I took a double take when I read this headline. Imagine if a GOP governor had gone to protest Obama on foreign soil at one of the G20 summits held during Obama's administration. The MSM would have skewered such a governor alive, & rightly so.
But Be Blasio does so and the MSM mostly gives him a yawn.
This move by De Blasio is unprecedented in uncivility and breaks all protocol, and also makes him look a little unpatriotic, considering that capitalism, which is also a target of the protests, is the system of democratic countries, including and especially the US.
But Be Blasio does so and the MSM mostly gives him a yawn.
This move by De Blasio is unprecedented in uncivility and breaks all protocol, and also makes him look a little unpatriotic, considering that capitalism, which is also a target of the protests, is the system of democratic countries, including and especially the US.
16
A arrogant display of position. You are a local figure your paycheck is from NYC residents wait your showboating until you are off the payroll hopefully soon.
11
I took a double take when I read this headline. Imagine if a GOP governor had gone to protest Obama on foreign soil at one of the G20 summits held during Obama's administration. The MSM would have skewered such a governor alive, & rightly so.
But Be Blasio does so and the MSM mostly gives him a yawn.
This move by De Blasio is unprecedented in incivility and breaks all protocol, and also makes him look a little unpatriotic, considering that capitalism, which is also a target of the protests, is the financial system of democratic countries, including and especially the US. And what would NYC be without the epitome of capitalism, Wall Street?!
Protests are normally for those who are not in charge, but he is in charge of America's financial capital?!!!!
But Be Blasio does so and the MSM mostly gives him a yawn.
This move by De Blasio is unprecedented in incivility and breaks all protocol, and also makes him look a little unpatriotic, considering that capitalism, which is also a target of the protests, is the financial system of democratic countries, including and especially the US. And what would NYC be without the epitome of capitalism, Wall Street?!
Protests are normally for those who are not in charge, but he is in charge of America's financial capital?!!!!
3
An encampment of homeless men drinking and urinating in public on a corner of 9th Avenue, everyday. Women and children pass by, amidst cursing, exposure, filth. Cops say the Mayor doesn't allow them to intervene.
At the newly built AIDS memorial in the West Village on the morning of the 4th of July, a half dozen shirtless, homeless men slept on the benches as another half dozen congregated, talking loudly, arguing, drinking. Cop told me there's nothing he can do. The mayor has tied their hands.
In Hell's Kitchen outside a homeless shelter, people drink, urinate, sell drugs, fight and it's even turned deadly with stabbings. Freshly polished families from small towns across America, make their way to Kinky Boots, passing by this very dangerous element. They've been lied to, told NYC is safe. I beg the cops to do something before someone gets hurt. They reply, nothing we can do.
And our do nothing Mayor is concerned with protesting Donald Trump.
At the newly built AIDS memorial in the West Village on the morning of the 4th of July, a half dozen shirtless, homeless men slept on the benches as another half dozen congregated, talking loudly, arguing, drinking. Cop told me there's nothing he can do. The mayor has tied their hands.
In Hell's Kitchen outside a homeless shelter, people drink, urinate, sell drugs, fight and it's even turned deadly with stabbings. Freshly polished families from small towns across America, make their way to Kinky Boots, passing by this very dangerous element. They've been lied to, told NYC is safe. I beg the cops to do something before someone gets hurt. They reply, nothing we can do.
And our do nothing Mayor is concerned with protesting Donald Trump.
18
How shocking! The mere thought that the mayor of New York City traveled to this summit to protest the president is anathema. Let's face it--de Bladon is merely the administrative head of a tiny city called New York on what is a much larger world stage. This is far worse than the protest leveled by the cast of Hamilton against the POTUS. At least those actors belonged on the stage.
7
Meanwhile on the home front he should be looking into how some of his agencies are run. Who will replace the Design & Construction Commissioner at the end of the month, why is there so much turnover at Housing & Preservation (HPD), and why is there no oversight at each of these agencies when it comes to how they choose their developers and property managers. How about Deblasio going to 125th street's metro north train station and the surrounding area to address the homeless population, boarded up buildings surrounding the area, and how about he exercise in the many parks that NYC has to offer, like a true New Yorker. If he wants to protest, he can find some local Republican in the State of NY who really doesn't care about their constituents and healthcare to make a message.
3
All these people are demonstrating for a global socialist dictatorship. Maybe DeBlasio could run the whole thing. A whole world with free and open borders, income equality like Venezuela, global serfs all dependent on DeBlasio for their next meal. (We could have elections as long a only 'qualified' people are allowed to run.)
7
di Blasio at G20?
The list of things I just don't get grows exponentially by the day. Baseball, and the people who play it and report it, make more sense.
The list of things I just don't get grows exponentially by the day. Baseball, and the people who play it and report it, make more sense.
4
Mayor DiBlasio has every right to go to Germany to protest. However he does not have the right to do so by telling the taxpayers of NYC at the last minute and doesnt have the right to cause the taxpayers of NYC any costs. The Security detail is being paid for by NYC, DiBlasio should have told us he was going 2 weeks ago when he knew and he should have to pay all costs associated with this trip as not to burdon NYC taxpayers
8
Plus it is a very convenient opportunity to visit his son, doing a summer internship in Berlin. (wink-wink.)
5
Whoa, why do I get the feeling that every single Republican in New York was somehow ordered by some A.M. radio sports- err, right wing-show host to write in and express outrage about this story and De Blasio. Just like the story itself, it's quite amusing.
6
Bill De Blasio has one lousy sense of timing. New York City is mourning the senseless death of Police Officer Familia and preparations are in the works for her funeral. Yet De Blasio picks just this moment to fly off to Germany to protest the Group of 20 and Donald Trump in solidarity with the rest of the uber left under the guise of visiting his son?? This is a real slap in the face to Officer Familia's grieving family. The message is loud and clear--Mayor De Blasio truly despises the police. The Mayor should do everyone a favor and stay away from Officer Familia's funeral next week.
At least the Mayor has the luxury of spending time with his son. The same can't be said of Officer Familia's surviving children. The only place they will be able to visit their mother is at the cemetery to lay a bouquet of flowers on her grave.
At least the Mayor has the luxury of spending time with his son. The same can't be said of Officer Familia's surviving children. The only place they will be able to visit their mother is at the cemetery to lay a bouquet of flowers on her grave.
15
I agree with Scott from Albany. Although the taxpayer expense is not the issue. My concerns are: does this Mayor really think that he is doing that good a job that he should take this time to insult the President of our great country, rather than concerning himself with the troubling, crumbling infrastructure of NYC. Does he really believe that the citizens of NYC want him to represent them in berating our nation's leader, in another country, no less. It seems he really does not worry about his constituents, but rather his public persona and celebrity.
17
Not a "Trump Protest" in any way shape or form.... it's a G-20 protest against a ton of the things that Hillary Clinton represented... global capitalism, income inequality, a lack of concern by the elite global banking / investment in foreign manufacturing crowd (mostly Democrat issues as they now represent the "professional" CEO crowd rather than the middle class.) More than 100,000 protesters turned out against the G20.. They did not turn out to protest Trump.
5
I'm not a fan of the political demonstrations against Trump that are currently going on in Germany. What are needed are prayer vigils against him. Or for him, if that is how you prefer to approach things.
1
Not a New Yorker and not my mayor, but he is a citizen and has the right to travel which in this case is costing city residents nothing. The fact is we should all be happy a person of such high recognition and good intellect is willing to add his voice in this way. If all citizens who were in a similar position took similar action they wouild be applauded.
After all, it isn't as though he is following in the footsteps of a neighboring states' Governor.
After all, it isn't as though he is following in the footsteps of a neighboring states' Governor.
12
Many of these comments were somehow typed by people who evidently are illiterate.
They complain about "taxpayer expense" when the article clearly states that the rather mainstream event organizers are paying all of the expenses of his and his staff's trip except for the salaries of the two police bodyguards. The bodyguards would be with him (and drawing the same salary) were he to venture out in NYC.
PS. I have done the 48 hour over and back to Europe and it is a grind.
They complain about "taxpayer expense" when the article clearly states that the rather mainstream event organizers are paying all of the expenses of his and his staff's trip except for the salaries of the two police bodyguards. The bodyguards would be with him (and drawing the same salary) were he to venture out in NYC.
PS. I have done the 48 hour over and back to Europe and it is a grind.
12
Yes, NYC would be paying regular salary but I suspect there will be significant OT for this not to mention all the travel expenses. Besides everything else, blowing off a police class graduation, particularly now, is not good optics.
9
The longer DeBlasio is away from NYC, the better it is for NYC. DeBlasio should follow Trump around the globe and continue protesting.
12
So how many more pounds of carbon are shot into the atmosphere so DeBlasio can personally drive him and his entourage to the airport and fly them to Germany to protest dumping carbon in the atmosphere?
17
Look at the overall condition of NYC i.e. garbage on the streets, 68k people homeless, rampant shootings and the recent news of the PO shot dead and the Mayor takes off and spends our tax monies to leave the city? Poor judgment to say the least.
23
Since there are so many protesters his message would not stand out as much as an opinion piece here in the Times. I hope the vast increase in income inequality would be stated as one serious cause for people feeling desperate and that leads to violence, suicide, drug abuse amongst other things. That is possibly leading to the protests. It seems like things will get worse before we get a chance to make things better, with serious constructive solutions such as improving the infrastructure.
However I see nothing wrong with his trip if he pays for it.
However I see nothing wrong with his trip if he pays for it.
NYPD turn back two.
5
Good job to the Times for clarifying the timing of Officer Familia's funeral. New York Post saw no need to make such a distinction, and hammered the mayor on the front page.
3
Like Christie on the beach or in NJ, I don't think this fool appreciates the optics of what he's doing.
35
I don't think he cares.
3
So the tax payers of NYC are paying their mayor to protest in Germany? Are the people of NYC okay with this?
15
Read the article. The event organizers are paying his expenses except for his police bodyguards who would be with him were he here in NYC. I imagine he is flying commercial. [Unlike his immediate predecessor as mayor he does not own his own jet.]
This New Yorker is glad that he will be representing me there.
This New Yorker is glad that he will be representing me there.
1
And who gets to pay for the bodyguards' airfare, lodging, food and overtime for entire time they are away. To say nothing of exposing them to great danger at this protest. Read the article indeed and understand how things really work.
3
Nice to know you have a vivid imagination. And just who are these "event organizers"?
1
Ever since Vice President Dan Quayle complained he didn't care for the sitcom Murphy Brown, elected officials have reserved the right to dabble in matters that are outside their direct sphere of responsibilities.
I don't see the harm in having the mayor test the waters in foreign policy. The city hosts the United Nations, and therefore has relationships all over the world.
I don't see the harm in having the mayor test the waters in foreign policy. The city hosts the United Nations, and therefore has relationships all over the world.
3
Grandstanding politician, much?
18
What was he protesting? His President? I saw some looters & violent rioters. Did not see any protesters.
12
Many peaceful protests have already taken place, and there are more to come. Unfortunately, the violent acts get more coverage in the media, especially on tv. The initiative that has invited Mr. de Blasio has many well-known supporters from politics and culture. Here is a link to their aims: http://hamburgzeigthaltung.de/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Hamburg-demonst....
1
What a waste of taxpayer money and time for the citizens of New York.
Surely his days are numbered.
Surely his days are numbered.
22
Instead of going to the commencement for a new class of police officers and attending the wake and funeral of a murdered cop, de Blasio decided to join the other anarchist crazies protesting the G-20 Summit. de Blasio is a loose cannon. He has reversed New York's previous quality of life improvements by decriminalizing public urination and transit fare evasion. He has denied any responsibility for the crumbling subway system. He never met a left wing cause he could not embrace, including the Wall Street protesters and Black Lives Matter. Yet New Yorkers will re-elect him simply because he is a Democrat. You get what you vote for.
33
I hope you're wrong about the re-elect part but I fear you're right. Unless another Democrat runs for the nom, he'll probably win.
6
Read the article. He didn't decide to go until he was certain that Officer Familia's funeral would not be before he got back. The article also points out that the NY Post misstated the timing of that funeral.
Are we to believe this somehow advances the interests of the people of the city of New York? With all the problems in this city, he's running off (on our tab!) to protest??
36
Did De Blasio give his speech in German - his Dad was a German.
6
I swear, I thought this headline was from The Onion.
18
Will this guy stop pretending he was elected to be a 20 something college protester?? Seriously, Bill, you were running off to see the Sandanista's and then honeymooning in Cuba in your 20s & 30s, can you stop with your seemingly adolescent fantasies that you are some mecca of left-winged global and US protests??
You were elected Mayor of NYC, the 5 boroughs, have you forgotten that? I have a pot hole the size of a small sink hole on my street, could you perhaps get that fixed before billing the taxpayers for your ridiculous protest trip to the G-20??
Geez, and this guy is up for reelection. He must be feeling way over confident since Preet did not indict him for his pay for play activities, and violations of NY campaign finance law.
You were elected Mayor of NYC, the 5 boroughs, have you forgotten that? I have a pot hole the size of a small sink hole on my street, could you perhaps get that fixed before billing the taxpayers for your ridiculous protest trip to the G-20??
Geez, and this guy is up for reelection. He must be feeling way over confident since Preet did not indict him for his pay for play activities, and violations of NY campaign finance law.
35
Very happy he is taking a global public stand. If Jerry Brown from California would go it would compound a forceful message that the USA is more than DT and his lies, misdeeds and climate change denials.
5
Right On! We need more elected officials like De Blasio, able to stand up to the corrupt cronies running our nation.
2
OMG, have you read nothing of the corruption under his administration??
17
Giving the imprimatur by his presence to terrorists advocating violence--Molotov cocktails directed against foreign police before returning to pay "respects" to murdered NYPD Officer.
16
You can love him or hate him and, yes, all politics are local but we should be reminded that Bill deBlasio is the mayor of the America's alpha++ global city (the only other alpha++ city at this time is London). As such, it is entirely fitting that he would participate in global events.
My guess is that if Mike Bloomberg (or even Rudy Giuliani) had made this trip, no one would have batted an eye.
My guess is that if Mike Bloomberg (or even Rudy Giuliani) had made this trip, no one would have batted an eye.
3
"Warren Wilhelm Jr" AKA Bill de Blasio has ignored the interests NYC's residents, insulted the brave men and women of the NYPD and NYFD who routinely put themselves in harm's way to protect us and has wantonly squandered taxpayers money on daily (heavily protected) trips to his 'favorite' gym in Brooklyn. He is a disgrace. He thinks he can out maneuver Trump? -- Just wait until he gets home! And, by the way, whatever happened to his publicity-seeking wife?
27
I guess now you won't be voting to re-elect him after all.
NYC police are being targeted;
The subways are a disgrace; and
Going to Hamburg to participate in a protest against the President of the United States on foreign soil is the action that the Mayor of New York City thinks is the most important thing for his constituents?
NYT should focus on the taxpayer expense for this trip!
The subways are a disgrace; and
Going to Hamburg to participate in a protest against the President of the United States on foreign soil is the action that the Mayor of New York City thinks is the most important thing for his constituents?
NYT should focus on the taxpayer expense for this trip!
31
Trump vilified Obama, the news media and the country's intelligence services during this trip. How is de Blasio's decision to protest Trump's performance as president somehow worse?
1
De Blasio is a small-time player who will drown in the corruption that surrounds him and his wife. He has delusions of grandeur, no money of his own and no sense of the needs of the people who pay their income and property taxes to support NYC.
3
Anything to avoid being around or doing anything other than slinging insults regarding the condition of the subway and Penn Station, the recent police tragedy, what he plans on doing now that control (and responsibility) for the public schools are in his hands, etc,
Wonder if he took the train to Newark Airport? (nah!)
Wonder if he took the train to Newark Airport? (nah!)
20
What's the point? He's obviously bored with his job and targeting higher office, but outside of NYC who would vote for him?
22
Could it be that De Blasio's real reason for grandstanding in Germany is that he's setting himself up for a presidential run in 2020?
1
Thank you Bill deBlasio, you just re-won my vote!
1
Hey Maria...no one here agrees with you!
4
Governor Brown is demonstrating leadership by presenting himself as an alternative statesman on the important issue of global warming. Deblazio, by contrast, is flying to Germany to join a protest rally. If there's another train derailment or cop shooting, he's going to look like an imbecile. (Andy Cuomo is probably listening to a police scanner in Westchester.)
16
Gov. Brown is a grown up, always looking to make positive change. In other words, the exact opposite of deBlassio.
11
The level of delusion should not be surprising and yet it still is.
Your city's infrastructure is literally falling apart and you fly to Germany on the taxpayer dime to join a violent protest movement; anarchists no less. Clueless, sanctimonious, incompetent, self important....
Get your home and take care of your people.
Your city's infrastructure is literally falling apart and you fly to Germany on the taxpayer dime to join a violent protest movement; anarchists no less. Clueless, sanctimonious, incompetent, self important....
Get your home and take care of your people.
17
Does this guy have a clue? Isn't there enough going on in NY to keep him busy?
15
Mr. De Blasio is the executive officer of a city that has a budget that dwarfs most countries. His decision to jet off to a foreign country to speak at a rally that is protesting the economic foundation for the world is ill advised. He compounds the issue by accepting the trip as a gift. If he receives the quid, where is the quo? (Quid pro Quo)
De Blasio is ignoring the history of violent protest at the sight of these rallies. If a city blue collar worker went to Hamburg, and was peripherally involved in any violence they would face dismissal by the city for conduct unbecoming.
Bill, please come home. Do not legitimize the anarchy in Hamburg by wrapping it in the office of the Mayor of New York City.
De Blasio is ignoring the history of violent protest at the sight of these rallies. If a city blue collar worker went to Hamburg, and was peripherally involved in any violence they would face dismissal by the city for conduct unbecoming.
Bill, please come home. Do not legitimize the anarchy in Hamburg by wrapping it in the office of the Mayor of New York City.
28
Note that the rally organizers are not paying the costs for de Blasio's police detail. NYC taxpayers get that honor.
25
He always has a police detail.
1
An interesting move by NYC mayor, Bill de Blasio, to show an international streak, away from provincialism, and place New York on the map of political avant garde wheels of progress; a globalized economy, and it's digital revolution, demands a 'local' view as well, to expand a social safety net to favor the least among us; and that includes the 'forgotten' that chose a false prophet (Trump) to augment their misery. De Blasio realizes that the promises made as a candidate usually fall short when reality's complexities humbles the best into submission. Who said we campaign in Poetry...but govern in Prose? Wise beyond belief.
3
This is the first indisputably good thing De Blasio has done. It is a direct message to Western leaders that here at home, there are a few Americans who are not okay with Trump's policies, and do not want Trump speaking on their behalf. Can you imagine if the Mayor of Moscow were to do the same? Instant gulag.
13
what is wrong with Trump's policies? Finally, we have someone smart enough to work to put this country first.
DeBlasio has NO right going to Germany in support of rioters who hate capitalism.
New York is based on capitalism -- people work hard, make money and GET to KEEP IT. Socialism calls for everyone to share -- maybe you should move to Russia where you are FORCED to share.
in the meantime, to borrow an expression used at Yankee Stadium -- THROW THE BUM OUT.
DeBlasio has NO right going to Germany in support of rioters who hate capitalism.
New York is based on capitalism -- people work hard, make money and GET to KEEP IT. Socialism calls for everyone to share -- maybe you should move to Russia where you are FORCED to share.
in the meantime, to borrow an expression used at Yankee Stadium -- THROW THE BUM OUT.
16
Therefore he goes to a different country to protest against his own President?
8
"... there are a few Americans who are not okay with Trump's policies...."
Really? You believe there are only a few? And you read The Times?
Really? You believe there are only a few? And you read The Times?
And he probably took 3 SUVs to JFK to fly there. Meanwhile his city's subway system rots and all he wants to do is wash his hands of it while blaming Cuomo.
Forget this 'progressive' man of the people. If he cared about the environment he wouldn't drive from Gracie Mansion to Brooklyn just for a workout. He is the pinup boy for why people hate Democrats while still alinging with the party's policies.
Forget this 'progressive' man of the people. If he cared about the environment he wouldn't drive from Gracie Mansion to Brooklyn just for a workout. He is the pinup boy for why people hate Democrats while still alinging with the party's policies.
46
I feel deeply sorry for the individual running against DeBlasio - because he does not have enough MONEY to run against him.....to WIN.
That has to stop - DeBlasio is a disgrace; he is ruining the City of New York, and the fact that he has MONEY should not sway voters to vote for him. The voters in the City of New York should vote for the person who has the interests of ALL the people in this city......not just a few.
BeBlasio has to GO - let's get rid of him.
That has to stop - DeBlasio is a disgrace; he is ruining the City of New York, and the fact that he has MONEY should not sway voters to vote for him. The voters in the City of New York should vote for the person who has the interests of ALL the people in this city......not just a few.
BeBlasio has to GO - let's get rid of him.
33
Ruining New York City? Let me just look out of the window ... nope, no ruins. City looks amazing, as always. Now in the 70s and 80s, that was a disaster, if you remember. Right now we are doing really, really well. Nothing's perfect, the mayor certainly isn't, but ruining the city? That kind of panicky hyperbole doesn't do any good.
1
You're right about watching hyperbole but the poster wrote "ruining" the city, not that the city is in "ruins" as you interpreted.
Even DeBlasio needs time to ruin the city after all the building of it over the previous years. That doesn't mean he isn't in the process.
Even DeBlasio needs time to ruin the city after all the building of it over the previous years. That doesn't mean he isn't in the process.
4
Hopefully this is being done to advance his climate change agenda and not his political ambitions to keep moving up.
7
Please Google weather manipulation when you get a chance!
I think it's very interesting that a Mayor wants to make a statement at a large meeting of world leaders, whether in the meeting or outside. Isn't this what statesmanship is about? If his constituents are not satisfied with him as Mayor, then it is their right not to vote for him again. Let's not forget we have rights and responsibilities in a Democracy.