Gov. Chris Christie: Leaders Do Not Hang in Middle or Wait

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie spoke at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, February 16. Parts of the speech made news, primarily his remarks when asked about running for President in 2012, which were somewhat taken out of context.

The Governor ruled out a run, noting, “I’m not stupid, I see the opportunity”, but explained that taking an opportunity for oneself is not a good reason to run for President.

I cannot say that I have extensively researched Gov. Christie’s position on all important issues. I can say that I find his blunt style and political courage in taking on what he calls “the really big issues” admirable.

At the very least, when it comes to what are truly important issues like public employee compensation and benefits, and the negative effect of teachers unions on education, he is correct.

Christie’s analysis of political game playing, the need for a translator in State Capitols, and philosophy about leadership are spot on. It’s impossible to watch without making comparisons to other elected officials and be frustrated.

The Governor’s speech lasts about 35 minutes and is followed by a question and answer session.


Stubborn_Facts

Shelli Dawdy is first and foremost the mother of three children whom she has taught at home via the classical method since removing her children from school in 2001. During her early years as a homeschool mother, she worked part-time as a freelance writer. Born and raised in the Iowa, Shelli and her husband moved to the state of South Dakota in 1997, attracted to its more limited government and friendly tax environment. In 2006, Shelli and her family relocated to Lincoln, Nebraska, when her husband’s employer offered a new position. She took a break from work and politics for a time, recognizing the need to focus solely on her childrens’ schooling with two now of high school age. Distressed by many things she was witnessing on the national political scene and disillusioned about the Republican Party, she decided to start writing again, this time online. Motivated to get involved with others at the grassroots level, she networked with activists on the social media tool, Twitter. She was involved in organizing the first tea party rallies inspired by Rick Santelli’s “rant” on CNBC in February 2009. Recognizing that activism should generate on the local level, she founded Grassroots in Nebraska in March of 2009. The group’s mission is a return to Constitutional, limited government, according to its original meaning. While the group has held several tea party rallies, it’s focus is to take effective action. Among its many projects, GiN successfully coordinated testimony for the hearing of the Nebraska Sovereignty Resolution, networked with other groups to ensure a large show of public support at the hearing, and coordinated follow up support to ensure its passage in April 2010. While working to build up GiN throughout 2009, she was asked to work as writer and producer of the documentary film, A New America, which lays out how Progressivism is responsible for how America has moved away from its Constitutional roots. You can see more of her work on Grassroots in Nebraska (GiN) and StubbornFacts