Howard W. Silbersher,Princeton
To the editor:
Gov. Christie, please dial down the rhetoric.
As a New Jersey resident I am disturbed by the inflammatory language that Gov. Christie has used to vilify union leaders and members.
Calling them “bullies and thugs” only polarizes the parties who have to work together to find a way to resolve a deep financial crisis that prevails in our state. As a governor, he should demonstrate leadership, be a role model and try to use conciliatory language and gestures to find a way for constructive communication.
If the unions tell the governor to “go to hell” when they are asked to renegotiate their contracts that are costing taxpayers like myself lots of money, I think Gov. Christie should, yes, ask them to dial down the inflammatory rhetoric and seek a better means of positive communication.
I would also like to offer a suggestion. First, the governor should seek to increase income taxes on people in our state who earn over $1 million a year. A state official told me this would drive many rich people out of the state. If that proposal passes and is the law, then the governor should go to the unions, explain that we all have to make sacrifices, and negotiate, in a civil manner, the sweetheart contracts that union members have. Perhaps in this manner, some positive steps can be made to help all people of New Jersey with our financial crisis.
If the current language of “bullies,” “thugs,” “go to hell” prevails, voters will tire of this rhetoric and nothing constructive will be achieved.
Howard W. Silbersher
Princeton
