In 2008 Bob Ingle and Sandy McClure published a book titled
The Soprano State. Named after a popular TV show it dealt with corruption and
the influence of the Mafia in New Jersey politics.
It also focused on mainly Democrat political machines in the
state especially the Norcross dominated South Jersey against those of Northern Jersey’s
featuring Essex and Hudson Counties. Yes; for the most part Union County and
Plainfield were below the radar. The minority Republicans were not ignored.
There has been some changes and Christie parlayed his US
District Attorney’s position into national political prominence and the Governorship.
But he never gained control over the legislature and after a
bitter interparty political fight led by South Jersey's Norcross; Sweeney gained control over the Senate.
Sweeney has little moral virtues as evidenced by his letter of support published in the Green pre-primary flyer promoting the local Council Candidates. Remember that he was a leader in 2011 in attempting to destroy the state health insurance pool to favor insurance companies some repesented by Norcross..
Sweeney also has a most dangerous agenda; politicalizing New
Jersey’s higher education system. This was accelerated by a failure to secure
for Rowan University the Rutgers’s Camden Schools.
Using the recent Athletic Department scandals he first tried
to abolish the Rutgers Board of Trustees. Failing in that effort he is now
attempting to legislate the increase of that Board by four politically
appointed trustees.
He has received Senate approval but the Assembly has not
voted on that bill as of this moment. However, Sweeney has given Rutgers an
ultimatum of 90 days to comply with his demands.
In view of Sweeney's history it can be surmised that his interest is not to better education but to find a new haven for political partisanships .
In view of Sweeney's history it can be surmised that his interest is not to better education but to find a new haven for political partisanships .
Freedom of education from political or religious control is essential
for Democracy. The alternative is the loss of freedom of thought and either a Police
State as in a dictatorship; or a Theocracy, the impetus for the colonists
fleeing Europe.
Colleges in NJ do need some supervision from outside the industry. Many students graduate and are left on their own to find a job and they are often ill prepared for what faces them. Colleges get billions of our dollars and should be forced to give job placement help with a goal of at least 50% placement. They also should be reviewed to make sure they are giving students what they say they are; academically and otherwise. Our higher education system in this country is very broken and the taxpayers have a right to demand more accountability from our colleges and universities. Politicians make a fortune off of the system as it is, maybe we need to stop them from hurting our kids and us.
ReplyDeleteHi Doc,
ReplyDeleteThank you for shedding light on this very important issue. Independent education is as important in a true democracy as is freedom of the press and the right to vote for all citizens. Unfortunately all three have been greatly limited by powerful special interests in America today.
Senator Sweeney's actions on controlling higher education are just another example of NJ politicians using their positions to grab power and the public money associated with it for their own best purposes instead of the people they represent.
Tom Kaercher
Senator Sweeney's partnership with Jerry Green is a prime example of how the education system in NJ is a failure. If these two guys can be part of running this state, then Mickey Mouse is on their way to be Governor (which may be true since I understand Sweeney wants it).
ReplyDelete