I Can't Believe I'm Writing This--But I Am

Sometimes it's difficult to hone in on a topic to write about, especially on days where there's so much news to sift through.  So I usually just write about what sticks in my head the most.  Before we get into it, I have to tell you; what you are about to read are words I never dreamed  I would write.  Not in a million years.  I have disagreed with the man we're about to talk about on every single subject there is.  I have opposed his policies, I have disagreed with his governance.  I have had no respect for this man...until today.  Who is this man that I have so vilified?  None other than New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.  

Credit Where Credit is Due
Chris Christie

Tomorrow he will be the most hated man in the Republican party, although not publicly--yet.  So wait for it, for it will come.  When the attention to the tragedy that was Frankenstorm Sandy dies down, Christie will no longer be the Republican darling he once was.  He has crossed the "invisible line" and had the audacity to not only directly disagree with Mitt Romney's policy on federal disaster relief, he's dared to say positive things about President Obama on Fox News.  See for yourself:

                               
The banner at the bottom of the clip at the beginning on Fox News said "Poor Response to Sandy?"  Clearly they weren't ready for Christie's take on the situation.  They expected business as usual.  The banner then changed to "Romney may go to New Jersey to help Gov. Christie", which was a direct contradiction to Christie's statement about a visit from Romney, "I have no idea, nor am I the least bit concerned or interested, I have a job to do here in New Jersey that's much bigger than presidential politics, and I could care less about any of that stuff."  It was definitely not the answer the Fox talking heads were expecting.  The banner at the bottom of the screen went on to read "Heading to New Jersey--Romney Considers Trip to Inspect Damage" and later "Change of Plans--Romney May Visit NJ Storm Victims."  

Romney's attempt to use the victims of this storm in New Jersey is a blatant bit of politicking that is frankly, beyond the pale.  I can't help but wonder if the thinks he is fooling anyone with his cancelled-rally turned storm-relief-event?  In Ohio?  Really?  Sure, no one's picking up on the irony of that.  He's trying so hard to make this about himself.  This isn't about Mitt Romney.  It isn't about his bid for the presidency.  

What Chris Christie did today in New Jersey was distinguish him from the cookie-cutter pack in his party.  He put the citizens of his state and his obligation to them above partisan politics.  Christie saw real human need and responded, accessing as many resources as he could; and when President Obama picked up that phone and not only extended his hand, but the might of the federal government, the Governor of New Jersey took that hand, and suddenly--they were standing together.  

This, ladies and gentlemen, Mayors and Congressmen, Senators, Presidents and would-be Presidents--is what government is about.  Two men from completely opposite ends of the political spectrum, setting aside their ideological differences and embracing their obligation to their citizens.  Two men with the compassion to recognize human need, and the fortitude to set aside their differences to do all they can to help.

I want to see more of this in Washington.  I want to see Congressmen and women and Senators with Chris Christie's courage.  Imagine what Congress would be like if they had the courage to say, "Screw the party, we can do this."  It's certainly something to work towards, and Christie, today set a fine example.  I know once this disaster is over and we have plans to rebuild, Christie will return to politics as usual.  But maybe, just maybe, he learned a little something.  There's always hope.

His actions today make Chris Christie the bravest man in politics today.  Turning his back on an opportunity to help the presidential candidate he supports in order to do the job he has sworn to do, and accepting the help his state desperately needed from his political enemy, was the right thing to do.  To publicly acknowledge that the President did an outstanding job makes Chris Christie honorable.  Something I never thought I'd say.  Kudos are in order.  Huzzah!