Pay-to-play game over in NJ as McGreevey scores a final point
"Don't just hold the position, Governor. Stay on the job."
That was my advice to out-and-outgoing New Jersey Governor James McGreevey the day after he came out and announced he was planning to resign. I doubt he ever reads this blog, but yesterday he proved that he's still working for the taxpayers, even if his political career (the first act of it, anyway) is in its final days. As the state and many communities within it argue and argue and play political games with the notion of a ban on pay-to-play politics, McGreevey barred campaign contributors from doing business with the state, just like that by signing an executive order. For those of you who aren't familiar with the Garden State, that's kind of the equivalent of signing an executive order announcing that henceforth, everyone in New Jersey will walk on their hands instead of their feet.
He couldn't have done it before he came out as a gay, but married-to-a-woman, American, because he himself was part of that system. From the Trenton Times:
"I take this action recognizing that cynics may say that I am doing this to create a legacy for myself - a `Hail Mary' pass of sorts to seek redemption," McGreevey said. "I do not hold onto some hopeful notion that I will be known for much more than as the governor who resigned - and I am at peace with that. "Others may say that I am hypocritical in biting the hand that fed me. Believe me, I am more aware than ever of my own frailties, but that does not justify inaction."
Thanks, Governor. It's only Sept. 23 -- so we expect you to remain on the job until Nov. 15. What next? I know: how about an executive order proclaiming equal rights for people such as yourself?
posted by Janet Dagley Dagley @5:43 PM
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23.9.04 |
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