To the editor:
The New Jersey constitution of 1947 created an autocracy that was never fully exploited until the Christie Administration took office.
By definition, autocracies are totally corrupt in a republic because that kind of power is maintained in a representative democracy by a quid pro quo of selected largess to politicians of all levels.
Add to that an office of the governor that controls all aspects of each department and it’s commissioners along with endless press releases praising the accomplishments of this autocratic ruler while the corruption is totally masked.
There are no whistle blowers.
This autocracy gives the impression of leadership that is really bullying, intimidation, and exploitation of the public’s fears and prejudices.
Supporters are rewarded with lucrative positions that generate personal wealth via contracts with service providers. All advisers have long and close relationships or friendships with the autocratic governor.
There are no leaks and there is total loyalty.
There becomes the notion that this autocratic governor is a potential leader in a political party without a leader and we therefore have a front runner for the US Presidency.
Ambition now becomes the driving factor in governing our state with every action designed to achieve the nomination for the presidency.
The staff of this autocratic governor becomes a team in a 24/7 effort to achieve the goal.
If this reminds you of the ambition of the fictional U.S. Rep. Francis Underhill in the Netflix TV series, “House of Cards,” it should.
We know that all this will lead to a resignation and probably prosecution of underlings.
The prosecution itself does nothing to solve the problem of a state constitution that creates this autocracy.
Everyday the newspapers disclose practices of this autocracy that appear totally corrupt and probably illegal or unethical if pursued.
It would be better to follow Assemblywoman Bonnie Coleman Watson’s demand for a resignation so we can begin anew and correct the system that allows such autocratic practices.
Our New Jersey State Constitution allowed it to occur.
Both political parties are to blame for failing to provide oversight, and for accepting the governor’s largess in return for their support and endorsement, and for putting their personal interests ahead of the people that elected them and for being intimidated by this autocratic governor.
Both parties have to cooperate in revising a totally corrupt system of government allowed by the State Constitution when the ambitions of the elected governor go beyond the interests of the electorate.
So this “house of cards” will collapse, but not soon enough.
We long for the days of when the real gangsters were convicted and put in jail and not the politicians we elect to govern us.
Eugene E. Sarafin
Hightstown

