Opinion: Trump Appointee Barry Calogero Signs His Name In The Book Of Bigots | G. Sonnenfeld

In yet another sickening public display of bigotry from a top Jackson Township official, Council President Barry Calogero made it clear that his animus towards Orthodox Jews runs deep.

On Tuesday, Calogero called on Governor Phil Murphy to deploy the National Guard to Ocean County to enforce stay-at-home restrictions, with his comments making it very obvious that he was referring to Lakewood. With his comments, Mr. Calogero used his perch in Jackson Township’s government to amplify the anti-Semitism being spewed across social media and willfully assisted those targeting all Jews for the misdeeds of a marginal few.

When pressed on the matter, Mr. Calogero will undoubtedly tell his Jewish constituents that he had no malicious intent when making those comments. But make no mistake about it: Barry Calogero knew very well what he was doing. He made a calculated political decision to pander to anti-Semitic factions in Jackson and Ocean County rather than stand up for his Jewish constituents who are under constant. In doing so, Mr. Calogero added his name to the wall of shame that is replete with bigots, racists, and murderers who, throughout history, cast the blame for society’s woes on the Jews.

Furthermore, by intentionally painting all Jews with one broad brush, Calogero showed himself to be a small, cowardly man, one who is not fit to serve in the positions he holds, neither as Jackson’s Council President nor as the state director for the USFA Farm Service Agency (a position he was appointed to by President Trump). He has made it crystal clear that politics is more important to him than fairness, justice, equality, or even simple neighborliness. Those who vote for him this November should know that his political career is more dear to him than any voter’s wishes, needs, or safety.

If there is one thing Mr. Calogero himself should know, it is this: While he and his political career will eventually end up in history’s dustbin, the Jewish people will live on. We continued on despite history’s monsters who tried to stamp us out, and we will continue on despite Barry Calogero, who just joined their ranks.

One must wonder, however, why Jackson Township and Ocean County officials have been silent in the face of Calogero’s remarks. Why have his colleagues on the Council failed to condemn his comments? What is with the Ocean County Freeholders who have now repeatedly ignored the rampant anti-Semitism in Jackson?

Most of all, where is the Mayor? Calogero’s comments were shared on social media using the Jackson Township server. This marked the first time ever that a video clip from a Township meeting was shared using Jackson Township’s server, according to multiple sources. Is Mayor Michael Reina okay with that? Is he on board with the Township’s resources being used to spread fear, lies, and hatred against his Jewish constituents? Where is his public condemnation?

If anyone in Jackson Township or Ocean County has a spine, now is the time to stand up. We’re waiting.

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13 COMMENTS

  1. guys please try to go to the non Jewish websites to counter the misinformation about lakewood not following the rules all the comments on the Asbury Park press Facebook page about our community is not being challenged by anyone.

    • APP’s Randy Bergmann did a great job yesterday, blasting Colagero and Jackson anti-semitism while lauding Lakewood’s compliance.

  2. Just passed the local fishing hole on Brewers Bridge plenty pickup trucks lined up side by side. With no social distancing. Maybe you should clean up your own act first Mr Calogero

    • I’m not sure if it’s appointed or hired but he serves as the executive director of the Dep’t of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency. So know that this donkey is out of the barn I think Trump will put him out to pasture.

  3. Obviously there is no shortage of Sonei Yisroel looking to seize upon every misdeed, real or imaginary. But, Kabel Es Ha’Emes Mimee She’Omro. And BTW we will ALWAYS be held to a higher standard. Get used to it. And who carws what the “velt” is doing at their fishing holes, bars, venues or elsewhere? Does that give us license to do the same?

    Clearly, whoever is pointing out our shortcomings while blatantly ignoring their own is a bigot of the highest order. And we should push back when appropriate. But that doesn’t excuse us at all from doing our best…

  4. Murphy denied the request. And..
    The Superintendent of the NJ State Police told the Press they” are not seeing large gatherings”. Therefore “there would be no need for the National Guard to perform that role.”

    We should be thanking Hashem for showing us who Barry Calogero REALLY is!!! He knew full well the Governor would not call out the National Guard. He is grandstanding to get his name out there so that during the “election” he can point to how he tried to “take care of COVID” for Ocean County.

  5. What President’s orders? The federal government does not have authority to order social distancing or to impose or remove a quarantine within state lines. Public health is a power reserved to the states. The only orders can come from state officials. The state has plenary power over health which is reserved to the states. This is pashut and m’forash in Gibbons v. Ogden (1824), probably the most important case in American history because it led to the creation of our interstate economy. Typical ignorant rhetoric.

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