I will protect your pensions. Nothing about your pension is going to change when I am governor. - Chris Christie, "An Open Letter to the Teachers of NJ" October, 2009

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Sweeney Must Go

Adam L over at Blue Jersey makes the case:
Ahhhhh yes, the economy.   When Sweeney could have made sure that Christie's tax cut for the wealthy didn't happen during the lame duck session, he didn't lead.  Then, he could have blocked a vote (singlehandedly) on Christie's horrific budget last year but refused to do so.  And while there could have been a shutdown, it would have given New Jerseyans a taste of what "life in Chris Christie's New Jersey" would be like - and has become.  Instead, Sweeney made sure there were just enough votes from his caucus to pass Christie's draconian budget last year.   
If Sweeney cared about Democratic values or cared about the economy while failing to lead on the issue of equality, he wouldn't be taking the lead on this nonsense on eliminating worker rights and demolishing collective bargaining in the first place.  If Sweeney cared about Democratic values or cared about the economy, he wouldn't have led the charge on some of Christie's property tax pet projects like the cap that did nothing to lower property taxes or help towns or schools.  That doesn't create jobs.  That doesn't help the economy.  

At every turn, Sweeney's been there for the most dangerous and destructive governor the state has ever had. His positions do not represent the majority of his party. He has no business leading his caucus.

Whether or not this bill passes, he needs to be ousted as Senate President.

Oh, and kudos to Adam L for pointing out the millionaire's tax could have been law right now, but Sweeney didn't pass it when Corzine was still governor. At the time, I thought Sweeney was simply cynical: he was willing to hurt the people of this state to make a political point.

Now, I'm more inclined to believe he really didn't want the millionaire's tax at all. George Norcross and his buddies would have had to cut back on fuel for the yachts, and we can't have that, can we?

Lovey, get Steve Sweeney on the phone and tell him to cut my taxes again!

No comments: