Politics & Government
Internet 'Trolls' Hound Rep. Frelinghuysen On Twitter, Facebook
Internet trolling takes place on both sides of the blue/red divide in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District.
Internet trolling takes place on both sides of the blue/red divide in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.
U.S Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, the embattled, veteran GOP lawmaker who has dominated the 11th District for decades, posted a seemingly innocuous offer on his Twitter page on Tuesday afternoon that started a chain reaction of sarcastic responses from his critics.
The Twitter post read:
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“Interested in touring sites in Washington DC? Happy to assist, contact my office here: https://frelinghuysen.house.gov/contact-us/”
The post pushed the buttons of several of Frelinghuysen’s constituents, many of whom have been hounding him to host a town hall for months only to be stonewalled.
- See related article: 'Yep, I'd Be Happy To': Frelinghuysen Seemingly Agrees To Hold In-Person Town Hall
Other commenters blasted Frelinghuysen for his role in the passing of several Trump administration budget cuts and support of its tax reform plan.
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- See related article: GOP Tax Reform: Some States Will Get Cuts While Others Could Pay More
- See related article: Frelinghuysen-Led Plan Has $1.6B For Trump’s Border Wall
Take a look at some of the snarkiest comments that were left on Frelinghuysen's Tuesday Twitter post about touring D.C. below.
Let's tour the 11th & visit all families who make betw $78k-$328k & you tell them you want to increase their taxes.https://t.co/uchuJQDEb1
— Stephen Black (@stephenablack) October 25, 2017
Interested in finding your spine? I'm happy to assist.
— Julie Lips (@julielipsss) October 24, 2017
How about that town hall meeting at home? I’m happy to assist.
— Scott Foster (@praymore247) October 24, 2017
I don't need a tour, I need you to stand up to rogue GOP leadership who are about to get the middle class.
— marianne bachman (@sanbach1314) October 24, 2017
We don't want anything from you except a town hall and/or retirement announcement. Enjoy your last update and in congress, you coward
— Samantha Rose (@_SamanthaRose_) October 24, 2017
I’d rather tour your office, with you in it, to talk about this tax plan you support which will decimate the middle class of YOUR state.
— weslito2 (@weslito2) October 25, 2017
The Trump/Frelinghuysen budget guts Medicare so the 1% can have more. #TaxReform #TheResistance #MAGA #BillionairesFirst
— Hear This (@OSUDaily) October 24, 2017
Why don't we take a tour of families that would be screwed by you taking their healthcare away. You are a Trump puppet. R u proud of urself?
— Max Lifer (@lifetothemax1) October 25, 2017
Tuesday’s Twitter torrent hasn’t been the first time that the comment section of one of Frelinghuysen’s posts has been hijacked.
ICYMI- read my recent Op-Ed @northjersey on America's leadership role on the global stage: https://t.co/bR0Pq8l8YG
— Rodney Frelinghuysen (@USRepRodney) October 23, 2017
A ham-handed attempt at normalizing Trump. Wise up and realize the ship is sinking. You really wanna tie yourself to the anchor? #Resist
— William Winegardner (@billwinegardner) October 24, 2017
Your voting record strongly indicates you fully support Trump. Including your recent vote to approve the disaster of a budget that will eliminate the deduction of state and local taxes from the federal tax returns. This will drastically affect people in the NJ. Care to explain.
— Tilerdurdin (@tilerdurdin) October 23, 2017
Twitter isn’t the only social media site where Frelinghuysen has faced trolling, as a quick visit to the congressman’s Facebook page shows.
Send local news tips and feedback to eric.kiefer@patch.com
Photo: frelinghuysen.house.gov
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