onions laugh. I remember "a leather gentleman's wallet" from when I was about 8.
I am happy to see that the sentence in question has been edited so that now it is factually correct and not confusing or misleading. And to answer people’s questions, I was confused by Jen’s writing and actually went looking online to see if there had been two different arson fires at Gov Shapiro’s residence. But my second comment was trying to be funny/make light. I am not a closet MAGA (geez you guys, let’s not give the MAGAs the realm of humor, too!). I should have known that any attempt at humor would fall flat in an online forum though, since it’s lacking in body language and other non textual cues. Sorry if I riled anyone’s feathers and I’ll go back to quietly reading Substack posts again.
The previous sentence made it clear she was speaking about Shapiro sitting at the table.
True, context matters, and readers unconsciously compensate for, uh, "infelicities," but it's best not to have a potentially ambiguous sentence depend on the sentences before or after. The insertion of "Shapiro was" (or "the governor was") would have made it clear: "Last year, when Shapiro was sitting . . ."
To me it was clear. The general meaning was clear. The article was great, helpful. I thank them.
And yet….! He was sitting at the table while sleeping? I rarely have to go fact-checking Contrarian articles, and it’s disappointing to me to have to do it this time. It means I’ll be less trustful of other facts reported here.
Give it a break.
Ok, I will. Now that I rethink it, the man who threw the bombs could be the one sitting at the table, which allows the Shapiro family to be asleep in their beds at the time of the incident. 🤷🏼♂️
Uh, Lia, Jen stated that " a man threw 2 Molotove cocktails into Shapiro's home, igniting a fire". The key word being *into*!!! It's quite clear that the man was not, as you suggest, "sitting at the table"!!! I would encourage you to make an effort to read articles more carefully from now on. Perhaps, even read something through twice before making your comments.
And, it's one thing if you truly were confused about Jen's writing, but it is another whole situation if you were pretending to be confused for the purpose of being "funny". In that case I would agree with Mary Buchert's statement.
Give us a break, Lia. You try writing a well researched article every day like Jennifer Rubin! Makes me wonder if you are a hidden MAGA person deflecting fom the critical issues facing us today. Get a life.
So be it. The general gist is clear. I don't waste my time verifying the tiny stuff that doesn't change the overall meaning. I trust Contrarians intentions to truth. They are an incredible help at this time.
In the world of stuff that doesn't matter.
It's rare for me to miss one! I guess I was too absorbed in the subject matter.
came here to say that - the seder dinner was over and they were in bed is how I remember it
Came here to say that. And it was earlier this year, not last year. While it is a minor point in the context of the attacks on our democracy, accuracy in reporting is critical; once there is a discrepancy in facts, there is reasonable suspicion of other statements.
Yes! I have been telling folks this for a long time. If people on the dark side can pounce on one single line of inaccuracy, they'll use that as an excuse to say, "see, you can't believe what they tell you!"
I agree that accuracy is super-important when we are dealing with a fact-free opposition. I often note slight issues of spelling (usually homonyms), grammar as pointed out here and slight misstatements of facts. Knowing The Contrarians are writing early and quickly in response to the events as they come along, I have shrugged them off. But I have also assumed that, once an error is pointed out, it will be edited to be corrected. I have noticed this happening in MSM, specifically in fact in the Washington Post. Our alternative media do need to correct it. And I have always believed that this very issue is what differentiates responsible reporting (and opinion writing) from propaganda. Honest reporters make honest mistakes and when pointed out, they correct them.
It's mind boggling how they even got that close to the governor's mansion.
Here we go again, acronym scrabble: ANTIFA : Another Name Trump Invented For Activists
The "funny" thing is, although nothing is funny any longer, that decent people are all supposed to be anti fascists.
So, I'm proud to be an antifa!
Marc: It's like being "woke." Who wants to sleepwalk through life?
Maybe: Anti-fact?
Trump is at least true to himself - as a wordsmith, he's a bit of a dud. He's calling it "anteefa" as if it were a (gasp) Moslem word!!!
No surprise. He pronounced Yosememite Yosie-mite. There are other words (and whole sentences!) that he make a hash out of.
Isn’t the designation of anyone who opposes or disagrees with him as ANTIFA, or antifascist, a tacit admission that his regime is fascist? And getting more so each day?
Another sprinkling of confusion added to the soup.
There is the delicious irony of Trump and Miller railing daily about the Anti Fascists.
ANTI-FASCIST? Antifa
Think you missed the point.
It's Trump/Miller who are missing the point.
Except Trump didn't invent "ANTIFA," either the name or the concept.
Nope, I think it was invented during WWII—you know, the anti-fascist heroes who saved us from Hitler.
Exactly
That's great!
Not really a name he invented. As you note it's an acronym for anti-fascist, which Trump has latched upon to chuck at anyone who is in disagreement. Like 'socialist' 'communist' and 'liberal', it is used in a pejorative manner. What's wrong with being anti-fascist?
What he's against is "anteefa", a sinister heavily-armed terrorist group.
It exists only in his paranoid and diseased mind.
Don't worry fellow Contrarians, I'm sure Susan Collins will join with the other so-called moderates and deliver a speech on the Senate floor denouncing all the attacks on free speech and the other abuses of the Trump and administration. Yeah, I know it will never happen, but THAT is the problem. Everything Trump says and does is the responsibility of the gutless Susan Collins Republicans that make a mockery of their oath to defend the constitution.
I agree. Collins will express her deep concern about Trump’s violations of our First Amendment rights then vote to exonerate him because she's sure that he finally learned his lesson. She needs to be voted out of office in November 2026!
Unless a few Congressional Republicans, many who know Trump is nuts but live in fear, some for their lives, to come forward, we may never have an election. Need psychological reinforcement.
https://problemsolverscaucus.house.gov/
I did not know there was such a caucus.ty
Brian Fitpatrick is the only prototype -- so far.
Collins is thinking about raising the threat level to "Very Concerned."
Gosh! I tremble.
That means she clutches her pearls in both hands.
She will be history come the midterms.
Her competitor is polling significantly ahead, but Nov '26 is a LONG way away.
Why only yesterday I heard she assembled her entire Lean Cuisine dinner choices and had a frank, no-holds-brarred discussion with them. It was stirring. The conversation, of course, the meals just sat there....
....unstirred.
Will she waggle her finger at them?
LOL
To help contain Trump's FASCISM, support and vote for these Democrats on Nov.4, 2025:
Abigail Spanberger for Governor of Virginia and
Mikie Sherrill for Governor of New Jersey.
"Capitulation is just an invitation to further extortion."
A great bumper sticker for today's America.
With sad remembrance of the late great Republican party past.
Yes, it's excellent!
It just has too many words and syllables...
Is there a vehicle has a bumper that long?
I live in Miami, FL. The good news: Sunshine. The bad news: Ron Desantis.
I envy you who live in states with a governor who cares for and about his people.
We here in Maryland would welcome you, if you would like to move to our state - we also have a governor who cares for and about residents.
Thank you, but firmly rooted for the lasy 53 years. Still, we feel put upon most of the time, and abandoned the rest. Our Governor has just removed the mandetory vaccinations of our state's school children. And he's apointed a bufoon as our states surgeon general.
Is it possible to have the children vaccinated anyway?
less trump voters
We in Colorado are also so blessed.
DeSantis is such a poor imitation of his dear leader
He'd heighten the resemblance by removing that romantic facial hair.
But look how generous Lord Ronald of the White Boots is! Disease for everyone!
I have family there. They want me to come and live with them. I won't.
Lots of nice places here in Delaware, our good Floridian citizen 😀.
Vermont. We're blue and it's getting warmer here.
Get out of those fascist overheated states. Obviously not good for the brain.
It automatically gets warmer where you feel the Bern.
Love this. He's my hero.
Lewes is one of them. I've been there.
It is.
Yes, it's time to Make Florida Great Again.
You could join us and Governor Pritzker here in Illinois. You would be welcome, though the weather isn't as good.
I really admire Gov. Shapiro. He is a “get it done” leader. Not just the quick rebuilding of the I-95 bridge, either. He is plain spoken w/no BS & I hope we see him run for either Senate or President in 2028. I’m glad he’s getting out front on this, and I wish our “main stream media” had also covered this (HA HA - LOL!). I can’t imagine mustering the courage he has after what he and his family went through. Thanks, Jen Rubin, for covering & highlighting this. I think this crackdown will only accelerate the paradigm shift of getting news and commentary from traditional network TV to Substack, YouTube & Podcasts, and I’m here for it!
All of us need to stand up and call this Authoritarian and Fascist takeover for what it is. Plan to be out there, peacefully protesting on October 18. It would be breathtaking and impossible to ignore for tRump and the rethugs if we could mobilize 20 or 25 million that day. You can find a protest near you here.
https://indivisible.org
Thank you wholeheartedly, Jennifer.
While our ship continues to sink during this ruthless amoral political firestorm let’s not forget We The People are fighting not just for our Democracy, Humanity, but also for our Earth. Substack’s Jason Anthony’s amazing environmental essay’s are alarmingly noteworthy:
https://open.substack.com/pub/jasonanthony/p/koyaanisqatsi?r=1kncci&utm_medium=ios
With the demise of TV comedians, perhaps now is the time to create a "National Trump-Joke-of-the-Week" movement. Something that parody's Trump's never-ending stream of blather. He can use his sycophant FCC minions to attack and threaten individuals and their sponsors, but I doubt they can stop a national movement. No one even has to do something extreme (pushing the limit of offensiveness), simply use Trump's words and actions against him. See just how thin his skin really is - that would be fun! And don't forget his minions, they are fair game.
Mary Trump does Trump Trolls Trump on Saturday evenings. I recommend it.
Can you say where for those of us with no substack skills? Something we can re-send?
I'm so sorry. She does have a substack, but the Trump Trolls Trump, I watch on YouTube.
https://substack.com/@marytrump
The last YouTube Mocks (wasn't sure I could post it here) is this one:
https://youtu.be/IVZwhpo-RMg
Oh, and lest I forget, Censor That!
ANTIFA is supposed to be shorthand for “Anti-Fascist” which would include you, me, and the guy behind the tree NOT wearing a MAGA hat. In other words, it’s not really “a thing” except in the minds of the cultists. Bravo Gov. Shapiro! We need all Democratic governors to stand up for what’s right, good, and just because the GOP governors are mostly sycophants.
It would certainly include my Dad who survived the "Battle of the Bulge," and I'm often happy he is no longer on this earthly plane, to see support for the Nazis he was fighting.
Yes, Bravo!
My dad was in the Navy and was doing battle with the Japanese in WWII. Like you, I am glad he isn't here to see what has become of the Republican Party that he supported during his lifetime. Selfishly, I wish I still had my parents just so I'd have their wisdom and support during these times, but thankfully, they've been spared witnessing this crap.
The same sentiments apply to my uncle who served throughout the South Pacific in WWII as an Army Sharpshooter. He never talked about the war, and was also a Republican who would have been disgusted with what it became. Fortunately neither he nor my parents (both Democrats) have lived to see this.
And my Dad who was drafted and sent to Germany in 1944.
Jennifer: I remember trying to talk with a boy in high school who just kept repeating everything I said back to me. There was no "conversation" to be had. Period. I was just a kid and didn't know what to do but remember exactly how I felt--stuffed, as if someone was stuffing my words back into my brain or "down my throat."
That's exactly how I feel when I try (I used to do so, but no more) to talk to a Trump supporter or when I see the Press trying to ask Trump a legitimate question, or when I hear Congressional interviews these days--there is no authenticity to it from the get go. You know you are going to get a gobbledegook mess with diversionary tactics and gaslighted interpretations almost with every word. And look out, Press, if he asks you where you work.
How to kill a democracy? Kill not only truth, but the language it rides in on.
Perhaps ask them how they are enjoying the rising prices at the grocery store, etc.?
Has Trump worked out the way he promised them?
Americans deserve better.
You can get stickers on the Interweb with pictures of Rump pointing, and the saying "I did that!!!" to put in various places in your local supermarket.
It's something, anyway, and maybe it will dawn on his remaining supporters that he is largely responsible for the extra $$ they pay.
That is too good Dr. Judy! I will look for them! Americans deserve better.
Actually, Dawn, it is great fun. You look up and down the aisle to make sure you're alone, keep one hidden in your hand, pick the price that looks most outrageous, and plunk one on. I tend to focus on the meat and egg cases, but these days anything could be fair game.
Ordering today!!!!!!!! Too good! Quiet but loud protest!
Have a nice weekend! Americans deserve better.
Etsy has a great selection. Trump-Tariffs Did That! We also ordered
our shirts for NO Kings on the 18th. My TBI brother who loves Disney told me to cancel Disney because of what they did. Proud of him as he loves Disney. Cancelled. Americans deserve better.
No first day, or even 'in two weeks' the end of the war in Ukraine as promised either. He even promised to release the Epstein files. How's that going?
Agree. Seems everyone understands the corruption associated with Epstein Files-go with that and grocery price increases! As James Carville said, "It's the economy stupid." Americans deserve better.
Readers who subscribe to Heather Cox Richardson's "Letters from an American" will recognize the type in one not-named-here troll who "graces" the comments with his stink all the time. He never shuts up, never stops bullying others, never sounds anything like a 4-year-old imbecile (my apologies to the vast majority of 4-year-olds) and acts as though his pee actually etches glass. A Trumpian combination of narcisstic idiocy, verbal incoherence, disinformation and ridiculous condescension. It's what we're all up against.
Unfortunately, there are many of his ilk, and there seems to be nothing that will counter the brainwashing that they have absorbed.
Another minor (ish) point--the firebombing happened THIS year.
So glad Shapiro is my governor.
You're free to speak your mind my friend
As long as you agree with me
Don't criticize the fatherland
Or those who shape your destiny
'Cause if you do
You'll lose your job your mind and all the friends you knew
We'll send out all our boys in blue
They'll find a way to silence you
- From "The Ostrich" by John Kay, 1968
Great way to start my Friday. Three cheers for the Undaunted 💙Governors, especially Gov Shapiro (mazel tov) and Jen Rubin.
Thank you for your thoughtful your thoughtful and heartfelt column. Today, we are all called to stand up for democracy. History will remember those who don’t.