Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

Chris Christie Says Govt Tells Us To "Stop Dreaming," Sit On Couch


By

Christopher Robbins

Published Apr 11, 2012

Modified Apr 11, 2012


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Christopher Robbins

Published Apr 11, 2012

Modified Apr 11, 2012


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Amid all of the fresh ideas about giving more money to people who already have a lot of money—and after some sweet shuteye—New Jersey governor Chris Christie had a somber message for the crowd at yesterday's "Tax Policies for 4% Growth" conference. According to Christie, the Gub'ment is telling us to "stop dreaming, stop striving, we'll take care of you. We're turning into a paternalistic entitlement society." Christie's right: if you want a tunnel between Manhattan and New Jersey, grab a shovel.

"When the American people no longer believe that this is a place where only their willingness to work hard and to act with honor and integrity and ingenuity determines their success in life," Christie said, presumably as two bald eagles perched on the podium solemnly began ducking their heads into their feathers, "Then we’ll have a bunch of people sitting on a couch waiting for their next government check." That couch likely came from Brookstone.

Christie also defended his decision to kill the Hudson tunnel project the same day the GAO released a report stating that he exaggerated the costs to his state. “You have to look them right in the eye, no matter how much they try to vilify you for it, and you have to say no,” the Times quotes Christie as saying. Yes, look those 98,300 people in the eye and say, "Sorry, keep collecting that unemployment check so I can use you in another speech."

Tagged

arc

Chris Christie

George Bush

hudson tunnel

new jersey

republicans

taxes


Christopher Robbins

Twitter

Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

2 pedestrians killed in Bronx crash after driver ran red light, police say

The NYPD said the investigation is continuing and no one had been arrested Saturday.

By

Brittany Kriegstein

and

Ann Givens

Published Oct 10, 2026 at 1:24 p.m. ET


Rain could put a damper on NYC’s long weekend. Here’s when it will clear.

Remnants of Hurricane Isaias could bring more than an inch of rain, gusty winds and even a thunderstorm Sunday before conditions improve Monday.

By

Brittany Kriegstein

News

Rain could put a damper on NYC’s long weekend. Here’s when it will clear.

Remnants of Hurricane Isaias could bring more than an inch of rain, gusty winds and even a thunderstorm Sunday before conditions improve Monday.

By

Brittany Kriegstein


Holy civics! NYC schools' own comic books in the spotlight at Comic Con

By

Jessica Gould

What we know about the ICE shooting in NYC

By

Karen Yi

DSA to Mamdani: Fire NYPD commissioner if ICE doesn't leave NYC

By

Elizabeth Kim

,

Brigid Bergin

and

Ben Feuerherd


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .