NJ Governor Christ Christie has vetoed the bill passed by the NJ legislature that would have observed the right of same sex couples to marry. At the same time he referred the measure for voter review in November 2012. Is this a move to respect democratic principles, or does Christie have an ulterior motive?
…As opposed to bloviating little bullies like Chris Christie, who like to talk big and pretend to be straight shooters, but are actually scared little boys who are afraid to cross their party’s right wing:
Feb. 17 (Bloomberg) — New Jersey’s Republican Governor Chris Christie fulfilled his pledge to veto a bill that would have legalized same-sex marriage, setting up an override fight with a Legislature controlled by Democrats.
Christie, 49, announced the move in a statement issued late today from his Trenton office. Lawmakers sent the measure to him earlier in the day. Sponsors said they’ll work to assemble the two-thirds majority in each chamber needed to override the veto.
“For someone who has national aspirations in the Republican party right now, I think there’s not much choice but to take this position,” Ken Sherrill, who teaches politics at Hunter College in New York, said by telephone.
Christie has said he believes that marriage should be between a man and a woman and that the issue should be decided by a statewide referendum. Democrats have countered that marriage is a civil right and shouldn’t be subjected to a popular vote. Legislative leaders have made the issue a priority, two years after failing to pass a similar bill supported by then-Governor Jon Corzine, a Democrat.
“I am adhering to what I’ve said since this bill was first introduced — an issue of this magnitude and importance, which requires a constitutional amendment, should be left to the people of New Jersey to decide,” Christie said in his statement.
Now go listen to the stirring video, in which Newark Mayor Cory Booker puts Christie in his place… [emphasis original]
Inserted from <Crooks and Liars>
Booker is spot on, and here is why. A Jew may not be deprived of equal protection under the law, as guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. All but the most rabid Republicans agree with that. To put that to a popular vote would be unthinkable. In the exact same way, a gay person may not be deprived of equal protection under the law.
As for Christie, the reason why he wants this issue on the ballot could not be more obvious. The Republican Party is demonstrating a singular lack of enthusiasm for all their candidates, and that portends a lackluster showing at the polls in November. But having gay marriage on the ballot will draw on Republican hatred of gay people to get the base to the polls and improve the totals for Republicans.
14 Responses to “Christie’s Scheme”
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I can’t wait for New Jersey voters to deny the mouthy Christie re-election. He is the REAL numbnuts in that state!
“NJ Governor Christ Christie has vetoed the bill passed by the NJ legislature that would have observed the right of same sex couples to marry. At the same time he referred the measure for voter review in November 2012. Is this a move to respect democratic principles, or does Christie have an ulterior motive?”
Governor Chist Christ Christie is a Coward….
Amen to you both!
What a joke! The hypocrisy is staggering. Hiding behind so-called democratic principles in this situation couldn’t be more obviously self-serving. Here’s a thought; Let’s put it to a referendum, since it’s an issue of such magnitude. Should overweight, Republican blowhards be allowed to marry? The people need to be heard.
Upton, I bet that he would be lot less willing to put Union workers; rights to a vote.
He’s hoping he gets the nod for Veep candidate from the “inevitable” Mittens.
If he is smart, he’d turn it down.
Does this REALLY surprise anyone? After all, Christie is the one who demanded to be flown to his son’s baseball game in the state’s $12.5 MILLION helicopter. And THEN had a limousine drive him the last 100 yards!
Self-absorbed? That’s “Hall of Fame for the Self-Absorbed” material. (But he does do a mean John Travolta “Staying Alive” imitation:)
Excellent point Nameless. That incident had slipped my mind.
But I’ll bet you that Christie can’t swivel his hips like Travolta did!
Christie, what a bozo. If he truly believed in the people, he would ensure that all people in New Jersey were afforded their rights as outlined in the 14th Amendment — equal rights under the law.
Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Knock, knock Mr Christie. Are you listening? I fully agree with Newark’s Mayor Booker. Christie is trying to appear to uphold democratic principles but I think it is a sham and a way to get out of making the right decision. I hope the legislators are able to boost the support so that they can override the Governor’s veto.
Christie is just another bigoted Republican!
Well said, Lynn.
Newark may be a shit hole but I love Cory Booker!
I certainly agree with that!