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Opportunity wasted
You would think being passionate about your beliefs would inspire others, make you an expert negotiator, and make you understand both sides of issues. Unfortunately, the reverse seems to be true.
Sadly, passion seems to carry along ticks that can make one irrational, uncompromising, and ineffective as an agent of change.
When a Republican Assembly Task Force called a meeting Monday night in the
Westwood
Community Center , the stated purpose was to gauge what the public response to Gov. Jon Corzine’s proposed toll hikes was.
While some work of the stated agenda was accomplished, the meeting quickly turned into a partisan affair, the primary focus the political assault of the Democratic Party, namely Corzine.
Assemblyman John Rooney contributed, saying, “His initials may be J.C. and he may act like God, but he’s certainly doesn’t walk on water. He’s dangerous.”
Assemblyman Michael Doherty, chairman of the task force, also joined in, saying that Corzine wants to “maximize the pain for residents,” and calling Corzine’s plan “spiteful.”
Others called him a crook, called for his recall, and most of the crowd joined in by applauding the diatribe.
What’s unfortunate is that if the Republican representatives are correct about flaws and problems in the plan, then they missed an opportunity to tell people why.
Rooney said he was not optimistic that the Republicans would have enough votes to prevent the toll hikes. And if that’s true, then making the issue a political one isn’t likely to win them many Democratic votes.
Pep rallies help to inspire those who already support you. Information sessions help garner additional support that will effectively bring about change. In the end, it seems that this pep rally was just another wasted opportunity.
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