ReeferMadness Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 Even in the land of Watergate, this was a move that is breathtaking in its crass, banal sleaziness. Presidential hopeful Chris Christie's staff deliberately misused state resources to create a traffic jam in Fort Lee, New Jersey to punish the mayor for refusing to endorse Christie. For his part, Christie pulled a Stephen Harper by allowing his staff to take all the blame while he denied any knowledge of events. Christie did show more class than Harper in one respect - at least he apologized. Quote Unlimited economic growth has the marvelous quality of stilling discontent while preserving privilege, a fact that has not gone unnoticed among liberal economists. - Noam Chomsky It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it. - Upton Sinclair
On Guard for Thee Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 Even in the land of Watergate, this was a move that is breathtaking in its crass, banal sleaziness. Presidential hopeful Chris Christie's staff deliberately misused state resources to create a traffic jam in Fort Lee, New Jersey to punish the mayor for refusing to endorse Christie. For his part, Christie pulled a Stephen Harper by allowing his staff to take all the blame while he denied any knowledge of events. Christie did show more class than Harper in one respect - at least he apologized. Yes he certainly did, two hours worth. It may just blow away in the wind but I guess the worst he could have happen is if it's found he knew about it, and the best is he doesn't know what's going on with his staff. Does that not start to sound a little "Harperish"? Hillary must be lovin' this! Quote
bleeding heart Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 It could of course be completely true that Christie didn't know anything about it. In that case, he still is responsible for it in the conventional leadership sense...not least because such things are usually done as a result of a culture of expectations set by the leadership itself (which is why the "bad apples" hypothesis of Abu Ghraib never truly took hold....which is good, it's a piss-poor excuse.) But of course, if Christie did know, than his responsibility is much larger....criminal, you might point out. I have no idea which one is true. Quote “There is a limit to how much we can constantly say no to the political masters in Washington. All we had was Afghanistan to wave. On every other file we were offside. Eventually we came onside on Haiti, so we got another arrow in our quiver." --Bill Graham, Former Canadian Foreign Minister, 2007
Bitsy Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 It either reflects the culture of his administration or his poor judgment of character both are disqualification of any public office. Quote
Topaz Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 The news said someone died because of the closure, there could be charges for murder and if that's so, if the governor knew, then it will come out at the trial. Quote
Michael Hardner Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 Nobody is asking how the operating procedures of the State of NJ allows this to happen. Instead, it's about the SCANDALE ! I'm blogging about this one today: http://michaelhardner.blogspot.ca/2014/01/metadiscussion-lets-cross-bridge.html Quote Looks like someone has a new patronizing catch phrase ! Michael Hardner
bleeding heart Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 I looked at your blog, and the point should be obvious as hell. But you're right; so far, people don't seem to be wondering how this could happen....only the scandalous fact that it did. Quote “There is a limit to how much we can constantly say no to the political masters in Washington. All we had was Afghanistan to wave. On every other file we were offside. Eventually we came onside on Haiti, so we got another arrow in our quiver." --Bill Graham, Former Canadian Foreign Minister, 2007
kimmy Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 I'm not sure I understand the question, Michael. The "how" seems fairly straight-forward. Can the Port Authority order lane closures for a "traffic study"? Clearly they can. The emails show that they even got funding approved for their "traffic study". There's no mystery to "how". Are you asking how the Port Authority could be used for political purposes? The Port Authority is run by people appointed by the administration. They know where their bread is buttered. This is, likewise, not terribly mysterious. The "SCANDALE!" is by far the more important aspect of this story. The "why", not the "how", matters. The email trail clearly shows this was a plan hatched well beforehand between Bridget Kelly (Christie's chief of staff who was axed yesterday) and David Wildstein, the Port Authority executive (a friend of Christie's dating back to highschool). The email trail shows Kelly declaring "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee." "Got it," Wildstein replies. Over the next couple of weeks they exchange emails on the progress of this plan as funding for the "traffic study" gets approved. And we get to see the string of text messages between Wildstein and Bill Baroni (also of the Port Authority) as they share updates as the traffic disaster unfolds. When someone forwards an urgent request for help for Fort Lee mayor Mark Sokolich, one of them replies "Is it wrong that I'm smiling?" "No," the other replies. In regard to the issue of schoolbuses being trapped in traffic and unable to get to school, one of them says "I feel badly about the kids" and the other replies "They are the children of Buono voters" (Buono being Chris Christie's opponent in the election.) It's clear that the mess was deliberately planned by the Port Authority, and it's clear that Christie's chief of staff Bridget Kelly instigated it. And it was obviously done to make life miserable for Fort Lee mayor Mark Sokolich, possibly because he endorsed Buono instead of Christie. And that is genuinely "SCANDALE!", Michael. -k Quote (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻ Friendly forum facilitator! ┬──┬◡ﾉ(° -°ﾉ)
bleeding heart Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 OK, Kimmy's answer is convincing. This is the second time in two days that I've felt compelled to alter my stance. I'm losing it, everybody! Enjoy the show. Quote “There is a limit to how much we can constantly say no to the political masters in Washington. All we had was Afghanistan to wave. On every other file we were offside. Eventually we came onside on Haiti, so we got another arrow in our quiver." --Bill Graham, Former Canadian Foreign Minister, 2007
Bitsy Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 I'm not sure I understand the question, Michael. The "how" seems fairly straight-forward. Can the Port Authority order lane closures for a "traffic study"? Clearly they can. The emails show that they even got funding approved for their "traffic study". There's no mystery to "how". Are you asking how the Port Authority could be used for political purposes? The Port Authority is run by people appointed by the administration. They know where their bread is buttered. This is, likewise, not terribly mysterious. The "SCANDALE!" is by far the more important aspect of this story. The "why", not the "how", matters. The email trail clearly shows this was a plan hatched well beforehand between Bridget Kelly (Christie's chief of staff who was axed yesterday) and David Wildstein, the Port Authority executive (a friend of Christie's dating back to highschool). The email trail shows Kelly declaring "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee." "Got it," Wildstein replies. Over the next couple of weeks they exchange emails on the progress of this plan as funding for the "traffic study" gets approved. And we get to see the string of text messages between Wildstein and Bill Baroni (also of the Port Authority) as they share updates as the traffic disaster unfolds. When someone forwards an urgent request for help for Fort Lee mayor Mark Sokolich, one of them replies "Is it wrong that I'm smiling?" "No," the other replies. In regard to the issue of schoolbuses being trapped in traffic and unable to get to school, one of them says "I feel badly about the kids" and the other replies "They are the children of Buono voters" (Buono being Chris Christie's opponent in the election.) It's clear that the mess was deliberately planned by the Port Authority, and it's clear that Christie's chief of staff Bridget Kelly instigated it. And it was obviously done to make life miserable for Fort Lee mayor Mark Sokolich, possibly because he endorsed Buono instead of Christie. And that is genuinely "SCANDALE!", Michael. -k Good explanation and post, Kimmy. Why the Port Authority reached the decision to close the lanes remains unanswered but it is obviously within their power to do so at will with no input from other agencies. It seems the rationale was presented as trying something new, and then morphed into a traffic study pattern that was never authorized. http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887324665604579081630876156774 Quote
Michael Hardner Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 I looked at your blog, and the point should be obvious as hell. But you're right; so far, people don't seem to be wondering how this could happen....only the scandalous fact that it did. And the reason that this is a story at all is that it impacts the #1 bestest funnest story out there: the US presidential festival, I mean election. I'm really trying not to moralize this, as in provide valuations of 'good' and 'bad'. In fact, I enjoy the horserace as much as anybody. But this type of 'news' is intellectual fast food, and there is no healthy food guide out there to supersede it. Quote Looks like someone has a new patronizing catch phrase ! Michael Hardner
bush_cheney2004 Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 And the reason that this is a story at all is that it impacts the #1 bestest funnest story out there: the US presidential festival, I mean election. Nevertheless, the "festival" certainly gets a lot of attention in "the provinces", funny or not. Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
Michael Hardner Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 I'm not sure I understand the question, Michael. The "how" seems fairly straight-forward. Can the Port Authority order lane closures for a "traffic study"? Clearly they can. The emails show that they even got funding approved for their "traffic study". There's no mystery to "how". Maybe 'why' instead of 'how'. In any case, there's a lack of understanding as to the process here, and I think the affect commuters were probably wondering themselves how so much of the bridge could be closed. If we view bridge closures as acts of god, and don't ask why/how they can be closed and don't expect anything better of our government then this is what will happen, ie. abuse. Are you asking how the Port Authority could be used for political purposes? The Port Authority is run by people appointed by the administration. They know where their bread is buttered. This is, likewise, not terribly mysterious. Yes, any authority is open to abuse but process mitigates that and maybe can reduce abuse over time. And that is genuinely "SCANDALE!", Michael. -k Maybe the question is 'how' did they just know they could likely get away with it ? How is the system set up ? If it happened so easily here, then it likely happens frequently. Quote Looks like someone has a new patronizing catch phrase ! Michael Hardner
Michael Hardner Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 Nevertheless, the "festival" certainly gets a lot of attention in "the provinces", funny or not. Why shouldn't it ? It's built by ad men who are the best of the world at getting attention for their brands. It's all a big success at what it's designed to do and as I said I'm out in the provinces every 4th November, sitting in front of the TV with a big bowl of popcorn, or maybe you'd prefer me to say poutine, cod, salmon, bannock, etc. etc.. Quote Looks like someone has a new patronizing catch phrase ! Michael Hardner
Michael Hardner Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 Nevertheless, the "festival" certainly gets a lot of attention in "the provinces", funny or not. By the way, your point leads to an idea I have to fix government forever: leave all present institutions in place, as they're required for entertainment, but phase out their actual powers. As those who are entertained by bluster and scandal are distracted by the ongoing circus, we gradually create open and accountable quasi-government/quasi-private institutions to ACTUALLY deliver services. That's my contribution, now you guys go work out the details. Quote Looks like someone has a new patronizing catch phrase ! Michael Hardner
bush_cheney2004 Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 Why shouldn't it ? It's built by ad men who are the best of the world at getting attention for their brands. It's all a big success at what it's designed to do and as I said I'm out in the provinces every 4th November, sitting in front of the TV with a big bowl of popcorn, or maybe you'd prefer me to say poutine, cod, salmon, bannock, etc. etc.. You should do as you please, but I don't think there are many huge ad buys in the provinces for U.S. federal elections. This story is not even political foreplay at this stage. What was the "process" for closing Toronto Pearson International Airport ? Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
bush_cheney2004 Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 ...leave all present institutions in place, as they're required for entertainment, but phase out their actual powers. As those who are entertained by bluster and scandal are distracted by the ongoing circus, we gradually create open and accountable quasi-government/quasi-private institutions to ACTUALLY deliver services. Open and accountable would be too boring, like city hall meetings on cable access channels. Need to have some sizzle in that steak. Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
Michael Hardner Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 You should do as you please, but I don't think there are many huge ad buys in the provinces for U.S. federal elections. This story is not even political foreplay at this stage. What was the "process" for closing Toronto Pearson International Airport ? It's all relative. And since we are relatives, your problems are ours right ? Case in point, the Pearson closing. Canada is in much worse shape than the US in the area of public accountability, since we're not citizens, completely, as much as we are subjects with citizenry. The fact that the Pearson people made a squeak at all speaks to the awfulness of that situation. Those who run the airport make huge profits. That's right, Canadians don't realize that the king of the airport is not a bureaucrat but an evil member of the 1%. And the excessive fees that are charged for great Canadian service (such as freezing your bags on the tarmac for 12 hours while you wait) go into his pocket ! http://home.bcsuppercanada.ca/rps/refmaterial/200510231838280.20051018_02_01_StartOfTheGTAA.pdf So, yes yes yes, 100% agreement that Canada is far behind the curve on this stuff. Ontario announced their initiative after those of the federal Canadian and US governments, and city of Toronto. Quote Looks like someone has a new patronizing catch phrase ! Michael Hardner
Michael Hardner Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 Open and accountable would be too boring, like city hall meetings on cable access channels. Need to have some sizzle in that steak. Exactly... that's why there's a salad bar at Sizzler: for old bores like me. Quote Looks like someone has a new patronizing catch phrase ! Michael Hardner
bush_cheney2004 Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 It's all relative. And since we are relatives, your problems are ours right ? No, I think you may believe that, but it is not necessarily the case. As I have often opined, do you think throngs of Americans sit with their bowls of popcorn watching exciting Canadian election results ? This New Jersey dust up may as well be an episode from The Sopranos. Case in point, the Pearson closing. Canada is in much worse shape than the US in the area of public accountability, since we're not citizens, completely, as much as we are subjects with citizenry. The fact that the Pearson people made a squeak at all speaks to the awfulness of that situation. Those who run the airport make huge profits. That's right, Canadians don't realize that the king of the airport is not a bureaucrat but an evil member of the 1%. And the excessive fees that are charged for great Canadian service (such as freezing your bags on the tarmac for 12 hours while you wait) go into his pocket ! http://home.bcsuppercanada.ca/rps/refmaterial/200510231838280.20051018_02_01_StartOfTheGTAA.pdf So, yes yes yes, 100% agreement that Canada is far behind the curve on this stuff. Ontario announced their initiative after those of the federal Canadian and US governments, and city of Toronto. Well, the pointed and timely question was just to challenge any notion of "process" when it comes to such things, in New Jersey or Ontario. There were allegations that Mayor Ford did not declare an emergency in Toronto for the ice storm because it would shift power to the city council. This kinda stuff happens routinely without any major election ramifications. Quote Economics trumps Virtue.
Michael Hardner Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 No, I think you may believe that, but it is not necessarily the case. As I have often opined, do you think throngs of Americans sit with their bowls of popcorn watching exciting Canadian election results ? This New Jersey dust up may as well be an episode from The Sopranos. No, of course Americans don't watch Canadian politics. As an anonymous plumber once said: poo rolls downhill. But we can always leave your learnings, or learn from your leavings I suppose. Well, the pointed and timely question was just to challenge any notion of "process" when it comes to such things, in New Jersey or Ontario. Thank you. There were allegations that Mayor Ford did not declare an emergency in Toronto for the ice storm because it would shift power to the city council. This kinda stuff happens routinely without any major election ramifications. Right, and if you hate government and therefore want to burn down post offices as any red blooded Republican should, then it should make your blood boil... Quote Looks like someone has a new patronizing catch phrase ! Michael Hardner
The_Squid Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 It will be tough for him to win the nomination now. It shows that he is either incompetent and/or vindictive or hires people who are. Either way, his leadership and character are very much in question. Quote
Michael Hardner Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 It will be tough for him to win the nomination now. No kidding. Quote Looks like someone has a new patronizing catch phrase ! Michael Hardner
BubberMiley Posted January 10, 2014 Report Posted January 10, 2014 Not at all.Exactly. You have to remember that the right-wing vote would even still vote for Rob Ford, even after he too exploited his office for nefarious purposes. Quote "I think it's fun watching the waldick get all excited/knickers in a knot over something." -scribblet
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