Christie vs Obama

There is nothing I like about Chris Christie, and I am not just talking about his politics. I don’t think I would have a drink with the man (that is a big deal because I never pass up a drink). I hate his bully personality. I hate that most of the legislation he proposes is gear toward helping the wealthy. I hate that NJ didn’t get $400M in federal aid because of his bickering with the teachers union. I am convinced that Governor Christie would rather continue to fight with NJ Democrats than negotiate even one concession.

Let’s compare Christie to President Obama. I would love to have a beer with Obama. I want to be invited to play in one of those private basketball games at the White House. I love the fact that we have health coverage for more Americans. Though I was against the stimulus package, I have to admit it seems to have worked.
So with the above, why am I upset with President Obama and proud of Christie? What President Obama has accomplished in less than two years, with what he was/is facing, is amazing. Not only are the problems of our County the most severe since the great depression, he is also battling a Republican party who will stop at nothing to make sure he fails. The lack of respect he receives as the President is borderline treasonous.

I am upset with President Obama because I believed he was going to be the President who changed politics. That is what the millions of 18-29 year olds expected when they voted for him. Changing the dysfunctional political process is much more important to me than the landmark healthcare bill or extending the Bush taxes or any other legislation. The vast majority of legislation substantially impacts only the top 5% or bottom 10% of household income. Most of the middle-class has healthcare and though it may change, it is not a game changer. For the bottom 10%, the new healthcare legislation will be earth moving. The Bush tax cuts will save many of the top 5% thousands of not millions of dollars. For most of the middle-class, it’s likely an additional $100ish/month.

In two years in office, President Obama has done a GREAT job in the typical political sense. In one year in office, I can’t say the same for Governor Christie. He has alienated the Teachers' Union, loss $400M in education funding, cancelled the tunnel project, and upset the Mayors from every unban municipality. Yet, I am more proud of Christie than I have ever been of any politician. I may disagree with some of his policies (though I am happy his priority is fixing the State budget), he is the politician (not Obama) who is changing politics. There doesn’t seem to be any back room deals negotiated across the aisle. There doesn’t seem to be any, “I will give you X, if you give me Y” when X and Y is bad for all. We have seen the damage caused when an egotistical man sticks to his position (President Bush). That is not what I get when I assess Christie, thought he does have an ego as large as his frame.

As a Black, NJ, America I need them both to be successful. As a Black man, I want nothing more than for President Obama to successful. Unfortunately I fear Democrats has not supported him enough to get a second term, though the benefits of the legislation he passed (passes) will be felt for decades. As an American who sees the decline of once great nation, I hope that Christie inspires other politicians to challenge the political machine.

Talk2Me

GrannyVendetta