Do you Back the Boss?
Pre-orders for T-shirts with a silhouette of the “Born to Run”-era Bruce Springsteen and the phrase “Back the Boss” are currently being taken by Rebel Supply Co. in Asbury Park. The shirts replicate the hit “Back the Boss” signs that appeared on numerous lawns in Asbury Park and the surrounding area after Springsteen criticized the Trump administration, which he called “corrupt, incompetent and treasonous” while on tour in Europe.
Trump, in turn, attacked Springsteen on social media. The missives included an altered video of Trump hitting a golf ball and striking Springsteen down on stage
The T-shirt, white with dark blue and red lettering, costs $45, and proceeds will go toward the city’s Mercy Center food pantry and family resource hub, said Rebel owner Casey McDonald.
“In the first round we raised almost $10,000 for the charity,” said McDonald of the signs. “That’s incredible and I’m super proud of us.”
The shirts, in multiple sizes, are being printed by Off! The Rails of Asbury Park and will start to be available in three weeks. Unlike the signs, the shirts will be available online via rebelsupplyap.com.
The signs were produced in May by a maker who wanted to remain anonymous, McDonald said. The signs stated they were paid for by “Foxtrot Delta Tango LLC,” but no such company exists. The phrase “Foxtrot Delta Tango” is a euphemism for a profanity directed at President Trump.
McDonald said she has the “blessing” of the sign maker to make the Back the Boss shirts as long as they raise funds for the local charity, which McDonald intended to do.
“It’s going to be cool and hopefully we raise a lot of for Mercy Center, who needs it with all the food shortages” McDonald said
Offerings from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are in question as the government shutdown is now in its second month.
Springsteen has long been associated with Asbury Park and he named his first album, “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.” in 1973.
“Asbury Park has long been a supporter of Bruce Springsteen and in light of his recent political statements we continue to back the Boss,” said Asbury Park Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn previously to the Asbury Park Press.
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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at [email protected]
