Christie aide tied to "traffic problems" in Fort Lee by ElvisChrist

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Yeah, I've seen this one everywhere. I'm not going to hold Christie accountable for something one of his aids did unless someone can show he knew about it and condoned it. Maybe I'm naïve, but he's just never struck me as that kind of guy. I wouldn't believe such a thing of McCain or a number of other Republicans either without some kind of connecting proof.

Now Michelle Bachmann, Sarah Palin, Ted Cruz and a number of others, I'd be less hesitant to be suspicious about "retaliation"...JMHO.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, January 8, 2014 4:32 PM

M52NICKERSON

DALEK!

I tend to be with you on this one Niki. Christie does not seem like that kinda guy. It seems as if he is the type of person that would want to work with people who did not endorse him and change their minds.

I do not fear God, I fear the ignorance of man.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, January 8, 2014 8:35 PM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Omigawd, this is dangerous...we're "The Left", remember? We're supposed to hate...I mean HATE...and revile, and mock, and want to kill, anyone even slightly on The Right...what's wrong with us??

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, January 8, 2014 9:01 PM

I find it hard to believe that Christie knew nothing about this.

But let's be generous and say he didn't. That means he stood up and defended his staff who most certainly and intentionally did this thing, and he poo-poo'ed the accusers rather than taking the trouble to open his eyes and find out the truth.

I once came close to thinking that this could be a decent (though rough around the edges) guy. No more. I mean, ok, even if he means well, he is not an ethical leader of ethical people and he should not be in a leadership position.

Any way you look at it: 100% fail for Christie. It's all over for him. You can quote me in the predictions thread.

*-------------------------------------------------------------*
MAL4PREZ: Clearly [The Rap]'s doing nothing but trolling now.
STORYMARK: And not even cleverly.
RAPPY: [My trolling] did its job, did it not? Easiest marks in the 'verse.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/mthread.aspx?bid=18&tid=57146
*-------------------------------------------------------------*

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, January 8, 2014 9:17 PM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Well, to me he's no worse and in many ways far better than SO many out there. And whether it's true or not, he's speaking up:

Quote:
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) has acknowledged that the New Jersey bridge closing scandal has reached his office.

In a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, Christie responded to the revelation that one of his close aides discussed plans to close lanes on the George Washington Bridge last year.

“What I've seen today for the first time is unacceptable," Christie said. "I am outraged and deeply saddened to learn that not only was I misled by a member of my staff, but this completely inappropriate and unsanctioned conduct was made without my knowledge."

Christie, meanwhile, had in recent weeks dismissed the suggestion that the lane closures were a scandal, and made jokes about the idea that his office was involved. He adopted a very different tone in his statement on Wednesday, promising that "people will be held responsible for their actions.”

"One thing is clear: this type of behavior is unacceptable and I will not tolerate it because the people of New Jersey deserve better," Christie said.

Christie's statement was prompted by documents obtained Wednesday by TPM and other media outlets. One of the documents showed Bridget Anne Kelly, Christie's deputy chief of staff for legislative and intergovernmental affairs, emailing in August with David Wildstein, one of Christie's appointees to the Port Authority. (Wildstein announced his resignation from the Port Authority late last year.)

The documents are heavily redacted in parts, making it hard to tell if Kelly meant the traffic problems were the motivation for the closure, or whether she was anticipating the traffic as an effect of the order. http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/christie-statement-bridge

Considering the alternatives and the way the game is played in this country today, I'm not gonna throw Christie under the bus. Besides, if this does kill him, it's not hard to imagine that what would replace him will be far, far worse...

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, January 8, 2014 10:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Niki2:
Considering the alternatives and the way the game is played in this country today, I'm not gonna throw Christie under the bus. Besides, if this does kill him, it's not hard to imagine that what would replace him will be far, far worse...

There is way too much use of this phrase: "thrown under the bus". That suggests that a completely innocent person was thrown right in the danger zone just so others could escape free and easy.

No matter, this claim does not apply is this case.

Christie is no innocent, not in any way this situation could be viewed. He's the boss. The buck stops with him. It is especially unpardonable that when the truth began to come out he did not even consider it. His response was belligerent. He tried to shove the blame onto the people who were the true victims: the Fort Lee politicians. He never once even consider that maybe something abusive had happened.

If this document release had never come out, he'd still be crowing the same old song he's had since it went down. He only came clean when he was caught and he had no choice.

At best, Christie is a blind/deaf/dumb bully. And that is truly the best scenario. I wonder what will come out when the redacted parts of these emails are sorted out, and even more details come to light...

*-------------------------------------------------------------*
MAL4PREZ: Clearly [The Rap]'s doing nothing but trolling now.
STORYMARK: And not even cleverly.
RAPPY: [My trolling] did its job, did it not? Easiest marks in the 'verse.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/mthread.aspx?bid=18&tid=57146
*-------------------------------------------------------------*

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 2:17 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MAL4PREZ:
Quote:
Originally posted by Niki2:
Considering the alternatives and the way the game is played in this country today, I'm not gonna throw Christie under the bus. Besides, if this does kill him, it's not hard to imagine that what would replace him will be far, far worse...

There is way too much use of this phrase: "thrown under the bus". That suggests that a completely innocent person was thrown right in the danger zone just so others could escape free and easy.

No matter, this claim does not apply is this case.

Christie is no innocent, not in any way this situation could be viewed. He's the boss. The buck stops with him. It is especially unpardonable that when the truth began to come out he did not even consider it. His response was belligerent. He tried to shove the blame onto the people who were the true victims: the Fort Lee politicians. He never once even consider that maybe something abusive had happened.

That's it exactly. He belittled those who asked him directly, made fun of them, acted like it was the stupidest thing he'd ever heard when it was asked if it *might* be political retaliation. And now it's been pretty conclusively shown to have gone directly through his office. He's got egg all over his face on this one.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 6:17 AM

America loves a winner!

But Obama gets a pass from y'all on KNOWINGLY lying about O-Care ?

Huh.

Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 7:05 AM

All right, whoever keeps farting just floated another one. Cut it out!

;)

*-------------------------------------------------------------*
MAL4PREZ: Clearly [The Rap]'s doing nothing but trolling now.
STORYMARK: And not even cleverly.
RAPPY: [My trolling] did its job, did it not? Easiest marks in the 'verse.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/mthread.aspx?bid=18&tid=57146
*-------------------------------------------------------------*

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 7:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by ElvisChrist:
That's it exactly. He belittled those who asked him directly, made fun of them, acted like it was the stupidest thing he'd ever heard when it was asked if it *might* be political retaliation. And now it's been pretty conclusively shown to have gone directly through his office. He's got egg all over his face on this one.

And I forgot about his cattiness with the three lanes thing. What he said about one town having three lanes and that gets him sauced. Really? Even if the emails hadn't come out, that quote shows something pretty bitchy about his mentality.

*-------------------------------------------------------------*
MAL4PREZ: Clearly [The Rap]'s doing nothing but trolling now.
STORYMARK: And not even cleverly.
RAPPY: [My trolling] did its job, did it not? Easiest marks in the 'verse.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/mthread.aspx?bid=18&tid=57146
*-------------------------------------------------------------*

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 11:27 AM

NEWOLDBROWNCOAT

Quote:
Originally posted by MAL4PREZ:
I find it hard to believe that Christie knew nothing about this.

But let's be generous and say he didn't. That means he stood up and defended his staff who most certainly and intentionally did this thing, and he poo-poo'ed the accusers rather than taking the trouble to open his eyes and find out the truth.

I once came close to thinking that this could be a decent (though rough around the edges) guy. No more. I mean, ok, even if he means well, he is not an ethical leader of ethical people and he should not be in a leadership position.

Any way you look at it: 100% fail for Christie. It's all over for him. You can quote me in the predictions thread.

What he said.

And remember this one-- every time Obama comes to L A the local TV stations discuss in loving detail ALL the freeway and street closures, with an implied, "this is all OBAMA's fault." Ne'mind that it was at the recommendation of the Secret Service or the local cops.

Or the "IRS scandal"-- remember, that was ALL Obama's doing, or certainly ALL his fault, ALL his intention.

SO let's blame an incidental consequence on Obama, but not the deliberate malicious act of a subordinate on Christie.

Seems like " the buck don't stop there."

BTW, I like Christie too, myself. But if he isn't gonna identify who is responsible, and clobber that guy, that makes him an accomplice, at least. How 'bout we hold him to the same standard Obama is held to by The Right?

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 11:33 AM

America loves a winner!

Using the IRS to harass & target political rivals , ala Lois Lerner & the tea party patriot groups, not a problem for some. But closed traffic lanes?? Bloody murder!!

Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 12:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by NewOldBrownCoat:
Quote:
Originally posted by MAL4PREZ:
I find it hard to believe that Christie knew nothing about this.

But let's be generous and say he didn't. That means he stood up and defended his staff who most certainly and intentionally did this thing, and he poo-poo'ed the accusers rather than taking the trouble to open his eyes and find out the truth.

I once came close to thinking that this could be a decent (though rough around the edges) guy. No more. I mean, ok, even if he means well, he is not an ethical leader of ethical people and he should not be in a leadership position.

Any way you look at it: 100% fail for Christie. It's all over for him. You can quote me in the predictions thread.

What he said.

And remember this one-- every time Obama comes to L A the local TV stations discuss in loving detail ALL the freeway and street closures, with an implied, "this is all OBAMA's fault." Ne'mind that it was at the recommendation of the Secret Service or the local cops.

Or the "IRS scandal"-- remember, that was ALL Obama's doing, or certainly ALL his fault, ALL his intention.

SO let's blame an incidental consequence on Obama, but not the deliberate malicious act of a subordinate on Christie.

Seems like " the buck don't stop there."

BTW, I like Christie too, myself. But if he isn't gonna identify who is responsible, and clobber that guy, that makes him an accomplice, at least. How 'bout we hold him to the same standard Obama is held to by The Right?

Also, remember that Obama was personally responsible for setting all the security measures at every U.S. embassy and consulate, and personally set the work schedules for them and personally phoned individual security personnel and ordered them to stand down.

Oh, and he personally sold weapons at gun shows to Mexicans and didn't do background checks.

Christie says this isn't the kind of atmosphere he's fostered in the governor's office. Anyone who has ever sat through one of his shouting tirades aimed at teachers and reporters knows that he's lying when he makes that assertion.

In response to a death that occurred during the lane closures: "It doesn't matter." Wow. What would people say if someone said something like that about a death on Obama's watch?

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 12:44 PM

America loves a winner!

Christie's apology speech is lasting longer than the lanes were closed down. At least he's fired someone for lying to him. Unlike what Obama did, per OCare or the closing of the WW2 memorial. ( done so at the direction of the WH, specifically to hurt the people. )

If Christie knew, then he's no better than Obama, and should easily win 2 terms when he runs for President.

Right?

Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 1:11 PM

"Goram it kid, let's frak this thing and go home! Engage!"

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 1:23 PM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Yeah, and Obama PERSONALLY closed down all the national parks, you betcha...

But no, I choose NOT to think/talk/behave like them, thank you.

Update:

Quote:
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Thursday said he was "embarrassed and humiliated" by the conduct of "some people on my team" over an unfolding political scandal, saying he knew nothing of their activities to apparently punish a local mayor by creating traffic jams in and around his community.

Christie, who apologized to the town of Fort Lee and the residents of the state at a nearly two-hour news conference in Trenton, said he fired a senior aide at the center of the uproar involving the alleged abuse of authority that political commentators suggest could mean bigger problems for the potential Republican presidential candidate in 2016.

"I am stunned by the abject stupidity that was shown here regardless of what the facts ultimately uncover. This was handled in a callous and indifferent way," he told reporters the orchestration of traffic jams near the George Washington Bridge through a transportation agency, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Christie asked anyone with knowledge of the incident -- which exploded with the release of e-mails between top Christie aides on Wednesday -- that affected Fort Lee residents, commuters, and apparently public safety over several days in September to come forward with information.

"I am responsible for what happens under my watch -- the good and the bad," he said. http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/09/politics/christie-bridge/index.html?hpt=
hp_t1]

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 1:26 PM

Interesting how he spent "two sleepless nights" thinking about how to deal with this, which he supposedly found out about yesterday.

"Goram it kid, let's frak this thing and go home! Engage!"

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 1:45 PM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Looks like the feeding frenzy is on FOR THE RIGHT:

In an effort to come up with a name for the scandal surrounding last year's lane closures at the George Washington Bridge, a fan of the apocalyptic right-wing pundit Glenn Beck offered an idea that was inspired by Christie's weight:

Quote:
#fatandfurious new name for Chrissy scandal on the gb program blaze tv. Came from a listener named mason! https://twitter.com/intent/user?original_referer=http%3A%2F%2Ftalkingp
ointsmemo.com%2Flivewire%2Fglenn-beck-chris-christie-bridge-scandal-fat-and-furious&screen_name=glennbeck&tw_i=421295799692034050&tw_p=tweetembed]

It got better, as Beck tried his best to turn #FatandFurious into a meme:

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 1:52 PM

I'm going to reach across the aisle and join with my conservative rivals in calling for Christie's immediate impeachment. I'm 100% certain that they will be calling for such measures, since it's clear there was a scandal, a cover-up, and several lies involved here, and people were definitely hurt in the process.

Or maybe those rules only apply if the person in charge is... black?

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 3:18 PM

Poor Chris, he's pissed off EVERYBODY so now NOBODY will come to his aid...sad

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 3:23 PM

Hey whoooooooooooooozit.....

      /       \
     | *  Y    |
      \__ | __/

                * waiting for your kiss!

*-------------------------------------------------------------*
MAL4PREZ: Clearly [The Rap]'s doing nothing but trolling now.
STORYMARK: And not even cleverly.
RAPPY: [My trolling] did its job, did it not? Easiest marks in the 'verse.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/mthread.aspx?bid=18&tid=57146
*-------------------------------------------------------------*

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 3:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MAL4PREZ:
Hey whoooooooooooooozit.....

      /       \
     | *  Y    |
      \__ | __/

                * waiting for your kiss!

*-------------------------------------------------------------*
MAL4PREZ: Clearly [The Rap]'s doing nothing but trolling now.
STORYMARK: And not even cleverly.
RAPPY: [My trolling] did its job, did it not? Easiest marks in the 'verse.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/mthread.aspx?bid=18&tid=57146
*-------------------------------------------------------------*

Is that a pimple on your fat ass?

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 3:57 PM

Not man enough to keep your word, eh zit?

Its okay - we knew already.

"Goram it kid, let's frak this thing and go home! Engage!"

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 4:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Storymark:
Not man enough to keep your word, eh zit?

Its okay - we knew already.

And note that this is the first time he didn't hide from my reminder. He replied because he finally came up with an insult. Usually it doesn't take the zit so long...

Speaking of which: No, that's not a zit on my very fine ass, it's a pair of zit lips LOL!

*-------------------------------------------------------------*
MAL4PREZ: Clearly [The Rap]'s doing nothing but trolling now.
STORYMARK: And not even cleverly.
RAPPY: [My trolling] did its job, did it not? Easiest marks in the 'verse.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/mthread.aspx?bid=18&tid=57146
*-------------------------------------------------------------*

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 4:29 PM

FREMDFIRMA

And now, you BEGIN to understand why I want reliable people in place, for when it all starts to go to hell for them, and those reliable people can interpose themselves between any Big-Red-Buttons and the powers that be.

Because they would, absolutely, turn this country into a radioactive wasteland rather than see it in any hands but their own.

-F

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 5:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by FREMDFIRMA:

And now, you BEGIN to understand why I want reliable people in place, for when it all starts to go to hell for them, and those reliable people can interpose themselves between any Big-Red-Buttons and the powers that be.

Because they would, absolutely, turn this country into a radioactive wasteland rather than see it in any hands but their own.

-F

The only Prez to push the big red button was Truman, a Democrat. He pushed it twice.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 5:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by whozit:
Quote:
Originally posted by FREMDFIRMA:

And now, you BEGIN to understand why I want reliable people in place, for when it all starts to go to hell for them, and those reliable people can interpose themselves between any Big-Red-Buttons and the powers that be.

Because they would, absolutely, turn this country into a radioactive wasteland rather than see it in any hands but their own.

-F

The only Prez to push the big red button was Truman, a Democrat. He pushed it twice.

OH AND NEVER FORGET! Doctor Who loves to push big red buttons...it's a fact.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Thursday, January 9, 2014 6:23 PM

America loves a winner!

On the one hand, it sure seems that this sort of retribution politics stuff has gone on before now. One short sentence, one brief reply, and wham-o, we have a bridge all but closed down. I wonder what other e-trails will be followed up and if these sorts of shenanigans have occurred before now.

On the flip side... Benghazi - not a scandal. Fast and Furious - not a scandal. IRS targeting - not a scandal. Selected shut down of govt services - not a scandal...

close a few lanes ? HUGE NATIONAL SCANDAL!!!!!!

Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 12:25 AM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

The new stuff about Chris Christie and Supreme Court Justices John E. Wallace Jr. and Helen Hoens has me wondering...

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 2:18 AM

I have to wonder if any of those who think Obama should be impeached for [insert "scandal" of your choice here] believe that Christie is now unworthy of the office. Would they vote for him for President?

I think I can safely say that in light of the various scandals surrounding President Obama, I will never again vote for him for President.

Anyone willing to make the same pledge regarding Christie?

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 2:31 AM

Also hilarious is the kind of amateur pettiness involved, and the idea that these morons were communicating back and forth via G-mail, as if they thought that would protect them from their e-mails being subject to public records laws.

Say what you want about Obama, believe what you will, but nobody has ever turned up the "smoking gun" communication - e-mail, memo, letter, directive, etc. - that puts the order to do any of this kind of stuff coming from him, or even coming out of his office through a deputy chief of staff. There is no "time for some security problems in Benghazi!" e-mail or any "they're Romney voters" memos coming from the White House to the State Department or the IRS.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 3:58 AM

Seems legit.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 4:03 AM

America loves a winner!

Quote:
Originally posted by ElvisChrist:
I have to wonder if any of those who think Obama should be impeached for [insert "scandal" of your choice here] believe that Christie is now unworthy of the office. Would they vote for him for President?

Running against Hilary? I suppose so.

Quote:

I think I can safely say that in light of the various scandals surrounding President Obama, I will never again vote for him for President.

Anyone willing to make the same pledge regarding Christie?

I know of 1 minor " scandal" involving Christie's office. He fired 2 folks involved, and answered every question asked of him, up front, for 2 hours, with no script.

This puts him light years ahead of anything Obama's done in response to HIS actual scandals.

Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 4:10 AM

8 videos of Christie not being a bully:

http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2014/01/chris-christie-bullying-videos

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 9:42 AM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

EC, yeah, what struck me (once I started paying attention to it) was "how stupid can you get??" Whatever the reason behind it, what they did was so amazingly moronic, brainless and idiotic, one wonders how anyone could BE that stupid. Also that anyone has that much power.

Which still doesn't make me think Christie had anything to do with it; I may not like a lot of things about the guy, but I've never thought of him as stupid. And EC, nobody HAS come up with any e-mails connecting Christie, and I doubt they ever will. I haven't read yet just how "close to the top" this staffer was, do you know?

Whatever the REASON was behind it, whether someone was pissed off about the endorsement thing (which just doesn't seem reasonable, after all I've read) or it's that other thing, until I see some facts saying otherwise, it seems to me some idiot(s) got all pissed off about something and went for retribution. Okay; why has only one other person been fired? Surely it took more than one person to coordinate this, and obviously at least one other person KNEW what they were going to do...?

But what I'd really like to know is why Christie chose to go against all historical precedent in the John Wallace thing. I can't believe it's just because he was the only Black justice, surely there has to be more to it than that. And the "game" he and the Dems played makes me sick, it's so typical of the political bullshit people in power play and the "animal" thing pisses me off. I'd love to know what started all this, and given the timing and Christie going off the rails the way he did the day before the lane closure, all this makes more sense as the "reason" behind the "retribution" than the endorsement thing does.

I noticed Christie said he didn't ask the staffer her reason for doing what she did, that he's not interested. Well, if it IS connected to the Wallace/Hoens bullshit, it would make sense he wouldn't want to know, wouldn't want anyone paying attention to all that; open up a whole new can of worms 99.99% of us never knew about which also doesn't make him look real good. He railed on and on for two hours, but he never did answer that question, which for me is a real important one…in fact he specifically AVOIDED asking the question himself, which seems to me the first thing anyone would ask: "WHY the hell…???"

I find it amusing that our Local Troll insinuates that the IRS thing and Fast & Furious (he neglected to mention the NSA thing) "weren't" considered scandals…that sinks to about the same level of stupidity as the lane closure itself. Of course they were, and just like Christie, Obama wasn't involved. I don't consider Benghazi anything but something really awful that happens in wars, just like all the times it happened under Bush…if it wasn't a scandal then, it's not one now. But to pretend there's anyone anywhere who doesn't view the IRS, NSA and Fast & Furious bullshit as scandals, what a joke! But then, we expect no different…

So yeah, I want some answers...but not to the questions they're asking, and I'm waiting, Darrell...

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 10:30 AM

BIGDAMNNOBODY

Quote:
Originally posted by ElvisChrist:
I think I can safely say that in light of the various scandals surrounding President Obama, I will never again vote for him for President.

Anyone willing to make the same pledge regarding Christie?

Way to go EC! Declare not to vote for the guy that can no longer run! You are a shining example of principles that we should all follow.

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 11:25 AM

Where do I start. Let me say this, that I seriously, seriously doubt Christie (a very much hands-on kind of Governor, knew nothing or at least had an inkling of his staffs goings on).

Notice I used seriously twice in the above paragraph, that's to show how serious I am about my doubts regarding Christie's responsibilities, given his characteristics prior to this scandal. In other words, he has shown that, throughout his tenure as governor, he is a man that takes bullish action come hell or high water. Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead!

I don't believe a word coming out of his mouth. There, I said it.

I'm going to list my thoughts rather than submit a barrage of comments:

Item:

1. Personal opinion - he strikes me as a man who is in control of every aspect of his office; if a mouse farts in his office, he wants to know about it because it's his show

2. Observation - funny how he was in total seclusion on Wednesday when the e-mails were released. He only released a written statement; the notorious camera-hungry news whore was conspicuously AWOL from the media. He's normally not a camera shy wallflower.

3. Demeanor - during the news conference he was quite subdued and contrite. It appeared to me that he was not outraged, but seemed to behave more like someone squirming on the hook. He read a scripted response at first, then he answered questions more as a defense attorney than as an outraged Governor. Does anyone get the feeling that this man can be duped? Does anyone get the feeling that he doesn't micro-manage his office and maintain a tight leash on his staff. El Generalisimo has spoken.

4. State Senator Loretta Weinberg - who's district includes Fort Lee, has been targeted by Christie himself due to political opposition to his ramrod ways. She posed a rather interesting question, which, by the way, I also thought to be an unanswered question: Why, when his two top political appointees resigned amid controversy regarding the lane closures, didn't he take a serious look into why they resigned. They resigned sometime in early December, don't you think that they would have given Christie the heads up when they were called to testify before the committee. After all, he did appoint them.

She said, how can he claim no knowledge of the scandal until Wednesday morning at 8:50 a.m., when it was covered by major media outlets, including newspapers for a period of some 4 months. Someone on his staff must read the papers and check the news to keep him current, otherwise he'd look like a fool (no stretch there) when talking to the media and his constituents.

Good point. Does Christie strike you guys as a fool? A man easily duped?

To me, if this was over a Stop sign in the Fort Lee area, I would consider it beneath the governor's undivided attention. But we're talking about the World's busiest bridge, that millions use, including commercial interests, as well as life-preserving EMTs. His response, to joke about placing cones in the lanes in disguise. Why didn't he ask the Traffic Commission to look into the matter and get to the bottom of the "traffic study" that didn't exist?

These, once again, are two of his appointees for crying out loud.

Senator Weinberg also brought up another interesting point. The initial e-mail: "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee," and the response "Got it." The e-mail, she says, meant something to Wildstein. How else would he know to respond in such a manner. This had to be pre-planned and the signal was given. Ask yourself, did Bridget Anne Kelly get up the morning of August 13th and suddenly decide to stir up trouble for Fort Lee residents?

Fort Lee Mayor Sokolich, did not recall ever being approached for his endorsement. To me, he's just a pawn in this whole sordid affair. Every talking head and political analyst have been hard pressed to figure out the stupidity of this move. There is a theory, being floated by Rachel Maddow, that it has to do with Senator Weinberg, a member of the judiciary committee, who rejected 2 judicial appointees by Christie, after he removed a black democratic judge from his post. This makes more sense, his political retaliation "modus operandi" seems to fit the scenario.

Now you have Wildstein pleading the 5th and being held in contempt of the State investigative committee. The Feds need to come in and run the show (Christie also appoints the State prosecutors), they need to investigate who knew what, and when. Is the name, redacted in the email, belong to Christie? Just why was the name redacted in the first place?

There's much more to this story than meets the eye. I agree with the Senator, this is only half the story and there's so much more that needs to be asked. Say, what ever happened to Bridget Anne Kelly? Why didn't the governor ask the State prosecutors to inquire whether state laws were broken as a result of "her" diabolical plan? Why hasn't anyone been arrested? When will the NY and NJ Attorney Generals step in and investigate the possible criminal implications? Why didn't Christie immediately fire his Chief of Staff and political advisor when the news first broke on Wednesday? Why did he call for a press conference at 11 a.m. Thursday (the exact same time as the committee hearing for Wildstein, hmmmmmm, coincidence)?

And, after insulting and belittling the town of Fort Lee, he suddenly decides to make a big splash about apologizing and conducting an impromptu photo op with the Mayor of the Town. It seemed to me disingenuous and self-serving. In his press conference Thursday morning, he fired Ms. Kelly for lying to him. What about the people of NJ and, in particular, to the town of Fort Lee? This is all about saving his own bacon.

There are far more questions than answers. This is truly the Titanic of political world, we've only scrapped the tip of the iceberg.

SGG

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 11:41 AM

America loves a winner!

Benghazi IS 1000 x worse than this, but that doesn't mean this is a 'nothing'issue. it's ugly, petty and should down right infuriate every American who has to put up with this crap from our elected PUBLIC SERVANTS.

They're not our lords and masters.

I don't know if there'll be another shoe to drop or not, but as of now, Gov Christie has done more to address the situation than Obama has in ALL the other true scandals - combined.

Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 12:02 PM

I am waiting for Congress to call hearings on the federal level. This is a federal matter, since it has to do with disrupting interstate commerce. Expect more subpoenas and more facts to come to light.

Also, expect right-wingers to completely gloss over this whole mess.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 12:05 PM

America loves a winner!

2 fired already. How many fired over Benghazi ? Fast and Furious ? IRS ?

Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: N | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 12:12 PM

I agree with you on that. Let's say we believe he knew nothing (doubtful), then it would appear this guy has no control over the staff in his office and that there's no accountability, either on he or his staff.

That doesn't bode well for his national aspirations (and they call Obama irresponsible and lacking in leadership). In his state he has the busiest bridge in the world, if anything negative went down on that bridge then it would have a negative affect on his administration. Instead of joking and ridiculing a town within his jurisdiction, he should have called for an immediate investigation into the matter. No matter who actually started the ball rolling.

If he doesn't see that, then how could he be expected to run a country and respond appropriately to both domestic and international crisis.

SGG

Quote:
Originally posted by MAL4PREZ:
I find it hard to believe that Christie knew nothing about this.

But let's be generous and say he didn't. That means he stood up and defended his staff who most certainly and intentionally did this thing, and he poo-poo'ed the accusers rather than taking the trouble to open his eyes and find out the truth.

I once came close to thinking that this could be a decent (though rough around the edges) guy. No more. I mean, ok, even if he means well, he is not an ethical leader of ethical people and he should not be in a leadership position.

Any way you look at it: 100% fail for Christie. It's all over for him. You can quote me in the predictions thread.

*-------------------------------------------------------------*
MAL4PREZ: Clearly [The Rap]'s doing nothing but trolling now.
STORYMARK: And not even cleverly.
RAPPY: [My trolling] did its job, did it not? Easiest marks in the 'verse.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/mthread.aspx?bid=18&tid=57146
*-------------------------------------------------------------*

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 12:24 PM

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Okay Shiny, you made some very valid points. We may never know all the answers, but I'd sure like some.

1. I haven't followed Christie that closely, so I bow to your opinion, which I admit corresponds to what little I DO know about him.

2. There we disagree; I find it perfectly consistent for a politician to keep a low profile in order to meet with his people and figure out how to respond to something like this.

3. While I find his demeanor not surprising (and politically pretty astute), I was struck with a different impression: that he talked and talked and talked, while never addressing a major, salient point ("Why?"). For a normally garrulous person, it seems to me an effective way to look like you're taking responsibility, while at the same time not addressing a major point. What surprised me was his great amount of detail as to why the endorsement didn't make sense as the answer...surely he would realize that if he shows that, people are going to look around for what IS the answer?

4. "...has been targeted by Christie himself..." -- So there's been trouble there before? That lends weight to some of what's been speculated. "Why, when his two top political appointees resigned amid controversy regarding the lane closures, didn't he take a serious look into why they resigned." Another salient point, which I didn't know about. I admit, I haven't delved into this in depth until now, so I've probably missed some stuff…but along with "why did you do it?", "why did you resign?" might have been a very pertinent question for him to have asked. Of course, given the fubar of the lane closure, the screw-up alone WOULD have been sufficient reason to resign, but if Christie micro-manages as much as you and others indicate, one would have thought he'd have asked.

The reeeeely bigger question, for me, tho', remains "Why did you do it?" --which question Christie says clearly he doesn't care about. That's a pretty amazing statement, to me!

Did he actually "claim no knowledge of the scandal until Wednesday morning at 8:50 a.m"? I've been seeing it around the news for ages, I can't imagine him having claimed that…unless you mean he claimed no knowledge that it WAS a "scandal" until then… That, then, goes back to him not being directly involved, about which I'm still on the fence.

"Why didn't he ask the Traffic Commission to look into the matter and get to the bottom of the "traffic study" that didn't exist?" I'm still on the fence in that this might well be something a GOVERNOR might ignore, given traffic snafus, even huge ones, happen daily, as to snafus by traffic managers. Here I look to what even someone who hasn't followed him closely recognizes as a very big ego who might well be willing to ignore "traffic problems" as beneath his attention. Mind I say MIGHT.

"This had to be pre-planned and the signal was given." Obviously it was pre-planned; obviously there were more than two people involved. I don't know enough about the specifics to know if anyone beyond those two people had to know it was anything underhanded, nor how much planning and time would have had to go into it. If it's possible it could have been put together in a day or so by just a couple of people, and the people in question knew what Christie was going to do about Justice Helen Hoens the day before, I can see two or three (pretty stupid) people feeling powerful enough to do what they did, being pissed off enough about the whole Wallace/Hoens/Democrats thing to decide to do it on their own. I guess the major reason I don't see Christie as being behind it personally is it was SO stupid, SO obvious, and caused SUCH a huge mess that surely someone was going to look into it eventually…

I hadn't caught that Weinberg is a member of the Judiciary Committee--I read that it's her district, but that she's a member of the Judiciary Committee gives further weight to this theory, in my mind, when coupled with all that went on around the judiciary and the timing of Christie's blow-up

"Is the name, redacted in the email, belong to Christie? Just why was the name redacted in the first place?"--I could be wrong, but in the screen shot I've seen of the e-mail, it shows the recipient's name and what's after it that's blocked out appears to me to be her e-mail. In other shots of the e-mail in question, it shows first her name, then her e-mail, not blocked out. You can see what I mean…here: http://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/politicsnow/la-pn-christie-staf
fer-bridge-email-highlights-20140108,0,4946506.photogallery?index=la-pn-christie-staffer-bridge-email-highlights-005

I definitely think you're right that there should be a criminal investigation. People were harmed; someone abused their power; people need to be held accountable. Whether it's the state prosecutor(s), NJ/NY Attorneys General, feds or someone else, an apology and firings are not sufficient to answer all the questions.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 12:30 PM

Did someone hear a troll?

http://www.fart-sounds.net/fart_sound_board.htm

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 12:31 PM

Insulting and belittling is his M.O. Imagine him running the country and scoffing at the state of Georgia, or Virginia or even New York. How would that play out in the world stage? What would his presidency consist of?

No, he's done.

SGG

Quote:
Originally posted by MAL4PREZ:
Quote:
Originally posted by ElvisChrist:
That's it exactly. He belittled those who asked him directly, made fun of them, acted like it was the stupidest thing he'd ever heard when it was asked if it *might* be political retaliation. And now it's been pretty conclusively shown to have gone directly through his office. He's got egg all over his face on this one.

And I forgot about his cattiness with the three lanes thing. What he said about one town having three lanes and that gets him sauced. Really? Even if the emails hadn't come out, that quote shows something pretty bitchy about his mentality.

*-------------------------------------------------------------*
MAL4PREZ: Clearly [The Rap]'s doing nothing but trolling now.
STORYMARK: And not even cleverly.
RAPPY: [My trolling] did its job, did it not? Easiest marks in the 'verse.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/mthread.aspx?bid=18&tid=57146
*-------------------------------------------------------------*

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 12:32 PM

What!?

You've got to be kidding me? That is a huge leap, even for you?

SGG

Quote:
Originally posted by AURaptor:

But Obama gets a pass from y'all on KNOWINGLY lying about O-Care ?

Huh.

Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 12:34 PM

Right!

Quote:
Originally posted by NewOldBrownCoat:
Quote:
Originally posted by MAL4PREZ:
I find it hard to believe that Christie knew nothing about this.

But let's be generous and say he didn't. That means he stood up and defended his staff who most certainly and intentionally did this thing, and he poo-poo'ed the accusers rather than taking the trouble to open his eyes and find out the truth.

I once came close to thinking that this could be a decent (though rough around the edges) guy. No more. I mean, ok, even if he means well, he is not an ethical leader of ethical people and he should not be in a leadership position.

Any way you look at it: 100% fail for Christie. It's all over for him. You can quote me in the predictions thread.

What he said.

And remember this one-- every time Obama comes to L A the local TV stations discuss in loving detail ALL the freeway and street closures, with an implied, "this is all OBAMA's fault." Ne'mind that it was at the recommendation of the Secret Service or the local cops.

Or the "IRS scandal"-- remember, that was ALL Obama's doing, or certainly ALL his fault, ALL his intention.

SO let's blame an incidental consequence on Obama, but not the deliberate malicious act of a subordinate on Christie.

Seems like " the buck don't stop there."

BTW, I like Christie too, myself. But if he isn't gonna identify who is responsible, and clobber that guy, that makes him an accomplice, at least. How 'bout we hold him to the same standard Obama is held to by The Right?

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 12:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BIGDAMNNOBODY:
Quote:
Originally posted by ElvisChrist:
I think I can safely say that in light of the various scandals surrounding President Obama, I will never again vote for him for President.

Anyone willing to make the same pledge regarding Christie?

Way to go EC! Declare not to vote for the guy that can no longer run! You are a shining example of principles that we should all follow.

Good thing you're so ahead of the curse.

"Goram it kid, let's frak this thing and go home! Engage!"

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 12:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SHINYGOODGUY:
What!?

You've got to be kidding me? That is a huge leap, even for you?

SGG

Quote:
Originally posted by AURaptor:

But Obama gets a pass from y'all on KNOWINGLY lying about O-Care ?

Huh.

Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured... but not everyone must prove they are a citizen

I'm just a red pill guy in a room full of blue pill addicts.

" AU, that was great, LOL!! " - Chrisisall

The warm, wet one has been increasingly desperate in his attention seeking. Don't buy in.

"Goram it kid, let's frak this thing and go home! Engage!"

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Friday, January 10, 2014 12:46 PM