The Bully Pulpit

The bully pulpit is a term that is used to describe how the power of one's position can have influence in the outcome for your own ideas and beliefs. Usually it is uttered when describing the advantages of a President, who can summon the media any time and use the power of the office to get coverage, attention and public support. In the last few days, however, the Bully Pulpit has taken on another meaning, one that is being defined by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie who is regrettably, my Governor. Mr. Christie is a bully and thus when using the bully pulpit, he is doing just that....bullying. This governor is known for being a bully. He shouts down reporters and calls them idiots to intimidate them for asking questions he does not like. He shouts down a teacher for asking a question that might be symbolic of a teacher union position. He has described his directness as honesty and bipartisanship and working together, but it is not that at all. This is a man who indeed wants to have his way, all the time. He shouts, he abuses and he lies as is evident to anyone with some common sense. This shrewd and manipulative man, a lawyer by profession, knows the ins and outs of the legal process, but despite his attempt to rise above the scandal, once a bully always a bully. Today his bully pulpit is all about mocking, criticizing and pummeling his former friend Mr. Wildstein in an effort to discount his comments. [Mr. Wildstein is no great shakes. He comes from the Christie camp so I have no sympathy for him.] The bully is at it again. Governor, your days as a national figure are over. You are a bully. Bullies always lose eventually. Americans do not like a bully. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?