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


By

Christopher Robbins

Published Apr 11, 2012

Modified Apr 11, 2012


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By

Christopher Robbins

Published Apr 11, 2012

Modified Apr 11, 2012


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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

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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.

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