Genuine question, what is with the National staying in Chicago

[JustinD]

I may have missed this thread, but why is Rosemont hosting for all of the upcoming schedule?

It’s easily the worst location for me and my complete inability to handle oppressive heat. My medical conditions cause me to reach dangerous levels when my heat regulation is challenged. Have they given up on changing locations? This may be the end of trying to go to the National unless Chicago works on the convention center…but I am not holding my breath for anything but weak lip service. Others may say different but I think Stevens is a complete sh*thole.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by JustinD

Others may say different but I think Stevens is a complete sh*thole.

I'm with you. I've always felt this way. It's a complete dump that needs to be imploded. I would be so happy to watch its destruction.

When was it built, anyway? It doesn't seem that old, yet was worn down even 20 years ago.

[Jewish-collector]

Agreed. If they insist on keeping the National in Chicago, they need to move it to the McCormick Center.

https://www.mccormickplace.com/

[Leon]

The Donald Stephens Convention Center isn't that great but it's a great location, imo. Easy to get to, easy to get to stuff around it.....all in all, I like it and wish it would stay there. Everyone has their own view.

[calvindog]

Originally Posted by Leon

The Donald Stephens Convention Center isn't that great but it's a great location, imo. Easy to get to, easy to get to stuff around it.....all in all, I like it and wish it would stay there. Everyone has their own view.

Agreed. The place is a dump but it’s easy to get to and is connected to hotels. And there are some restaurants within walking distance. If it can’t be in Baltimore, Chicago is the best place.

[skelly]

On a random note, are we at the point where there could be a “modern” national ( say mid 90’s cards and newer ) and then a vintage national. I realize some people collect both.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by calvindog

Agreed. The place is a dump but it’s easy to get to and is connected to hotels. And there are some restaurants within walking distance. If it can’t be in Baltimore, Chicago is the best place.

Agreed, with the proviso that the best venue I've seen for a card show was the Javits Center in Manhattan; I didn't care for Fanatics Fest but was impressed by the venue. The cost is hellish (tables would have to cost 3x as much) but the facility itself is exceptional and an easy walk to transport, food, hotels, etc.

[timn1]

They have a sweet deal with the Stephens Center, I imagine - McCormick would be in another league of costs. It's not that convenient for the suburban crowd that goes to the National either.

But guys, jeez! - I get the heat, but that's the time of year. It's hot everywhere. Stephens is far superior to the other recent venues IMHO, and it has a lot of hotel space right there, which the others don't have. The Cleveland hotel situation last year was really deplorable - we were in an inconvenient shithole in which nothing worked, AND it was as expensive as the Rosemont places.

[jcmtiger]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

Agreed. If they insist on keeping the National in Chicago, they need to move it to the McCormick Center.

https://www.mccormickplace.com/

Probably too expensive to rent.

[whitehse]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

Agreed. If they insist on keeping the National in Chicago, they need to move it to the McCormick Center.

https://www.mccormickplace.com/

As a lifetime Chicago area resident, McCormick place is a great venue but not one that is considered convenient to get to. I believe the second time the National was in Chicago it was held at McCormick place and I really was an awesome location in terms of show space but I didn't enjoy the mile walk just to get in the door. My family would always attend the Chicago Auto Show held at the same location and always felt it just wasnt a place we suburban residents really wanted to go to. Mayor Stephens in Rosemont recognized this which is why he built his empire...I mean the convention center where it was built.

[Rich Klein]

Actually McCormick was the 3rd Chicago show in 1993

1983 and 1989 were held in hotel ballrooms

Rich

[whitehse]

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

Actually McCormick was the 3rd Chicago show in 1993

1983 and 1989 were held in hotel ballrooms

Rich

You are right, I believe the others were held at the Hyatt downtown.

[Chicosbailbonds]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

Agreed. If they insist on keeping the National in Chicago, they need to move it to the McCormick Center.

https://www.mccormickplace.com/

Agree.

[bbcard1]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

Agreed. If they insist on keeping the National in Chicago, they need to move it to the McCormick Center.

https://www.mccormickplace.com/

In my experience which is dated, McComick is brutal when it comes to union regulations and oversight. Many years ago I knew a vendor who had a jam in his trade booth. He used a pocket knife to unjam it and was fined for use of a tool by a non-union member.

[Kzoo]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

When was it built, anyway? It doesn't seem that old, yet was worn down even 20 years ago.

I believe I remember reading it was built in or around 1975.

[OhioLawyerF5]

I feel like the AC situation was a freak set of circumstances. The Vrbo we rented had the AC go out while we were there that week. The repair guy that came said it wasn't broken, it just couldn't keep up with the unusual heat they were faced with and froze up. Sounded like it was happening all over the city that week.

[parkplace33]

Pure laziness.

I doubt the National goes to another location in the next 10 years.

[Johnny630]

I vote to change the name to the national sports collectors convention Chicago Rosemont. It’s actually historic.

[Brent G.]

I’ve been to shows there in March and November, and both are HOT. I can’t imagine July.

[BobbyStrawberry]

I'd be more likely to go if it was held in a more vacation-y locale, like Miami or San Diego.

[calvindog]

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5

I feel like the AC situation was a freak set of circumstances. The Vrbo we rented had the AC go out while we were there that week. The repair guy that came said it wasn't broken, it just couldn't keep up with the unusual heat they were faced with and froze up. Sounded like it was happening all over the city that week.

I think this may be the case. I don't ever recall that venue being as hot as it was last year.

[notfast]

It’s July/August…it’s going to be hot just about everywhere.

[JustinD]

Stephens knows their a/c is non functional and outdated. After two years of debate, the city council finally passed a vote to replace the roof top units for new last year. It was not a fluke, it is poor maintenance and management. It takes quality RTUs to move air when the venue is that packed.

The issue is, with the usual speed of local government this just might be completed in another 2-3 years. Until then I am out for my safety.

I don’t feel like I need to explain but for the 2 cents folks saying heat is everywhere there’s a difference when you have gone multiple rounds of chemo, lost all heat regulation with the meds killing my thyroid, and having literally no large intestines left to absorb water. The multiple ER trips for dehydration or heat stroke have told me there’s firm limits I am still learning. I’m not just being a pouter for giggles on this one.

[UKCardGuy]

I haven't been to many Nationals, but I was at Chicago in 2023 and I loved it. I was there for Fri to Sun in 2023 and the temperature wasn't too bad. I was told it was worse on Wed and Thurs when loading doors were open and let all the cool air out.

I'm going again this year and really looking forward to it.

Rosemont has hotels within walking distance of the convention center, easy access to the airport and space for lots and lots of dealers.Chicago also has good travel links for most of the country.

I can definitely see the attraction of having it in other cities too, The National organisers have been very clear about the conditions for shortlisting cities. I suppose the big question is whether some of those criteria could be modied.

[JollyElm]

These 'Collectorisms' were based on people's reactions to one of the recent Nationals:


1027. The Stench of a Thousand Buffalo (loosely translated Ojibwe)
The hot, putrid and stifling air quality inside of a poorly ventilated show venue.

See also: ”Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning” - an adage expressing the three most important factors in determining where to hold a large card collectors convention.

See also: Breaksweatus Operandi (BO) (Lat.) - the unchanging, odiferous mode of slobs who never think of taking their fellow showgoers into account as they once again leave their deodorant sticks back home and unused.

See also: Smellpox - the rancid haze that envelops and infects you as you stand tightly crammed in around the dealer tables.

See also: Tactfoulness - the purposeful use of your malodorous ‘fragrance’ to make people scatter and free up space around you, so you have more room at the tables to comfortably operate in.

See also: Flop Sweat Equity - although you regret your stink is affecting people, you know the gamey odors emanating from your body were earned honestly through your hard work in the card show trenches.

[commishbob]

[QUOTE=JollyElm;2498813]
Smellpox - /QUOTE]

I giggled like a third grader at this.

[OhioLawyerF5]

I was at the show in 2023 Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Thursday was pretty warm, but not unbearable (and I'm a person who gets hot and sweats relatively quickly). I would estimate it got up to high 70s to low 80s on Thursday. Friday and Saturday were basically normal room temperature in the low 70s. Obviously, if you have particular health conditions, your mileage is different. But for the vast majority of people, the AC problem was overblown.

[mrreality68]

Hopefully it is better than last time.
But I am looking forward to it in Chicago and love the proximity to the airport, the hotels and best of all looking forward to seeing some old friends and new friends and actually seeing some of you in person

[Lucas00]

I'd expect literally any east coast city to break the attendance record in 2025. I'm in south central PA, which on a map is pretty close to chicago. But in reality it's a 10 hour drive. I'm somebody who can walk a show easily in 3 hours. It doesn't take me 3 days. So when the drive is 20 hrs total and I'm walking for 3 it just really isn't a great time.

Chicago is a national for people who fly and spend money on things that aren't cards, plain and simple. So that eliminates 9/10 collectors.

Based on distance and population alone (which should be the factors used) it should be held in the northeast every year,
In one of the following states
New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, DC, Maryland. Statistically, these places will bring the most people every year. Because they are drivable from each other.

Personally I think DC with so much to do that isn't just the show should be the permanent spot. But there are other contenders too, I know the amount of collectors in Virginia who would go to a national if it was held in their state could bring a national crowd just from their state.

[Jewish-collector]

Each year the National will break the attendance record from the previous year, so I don't know how the hell the Stephens Convention Center will be able to handle the huge crowds.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

I'd be all for Indianapolis or Cincinnati, but I feel like the reasons why these (and everywhere else) aren't happening have been discussed to death.

[Snapolit1]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

Each year the National will break the attendance record from the previous year, so I don't know how the hell the Stephens Convention Center will be able to handle the huge crowds.

I wouldn't assume that's a given. The modern market for shiny stuff, in particularly for football and basketball, is in the tank. Lots of those young dudes with the shiny little silver card cases have lost their ass big time in the last 2 years. The breaking business has taken a tremendous hit. The fractional goobers have all left town. The froth is off the market as we say on Wall Street.
Seems to me like a lot of the juice has been squeezed out of the lemon at this point.

I couldn't quantify it, but I suspect the amount of bidding on even the best most respected pre-war AHs is way down.

[toledo_mudhen]

I keep thinking that - At Some Point - they will give St. Louis another shot but not holding my breath.

Someone in threads noted that the last St. Louis National was 1995???

If so - Then that's the last time I attended the National - I have zero desire to go to Chicago......

[Vintagedeputy]

The National should move around the country to give everyone a chance to attend:

Chicago
New York
Atlanta
Atlantic City
LA
Richmond
Charlotte
Miami
Santa Fe
New Orleans
Seattle


You get the idea.

[Snapolit1]

In a perfect world, I wholeheartedly agree. But what we have heard over and over is that the economics just don't work.

If the Chicago location is very cheap for dealers compared to other places, I get it. The people who man the booths have to be able to turn a profit.

Unfortunately that might be the reality of it. But I don't like it. Chicago multiple years in a row is boring.





QUOTE=Vintagedeputy;2501148]The National should move around the country to give everyone a chance to attend:

Chicago
New York
Atlanta
Atlantic City
LA
Richmond
Charlotte
Miami
Santa Fe
New Orleans
Seattle


You get the idea.[/QUOTE]

[BobbyStrawberry]

Originally Posted by Vintagedeputy

The National should move around the country to give everyone a chance to attend:

Chicago
New York
Atlanta
Atlantic City
LA
Richmond
Charlotte
Miami
Santa Fe
New Orleans
Seattle


You get the idea.

I'd be good with that list. We can add some nice locations up north once we've annexed Canada.

[perezfan]

It should be held in a somewhat central location who's airport is a "hub" with lots of direct flights from every part of the country. The Convention Center should be an easy commute/shuttle ride from the airport. There should be a great number of hotels that are within walking distance to the convention center.

That's why Rosemont is a popular choice.

I would like to see the "National" delve west of the Mississippi once every 3-4 years. Las Vegas would be a great choice. Anaheim and San Diego are not as centrally located, but would be awesome locations as well. If San Diego can host Comic-Con, they can handle the National.

I believe the most heavily attended National of all-time was in Anaheim. There are endless hotels and restaurants within walking distance, and Disneyland, Universal, Angel Stadium, and the Beach are all right there (for non-collecting family members). So if they ever decide to mix it up, they should go west every now and then. Otherwise I'm fine with Rosemont.

[notfast]

Originally Posted by Lucas00

I'd expect literally any east coast city to break the attendance record in 2025. I'm in south central PA, which on a map is pretty close to chicago. But in reality it's a 10 hour drive. I'm somebody who can walk a show easily in 3 hours. It doesn't take me 3 days. So when the drive is 20 hrs total and I'm walking for 3 it just really isn't a great time.

Chicago is a national for people who fly and spend money on things that aren't cards, plain and simple. So that eliminates 9/10 collectors.

Based on distance and population alone (which should be the factors used) it should be held in the northeast every year,
In one of the following states
New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, DC, Maryland. Statistically, these places will bring the most people every year. Because they are drivable from each other.

Personally I think DC with so much to do that isn't just the show should be the permanent spot. But there are other contenders too, I know the amount of collectors in Virginia who would go to a national if it was held in their state could bring a national crowd just from their state.

The bolded part is just not accurate.

Also Virginia can barely put on a decent regional show in Chantilly…

[Lucas00]

Originally Posted by notfast

The bolded part is just not accurate.

Also Virginia can barely put on a decent regional show in Chantilly…

Of course it's accurate. Most of the people going to the national in Chicago are flying, I haven't seen a n54er going that hasn't said they weren't flying yet. Like I already said, the northeast is the most heavily populated area of collectors, the ability to drive a short time enables people who can't spend exorbitant amounts on flights and hotel rooms the ability to go to the national. Its not subjective or an "I think I'm right" moment. Its objective and a fact. Crunching some simple numbers $100 in gas and a single day trip vs a $500 round trip economy flight and $200 a night in a hotel room or more depending on nights spent are pretty drastic differences. Most people aren't going to a show with thousands of dollars in their pockets. They are going with 50 or a few hundred bucks to spend on a single card or a bunch of cheap cards. So saving probably damn near $1000 after everything else is added up is massive.

I hear everybody saying they want a centralized national to be fair, and I respect that. But traveling to Nevada or the middle of Texas is just out of the cards for most people. That's a vacation for many, not a hobby trip. If the national wants to have the most people turn out every year it would be held in the northeast. That's all I'm saying.

And Chantilly never has any issues? And always has good turnout. So I'm not sure what that comment was about.

[parkplace33]

Originally Posted by Lucas00

Of course it's accurate. Most of the people going to the national in Chicago are flying, I haven't seen a n54er going that hasn't said they weren't flying yet. Like I already said, the northeast is the most heavily populated area of collectors, the ability to drive a short time enables people who can't spend exorbitant amounts on flights and hotel rooms the ability to go to the national. Its not subjective or an "I think I'm right" moment. Its objective and a fact. Crunching some simple numbers $100 in gas and a single day trip vs a $500 round trip economy flight and $200 a night in a hotel room or more depending on nights spent are pretty drastic differences. Most people aren't going to a show with thousands of dollars in their pockets. They are going with 50 or a few hundred bucks to spend on a single card or a bunch of cheap cards. So saving probably damn near $1000 after everything else is added up is massive.

I hear everybody saying they want a centralized national to be fair, and I respect that. But traveling to Nevada or the middle of Texas is just out of the cards for most people. That's a vacation for many, not a hobby trip. If the national wants to have the most people turn out every year it would be held in the northeast. That's all I'm saying.

And Chantilly never has any issues? And always has good turnout. So I'm not sure what that comment was about.

I'm also in agreement about Chantilly. Not what it used to be. And a lot of dealers that used to set up are no longer.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by Lucas00

the ability to drive a short time enables people who can't spend exorbitant amounts on flights and hotel rooms the ability to go to the national. Its not subjective or an "I think I'm right" moment. Its objective and a fact. Crunching some simple numbers $100 in gas and a single day trip vs a $500 round trip economy flight and $200 a night in a hotel room or more depending on nights spent are pretty drastic differences. Most people aren't going to a show with thousands of dollars in their pockets. They are going with 50 or a few hundred bucks to spend on a single card or a bunch of cheap cards. So saving probably damn near $1000 after everything else is added up is massive.

I am going to have to disagree with you on these points.

The target audience of the show is not people with modest collecting budgets, it is collectors who are going to the show with thousands of dollars to spend, and they really don't care if the travel expenses are a thousand dollars more or less in any given year.

Also, the show is not the same as another card show. There is no economic argument that justifies the show in bargain shopping terms. If that is the focus, stay at home and buy on eBay. The National has bargains but is not the right show for bargain and budget-conscious collecting. It is the place for hunting down rare and obscure issues, finishing sets when you can see the cards in hand, finding crazy memorabilia, seeing insane eye candy on display, getting autographs, etc.

For me, at least, the most significant aspect of the National is that everyone goes. It is a great social week for me, a party to celebrate collecting with all the other at-heart ten-year-old boys and girls, a place to have hours-long conversations about cards like we did when we were kids. I dunno about most people but my wife and daughter have no interest at all in discussing which 1933 Goudey Ruth pose is the best one.

[calvindog]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

I am going to have to disagree with you on these points.

The target audience of the show is not people with modest collecting budgets, it is collectors who are going to the show with thousands of dollars to spend, and they really don't care if the travel expenses are a thousand dollars more or less in any given year.

Also, the show is not the same as another card show. There is no economic argument that justifies the show in bargain shopping terms. If that is the focus, stay at home and buy on eBay. The National has bargains but is not the right show for bargain and budget-conscious collecting. It is the place for hunting down rare and obscure issues, finishing sets when you can see the cards in hand, finding crazy memorabilia, seeing insane eye candy on display, getting autographs, etc.

For me, at least, the most significant aspect of the National is that everyone goes. It is a great social week for me, a party to celebrate collecting with all the other at-heart ten-year-old boys and girls, a place to have hours-long conversations about cards like we did when we were kids. I dunno about most people but my wife and daughter have no interest at all in discussing which 1933 Goudey Ruth pose is the best one.

I agree with all of this. When I first started attending Nationals a couple decades ago there was a good chance I'd find a great, rare card to buy. As time went on, the Nationals became dominated by corporate sponsors/auction houses and the best cards I saw displayed were to be auctioned off in the near future. While I sometimes can still find a decent card to buy, I've adjusted my expectations and now really just go to walk around cards for a couple days, at least until I'm called back early for some kind of work emergency. The lower budget collector may still be able to find cards to buy but the powers that run the National aren't focusing on you. Which to me makes it a less necessary show to attend -- but if I can go I do go. I just don't feel as if I'm missing out as much if I don't.

[LEHR]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

For me, at least, the most significant aspect of the National is that everyone goes. It is a great social week for me, a party to celebrate collecting with all the other at-heart ten-year-old boys and girls, a place to have hours-long conversations about cards like we did when we were kids. I dunno about most people but my wife and daughter have no interest at all in discussing which 1933 Goudey Ruth pose is the best one.

This.

I went to the National in 2023 and was at the show from Wednesday through Friday. I spent around $2k on on flights, hotel, Ubers, and food/drink before I ever purchased a card, and it was well worth it just for the social aspect of it. I made one new buddy at that show and we still talk almost every week. This was only my 3rd National since 2002 as work or family vacation obligations typically get in the way; but I'll spend the money to go to any National I can, even if I had no cash for cards.

[OhioLawyerF5]

It wasn't politics. It was a joke about something absurd in the news that is so laughable you can't help but joke about it. Some people just need to lighten up.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Or, perhaps, some people need to be more informed of what's actually going on in the world around them. By saying it was not political and brushing it off as my needing to lighten up, you are only displaying your lack of understanding of the gravity of what is about to befall this world, America most assuredly included.

It's no laughing matter. As Canadians, we take the shambles created by your "president" very seriously. If you currently don't share in these feelings, just give it time. You will.

For the record, I have been on this forum nearly 20 years and have never reacted so strongly to anything posted by anyone. I've always tried to be kind and diplomatic around here, but the wrong person was provoked at the wrong time.

My personal apologies to everyone else for taking the bait and for engaging in this political talk. Perhaps it may serve to help some people understand just how people in my country are feeling as of today. I can say with supreme confidence that I speak for practically every Canadian. There are no Canadians "laughing at the joke" as described. We no longer consider it a joke. We're completely fed up, but not by Americans in general. We wish to remain as close as we historically have been. I happen to love the USA and have enjoyed my travels all over your nation far more than driving through my own, not to mention my countless friends there. This was not our choice and not our doing.

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

Or, perhaps, some people need to be more informed of what's actually going on in the world around them. By saying it was not political and brushing it off as my needing to lighten up, you are only displaying your lack of understanding of the gravity of what is about to befall this world, America most assuredly included.

It's no laughing matter. As Canadians, we take the shambles created by your "president" very seriously. If you currently don't share in these feelings, just give it time. You will.

For the record, I have been on this forum nearly 20 years and have never reacted so strongly to anything posted by anyone. I've always tried to be kind and diplomatic around here, but the wrong person was provoked at the wrong time.

My personal apologies to everyone else for taking the bait and for engaging in this political talk. Perhaps it may serve to help some people understand just how people in my country are feeling as of today. I can say with supreme confidence that I speak for practically every Canadian. There are no Canadians "laughing at the joke" as described. We no longer consider it a joke. We're completely fed up, but not by Americans in general. We wish to remain as close as we historically have been. I happen to love the USA and have enjoyed my travels all over your nation far more than driving through my own, not to mention my countless friends there. This was not our choice and not our doing.

Nope, not being overly dramatic here.

I'll check back with you in 4 years, when nothing you claim will befall this world has happened.

[jayshum]

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5

Nope, not being overly dramatic here.

I'll check back with you in 4 years, when nothing you claim will befall this world has happened.

Maybe you should stick to legal comments instead of trying to egg on someone who clearly is upset. If you don't care about how he feels, have some class and keep it to yourself.

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by jayshum

Maybe you should stick to legal comments instead of trying to egg on someone who clearly is upset. If you don't care about how he feels, have some class and keep it to yourself.

Take your own advice and butt out. He doesn't need egging on. He did that himself.

I've had enough of people jumping all over other people for making jokes. If you don't think it's funny, don't laugh. But this trend in our society to silence others because it hurts our feelings is disgusting. I get he's upset (even if I think it's a result of fearmongering). But that's no excuse to respond the way he did. I'll defend someone's right to make a passing joke every time. It was quite clear the poster meant no harm by that joke, and didn't deserve to be attacked by a drama queen. I firmly believe in what used to be an American principle, "I may not like what you have to say, but I'll fight to the death for your right to say it."

But I've said my peace. I won't be commenting on this again.

[CurtisFlood]

Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B

Or, perhaps, some people need to be more informed of what's actually going on in the world around them. By saying it was not political and brushing it off as my needing to lighten up, you are only displaying your lack of understanding of the gravity of what is about to befall this world, America most assuredly included.

It's no laughing matter. As Canadians, we take the shambles created by your "president" very seriously. If you currently don't share in these feelings, just give it time. You will.

For the record, I have been on this forum nearly 20 years and have never reacted so strongly to anything posted by anyone. I've always tried to be kind and diplomatic around here, but the wrong person was provoked at the wrong time.

My personal apologies to everyone else for taking the bait and for engaging in this political talk. Perhaps it may serve to help some people understand just how people in my country are feeling as of today. I can say with supreme confidence that I speak for practically every Canadian. There are no Canadians "laughing at the joke" as described. We no longer consider it a joke. We're completely fed up, but not by Americans in general. We wish to remain as close as we historically have been. I happen to love the USA and have enjoyed my travels all over your nation far more than driving through my own, not to mention my countless friends there. This was not our choice and not our doing.

You sir, are a genuine dummy.

[BobbyStrawberry]

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5

It wasn't politics. It was a joke about something absurd in the news that is so laughable you can't help but joke about it. Some people just need to lighten up.

Thank you. I'm glad somebody gets where I was coming from. I have ZERO interest in "talking politics" on this board. It's against the rules and when it does happen it always ends in incivility. I honestly thought it was a funny comment, yes it was referencing something said by a politician, but politics-adjacent posts like that happen on here all the time. If it had occurred to me that anyone would have actually been triggered by it I wouldn't have posted it.