Trenton’s Anti-Addiction Crusade Distracts From Its Own Addictions

The opiate/heroin addiction crisis is undeniable both in terms of its scope and the human wreckage it’s leaving in its wake, Save Jerseyans. Let’s stipulate that from the get-go, okay?

It’s good that people with titles think it’s important and it’s good politics.

So good that Governor Chris Christie devoted the entirety of Tuesday’s annual ‘State of the State’ address to addiction.

“We’re proud of what we have done, but it has not been enough. We must do more. I know this is a very different State of the State address,” Christie explained to his captive audience in the State House’s Assembly chamber. “But when our children our dying, New Jersey should be offended if I came up here and gave the typical political laundry list speech. I’ll tell you, they will be even more offended if we do not act on this plan without delay. The challenge is enormous but I know we collectively have the resolve to meet it.”

Indeed. Governor Christie’s speech certainly proved anything but “typical” in more ways than one including in its cursory treatment of the big issues.

The word “drug” was mentioned 35 times in his prepared remarks.

“Pension” came up just 5 times.

Property taxes? Once.

Low hanging fruit for a politician who became a lame duck earlier than most? Smoke and mirrors?

I’ll be generous, but let’s be honest: the majority of our Trenton politicians – Republican and Democrat alike – latch onto that issue not out of empathy for the victims but because it’s “easy,” meaning it’s unobjectionable. Uncontroversial. Politically popular.

Meanwhile, they continue to ignore their own addiction to our tax dollars and the tough choices addressing it would require.

The addicts aren’t self-aware…. or simply don’t care? I guess that’s the nature of addiction.

Yes, children are dying as the Governor pointed out. New Jersey is dying, too, with scores of outbound migrants for every one heroin death. You wouldn’t know it from how these people behave, the responsibilities they shirk and the reckless way in which they manage our resources, resources which could do a lot more for the addicted and their families if Trenton didn’t muck it all up.

I won’t judge someone else’s heart. I will judge the hell out of his or her priorities without apology.

If you genuinely believe that addiction is the single greatest fate threatening New Jersey right now? God bless you. Start a non-profit or join one of the many fine pre-existing ones.

If you’re like me? Jobs, affordability and the economy are all that matters until they no longer matter (especially given Trenton’s clear inability to multi-task). Any politician who can’t see that is likely beyond rehabilitation.

____

Matt Rooney
About Matt Rooney 8405 Articles
MATT ROONEY is SaveJersey.com's founder and editor-in-chief, a practicing New Jersey attorney, and the host of 'The Matt Rooney Show' on 1210 WPHT every Sunday evening from 7-10PM EST.