Happy New Year

Happy New Year! This year will certainly be a challenging one for the Garden State as we march towards a year in which there will be a legislative and gubernatorial election. Buzz being what buzz is, as this is written, there are just a few folks running [literally and figuratively] on the Republican side.

There is perennial candidate Steve Lonegan of Americans for Prosperity who stands for everything libertarian, capitalist, and 'small government'.

There's Richard Merkt, who has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 1998, where he represents the 25th legislative district. He is the one who has pledged to "jog" in all 566 towns, and has recently completed running in 300 of them.

Also, upping his New Jersey ante is Franklin Mayor Brian Levine, considering a run for governor himself. Now, I have met Brian before [I believe he is the brother of someone I know from Hunterdon County], and he seems like an affable guy, but his political eyes are a mite bigger than his political stomach, methinks.

But, what do I know. A year ago, I was at the New Jersey progressive political caucus standing with with the Bill Richardson supporters.

Of course, the real candidate everyone Republican is waiting for is my fellow Seton Hall Law grad Chris Christie. He should announce soon, if he is running---the filing deadline is mid-April, as usual. So, hmm.....

Hint: No one has booked www.christie4governor.com, www.christieforgovernor.com or www.christieforNewJersey.com or www.christie2008.com or even www.I'mChrisChristieandIamstilldecidingwhetherIamrunningforgovernor.com as of yet.

Happy New Year, and thanks Rob Tornoe for all the great NJ stuff in 2008.

New Year, same Grand Old Party: Republicans don’t think it’s right to apologize for slavery

Believe it or not, but the Party of Lincoln think it’s OK to not apologize for slavery.

If New Jersey issues a formal apology, then we would be the first northern state to do so. This far, state legislators in Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia have issued formal slavery apologies.

What the heck is the matter with a little “I’m sorry” after 140 years? Several prominent Republicans think it just doesn't matter.

Said Assemblyman Richard Merkt, R-Morris, "Who living today is guilty of slave holding and thus capable of apologizing for the offense…And who living today is a former slave and thus capable of accepting the apology? So how is a real apology even remotely possible, much less meaningful, given the long absence of both oppressor and victim?"

That’s harsh, Merkt.

Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll demanded that the Democratic Party should apologize first----since Republicans historically opposed slavery. He also noted that New Jersey twice voted against Abraham Lincoln.

He continued, "…But, on a current note, if slavery was the price that a modern American's ancestors had to pay in order to make one an American, one should get down on one's knees every single day and thank the Lord that such price was paid.”

So, maybe Carroll wants to offer an opposing resolution thanking the nation for slavery? Just what hallucinogens are these guys taking?

Of course, this the same guy who had time to offer a bill changing the name of Clinton town to “Reagan” during the time of President Clinton’s troubles with Monica Lewinsky ----but no time or good sense to support this legislation.

The resolution would read in part: "…the vestiges of slavery are ever before African-American citizens, from the overt racism of hate groups to the subtle racism encountered when requesting health care, transacting business, buying a home, seeking quality public education and college admission, and enduring pre-textual traffic stops and other indignities."

"This is not too much to ask of the state of New Jersey," said Assemblyman William Payne, who sponsors the bill. "All that is being requested of New Jersey is to say three simple words: We are sorry."

Once again, the NJ Republicans both amuse and amaze as to what they take issue with ---and what they support.

Welcome to 2008.