By: Hank Butehorn
“Of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people, commencing demagogues and ending tyrants.” The people of New Jersey should pay heed to Alexander Hamilton’s words from Federalist 1.
As Jon Corzine continues to try and impose his super secret massive toll hike scheme upon the people of the Garden State he continually disregards New Jersey’s residents and continues his march towards a Leftist state.
Since its inception Corzine has done all he could to keep the people in the dark about his monetization concept, has suppressed opposition, and has ignored concerns. He kept the plan from the people for a year, and there is still no bill outlining the details for the people to evaluate. The people continue to be kept in the dark about the bond deal, the public benefits corporation, and the analysis off the plan as well as the potential alternatives. Yet the governor wants everything about this 75 year commitment completed in the next month and a half, all without voter approval.
Despite the intent to burden four generations, the people continue to be kept out of the process. The most recent example is Corzine’s 17 member panel that will help him push this plan. The group is made up of insiders and the politically connected; the members – and their groups – all stand to benefit one way or another through this plan or future political favors. Noticeably missing from the group is anyone representing the tax payers or those who will incur the burden of the oppressive toll hikes.
As he tours the state to sell the plan he gives vague generalities and nicely phrased talking points about the benefits of the plan. He speaks of grand socialist utopian intentions wrapped in fiscal responsibility. In response to questions or objections he continually injects the possibility of other horrific and oppressive tax increases as an attempt to scare the people into supporting his proposal. This should be no surprise as he has a history of such tactics; last year the administration wrote a letter to local officials that basically constituted a threat that they support the plan.
His politics of fear, intimidation and imposition continued in Cape May - and took an alarming turn - with police tramping on rights protected by the First Amendment of those providing information to the people.
While Corzine is giving some people an opportunity to vent their frustrations at the county meetings, he disregards any input or viable alternatives. Polls indicate the people overwhelmingly support spending cuts, yet Corzine disregards their desires. Other polls indicate the public is overwhelmingly opposed to his plan, yet he continues to force it upon the people.
The Corzine tenure is far from the representative form of government established in New Jersey; it is far from a democracy. The governor has moved this state to the far fringes of the political Left towards a totalitarian state. This must end; the people must force a change in course. Corzine has staked his job on this toll hike scheme and the people will have an opportunity to fire him in 2009. However, before that time there are actions that can be taken to raise the volume of voter outrage.
Some municipalities and/or counties have introduced and/or passed resolutions opposing the governor’s scam. Everyone can lobby their local government to do the same. With ever growing local opposition the pressure against the plan will increase.
In addition, Americans for Prosperity is mounting a significant opposition to the plan and providing substantial information to the people about the true state of facts. All can join them in their efforts.
Last, contact your representatives in Trenton – and call the governor every day – to let him know the people do not support his super secret massive toll hike scheme. Remind them that – to quote Hamilton again – “here sir, the people govern.”
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