Abuse of power.
"I'm the governor and you're not" - from Trump playbook "I'm the president and you're not".
1
A classic member of the GOP!
ALL FOR MeMeMeMeMeMe!!!!!!!!!!!!
ALL FOR MeMeMeMeMeMe!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, the beautiful beaches in Miami are open and that's where I'm headed now......
Have fun NJ
Have fun NJ
I hope that the good people of New Jersey will concentrate on Trump next.
1
Never thought I would come down on Christie's side. While he may have played this poorly, my issue is with insurance companies that claim that any change that they may have to make will cost people in higher insurance rates. I don't doubt that the insurance companies will charge higher rates, but they are so rich that they don't need to do that. They are purely in this for their own obscene profit margin. It is criminal what they can get away with. And yes, the drug crisis is something that we need to address ASAP. Note: I am not from New Jersey, nor have any connections or vested interest in NJ. Nor the beaches. Nor directly with opiate users. I have just been following health care since the HMOs came onto the scene in roughly the early 90s.
2
That is an astonishingly pathetic scene.
6
Truly a man of the people. As long as they don't want to use the beach their tax dollars are paying to maintain. And nice house - can any taxpayer reserve it for a weekend? How much longer does Christie's term have... then I'm sure he'll fall into a cushy job for the RNC, or some big donor's corporation. Or the Trump White House - he's certainly qualified to work there, what with his already exhibited concern for "forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer". Chris Christie remembers you, the forgotten people. He just doesn't want to share his beach with you.
12
Oh, get a life. He's the Governor. And the Governor of any State in the USA, gets housing perks, the best in the State they govern. Let me check right now what the State of California give to Jerry Brown. Gov Brown doesnt have to use it, but that is inconsequential. If the State gives it to the Governor, why shouldnt they use it? Don't be a baby and if you don't like this, get your State to give up the housing for the Governor but stop whining.
The guy who Trump sent out for hamburgers is still trying to fight "one last fight" with the NJ legislative branch? Why would he even bother at this point? He's been humiliated and he's all but gone already. I don't even understand why they bother to cobble together that weak rationale for enjoying time with your family at the empty, closed beach. I mean, if you are going to thumb your nose at all the working stiffs in NJ got to roast in the heat of their homes, then at least own it.
3
The image of Christie sunning on the beach? Late night hosts could metaphor it better than I?
5
Andy Mills should get a photography Pulitzer!
12
NJ folks
Let's all march to beaches.
All men/women are created equal.
Let's demand opening beaches.
If Chrisie can have the beach, so can we and our children!!
This is our nation's birthday, for heaven's sake!
Let's all march to beaches.
All men/women are created equal.
Let's demand opening beaches.
If Chrisie can have the beach, so can we and our children!!
This is our nation's birthday, for heaven's sake!
16
Democrats should use these pics reflecting Republican meanness in 2018 campaign ads.
10
With a 15% approval rating and no sense of decency or pride, what is Christie to loose. I don't think you can get negative ratings, can you?
2
Disgusting... all the way around.
10
average Christie is the most HATED official right now!
He trumps Trump in cruelty and arrogance. While common man can not enjoy holiday on the bech with his family, he further adds injury to insult with his comments that he is entitled . He should be ashamed of himself.
He trumps Trump in cruelty and arrogance. While common man can not enjoy holiday on the bech with his family, he further adds injury to insult with his comments that he is entitled . He should be ashamed of himself.
7
Did Christie bring his beach chairs, the state police or state helicopters?
Just asking.
Just asking.
3
this little deal epitomizes "the oligarch". This kind of behavior would be completely unsurprising and everyday among the mob bosses who run Russia. What has happened to the good ole USA?
7
Looks like he finally might make it into a coveted Trump administration position!
8
Why are taxpayers paying for a summer house for a Governor???
13
This is unacceptable. Chris Christie is showing the citizens of this country and of the State of New Jersey that he could care less. How dare he.
8
He is finally with the Trump clan.
I get the strong sense that Governor Christie sincerely dislikes the citizens of his state. And I get the same feeling about the current president--he dislikes the people of the nation, all but the smaller and smaller minority who are his fans. It's worrying indeed, considering that men who are petty, vengeful, and mean have power to punish those they dislike. And the worse it gets, the worse it will get. Wish I had a hopeful tagline here. But nope.
11
Laughing it up on the kind of beach that he shut down for the rest of his state, Trump enjoying himself on golf courses while 32 million are expected to lose their health insurance; wasn't it stuff of this nature that started the French Revolution?
19
Yeah, but the French were smarter and stronger in revolutionary spirit than we are in today's USA. We need to tear up for Revolution Part 2.
1
Is the beach really closed or is everyone in New Jersey just avoiding Chris Christie?
9
Another good one!!
1
How is this man not a member the Trump administration?? He's perfect.
9
because he rightfully threw jared's daddy in the slammer..ergo no job for fatso in trump adm. and maybe slimy vacuous jared will be taking a much deserved perp walk soon too.
The people of New Jersey voted for this man, twice. Hope you're enjoying the holiday.
12
If the beaches are closed, they are CLOSED for EVERYBODY. Or should be.
12
but Christie is not everybody, he is somebody.
1
We'd better get used to this sort of thing, as our public lands and amenities are about to be auctioned off. The only consolation will be when the megarich lose their beachfront real estate to rising sea levels from the climate change they forced upon us.
11
Isn't New Jersey a very highly taxed state?
6
Nothing should have prevented the NJ citizens from enjoying all their parks and recreational facilities over the long weekend. the July 4th is one of those few statutory instances during the year when a family can reasonably expect to be together. A 3-day negotiated moratorium, in these circumstances, was not only reasonable but was respectful of the taxpayers as well. Everyone knows this will be solved by week's end but spite, ego, and pettiness somehow rule the at.
11
How much $$$ did small businesses loose from this shut down?
4
Island Beach State Park takes in more in revenue than it costs to run and maintain this state park, especially true on a holiday weekend - so because of Christie the state is losing money every day this park is closed
Not to mention that it is just plain mean to close state parks - used mostly by poorer folks who cannot afford country club pool or a backyard pool
Not to mention that it is just plain mean to close state parks - used mostly by poorer folks who cannot afford country club pool or a backyard pool
32
His shut down of the state looks a lot like Bridgegate to me. If Christie wants money for opioid treatment he should oppose the GOP health plan which eliminates substance abuse treatment and slashes Medicaid the largest funder of substance abuse services.
CC is shameful and shameless.
CC is shameful and shameless.
27
Common mistake. That wasn't Christie in the photos. It was a beached whale in a baseball cap.
29
The politics of privilege. He is gross, and an embarrassment to a country bathed in shame.
29
An abuse of power.
Civil disobedience in order - people of NJ - go to the Shore for the 4th of July. We do not live in an oligarchy (yet).
Civil disobedience in order - people of NJ - go to the Shore for the 4th of July. We do not live in an oligarchy (yet).
22
It's as if Gov. Christie goes out of his way to deliberately provoke controversy. Who in their right mind, in light of New Jersey's political budget impasse, would cheat the citizens out of their right to enjoy state parks and recreation areas during the Fourth of July holiday? And then rubbing it in by indulging in personal, private enjoyment of those facilities and then LYING about it to the public?
It's an absolutely INSANE way to run a state.
It's an absolutely INSANE way to run a state.
22
He IS the public, not above and beyond the public, thus the closed-to-the-public-beach should be close to him, and his family, as well. This lack of professionalism and ethical behavior should not be tolerated by either party. This is not a partisan issue. As a servant of the public, you cannot empty a beach for your personal use.
10
He's a bully in the worst way. Guess he's not concerned about his "legacy"
13
I'm new to New Jersey, temporarily on a contract in Cape May that I can chose to extend, or not. So far this state gov't is looking like the nation of Panama, my last work contract. Except Panama is solvent, and all the beaches are open. They're quite polite and inviting here, with the vegetables found only in the markets, not in any governor's offices.
18
so, Obamacare has forced insurers to lose money, yet somehow Gov Christie, who is claiming Obamacare is forcing insurers to lose money, wants to extract profits from the primary insurer in New Jersey which he and his fellow Republicans claim are losing money.
Pat Paulson running for president comes to mind, with his campaign ads showing him talking out of both sides of his mouth saying contradictory things. Back when the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was radical in its political commentary!
Pat Paulson running for president comes to mind, with his campaign ads showing him talking out of both sides of his mouth saying contradictory things. Back when the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was radical in its political commentary!
11
I actually don't think the Smothers Brothers could get away with that in today's hyper-partisan, hyper-politically correct US. (And it was really funny.)
2
He is apparently running hard for Most Unpopular Politician in the Western Hemisphere. British Prime Minister May seems to be well on her way to having Europe locked up since the London apartment building fire and resulting scandals, so that’s out.
In the Western Hemisphere, though, no question, Gov. Christie is doing pretty well against serious competition, including President Trump. He seems to be more unpopular than the widely hated Mexican President, the Colombian President, the Chilean President -- in fact, the only one who may still be beating him is the Brazilian President, who is in power because of a "parliamentary coup d'état" against the democratically elected President, who was herself spectacularly unpopular, although her successor has beaten her and is down to an approval rating of 4%.
Actually, things are so bad that the Venezuelan President is more popular, or less unpopular, than any of these other fine public servants.
Okay, most of these others are battling economic difficulties brought on by years of drought and/or decline in oil prices, plus truly record-breaking corruption scandals.
What is Governor Christie's excuse? Surely there must be something.
Or, what is his secret?
In the Western Hemisphere, though, no question, Gov. Christie is doing pretty well against serious competition, including President Trump. He seems to be more unpopular than the widely hated Mexican President, the Colombian President, the Chilean President -- in fact, the only one who may still be beating him is the Brazilian President, who is in power because of a "parliamentary coup d'état" against the democratically elected President, who was herself spectacularly unpopular, although her successor has beaten her and is down to an approval rating of 4%.
Actually, things are so bad that the Venezuelan President is more popular, or less unpopular, than any of these other fine public servants.
Okay, most of these others are battling economic difficulties brought on by years of drought and/or decline in oil prices, plus truly record-breaking corruption scandals.
What is Governor Christie's excuse? Surely there must be something.
Or, what is his secret?
7
New Jersey is having an intelligence drought.
3
According to Insurance regulations Horizon must maintain reserves, whether it needs as much as it has is debatable. Please answer these questions Gov. Christie, what exactly is your plan for this money? Are there existing facilities that would take more addicts if they had the money? Are there enough qualified personnel who would oversee detox programs - not ones that house people for a week and kick them out. And what about good programs that provide support after you've gotten off drugs. Unless you OD or are in danger of killing yourself or someone else you can not get into a facility in NJ. Even if you have good insurance you usually have to leave the State to get treatment. If you really cared about the citizens of NJ you would back off "your" plan - I don't know who else is behind it - and take this provision out of the budget bill. If you can tells us in detail how $300 million will be used to address the opioid crisis I'm all ears. And I be the first one to back it.
2
Careful, Trump hates the media so much he may just decides to give Christie a job after all.
6
Thought the pictures were from a new season of "Jersey Shore."
27
He really owns being an awful person, I'll give him that much.
43
Co-owns.
15
Chris and his family should be arrested for trespassing! Do not pass Go but go directly to Jail! He should be wearing an Orange jumpsuit one of these days!
21
This is worse than the eras of the Pharoahs, feudal lords, kings. Because we ELECTED him.
14
I didn't elect him. Never. Vote. Republican.
12
As the 4th approaches, are we supposed to be proud Americans about this?
19
Lying, arrogance, and entitlement reign supreme in the Republican party these days. They are playing the American voters as chumps.
39
These days,have you been in a coma for thirty plus years, trickle down, voodoo economics, 401k scam, tax and income inequality, Citizens United, voter suppression, government shutdowns, unnecessary and amoral wars, stolen elections, gerrymandering, are just a sampling of the plethora of insidious acts the GOP has wrought on our democracy, and this current cabal of crazies could be the end of it.
12
Nope, haven't been in a coma for thirty plus years.
It's true, "these days" could have been left out of my comment. Hope unloading on someone who agrees with you made you feel better.
It's true, "these days" could have been left out of my comment. Hope unloading on someone who agrees with you made you feel better.
2
And most Americans are so darn stupid, they keep falling for this garbage. Wake up fools!
Where is Mary Lee when you need her!!!!
2
"Because I can" is never a good reason to do something. He is an arrogant man who clearly does not plan a future in NJ politics.
30
So it doesn't look like readers are aware that the Democrat Assembly speaker is the one who stopped the budget?
Christie said he'd sign it, the speaker doesn't want it to go through even though there's bipartisan support.
There's no budget crisis, this is just a made up crisis over Horizon. I don't like Repubs or Christie but this smells of Democrats trying to ruin Christie even more for political expediency. It's typical politics played on both sides but the Dems are actually the ones who look guilty here, something lost on all the biased readers and papers here. Carry on, carry on
Christie said he'd sign it, the speaker doesn't want it to go through even though there's bipartisan support.
There's no budget crisis, this is just a made up crisis over Horizon. I don't like Repubs or Christie but this smells of Democrats trying to ruin Christie even more for political expediency. It's typical politics played on both sides but the Dems are actually the ones who look guilty here, something lost on all the biased readers and papers here. Carry on, carry on
3
I guess it is the Dems' fault that Christie goes to a beach closed to everyone. Unassailable logic.
13
Possibly true...but when the people you govern are denied access to the "public beach" and your daughter shows up in a BMW to be allowed in....then, yeah, it was smart Democrat politics. It doesn't play well....and if he doesn't care...which in reality , he shouldn't because there seems no possible coming back from Bridgegate...then why not enjoy one last trip to the beach at Governor Residence.
4
Christie is just shaking down Horizon to release its reserves to help him balance the budget because he has no better idea of how to do it conservatively. Just like with the Transportation Trust Fund he had no better idea than desperately raising taxes at the last minute after years of study. What happened to the rights of private enterprise? Christie sits on that beach like a king and tells the people of New Jersey, "That's the way it is." And his chump supporters go along. A perfect example of how partisan politics is a cancer within our political system.
10
Is the state's unemployment office open? I bet they are getting inundated with claims today.
3
Two men should not define the people's will.
"Democratic State Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto refuses to let lawmakers vote on a bipartisan Senate-approved bill restructuring Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Prieto complained that the bill is bad policy."
"Democratic State Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto refuses to let lawmakers vote on a bipartisan Senate-approved bill restructuring Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Prieto complained that the bill is bad policy."
3
I gather he's not running again because he obviously doesn't care what people think?
12
He is not permitted to run again according to the New Jersey Constitution.
4
Correct .
New Jersey gave this Republican a chance . He failed miserably . Why do you think 80% of New Jerseyans can't stand him ? He's a liar and a bully who tanked .
Thankfully we will elect a Democratic Governor and be done with these Republicans . Now we can actually get something done .
New Jersey gave this Republican a chance . He failed miserably . Why do you think 80% of New Jerseyans can't stand him ? He's a liar and a bully who tanked .
Thankfully we will elect a Democratic Governor and be done with these Republicans . Now we can actually get something done .
4
Can't wait to hear how Fox spins this one.
22
What?
It won't even be mentioned by them.
It won't even be mentioned by them.
4
Let's take another look, shall we? If the Governor was a Democrat, would they publish this type of story? Nah. What about the "fat shaming" here, any problem with that? Nah. Any comments about the Democratic controlled, spend-til-you drop legislature? Nah. Yes, the residents of NJ pay the price on their days off and small business owners get screwed. There is plenty of blame to spread around to both parties, as there is in Illinois and Connecticut. As for expecting a balanced story from the NYT? Nah.
3
You'd be hard pressed to find a Democratic governor who would choose to spend the weekend with extended family on a state beach that he/she had closed to all other citizens of the state. You would not find a Democratic governor shutting the state down because the legislature wouldn't let him steal money from a non-profit health insurer (and its customers) to give to for-profit addiction centers. Enough with the false equivalencies...
56
I don't think you'd know a balanced story if you saw one.
34
Baxter: No submitting evidence from alternative universes without documentation.
7
Well, I can't say I'm surprised. The sense of entitlement is one thing. But the lie -
"I didn't get any sun today?" - seriously. Do these lying politicians think we have no eyes? No standards? About the only good to come out of our broken system, these days - is that We the People can and will rise up and declare in unison that we have collectively had enough. That day is coming soon.
"I didn't get any sun today?" - seriously. Do these lying politicians think we have no eyes? No standards? About the only good to come out of our broken system, these days - is that We the People can and will rise up and declare in unison that we have collectively had enough. That day is coming soon.
25
Glad you're so hopeful. I think we have a long way to go until Americans wise up. The level of ignorance in this country is astounding.
Why does this make me so flippin' angry? I think because Christie is the poster child for the self-entitled American politician who thinks since he is a VIP, he can do everything and anything that "mere" mortals are not allowed to do and get away with it. Too many of these individuals are proponents of the Ayn Rand philosophy; it will be the downfall of our country. Bottom line, our current state and federal politicians are not called to public service out of any patriotic or altruistic feeling to serve their fellow citizens. No...rather they bask in the power and perks that their office bestows upon them. They could care less about their constituents. So sad...where are the FDRs, the JFKs, the LBJs of yesteryear?
42
The FDR's, JFK's, and LBJ's are democrats. We're still here.
17
Don't forget he also used the state trooper helicopters to get around NJ instead of fix our traffic jams and repair our infrastructure.
16
Christie's attitude towards NJ beaches mirrors exactly the Republican attitude toward health care.
41
Christie, Christie, Christ Christie, what is your psychosis? Pick one. Because of you I can't put down my beach towel in Asbury Park, too crowded. Did you put in extra life guards on the town beaches? let me guess.
6
Where i in line at the beach with my family and as a New Jersey resident i would have organized a peaceful protest at the gate and encouraged all the regular citizens to walk through and enjoy what's is rightfully theirs and not Mr Prietos or Governor Christie's. Thats what we would have done in the 70's as opposed to the sheep we are now.
tThank you, Ms. Anthes, for the clarity of your writing on a complicated issue. In the hands of a lesser science writer, this would have been clear as mud. I hope the NY Times will hire you to write for them more often!
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/16/magazine/the-mystery-of-the-wasting-h....
tThank you, Ms. Anthes, for the clarity of your writing on a complicated issue. In the hands of a lesser science writer, this would have been clear as mud. I hope the NY Times will hire you to write for them more often!
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/16/magazine/the-mystery-of-the-wasting-h....
7
In the 70s, there was some tolerance for protest. But the bosses learned from that and have no intention of allowing the people such voices or power again. Now, should you be taken in, whether charged with a crime or not, you will be strip-searched (another name for rape by instrumentation), and not kindly. Not to mention the accidents that occur to people in custody, you understand. I don't want to argue against protest, not at all; I've been in a number myself. But between provocateurs and extremists (see Portland, e.g.), between police who may be tightly wound and politicians who have made laws to punish protests now, do take care. Be ready to pay a price.
1
News and accompanying Photo Headline: No sun to be had as Christie casts huge shadow on NJ beaches.
24
Both literally and figuratively, the shadow that is.
2
good one!!!!
1
It took 40 years of irresponsible shallow violent television and movies, to make enough of the public stupid enough to vote for those who will pledge to cut their health care, close their beaches, un-protect their environment. It will be hard to undo.
18
Long Island Dave: That's certainly one theory. But can you prove causation in addition to correlation?
3
The truly stupid ones are those that believe books and movies are responsible for our actions.
I can't prove it of course, William. But do you deny the plausibility of the assertion, at least in terms of partial yet significant culpability? Where else would you suggest we look?
3
Christie had every right to use the beach this weekend, as he pointed out, but his decision to use the beach and to flaunt it is so tone deaf. He didn't have to use the beach, he could have gone anywhere. Are his actions for the benefit for his adversaries in the legislature? They're certainly not doing anything more than punishing his constituents who have a rare long weekend off and go to the shore because they probably can't afford to go anywhere else. What a very petty and mean man.
64
I hear the Maine shore is pretty nice too...
4
So can any New Jersey resident show up at the closed state beaches, and with confidence in their "every right" go ahead and use the beach even though it is officially "closed"? I think Christie had "every right" to go to a beach in New Jersey, but not any right to use one not open to all the rest of New Jersey's residents. Or can any state employee use the closed beaches? Or maybe any New Jersey law enforcement person, regardless if the rest of the state's people have access? No, sorry, Christie should not use this beach if it is not available to every state resident, due to his and the state legislatures' failure to do their jobs, sorry, that's just not right.
3
Wow, his sanctimonious family went to the closed beach. Right out of the trump family playbook. You think he'd appreciate the break he got on Bridgegate, but the christie and trump families know only one word: TAKE, TAKE, TAKE.
50
True and honest Republican.
21
Is the New America ?? Where totalitarian entitled imbeciles run the country? Bluntly disregard the rest of the population. " I am the governor" " I am the president" these two imbeciles have no shame.
58
Alas, the real problem is the disenfranchised imbeciles who are voting for the entitled imbeciles.
Democracy rots from the inside out, and it is started to smell pretty bad around here.
Democracy rots from the inside out, and it is started to smell pretty bad around here.
38
Expect a visit to the white house this week. That's how obnoxious adolescent boys behave.
16
The really sad thing is that the weeks around the July 4th holiday are the busiest weeks at the Jersey Shore. The beach shutdown is really hurting the livelihoods of all those small NJ business owners whose economic sustainability depends on the few short weeks of summer. Shame on Christie! The people of NJ should rise up and flood the NJ state beaches en masse over July 4th (Boston Tea Party anyone?). How many people could be arrested from the masses on the beaches?
97
Absolutely: just as with Bridgegate, it doesn't matter how many everyday people he hurts, as long as he gets your way. The biggest summer weekend destroyed so this one - - can throw his weight around one last time..
9
Do you seriously think that Christie thought about the small business? I'm thinking that is very unlikely
8
This is the most blatant example of a politician's utter contempt for his/her constituents since Marie-Therese's "Let them eat cake." If I were a candidate running in this year's NJ gubernatorial election, I'd promise to put everything Christie did during his time in office under a microscope.
NYT, I think subjecting your readers to a picture of Christie in a bathing suit violates your obscenity standards.
NYT, I think subjecting your readers to a picture of Christie in a bathing suit violates your obscenity standards.
21
Let them eat cake.
14
The second most hated man in America?
35
There is nothing grosser than a smug hypocrite flaunting himself.
35
the abject failure of republicans is endless - being an abject failure is hard work - he need a vacation -
9
When I first moved to Clinton, I was a newly single mother re-entering the work force. On Saturdays, I would take my son to the Round Valley Reservoir. A beautiful lake nestled in the hills of Hunterdon County, it was filled with working families out for a day in the sun. They played ball and barbecued, laughed and listened to music and talked and played with their babies. It was a rainbow of nationalities, languages and colors. On most days, the park was full by noon. You had to get there early to share in the joy.
It is these people that Governor Christie deprived this weekend - people with no second homes and no money to head to other retreats. These are the people who postpone their holidays to wait on rich people as they celebrate theirs – the men who maintain our gardens and build our homes - the women who comfort other people’s children all day, every day only to return tired to their own babies at night - the people we refuse to pay a living wage to for a 40-hour week but criticize for poor parenting when they must work two or three jobs to get by. These are people who have the grit, determination and heart to carry on in a system that offers them little encouragement.
How can anyone doubt that Christie is a bully? This beach photo says it all.
It is these people that Governor Christie deprived this weekend - people with no second homes and no money to head to other retreats. These are the people who postpone their holidays to wait on rich people as they celebrate theirs – the men who maintain our gardens and build our homes - the women who comfort other people’s children all day, every day only to return tired to their own babies at night - the people we refuse to pay a living wage to for a 40-hour week but criticize for poor parenting when they must work two or three jobs to get by. These are people who have the grit, determination and heart to carry on in a system that offers them little encouragement.
How can anyone doubt that Christie is a bully? This beach photo says it all.
164
YES....of course the same guy who would do this, probably thought it was fun to close down the George Washington Bridge too !!
24
BRAVO, Cynthia! Thank you!
13
Wonder why Americans staying home and allowing these politicians to close their beaches? And the irony of all, especially on an Independence Day week end? What kind of independence is this?
18
My folks used to tell this old joke about a wealthy oligarch who finds a resort he likes, buys it, kicks everyone out, replaces everything, including the sand... then sits back to watch the glorious sunset in Mother Nature's respledence and sighs, "ah. Who needs money?" Not much funny anymore.
14
Another new low for Chris Christie. Low that he and his family sat relaxing on a state beach that the public could not enter because of a govt shutdown. Lower still that he lied about it ("I didn't sun myself"). Then got caught (what about this photo, governor?). Then tried to spin the lie through his staffer's comment "he didn't sun himself cuz he was in a hat." Contemptible. Disgraceful.
20
Considering that we the taxpayers of New Jersey pay this abomination's salary, and that the state still allows local beach towns to charge New Jersey residents to walk on their beaches, nothing surprises me anymore. Mr Christie has no shame, no moral compass,; he claims to be fighting for opioid addicts, never heard him express such concern when it was poor minority's suffering from addictions, only when a fellow upper class family suffered did he show such concern and "empathy". One of the few people , other than Mr Trump, that I consider to have absolutely no redeeming features as a human being. I only hope his karma is to be reincarnated as a horseshoe crab to be pecked at by New Jersey plovers.
14
...and, i'm sure if things had worked out for him with Trump, he wouldn't be doing anything on the opioid problem...at all. He would not have even looked in the rearview mirror as he was chauffeured down to Washington !
3
So disheartening, discouraging! Is this the best the voters can select for leadership positions? Like so many of our politicians today (djt are you listening?) self centered, power hungry, calloused, out of touch navel gazers! and cruel too. Denies the families of NJ a celebratory vacation day at the beach or picnicking in the park as political strategy. Christie "have you no shame?"
30
So now New Jersey taxpayers are providing a vacation home for the governor as well as one in the state capitol? And a helicopter to fly him plus friends and family on their vacation? And what Constitutional or legal grounds give the government the right to seize property from a business or charity that has not broken a law? What kind of reserves do the Koch brothers and other billionaires have? Could their "excess" funds be seized?
9
If the governor of New Jersey were a true leader he would spend the holiday as the people entrusted to his care are spedning it: away from the beaches, parks, and recreational facilities we have come to know and love. The difference between the governor and the people is that we are forced away from those places so near and dear to our hearts while Christie throws in our faces his entitlements and perquisites. Humility was never a strong point with the governor but this latest round of piublic behavior is taking hubris to utterly new depths. Such behavior is befitting an autocrat, not a leader charged with caring for the people and resources entrusted to an authentic leader.
6
I can understand the criticism of Gov. Christie in the past and with the weekend trip, but seems like a good thing to have more money for addiction services. Even if courts don't end up finding lawful, why not pass a budget with it?
why not do the work and find "real" money instead of stealing it?
11
He - the peon who was rarely to be seen for months at a time -
doesn't get to singlehandedly decide priorities and hold the entire state hostage to get a win he can boast about in Washington where opioids are the cause of the day. Or he shouldn't .
doesn't get to singlehandedly decide priorities and hold the entire state hostage to get a win he can boast about in Washington where opioids are the cause of the day. Or he shouldn't .
3
I wish Governor Christie worked in the Trump Administration. He has the skills to get it done. America needs you, Governor Christie! Thank you.
2
When you finally see what these men are--and I think that soon enough, you will have to see it even though you don't want to--you'll be the maddest of us all.
1
Let them eat sand.
10
Since the NJ government is shut down why do we need to pay a governor? If NJ workers don't get paid - neither should the governor and his staff!
20
Gov. Chrisp Chrispy only became interested in the opiate problem when his cronies invested in rehab centers.
29
“That’s just the way it goes. Run for governor, and you can have a residence.”
Wow, if that 's not a "Let them eat cake," quote, then I don't know what is.
Wow, if that 's not a "Let them eat cake," quote, then I don't know what is.
15
Christie later travelled by helicopter from the beach in Berkeley to the state capital Trenton to hold a news conference about the shutdown. Asked if he got any sun, Christie replied: “I didn’t get any sun today.”
When later told of the photo showing him relaxing on the beach, Christie’s spokesman Brian Murray said: “Yes, the governor was on the beach briefly today talking to his wife and family before heading into the office.”
But that did not mean Christie got any sun. “He had a baseball hat on,” Murray said.
On Saturday he said the beach house was separate from Island Beach state park and his family would not be using any state services.
Asked if this was fair, Christie said: “Run for governor, and you can have a residence there.”
When later told of the photo showing him relaxing on the beach, Christie’s spokesman Brian Murray said: “Yes, the governor was on the beach briefly today talking to his wife and family before heading into the office.”
But that did not mean Christie got any sun. “He had a baseball hat on,” Murray said.
On Saturday he said the beach house was separate from Island Beach state park and his family would not be using any state services.
Asked if this was fair, Christie said: “Run for governor, and you can have a residence there.”
4
Please note that the residence is adjacent to the NJ National Guard training facility and beach at Sea Girt, which is a beach for military veterans and state employees. This beach was also closed. Christie's family got to enjoy an isolated beach while NJ vets were turned away.
4
Just another example of Governor Christie abusing his power and stepping on the ordinary NJ taxpayer. At least they will finally be rid of him on January 16, 2018.
This is should send his approval rating down a notch.
I am not sure which is worse, Christie as a possible POTUS or the current occupant of the White House.
This is should send his approval rating down a notch.
I am not sure which is worse, Christie as a possible POTUS or the current occupant of the White House.
8
Ok, we all know Christie is a classless, arrogant, corrupt bully but what's with his family? Have they no shame. Apples definitely do not fall far from the tree.
33
They share his sense of entitlement. I am sure his son, for example, was admitted to Princeton on the basis of his personal brilliance and accomplishments, not his connections.
6
Must be middle age. I can remember when the GOP at least Pretended to care about appearances. Rank has it's privileges. And I do mean RANK.
17
Aiming for the elusive 0% approval rating, also known as the contrarian perfect game.
13
"New Jersey is one of at least nine states that failed to meet their July 1 budget deadline. That had an immediate effect on residents of three of the states — Illinois, Maine and New Jersey.
The other six states — Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island and Wisconsin ..."
All blue states. Run by democrats for decades.
Coincidence?
Of course.
The other six states — Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island and Wisconsin ..."
All blue states. Run by democrats for decades.
Coincidence?
Of course.
6
Your "facts" are not the truth.
Five of those states have Republican Governors: Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Illinois, Maine and New Jersey.
Four have Democratic Governors: Connecticut, Delaware, Oregon and Rhode Island.
Thus, the majority of states having government budget shutdowns are run by Republicans.
Five of those states have Republican Governors: Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Illinois, Maine and New Jersey.
Four have Democratic Governors: Connecticut, Delaware, Oregon and Rhode Island.
Thus, the majority of states having government budget shutdowns are run by Republicans.
10
Scott Walker, gov of Wisconsin, is republican.
3
None. These are states where the legislature and governorship are on different parties. All blue and all red states have no such issue.
Chris decided to act tough and draw a line in the sand.
8
Act tough. But he's not tough. Trump kicked him to the curb unceremoniously.
Talking tough when surrounded and protected by 4 state troopers is not tough. It's what we in NJ call, being a punk.
Talking tough when surrounded and protected by 4 state troopers is not tough. It's what we in NJ call, being a punk.
12
republicans, what did you expect ?
After losing the election by 3,000,000 ballots,their national disgrace is occupying the oval office, appointed by gerrymandered republicans in the electoral college. And FB (No disrespect to Mike Myers) is on the beach while the rest of NJ swelters.
After losing the election by 3,000,000 ballots,their national disgrace is occupying the oval office, appointed by gerrymandered republicans in the electoral college. And FB (No disrespect to Mike Myers) is on the beach while the rest of NJ swelters.
9
It is no accident that Christie and the Norcross Dems have joined forces on the Horizon issue. Why? What's in it for Norcross? When will the press get around to reporting the REAL story here?
4
Did anyone, for one second, think this was NOT going to happen?
6
How dare he go to a beach that he declared closed to the public. Another hypocrite politician who is everything you don't want in a leader. Another bad apple and someone you would not want your kids to look up to.
11
Looks like our (sometimes) governor is determined to solidify the lowest approval rating of any governor before leaving office. This is a malicious act he is foisting on the citizens of this state.
67
And one rule of law for the rich and powerful.
Let the peasants eat cake!
Let the peasants eat cake!
10
I was ambivalent about this until I saw and read MSM personalities express faux outrage in unison.
Now I'm convinced that Christie did exactly the right thing.
Now I'm convinced that Christie did exactly the right thing.
2
If you think enjoying yourself and thumbing your nose at your constituents is the right thing for a politician to do, you obviously would be better off in Russia, where as Lincoln once remarked, "despotism can be taken pure, without the base alloy of hypocrisy."
13
What part exactly did you agree with Christie? The one he closed the state beaches to have one just for himself? The one that raised the middle finger to all the people of New Jersey he's supposed to represent?
Make no mistake, health care was an excuse. You must be either for or with him or he will go after you with a vengeance, much like the Mayor of Fort Lee.
Unless you are one of his relatives or beneficiaries in his will, I fail to see where you could agree with him on.
Make no mistake, health care was an excuse. You must be either for or with him or he will go after you with a vengeance, much like the Mayor of Fort Lee.
Unless you are one of his relatives or beneficiaries in his will, I fail to see where you could agree with him on.
9
If you move to NJ, you might end up being the only human being there who approves of Christie. Talk about being special... think about it!
3
What is not clear from the article is that the Governor of New Jersey, in addition to a palatial official residence in Princeton called "Drumthwacket," the Governor has an official vacation residence at Island Beach State Park, which is now closed to the public. I don't believe the estate has a name, but I would suggest "Entitlement" would be appropriate.
22
In raiding Horizon's reserve for his own political benefit, Christie is repeating the crimes he committed when he stole from New York taxpayers by misappropriating Port Authority money for non-port New Jersey projects.
Times readers, however, are mostly upset that Christie went to the beach.
Times readers, however, are mostly upset that Christie went to the beach.
9
he and donnie have a lot in common - when the going gets tough do something outrageous to obfuscate the true issue.
No wonder we are an opioid nation when our leaders pull stunts like this while playing games with our lives, health care and taxes too.
NJ citizens should go to the beaches and parks en-mass and take their state back from this failed governor - he can't arrest everyone! Besides, the "governor's residence in Island Beach State Park" is the people of NJ's residence and park - Not Christie's, governor or not.
Horizon a non-profit? Non-profit is concept Republicans hate. Horizon should be privatized! Oh, it is private. What are Republicans to do? How to raid other's money, like private for profit interests have done with pensions and want to do to Social Security?
NJ citizens should go to the beaches and parks en-mass and take their state back from this failed governor - he can't arrest everyone! Besides, the "governor's residence in Island Beach State Park" is the people of NJ's residence and park - Not Christie's, governor or not.
Horizon a non-profit? Non-profit is concept Republicans hate. Horizon should be privatized! Oh, it is private. What are Republicans to do? How to raid other's money, like private for profit interests have done with pensions and want to do to Social Security?
27
Just think of the funds that might have available for the opioid crisis had Christie not seen to it that the $9 billion Exxon lawsuit was settled for pennies on the dollar. Coincidentally, taking place after Exxon's $500,000 contribution to the Republican Governors Association and just before his candidacy for President. The requisite open-mouthed kiss to Big Oil and unfortunately a finger in the eye of New Jersey's Taxpayers.
34
I remember going to a state-owned beach in California when I was a kid. There was a fee to get in. I don't honestly know if the state beach was shut down on the Fourth of July, or if the fees were waived for the holiday, or if it as "business as usual." But it seems to me that there are buckets-full of money to be made at state beaches during the summer holidays of Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day, and potentially more than enough to help balance the budget.
As for the other thing, I hope that Chris Christie isn't planning to run for reelection. The optics alone are off-putting. There was once a certain King and Queen of France who had such an attitude toward their subjects, and while it is "good to be the King," that particular couple ended up being on the receiving end of Madame Guillotine's sharp blade. Here, we don't do that, but we do vote tyrants out of office. I sincerely hope that New Jersians have the wisdom to do so.
As for the other thing, I hope that Chris Christie isn't planning to run for reelection. The optics alone are off-putting. There was once a certain King and Queen of France who had such an attitude toward their subjects, and while it is "good to be the King," that particular couple ended up being on the receiving end of Madame Guillotine's sharp blade. Here, we don't do that, but we do vote tyrants out of office. I sincerely hope that New Jersians have the wisdom to do so.
9
Fortunately for New Jersey they have term limits. We also have them here in Maine so will soon be rid of our disgusting governor who was elected with only about 34 percent of the vote since three people were running.
4
I'm not a NJ resident, so maybe I don't have a right or responsibility to worry myself about what Christie does...but he is yet another example of the arrogance and attitude of imperial power that many conservative GOP public officials have. I am disgusted that this crass man, who lives in the same bubble that Trump does, feels he can enjoy the amenities of the office to which he was elected while the lower income members of his constituency are denied access to to the state's beaches during the long holiday. I am reminded of the French attitude just before Bastille Day...as the rich class became obscenely dismissive of the common people. Watch out, America. Our own July 14th might be coming. Let us hope it is a political death for the GOP rather than a physical one for the millions of America whose lives and health are threatened.
28
As we grow up and become adults, at some point we decide what our inner code of ethics, morality and integrity will be when we face our choices and decisions whether alone in our mind, or on public display.
7
Christie isn't the only GOP politician who has realized that they can do and say whatever they want without consequences under the Trump Regime. This party has given up on caring about optics, ethics or common decency.
134
That happened 40 plus years ago when Ford pardoned Nixon and has progressively worsened to the point that they don't even try to hide it, in fact they take a twisted and perverse pride in it.
I am not a fan of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield but I absolutely cannot support Governor Christie in his efffort to force them to utilize their cash reserve to pay for addiction counseling and treatment uninsured in New Jersey. If the department of banking and insurance wants to do anything to Horizon they should encourage better reimbursement to physicians. Horizon is among the lowest payors to physicians forcing many not to participate. Governor Christie should be ashamed of himself for holding the state hostage over this issue.
19
No alcohol on the beach, or rules don't apply to governor and family.
15
Clearly, rules don't apply to Christie and his family. And just how does he get to go to a closed beach in the first place?
4
Taxpayer funded helicopter ride...
7
Apparently the Christie is trying to get his disapproval rating down to a single digit.
24
Reserves keep insurance companies solvent. The state should emulate Horizon Blue for it's pension liabilities.
8
Actually this is the icing on Christi's cake, which he seems to have prepared just for the people of New Jersey. After cutting off construction of the Hudson Tunnel, a vital need for NJ citizens, so many of whom make their living by working in NYC, and then Bridge Gate causing more economic destruction, I guess he just wanted to do a total cessation of State Government for a grand finish.
I've often wondered what the people of NJ did to Christi to make him want to attack their best interests so persistently.
I've often wondered what the people of NJ did to Christi to make him want to attack their best interests so persistently.
23
Here we see a demonstration of how difficult it is going to be to get rid of Trump before the next presidential elections.
15
"What's good for the Goose is good for the Gander"...What makes him think that HE and his family can enjoy a public beach when it is "closed", and I can't (because it's "closed"). Another Republican entitlement..."I'm better than everyone else."
14
Imagine a New Yorker-style cartoon with the body of Governor Christie washed up on the beach, face down, with the George Washington Bridge in the background, and the caption, "Corpus Christie."
26
A true man of the people.
7
Shame on all the young people with him as well.
13
The optics are so bad, I mean really so bad.
14
Similarities between Christie and Trump not to be denied by the voters who placed them in Office and richly deserve them.
14
At least in Maine, with our Trump/Christie-buddy Governor, the state parks remain open despite the shutdown.
5
Please keep in mind that he systematically manipulated/threatened/bribed Democratic mayors throughout the state to support him (and when they didn't, Bridgegate resulted), and that unconscionably, the Democratic organization barely mentioned Barbara Buono's name. He wasn't elected in the usual way.
3
We need a RICO law for politicians.
So, when is he leaving? Surely not soon enough for many New Jersey residents.
1
January 16, 2018.
4
Going to be a long 6 months.
Looks like Chris filled out the form on a book of matches and has completed his Trump University course in "advanced arrogant studies". That's alright Chris, just go ahead and slather some more sunscreen on your beefy bod while millions are denied access to the shore on a blazing hot holiday. But that's okay, I'm just biding my time until Bridget Anne Kelly gets her time on 60 minutes or better yet, CNN. If you expect me to believe that she decided on her own to shut down three lanes of the world's busiest bridge without your knowledge and approval, well, then I've got another bridge to sell you.
32
It's difficult to believe that he is NOT part of the Trump entourage. Seriously. Please, just go away, Loser.
14
How does the abomination profit from drug addiction treatment? I'm sure in some way....
2
This photo speaks a thousand words about today's GOP; its supporters already lounge and luxuriate at others' expense, or they aspire to.
19
GOP politicians are the real Welfare class, inhaling tax payer dollars for no work at all.
GOP - greed or people. Seems they've made their choice.
GOP - greed or people. Seems they've made their choice.
From Bridge-gate to Beach-gate. What is next for this self-entitled Trump lover? Classic Republican looking out for himself at the expense of the people.
What else will they take from us for themselves?
What else will they take from us for themselves?
13
You know, the senate should audit Chris Christie - I bet he has a lot more saved up than he should. All that money in excess of 75 days of his yearly salary should be confiscated and applied to the state budget. Fair is fair.
13
Where have I been? I didn't know there was a governor's residence at the shore. Yet, there he was, on a closed beach thumbing his nose at the constituents who were barred from using it. The hubris!!!
112
If you ask Christie "just where exactly is your residence," he'd probably say: "Wherever I say it is."
6
Who would argue that the opiod crisis is not one deserving of attention and funding? Who apart from Republican Congressmen, I mean.
One way to fund this program would be a lawsuit against Chris Christie's lawyers for their whitewashing of his role in the Bridgegate affair. Somehow, although New Jersey paid those lawyers millions of dollars, they failed to find what all the witnesses testified to at trial -- that Christie knew exactly what was going on. If the "investigation" by these lawyers was indeed a whitewash, then they defrauded our state, at least for purposes of our Consumer Fraud Act. That Act provides for triple damages. So we might recover millions of dollars by suing them and use the funds to combat the opioid crisis.
How about it, NJ Attorney General?
One way to fund this program would be a lawsuit against Chris Christie's lawyers for their whitewashing of his role in the Bridgegate affair. Somehow, although New Jersey paid those lawyers millions of dollars, they failed to find what all the witnesses testified to at trial -- that Christie knew exactly what was going on. If the "investigation" by these lawyers was indeed a whitewash, then they defrauded our state, at least for purposes of our Consumer Fraud Act. That Act provides for triple damages. So we might recover millions of dollars by suing them and use the funds to combat the opioid crisis.
How about it, NJ Attorney General?
14
The nation was once served by a network of state chartered, not-for-profit Blue Cross Blue Shield plans that dominated the health insurance marketplace. Most of them have since converted to for profit status and many have combined into giant companies like Anthem and Wellpoint. while losing market share to the likes of United Health Care and Aetna. Horizon is one of the few remaining holdouts. If Gov. Christie wants to push it into become another stockholder-owned for profit company, he couldn't have picked a better strategy.
8
That's probably exactly what he has in mind...
1
Another class act politician showing his leadership skills. We have a state full of them in Illinois, demonstrating that this is a bipartisan phenomenon.
12
From Gov. Chris Christie, "Do as I say; not as I do."
11
If anyone doubts that Republicans translate "personal responsibility" as "I've got mine, screw you," simply look at that photo and read Christie's response regarding his and his family's access to a state beach.
157
Giving the way things are going in Washington, this guy might still be Attorney General if Jeff Sessions is caught up any more in the Russia problem. Trump would do it just to annoy Democrats.
13
AG requires Senate confirmation. Doubt that Christie could survive the confirmation process. But there are plenty of WH posts that don't require confirmation, including Chief of Staff. Or Press Secretary. Can you imagine that?
12
It will never happen because Trump couldn't deal with the competition that Christie would provide in the bullying, obnoxious, look at me department. That's why Christie wasn't chosen to be VP -- he can't shut up and stand back -- he has to be center stage too.
13
Court jester is already taken by the president himself.
8
For an R, Christie doesn't care much for NJ's economy.
8
Christy looks happy, but he doesn't look healthy.
No, not healthy at all.
And I can't wait for him to get the heck out of the governors office
Walking or being dragged out, makes me no never mind, just OUT
What a disaster he's been.
No, not healthy at all.
And I can't wait for him to get the heck out of the governors office
Walking or being dragged out, makes me no never mind, just OUT
What a disaster he's been.
18
Shut down government all because Christie wants to force a private, non-profit company to pay money to his favorite cause. NY Times, how much stock does Christie own in those for-profit drug treatment centers? Inquiring minds want to know.
75
Drug rehab only became a Christie concern once... wait for it... one of his pals OD'ed.
3
No. When his friends invested in rehab centers.
7
The citizens of New Jersey should ignore this decree to close THEIR state beaches and parks and just show up and go in. What will the governor do? Send in the state police or ask for the national guard to intervene and handcuff and arrest citizens for attempting to enter THEIR property? Enough. A beautiful Independence Day weekend and Christie ruins it for thousands who work so hard and look forward to this weekend all year. Despicable. Go reclaim your beaches and parks people and it won't happen again.
88
I'm with you! Where do you live? Lets go together.
7
Storm the beaches (Island Beach in particular)...they don't belong to the Governor. Bastille Day is coming and Christie's statement "Run for governor, and you can have a residence" at the beach sounds a lot like "The peasants have no bread? Let them eat cake!"
9
He needs an influx of cash to promote his next career in addiction management. Tell that to the BCBS policy holders whose premiums go up. Tell that to the lines of people waiting to get to the beaches that are still open. Tell that to the elderly woman who died waiting for an ambulance in Fort Lee. Oh yeah, he is the Governor of all of the people. If I was his family member, I would be too embarrassed to accompany him on the closed beach. Do these people feel so entitled that they cannot see how wrong this is?
30
"I'm the governor's daughter" - called out of a car as it zipped past the families being turned away at Island State Park. That should be the logo on a million t-shirts throughout New Jersey. News reporters should wear them at all press briefings. Enough arrogance in this article by a servant of the people to last a lifetime.
102
And true to form, the first words out of his mouth when caught are a lie.
28
The headline is misleading. All beaches in NJ are open except for state ones, specifically Island Beach State Park.
I am disappointed in our governor and state government and I will be affected in other ways because of this shutdown.
However, we need for the press and the media to get it right, particularly in the climate we live in.
I am disappointed in our governor and state government and I will be affected in other ways because of this shutdown.
However, we need for the press and the media to get it right, particularly in the climate we live in.
11
Yes, the headline says "beaches" but the first sentence begins: "The political standoff that shut down New Jersey state beaches and parks over the weekend..."
1
I see. And tell me, how many millions will be denied access to those state beaches?
The state park that adjoins Cape May Lighthouse is closed as is Barnegat Light state park -- both have huge beaches that attract thousands of people on weekends. There are state owned beaches up and down the Jersey coast. There is also Atsion State Park which has a large lake and beaches and is also closed. Not only are NJ residents affected but also out of state tourists visiting the state parks.
This is just another act by a creep who has been a disaster since day one.
This is just another act by a creep who has been a disaster since day one.
15
It's a beautiful week for the beach! Me? I'm headed to Delaware. ALL of their beaches are open, and as a bonus no Snooky, Pauly D, or JWoww. Oh, and let's not forget the situation.... Not Mike, who is facing tax evasion charges, the oner one, in the Governor's office.
16
Sounds like Christie is having a Trump tantrum. Sad.
30
We have another Chris Christie scandal: Beachgate.
46
With this sad example of our arrogant, self-dealing governor, can there be any doubt left about the true origin of "time for traffic problems in Fort Lee?"
59
"Some animals are more equal than others." George Orwell, 1984
88
Glad he is not our governor. Can NJ get rid of him early?
7
Finally, for the first time ever, I approve of drones. This picture really does paint a thousand words. What an entitled, egotistical man baby to sit on an otherwise empty beach enjoying what mere mortals cannot because of a power struggle in a state capital. Shame on him. I hope he enjoys having the cake and ice cream all too himself, a few family members and some very bored looking state troopers.
50
Gov Christie blatant disregard for his constituents is the reason that President Trump washed his hands of him and gave him no assignment in his administration.
6
Wow, technology is so important. Imagine the public's lack of access to poor public official behavior without cell phone cameras, and, in this case, a drone. It captured a powerful message that Christie thought wouldn't get out (after all, no one else was on the beach to witness it.) Shutting down public beaches on a national holiday weekend for all but the governor's family is symbolic of where we're heading as a country. Selfish people bloated with privileged at the fore, and good luck keeping up to the rest of us.
68
Really, it appears that he could care less that the images got out...
3
After the bridge closing which caused inconvenience to so many, the citizens and press seemingly let him off the hook. Perhaps politicians were always able to damage with impunity, but this governor is so in-your-face with it that it's disgusting. He's cruel and ridiculous.
12
It's no wonder Captain Twitter-Thumbs dumped Christie -- they are too much alike.
25
Headline should read: "Christie Gives New Jersey One Last Middle Finger." Why didn't they impeach him a year or so ago when he was AWOL for a year.
63
If he wants money to fight opiod addiction, he should be suing the drug companies since their lies to Doctors created the current problem. There are three other states suing already so he can share the legal expenses.
10
Don B,
Let me ask you a question: Do you believe everything a salesman tells you?
Doctors who believed that any opioid had little if any risk of being abused were too stupid to be practicing medicine. They share a great deal of the blame for making so many opioids available. The states are too scared to go after their licenses so they put all the blame on the pharmaceutical companies which have deep pockets.
If you are sold a car which has bald tires and a salesman tells you it's completely safe despite this and you get into an accident, do you think anything would believe you if you said you didn't know bald tires were unsafe?
Let me ask you a question: Do you believe everything a salesman tells you?
Doctors who believed that any opioid had little if any risk of being abused were too stupid to be practicing medicine. They share a great deal of the blame for making so many opioids available. The states are too scared to go after their licenses so they put all the blame on the pharmaceutical companies which have deep pockets.
If you are sold a car which has bald tires and a salesman tells you it's completely safe despite this and you get into an accident, do you think anything would believe you if you said you didn't know bald tires were unsafe?
A customer's gullibility does not absolve the lying salesman.
1
Why has not the NJ state legislature impeached this clown by now?
11
Republican majority is looking the other way. Sound familiar?
6
Christie's attitude toward working people is typical the new GOP. They do not even try to hide their arrogance and contempt any longer. Why should they? They somehow get working folks to vote for them.
17
In defense of working folks, where I live, the GOP is the pretty much the only party on the ballot. You take your average general-election ballot, and of fifteen positions that need filling, twelve of them will have only one "choice," and that "choice" will be a Republican.
3
He thinks trump and his antics are great so why not copy him? Meanwhile, kids in NJ couldn't go to the beach this weekend. He is an epic disappointment.
4
Trump, Christie, Ryan, McConnell, Chavetz - egomanical, pathological liars, flushing America down the toilet because they can't sustain the thought that they might be wrong about A LOT of things.
24
He shuts down the beaches so he can have them to himself.
Reminds me of a bridge...
Reminds me of a bridge...
100
New Jersey, get a new vision for yourself and demand that your elected officials work towards it. What is happening is not right!
9
Mr. Christie’s longtime Democratic ally, Stephen M. Sweeney, needs to go away.
11
I applaud Gov. Christie for finally being himself , the pity bully that occasionally lurched behind that jovial no-nonsense act of a people governor.
Happy 4th America, this is your new leadership.
Happy 4th America, this is your new leadership.
13
Even if he wasn't the bombastic, bullying, jerk of a governor we have here in NJ, I wouldn't support Christie's raid on the Horizon BCBS reserves. I'm not fan of Horizon but there's no evidence that the money would actually be used by the state for any purpose that's likely to succeed and will end up in the general coffers as a back door tax hike. Recall that Horizon was not permitted to be acquired by Anthem BCBS about 20 years ago precisely because it would have had to divest a large portion of its reserves which are supposed to be used for the public good. So, Horizon should do what ever it's required to and use its reserves to create an opioid treatment program or any other program makes sense or leave them be. Christie should pack up his bags and leave NJ alone, as he did during the 1/2 year he was trying to run for president.
By the way- he should have been arrested for trespassing yesterday on Island Beach State Park, which is what would have happened to me or any other NJ citizen.
By the way- he should have been arrested for trespassing yesterday on Island Beach State Park, which is what would have happened to me or any other NJ citizen.
55
This picture of a government employee, Chris Christie, enjoying a public beach in private, because he has shut down the state government, is truly a visual photo of Republican values in 2017.
Who keeps on voting for these asinine Republicans?
Wake up you 35% of Fox News-Stockholm Syndrome voters!
Republicans could care less about you.
Who keeps on voting for these asinine Republicans?
Wake up you 35% of Fox News-Stockholm Syndrome voters!
Republicans could care less about you.
232
A win-win situation here: it put New Jersey on the map all the way in Norway, it helps the environment by blocking all these tourists from messing up the beaches, and it serves the opioid addicts just right - time for them to stand on their own feet.
4
Christie at his trumpian thug-like best. They say Nero fiddled while Rome burned, Chris is baking as New Jersey steams.
21
Good thing he's a man of the people and a friend to the little guy.
10
Now that Christie's political career is over, NJ better watch its till--this guy will grab everything he can touch on his way out. Like so many other elected Republicans, he feels he's entitled to the public's tax-supported trough.
16
New Jersey has had a bad run of Governors over the last 3 decades...i'm surprised the state is not worse off than it is.
Christie maybe the worse, he's definitely been the most obnoxious and dislikable. He's has been the most obvious in his disregard to the needs of the citizens of New Jersey, when I simply does things that " he wants to do." Like...hold special elections instead of being on the same ballot as Booker, to the tune of 5 million dollars...or, spend all his time sucking up to Donald Trump...hoping to ditch the lame job as NJ Governor...
..and, now this...
Christie maybe the worse, he's definitely been the most obnoxious and dislikable. He's has been the most obvious in his disregard to the needs of the citizens of New Jersey, when I simply does things that " he wants to do." Like...hold special elections instead of being on the same ballot as Booker, to the tune of 5 million dollars...or, spend all his time sucking up to Donald Trump...hoping to ditch the lame job as NJ Governor...
..and, now this...
26
Taking himself and his own via a state helicopter to a closed state beach: vintage Christie.
Started as a political hack/fund raiser for Bush Jr.
Elevated to a position entirely unqualified for: AG because he was a loyal oaf.
Bootstrapped it to Govnr to "fight corruption.
Bootstrapped it to running for president.
Found out to be the empty suit he is.
He'll be fine: his wife: Goldman Sachs, of course.
Started as a political hack/fund raiser for Bush Jr.
Elevated to a position entirely unqualified for: AG because he was a loyal oaf.
Bootstrapped it to Govnr to "fight corruption.
Bootstrapped it to running for president.
Found out to be the empty suit he is.
He'll be fine: his wife: Goldman Sachs, of course.
7
Does New Jersey really need a governor?
1
"Let them eat sand !"
Chris Christie and Republican governance doing the daily partisan work of the anti-Christ.
Chris Christie and Republican governance doing the daily partisan work of the anti-Christ.
79
Maybe it's time for America to do a big rethink on how it is governed, nationally and at the state level. In western democracies with the Westminister parliamentary system, at both national and state (provincial) leves, the majority party elected picks its leader/governor. So you avoid having a democratic house of reps and a republican governor or vice versa. Honestly, so many stories describe dysfunction of your governments and inability to get a budget approved or anything accomplished. Maybe one state could hold a plebiscite about how it elects its government and change its constitution at the state level, and the rest could see what a great idea it is.
17
My thoughts exactly except much more elegantly expressed.
My question: Do we really need a governor?
My question: Do we really need a governor?
A missed opportunity for any NY County Executive, the Governor, any town supervisor, Mayor with a public beach to say hey NJ come to our beaches.
12
Great optics, Gov! Too bad that Jersey residents didn't get to see that beached whale this weekend.
157
Every supporter of this brand of politics who got locked out of public land on the weekend we're supposed to celebrate this country should take a good, hard look at that picture.
254
auditioning for a job as a trump lackey?
93
He already is a Trump lackey. But even Donald wouldn't give him a job.
4
He already has it
1
He already had that job, but got fired!
As if the country isn't it bad enough shape with Trump and his band of selfish plutocrats but poor NJ suffers at the hand of blustering criminal kingpin in Christie. Throw the bum out!
200
It is extortion as Prieto claims. Christie thinks he knows about addiction but he doesn't know squat. Just another bullying effort, nothing new here.
Sad for people insured by Horizon and people looking forward to using the beaches and parks this weekend.
Sad for people insured by Horizon and people looking forward to using the beaches and parks this weekend.
111
This guy is the poster child for the 2017 GOP. Me first, greedy, shameless swine. "Lets put together a billion dollar tax cut in secret". "Let's take any surplus and give it to our cronies". As he arrogantly smiles at the camera.
293
New Jersey, don't get fooled again.
118
Thank heavens for term limits.
93
America, don't get fooled again.
1
Make yourself laugh....Look at the picture of Christie on the beach, with his generous girth and clenched hands, self-satisfied smirk on his face, and repeat the famous line from Mel Brooks classic movie, History of the world- " It is good to be king". HA!
151
For 5 more minutes. Then he will never hold another office again. Exposed for the arrogant, dull boor he is. He will soon be a lobbyist eating dinners with his fellow users.
He gave it his very best effort which failed spectacularly. He is a failure as a man and as a governor. This picture says it all.
He gave it his very best effort which failed spectacularly. He is a failure as a man and as a governor. This picture says it all.
5