The American Spectator : Supreme Confidence

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Supreme Confidence

By Kevin Mooney on 2.15.11 @ 6:10AM

Chris Christie’s showdown with judicial activism in revolutionary New Jersey.

Anyone fortunate enough to experience the annual re-enactment exercises that mark George Washington’s audacious Christmas Day crossing of the Delaware River in 1776 will find there is no getting around the special role New Jersey played in reigniting the American Revolution.

As one of the original 13 colonies, N.J. responded forcefully to the phrase “no taxation without representation” and helped set the stage for a new constitutional order that keep political power divided, checked and limited. The “Ten Crucial Days” that resulted in major victories for the Continental Army over the Hessians in Trenton and the British in Princeton re-energized the American cause.

But over the past few decades, history has turned away from ideals underpinning the Revolution and in the direction of an unelected, elite class of policymakers. Despite the reverence and appreciation local residents have maintained for the “Spirit of 1776,” they now inhabit a world that was reshaped at the behest of a renegade government agency.

Visitors to the “Old Barracks” in Trenton, where some of Hessian soldiers were quartered at the time of the Revolution, can’t help but notice the sad irony attached to the museum’s awkward juxtaposition with the state Division of Taxation building.

Beginning in 1973, the N.J. Supreme Court saw fit to interject itself into education policy and to force tax hikes onto local residents in an effort to bring funding for poorer school districts into greater parity with wealthier districts. It was at this point that the concept of self-government as it was expressed in the Declaration of Independence became inoperative in New Jersey.

Writing on behalf of the court in Robinson v. Cahill, Chief Justice Joseph Weintraub suddenly discovered that the local funding system used to support public schools violated the “thorough and efficient” clause included in the state constitution because it shortchanged urban districts.

For almost 100 years prior to Robinson, no previous court viewed the funding mechanism underpinning K-12 education as a subject matter open to adjudication. This ruling set the stage for Abbott v. Burke, which resulted in a 1985 ruling that ordered state spending on poor districts to be put on an equal footing with wealthier school districts.

In subsequent Abbott rulings, the court has ordered state officials to maintain equal levels of funding and to support supplement programs aimed at boosting the quality of education in urban settings.

Under Chief Justice Robert Wilentz (1979-1996), the court further intruded into the public policy in a series of rulings known collectively as Mount Laurel, which directed local communities to provide affordable housing.

Where does the N.J. Supreme Court derive the authority to reshape public policy in such a profound manner without popular consent and without legislative approval? Gregory Sullivan, a practicing attorney who writes a column for the Trenton Times, sees an “imperial judiciary” at work that has violated the separation of powers.

“How much money is spent and where has nothing to do with the constitution,” Sullivan said. “It has everything to do with determinations by legislators and governors who are electorally responsible for their decisions. By contrast, it is essentially impossible to hold any court accountable for the squandered millions that have been judicially ordered for decades.”

Since the mid-20th century, the progressive impulses that have held sway in New Jersey have given cover to judicial activism. But in response to the state’s deteriorating financial position, the political climate has shifted in a manner that favors reform. A critical turning point came last April when Gov. Christie turned the school budget elections into a referendum in favor of fiscal conservatism and against judicial overreach.

For years, the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), the state’s powerful teachers union, had rationalized continued property tax hikes on the basis of dubious constitutional reasoning. This time around, the NJEA pitch fell flat. In appearances across the state, Christie urged residents to reject any school budget that did not include a pay freeze for teachers. They responded by rejecting 58 percent of the school budgets last April.

Christie described the rejection rate as “a seismic change” that is reflective of a new attitude in New Jersey. “They [the voters] want, real fundamental change,” he said at a post election press conference. “We didn’t lead in that regard. We merely gave voice to what the people of New Jersey were already feeling.”

Throughout his campaign, Christie was particularly critical of the judiciary and of decisions like Abbott v. Burke that allowed the Supreme Court to impose its political preferences on the public.

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About the Author

Kevin Mooney is an investigative reporter with free market think tanks associated with the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity. He has also written for the Daily Caller, the Washington Times, the Washington Examiner, NetRightDaily.com and NewsBusters.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (130) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

Melvin| 2.15.11 @ 6:58AM

"Sen. Sweeney calls it "judicial independence." Funny he should say that. Some Lord in England a few years back was probably saying the same thing. And we all know what happened after that don't we?
Maybe Mr. Sweeney needs a lesson in citizen revolt.

Tom Osterman| 2.15.11 @ 8:17AM

Democrats love "independence" when it allows them to duck "accountability."

SonOfSam| 2.15.11 @ 11:27AM

Since when does "independence" mean being irresponsible and unaccountable? Judges are not above the law, especially the Constitution. And I mean the REAL Constitution, not the fraud these ObamaNazi slimeballs trot out every time they want to steal our freedoms and spit on our history

Alan Brooks| 2.15.11 @ 10:01PM

"investigative reporter and Fox News contributor"

Fox news: unfair and unbalanced.

old white guy| 2.17.11 @ 3:29PM

idiot

ENOUGH ROPE| 2.16.11 @ 10:47AM

Did President Andrew Jackson ignore a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of The Bank of the United States on the basis that the ruling was an opinion, and if the Court wanted their ruling enforced, then they could do so? Does the SCOTUS have any enforcement powers such as U.S. Marshals? But how could federal police officials compel other branches to obey the SCOTUS?

Would one of the law professors opine on this?

Can opinions which usurp legislative authority be ignored by the Executive and Legislative branches of federal and state governments?

old white guy| 2.17.11 @ 3:30PM

every thing can be ignored. do you have a gun?

Curly Smith| 2.15.11 @ 7:17AM

Where does the N.J. Supreme Court derive the authority to reshape public policy in such a profound manner without popular consent and without legislative approval?

The legislature gave tacit approval to the Courts. It's a end-run around legislative accountability to "get things done" that the voters would never approve. It's pure bipartisan gutlessness on display.

Old Soldier| 2.15.11 @ 10:02AM

Christine Whitman could have taken these steps 15 years ago but had a different agenda. She insisted her judges be "pro-choice'. Since the NJ Constitution in silient on the issue of abortion, she put a series of judicial activists on the bench. Thanks.

old white guy| 2.17.11 @ 3:31PM

baby killers don't matter and should be ignored at all times.

nova9047| 2.17.11 @ 3:37PM

Whitman put her AG and former chief of staff Peter Veneiro on the bench. Veniero, who was pro life, was denied tenure by Whitman's Gay American successor, Jim McGreevey (D). Whitman also signed into law a tough parental notification law, which was overturned by a 4-2 vote in which all members of the majority were Whitman appointees, and one dissenter a Brendan Byrne appointee (D) with Verneiro the other dissenter.

MikeD| 2.15.11 @ 7:27AM

Sweeny is just doing what democrats do; forcing his will on the people through the convenient vehicle of the courts. Democrats have been doing it since the days of FDR; but finally Gov. Christie has shown New Jersey, and the Nation, that it doesn't have to be that way. It's time the courts were put in their constitutionally mandated place. They are not supposed to rule via judicial fiat. Gov. Christie has to stick by his guns; the battle is just one of the many that have to be fought, and won, to get our Country back to the intentions of the Founding Fathers; not the current "Oligarchy of the Left Wing Elite".

NJ Kay| 2.15.11 @ 8:24AM

Governor Christie needs a seismic change in his weight. This man is obese, when he walks the halls of the statehouse the richter scale records a 10.

coal carrier| 2.15.11 @ 8:36AM

A typical liberal progressive response. When they can’t add anything constructive to the debate, they reply with innuendo, name-calling or character assassination.

WRTolkas| 2.15.11 @ 9:18AM

Great job in rebuking NJ Kay, coal carrier. You posted an excellent and truthful response.

JP| 2.15.11 @ 8:49AM

Winston Churchill was even fatter (something ths Nazis never let him forget). And look how he ran circles around all of those effette, yet healthy Labor MPs?

Please send the good govenor a dozen Crispy Creame laced cheeseburgers.

Steve A| 2.15.11 @ 8:54AM

Hey Kay, I bet you could stretch his belt all the way out & it still would not bridge your pie hole.

Melvin| 2.15.11 @ 9:42AM

Is this truly the best that you can retort with? This is such an infantile response. But then again, this is pretty much what we can expect from products of government run education.

Stan Redmond| 2.15.11 @ 9:50AM

Iron my shirt!

Doctor Right| 2.15.11 @ 9:54AM

Kay, did the NJ Teacher's Unions send you that memo?

Or are you one of the thousands of useless, bureaucratic slobs whose own sizable posteriors pollute every library, school, and public building in our great state?

Note to all NJ gov't-cheese eaters: Your ass is grass, and Christie is a 300hp Toro lawn mower.

Bunky| 2.15.11 @ 6:51PM

Doctor, Doctor, give them the news
They ----- are going to lose
The Christie posterior
will squash them
and make them inferior

A. C. Santore| 2.15.11 @ 10:00AM

The Richter Scale goes to eleven! One louder.

Kurt in S.L.C.| 2.15.11 @ 2:00PM

You are right,the people of New Jersey have finally tapped a governor with a spine. ;-)

MikeTC| 2.15.11 @ 11:19AM

Hi Kay.

You must be another fine educator from the great state of NJ.

Anthony| 2.15.11 @ 1:39PM

Naw, you guys got it all wrong, Kay is Algore's massuse, and she knows large land masses when she sees them.
She's hoping the big C (10 on the scale, so she's tells us) will be easier to handle than that fat rodent Puxatawney Algore.

Stephanie| 2.15.11 @ 12:14PM

Well darlin', I guess he needs to see Moochelle. She who knows so much about diet. The self appointed czar of school lunches.

Grzmlyk| 2.15.11 @ 1:02PM

All too true, Kay, my sweet, but consider this:

Christie can lose weight. You, on the other hand, will always be hideously ugly.

Well, don't despair. Maybe New Jersey's most economically illiterate garden gnome, Paul Krugman, will eventually stop by the dog pound and give you a toss.

Just be sure you have the step stool handy; you don't want to give him time to change his mind.

Anthony| 2.15.11 @ 2:33PM

As the apocryphal story is said to go, Churchill is as at a dinner party at the home of the famous Angelophile, Lady Astor, who, upon seeing the great P. M. a bit tipsy, approaches and loudly admonishes him with the hurumph, "Mr. Prime Minister, you are quite drunk!!
To which, it has been said, Churchill, without missing a beat retorted,"And you madam are quite ugly, however in the morning I will be indisputably sober".
You gotta love a man who knows how to handle his women and his cigar!!

Grzmlyk| 2.15.11 @ 2:38PM

:-)

Love that Churchill.

Notwithstanding from the man's considerable achievements on his own, anybody Obama hates has got to be a quality individual.

Anthony| 2.15.11 @ 2:58PM

You're right again G. Obozo's 1st act was to send the oval office bust of Churchill back to G.B. We Americans, on the other hand, were left with a bust of a president.
Too bad we couldn't send Obozo and Clinton's humidor to G.B. in exchange for the bust back.

deltablues| 2.15.11 @ 10:46PM

And to a heckler at a political rally who said to Churchill - I wouldn't vote for you if you were Jesus Christ himself, the reply was - Madam, if I were Jesus Christ you wouldn't be in my electorate.

loulou| 2.15.11 @ 1:42PM

Corzine tried the weight issue in the campaign but it didn't work.

What are you, NJ Kay, a teacher?

Burke| 2.15.11 @ 1:55PM

NJ Kay - how about you post a picture of yourself? I'm sure we can all find something to comment on regarding your appearance. Gov. Christie is working to solve the many problems in my state and I appreciate it. He could look like a horse and I wouldn't care.

skip| 2.15.11 @ 2:57PM

NJKay:

In a post of just 27 words your utter lack of intelligence and honesty has let each of us know that your inward appearance is despicably, hideously, ugly; that this truth competely taints your outward appearance; and that this reality should shatter any self delusions each and every time you look into a mirror and each and every time you try to sleep.

blackwatch| 2.16.11 @ 12:25AM

to bad he's not black then you could have called him a nigger too.

stooopid libtard we see through your lies!

Yukon Jack| 2.16.11 @ 8:03AM

You forgot to mention Thunder Thighs, the obese First "Lady" whose steps cause the Richter scale jump beyond calibration.

At least, Governor Christie is happy in the way that he is and not hypocritical about it.

BTW, so are and were many past and present public figures who attached greater importance to adding life to their years than years to their lives.

old white guy| 2.17.11 @ 3:33PM

who the hell cares.

logmank| 2.15.11 @ 8:34AM

NJ Kay - Thank you for your incisive analysis and your carefully drawn arguments. You have demonstrated your intelligence for all to see. We marvel.

Helen S| 2.15.11 @ 8:51AM

The governor could lose a few pounds, try the Weight Watchers point system, it's very effective.

Diana| 2.15.11 @ 9:00AM

I couldn't agree with you more. Many Republicans tout Governor Christie as a presidential candidate. I can't vote for a man that looks like that, he's too fat.

Purple Lips| 2.15.11 @ 9:22AM

Good grief, leave the man alone! He's done more good for NJ in the last 18 months than any govenor since Spiro Agnew.I would wager that if Christy was a slim homosexual who practiced his fine arts of sodomy on willing gay models (spreading lord knows how many social diseases), you ladies would have nothing but admiration. Talk about being shallow. Come to think of it, NJ did have a gay Govenor (who left his wife and small children for a 27 year Isreali love toy); not a peep from you gals.

St. Thor| 2.15.11 @ 9:24AM

Perhaps the country as a whole needs a large person to squash all the little leftist fascist twerps trying to destroy it.

Ken Roberts| 2.15.11 @ 9:29AM

You are the problem, this is not a a vote for American idol dear it is a vote for someone to lead our country .

Melvin| 2.15.11 @ 9:48AM

There are many portly Democrats who reside in the Senate and Congress, so what is their excuse and yours for that matter?
Hillary Clinton has a behind that is big as a barn door, but she is touted as the smartest woman in the world.
Bill Clinton isn't exactly no Rico Suave but the girls love him enough to keep his mementos on their clothing.
So your analysis of weight vs capability is a wash and null and void.

Doctor Right| 2.15.11 @ 9:55AM

So vote for Obama. He's slim and trim. He's an anti-American, Islamic stooge, but hey - he looks great in Armani!

ConantheContrarian| 2.15.11 @ 11:11AM

Diana is yet another woman who thinks with her hysteria.

missbosslady| 2.15.11 @ 1:05PM

Diana,

I'm guessing there are a whole lot of things that you can't do.

Better fat than stupid.

loulou| 2.15.11 @ 1:44PM

Then don't vote for him.
Your Clinton used to be fat until he had his little heart attack.

Obviously you are a weight-ist and are intolerant.

blackwatch| 2.16.11 @ 12:29AM

Diana, you are the reason men the whole world over rue the day that women were given the right to vote.

Yukon Jack| 2.16.11 @ 8:05AM

That is saying that I can't vote for that man, he is too black.

old white guy| 2.17.11 @ 3:36PM

wow. intellect too large for you to get you slim/small mind around.

Ken Roberts| 2.15.11 @ 9:26AM

Is that what got Obama elected ? being skinny and dressing nice ? it is a shame on any one who does not vet the candidate and find out what they are about, not what they look like, this is not a modeling show for crying out loud.

Kurt in S.L.C.| 2.15.11 @ 2:05PM

Are you suggesting that voting for a man based on the crease of his pants leg isn't too smart?

missbosslady| 2.15.11 @ 1:03PM

Helen,

I assume you, Kay and Diana are one in the same, or better yet an amalgamation of what passes for a female lib these days. As a conservative woman I find you girls to be a complete affront to our fine gender.

Many serious issues facing Gov. Christie and NJ constituents, a serious article on such, thoughtful posts from thoughtful folks and them there are the posts from the clown posse a/k/a the liberals gals.

What's the old kid's refrain; Christie may be fat, but your ugly.

Chrisite can lose weight, but can you excise the ugly in your heart?

Perhaps you were all just anxious to demonstrate your supreme stupidity for we conservatives, though no more is really needed, we're all convinced.

Perhaps this is the limit of your mental machinations, in which case your time might be better spent doing some learning rather typing drivel on the internet.

More likely you're middle-aged women that have wasted your lives following the marching orders from your leftisit male masters, too imbued by your belief that this makes you the coolest to realize that you are the useful idiots your limp-wristed, male masters took you for in the first place. Afterall, we all know that stupid women are about as non-threatenting as it gets.

At the end of the day, you are the masters of your own destruction.

Steve A| 2.15.11 @ 9:08AM

Princess Di, Vote for the skinny, metrosexual, bi-racial dude who throws like a chick. It's deep thinking analysis like this that s people like you apart from the masses.

loulou| 2.15.11 @ 1:45PM

I hear drugs like cocaine make one skinny.

Bob| 2.15.11 @ 9:23AM

I just love it when this blog has articles on Governor Crisco. He's my favorite GOP pinata and a plump one he is. The ladies beat me to the punch. I urge Garden State citizens to oppose the Trenton Two Ton and support the NJEA.

Doctor Right| 2.15.11 @ 9:58AM

Wassa' matter, Bobby?

Do you actually have to do some work now at the local school where you malinger??

Like Governor Christie said to that annoying female teacher on the famous video: "You don't have to do it (teach)!"

Maybe you should ply your skills on the open market? I'm sure the local Starbucks has a barista slot open for you.

Purple Lips| 2.15.11 @ 10:07AM

Oh yes, the NJEA. There's not a week that goes by without a story of teacher's who "love" thier students.

Old Soldier| 2.15.11 @ 10:07AM

Support an organization that is soley concerned with seperating me from my money? Please don't even try to argue the Union is concerned with my children's educations - that is laughable.

I'll take the big man over your union thieves every time.

MikeD| 2.15.11 @ 3:14PM

Bob's 'mantra must be the same as the AFT Prez's who famously stated: "When kids pay union dues we'll start worrying about what they need."

That sure says it in a nutshell. Speaking of nutshells, I guess that's the place that the teachers posting here must live; a "Nut Shell".

Way back when, I taught school for a few years because there was a problem in our community and teachers were needed for the sciences and math. The other teachers hated me because I actually knew what I was teaching since I was an engineer and I was teaching science. We got into an argument over vouchers, way back in 1973; and the teachers finally got angry, then defensive because they couldn't defend their opposition to them. (vouchers). Finally, one teacher screamed at me, and I quote: "That's easy for YOU to support! You'll have students because the parents want their kids in your class! But what about those of us who don't know what we're supposed to be teaching? What will WE do to keep our jobs?"

'NUFF SAID!

Anthony| 2.15.11 @ 3:32PM

"It's 9:23 AM, do you know where your Jersey teachers are, and why they're blogging instead of teaching"?
Hey Bob, as Dean Wormer said, fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life son.
And now, fat ass Michelle Antoinette and big ears Obozo are fair game!! right Bob?

Ken Roberts| 2.15.11 @ 9:23AM

It is past time to clean up the judicial mess that has been created by the progressives and change back to adjudication of proper items . We have Judges over ruling the people in California and it will happen else where. I am sure that the founders had no intention of the judiciary having total control of everything that comes down the pike. Just as Obama is over stepping his authority today in the executive branch of government .

missbosslady| 2.15.11 @ 1:10PM

Let's not forget the courts in Arizona.

Of course, if your a leftist, you can ignore the courts when the rulings don't go your way.

Texas Jayde| 2.15.11 @ 9:23AM

oh geez.... it's reasoning like this that men used to use to deny women the vote back in the day. it wasn't true then but look at how far women have come. and not in a good way.

Ken (Old Texican)| 2.15.11 @ 9:30AM

Heh, do we have a "gender gap" raising its ugly head here?
Why don't these (ladies?) check out those defensive linemen in the NFL?

Texas Jayde| 2.15.11 @ 1:42PM

hey ken, sorry if i wasn't clear. as far as i can tell, the only "gap" is one of reality in kay and diana's minds. i am a conservative and i don't vote based on the number a candidate weighs out at. i'm more interested in what he or she stands for.

Stan Redmond| 2.15.11 @ 9:49AM

Geesh. True to liberal posters Christie must be detroyed by any means possible, in this case, his weight. That Alinsky tactic is childish and backfiring big time. I like Christie. Watching him stand up to crybaby libs like a real man is inspiring. Hopefully some real men can take a lesson from him. It's about time we had a big man in office with a commanding presence.

Since it is now OK to bash appearances... Janet Napolitano is a big man. He could probably beat Christie in a wrestling match. Talk about someone that needs to lose weight. That pig walks around and the junk being groped in the security lines shake. Look at Kagan. Another ugly metrosexual man. Grow your hair out. The doiley you wear on your robe isn't fooling anyone.

Stephanie| 2.15.11 @ 12:22PM

Palin, Christie, Hillary (one of their own). That shows me that they don't have much else to attack them with.

Hypo Gore| 2.15.11 @ 12:27PM

Stan,
Come on now ... leave Janet Napolitano alone. He is very busy trying to keep Al Qaeda from creating another Man Made Disaster via the porous Canadian border.
I'll admit one thing about Janet, though, he would probably feel better every day if he lost a couple of pounds. I lost 20 and I feel great!

loulou| 2.15.11 @ 1:47PM

Janet Nap claims he rode a horse on the border. I don't believe that's possible.

missbosslady| 2.15.11 @ 3:56PM

Poor horsey!

Eep| 2.15.11 @ 5:44PM

Janet Napolitano? Isn't he the guy considering a Senate run for Jon Kyl's seat in 2012?

A. C. Santore| 2.15.11 @ 10:08AM

I'm writing in the abstract here, not on any of the comments, above. And I'm a Christie fan.

The problem underlying all of this mess in N.J. education began the moment the Legislature decided it had the right and power to become involved in education.

It is doling out the people's money, so there is logic in making sure that all of the people's children get the same fair shot at the success that education can bring.

ConantheContrarian| 2.15.11 @ 11:18AM

It seems that the students in Newark get more than the average per student costs in NJ. So the redistribuitionists are not only taking money from richer districts to spread around "fairly" but they are sending more money than the average to Newark. I would say that they are getting more of a fair shot. And if they are getting more of a fair shot, what has been the education outcome for the last five years?

Karl Lucifer Marx| 2.15.11 @ 10:10AM

All these negative comments are most likely being posted by school teachers using the internet while at work. Go figure.

loulou| 2.15.11 @ 1:49PM

NJ teachers get what's called "prep time" where they can do errands during school hours. I used to see them in the supermarket all the time.

CopyKatnj| 2.15.11 @ 10:44AM

There is one case not cited in this article that showed clearly how contemptible the Supreme Court of New Jersey is. That would be the Torricelli replacement decision. In 2002 Senator Torricelli (The Torch) was down to a 22% approval rating in his re-election bid. He dropped out the race three days AFTER the time limit for a legal replacement could be put on the ticket. The NJ Supreme Court allowed the replacement with Senator Lautenberg using the argument that voters would not have a choice in the election (disenfranchised was the popular word of the day). There were 5 other candidates running for the US Senate seat from 5 other parties.

Governor Christie, please clean house.

John| 2.15.11 @ 2:26PM

I completely agree.

That decision was an outrage.

It was in total disregard of any plain reasonable reading of the statute.

Unreal. That is when I lost all respect for the NJ Supreme Court -- and NJ in general (My parents live there).

MikeD| 2.15.11 @ 5:18PM

If the GOP had any brains, they would be screaming the Torricelli outrage from the rooftops every day between now and the 2012 election. Same thing with the hollywood criminals led by Ron Howard that stole the Senate seat and put the totally incompetent moron al franken in the seat. Same with the last two Washington State governor's races; ad nauseum.

Democrats will lie, cheat, steal, and kill to win. And, what's worse, they see nothing wrong with it because they really think that they are the brilliant 'elite' and it is their preordained role to rule the rest of us poor dumb saps who were put here to pay for their political, economic, and social wet dreams.

The democrats have perfected the role of courts in legislating from the bench, and the republicans go right along with them. There is no reason why the GOP didn't filibuster and raise royal hell during the confirmation hearings for obama's two disastrous choices for the Supreme Court. Why didn't they "Bork" his two incompetent idiots like the dems did with virtually EVERY nominee that Reagan, Bush I, and Bush II put forth?

Now, the situation is so serious that they had better raise MORE 'royal hell' to force especially elena kagan to be recused from deliberations over his abomination of a healthcare bill. And, why aren't the republicans; or any of the States, filing contempt of court charges against obama, reid, and sebelius for not cancelling ALL activities for the unconstitutional healthcare law. It is absolutely NOT THE LAW OF THE LAND! Until, and unless, the supreme court decides, Judge Vinson's ruling is THE LAW OF THE LAND, and continuing to fund it and implement any aspect of it is an impeachable offense. (Did I forget and allow my modest feelings to intrude on my argument? Sorry....) So far, the republicans are not inspiring much confidence in their dedication in repealing the abomination and "righting the ship of state". We're running out of time Mr. Boehner...

Timely Renewed | 2.15.11 @ 10:57AM

One of the reasons state supreme courts feet that they can engage in such judicial overreach is the bad example of the US Supreme Court, which has been engaging in massive judicial overreach since the late 1930s. The only way to stop such judicial tyranny is to amend the US Constitution and state constitutions to restore them to their original meanings, including an amendment restricting judges to the original plain meaning of the constitutional or statutory language and making it an impeachable offense if they don't. See http://www.timelyrenewed.com

Spoonman| 2.15.11 @ 11:02AM

At least Governor Christie has a brain that he uses which is more than we can say for NJKay!

Mike Rogers| 2.15.11 @ 11:11AM

We need Gov Christie to win this one. People of NJ, please stand behind your governor - your liberty and property are on the line.
On the larger stage, "judges shall hold their offices during good behaviour" - methinks it is time for congress to draw a line in the sand on whether blatant disregard for the constitution violates good behavior, and kick some liberal judges (and Supreme Court Justices) out!

Chuck| 2.15.11 @ 11:14AM

The one blurb by NJ Kay started an avalanche. Kay succeeded in spades changing the theme of the article and you pro-Christie supporters fell for it hook, line and sinker. But Christie could help himself by losing some weight.

Doctor Right| 2.15.11 @ 11:41AM

Not really, Chuckie.

That's because we Conservatives understand that article. It's called "reading". That's something that teachers used to teach in schools before the schools became a job-protection racket and a money-funnel for the Democrat Party.

So since we get it, there's no need to discuss it, especially when there are morons like Kay, Bob, and yourself hanging around in need of a real education.

missbosslady| 2.15.11 @ 1:24PM

Nice Doc!

Chuck is exactly the male counterpart to the great Kay that we expect.

Chuck to the rescue!

Of course, as a lib this is the extent of Chuck's heroism.

As a woman I would much prefer a conservative man with some beef, than the underweight, metrosexaul lefty.

Don't blame me, that's DNA baby, it's the way we ladies are made.

I don't need my man to be feminie, I've got that base covered.

loulou| 2.15.11 @ 1:50PM

I wonder if Chuck has good posture and is neat as a pin, if you get my drift.

I like Christie just as he is. At least he's a real man.

Mistral| 2.15.11 @ 11:20AM

Anyone who takes a realistic look at American government can hardly fail to remark how the judiciary is usurping power in assuming decision-making control over many issues that are outside its remit - abortion, homosexual "marriage", politically correct education with sexual perversion programmes for children and so on. It is time the American people seized the initiative and insisted on a return to a propewr balance of power for which the Ameriucan Constitution is well-known.

missbosslady| 2.15.11 @ 1:32PM

We are a nation of laws, not men.

You are absolutely correct! Hopefully Christie's bold attempts will spark other legislators to start staring this issue down.

We the people must move the courts back to the confines of the law. As another poster stated, it starts with the Supreme Court, they are the precedent setters. The nomination process is purely and only political. The individual's performance in adherence to the law is no longer an issue in the these hearings. The hearings have become farce.

George S| 2.15.11 @ 11:44AM

Would it be out of line to suggest women should not vote? I'm effing serious -- we have an age limit that underlies the accepted premise that juveniles do not have the reasoned capacity to cast a ballot with judgment. Looking at the fairer sex's comments regarding Christie's weight, how are they any different than the reasoning of juveniles? If that is the thought process that imposes electoral calamity on the rest of us, we should treat it the way we see it. It is no wonder why we get the politicians we get -- they know which buttons to push among the soft headed, the greedy and the perpetual pessimists.

Arkansas Cutie| 2.15.11 @ 1:35PM

I admit I voted for Clinton several times both for governor and president, he's so adorable. It took some doing voting for a black man but I did since McCain was too old. The President is quite handsome really and I think I made the right choice.

Steve A| 2.15.11 @ 1:45PM

Nobody is cute in Arkansas.

Skippy| 2.15.11 @ 2:37PM

Is this a joke?
Are we on Candid Camera?
Or is Prince Bambo really as dreamy as Justin Bieber?
Seriously though, as Ann Coulter has often said, it is long past time to repeal the 19th Amendment.

Anthony| 2.15.11 @ 3:13PM

Look's like trailer park trash are alive and well in Arkansas. Who knew that trolling with a 100$ bill could still produce the likes of Ark Cutie.
And Obozo wants to raise a billion $ for the 2012 campaign.... naw, $40 mil in 50's will do the trick Obozo.

EstherFrom Batelsville| 2.15.11 @ 3:22PM

I had relations with Billy back in '82. He got me a free set of dentures for the favor. That was the only time I did a gubmint man. Those meaty thighs were awesome.

Anthony| 2.15.11 @ 3:37PM

Better put some ice on that thing, Esther.

Oldefarte| 2.15.11 @ 1:56PM

Use of their captured judiciary [after all, judges are lawyers are Democrats] to accompolish what they cannot do legislatively [through citizen-votes] is typical of the domestic terrorism of the Democratic Party's politics, not only in NJ but in every state of the union as well!!!!!!!!!

Julie| 2.15.11 @ 2:50PM

I remember the movie The Candidate starring Robert Redford. RR back then was the perfect age so handsome and charismatic the women swooned over him including me in the movie theatre. That's the kind of man we need to run for office inspirational and orgasmic indeed not old and fat men.

Purple Lips| 2.15.11 @ 3:18PM

You really are a bimbo. And if I'm not mistaken, women like you fell head over heels for that porker, Bill Clinton.

TomB| 2.15.11 @ 3:07PM

Kay is right, looks mean eveything in a presidentail candidate. I going support Sara Palin, she is so hot!!! LOL....

tonypal| 2.15.11 @ 3:41PM

I just love some of the women on this site making fun of Christie's weight and using that as a reason not to vote for him. Since none of you seem to have a problem with using an arbitrary physical characteristic to determine one's fitness to perform a job, how about those of us who are male and own a business (like me) use attractiveness as a qualifier? Imagine how wonderful that would be. I could surround myself with sexy women and leave the housework to all the fat, unattractive women. That seems about right, doesn't it ladies?

MikeD| 2.15.11 @ 5:35PM

I wonder how Kay and the other "Femmies" would react to a statement like this: I think we need a female president with really big jugs; but one who knows how to keep her mouth shut; and who can humm and say "Oleo" at the same time. She also should 'know her place' and understand when to keep her mouth shut when the important 'stuff' comes up." Hmmm... I wonder how THAT would go over?

Anyway, we all know that women are really dumb broads who got jugs instead of brains; sort of like those dumb airheads like Golda Mier, Indeira Ghandi, and Margaret Thatcher; dumb broads all.

CJohnson| 2.15.11 @ 3:45PM

A good starting point; why do disabled americans get to own so much parking space? Or equal education(?) for the mentally handicap? Try adding up that bill.
Health insurance is next. How does one really go about 'insuring your health'? That is insane. So was saying disabled people had a 'right' to access every building in USA, or learn to use a fork.

Karen| 2.15.11 @ 3:55PM

What's wrong about a young woman like myself attracted to handsome young men with muscular physiques be they politicians or not. Who I vote for and what criteria I use to pick a politician is my business and not the jealous men writing in this blog. I agree with Julie if I were around in the 1970's I would have voted for Robert Redford. What a gorgeous hunk of man and he would have been a great president.

MikeD| 2.15.11 @ 5:40PM

Would it upset you to know that redford has spent a significent chunk of his fortune on activities pushing socialist groups and far out left wing enviro-wackos? He may be good looking, but so was Lassie and Secretariat. Brains; and a reasonable love for ones' country, trump looks every time. Redford is just a white obama; an America hating lib who does everything he can to work against our best interests. Bad example.

Karen's Ex-Husband| 2.15.11 @ 5:56PM

Just to let people here know: Karen is a 54 year old 390lb toothless hag.

Oldefarte| 2.16.11 @ 1:32PM

Both of your ELEVATORS DON'T OBVIOUSLY GO TO THE TOP, and you're comparable to minority voters pulling the voting levers for candidates strictly on the basis of similar skin color. No doubt, the term DUMB BLOND is accurate!!!!!!!!!

jerseyguyfrank | 2.15.11 @ 4:01PM

Chris Christie is a Jersey Guy and we regard him as
a state treasure. Out front and in your face.

skip| 2.15.11 @ 8:24PM

With apologies to Clint and Ken (Old Texican), how about a Christie /Palin ticket with Sec State Bolton, Sen majority leader DeMint, and cabinet members including Paul, Daniels and Pawlenty?

Ken (Old Texican)| 2.15.11 @ 4:08PM

REVOKE FEMALE SUFFRAGE!

Oldefarte| 2.16.11 @ 1:34PM

Or either REQUIRE AN I.Q. TEST BEFORE GRANTING VOTING RIGHTS!!!!!!!

Tim the Enchanter| 2.16.11 @ 2:45PM

I remember reading an article by the great G. K. Chesterton about women's suffrage back at the time it was being debated in the U.K.'s Parliament. He decided to do what we call a "man on the street" interview, asking the women he met who they would vote for if they were given the vote. As I recall, the majority said, "Probably the best-looking one." After this exercise, he came down on the side opposed. And in this thread, we can see that history has not changed.

DTCofAZ| 2.15.11 @ 4:28PM

I would not get married with a handsome, muscular physique - but air-headed man - to help me makes the important decisions for my family... I would get married to a kind heart, and tough mind kind of man.

Voting that kind of handsome but garbage man to make the important decisions for the country?
Thank you, but - No! thank you.

That's how the women allowed men to use the money and their handsomeness as the weapons to abuse their wives/girlfriends behind close doors.

CC is a man that people will seek for advices when making some tough and important decisions.

Bob| 2.15.11 @ 4:44PM

Garden State citizens opposed to the current governor don't be disheartened. The only substance to this man is a wall of flab. Rise up the next election is just two years away. Organize, create a communications network, protest in townships large and small, contact your state legislators and voice your opinion. Support existing groups in opposition like the NJEA, start your own group. Canvass the state for people to run for office including the top job. The incumbent has mediocre poll numbers and can be beaten. Find a candidate who can beat him reclaim Trenton and send his fat ass packing from the statehouse in '13. Viva la Revolution!

MikeD| 2.15.11 @ 5:42PM

Worried about your cushy job and huge pension Bob? You should be. Evidently destroying two generations of eager minds isn't enough; you want to bankrupt the state on your way out. Bad dog!

missbosslady| 2.15.11 @ 6:12PM

What's the matter Bob? Corzine didn't do enough damage for your taste?

Sheesh!

It is blatantly obvious that you hate New Jersey!

skip| 2.15.11 @ 7:36PM

Bob "Viva la Revolution!" Guevara,

True conservatives won't rest until the department of education is eliminated and not one single tax dollar ever goes to a teacher's union.

You better get busy. We are going to make you earn your roof, your clothes, and your food.

Bertie | 2.15.11 @ 8:07PM

Bob, comrade, while I appreciate your support it's "Vive Le Revolucion!" Love, Che

skip| 2.15.11 @ 8:17PM

That brought on one heck of a grin when I saw it. It not only inspired me to post a little note about true conservatism, but to use it verbatim in the post too. I think Che, however, would want to line the moron up on a wall, and screw the blindfold. A sterling example of union teachers aint it?

Rick| 2.15.11 @ 6:50PM

1. The federal judiciary should be dismantled and the jurisdiction reverted to state control.
2. All state judges should be elected, therefore made politically accountable for their decisions.

Bertie | 2.15.11 @ 7:55PM

"Once you get below five justices you do not have a quorum and at that point it's pretty clear the chief justice can make appointments." If you get below 5 Justices by denying the Gov's authority to appoint, isn't that a lot like murdering your parents and then asking for leniency because you are an orphan? We need Christie to win this one. The Abbott decision was used across the land to transfer Education funding from Local to State -- and in the process, it goes without saying, adding a lot of overhead along the way.

Diane L Asp| 2.15.11 @ 9:52PM

“and helped set the stage for new a constitutional order that keep political power divided,”
“There is an argument to made, for example,”

Do you re-read your pieces?

Diane L Asp
722 Sylvan Way
Bremerton WA

Richard Baker| 2.16.11 @ 12:38PM

Bob:

Richard Baker| 2.16.11 @ 12:38PM

Bob:

Richard Baker| 2.16.11 @ 12:38PM

Bob:

Richard Baker| 2.16.11 @ 12:43PM

Bob:
Are you 13 years old? Flab? Everything you said after that word is irrelevant and childish. I've heard that it's better to be silent and thought a fool instead of speaking out and leaving no doubt. Obviously, you've not heard that advice. It must be embarrassing for you. My condolences.

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