Is Trenton Changing the Facts and Spin in Corzine's Accident?

David Kocieniewski, "Corzine Could Be Walking In 3 Months, Doctors Say," in The New York Times, April 17, 2007, at p. B5.
"Corzine's SUV Going 91 MPH When It Crashed," http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18158503/print/1/displaymode/1098/


It is fascinating to observe the creative mendacity of Trenton's political machine/criminal syndicate, putting the proverbial "spin" on events through friends or secret employees in media, then discovering that their lies are incoherent or conflict, so as to revise them with improvisational flair.

The week began with accounts of a red pickup truck swerving into a lane of traffic, causing a white vehicle to enter the path of the Governor's Chevrolet suburban (with lights blazing), resulting in a serious accident, as the suburban was forced to swerve to avoid hitting that white vehicle. The red pickup truck was not identified and left the scene, according to initial reports.

It was clear to most intelligent observers that this story lacked plausibility. For one thing, cameras on such busy New Jersey roads had "failed to detect" this phantom red pickup truck. Eventually, the vehicle and driver were "found" (allegedly), but no summonses were issued by the New Jersey State Police -- which is famous for issuing tickets even to those who think of committing a traffic infraction. This was because the alleged driver of the phantom vehicle "didn't know" he had caused this accident resulting in life-threatening injuries to the state's governor. The driver of that red pickup has not been officially identified.

What are they covering-up?

Since the events first became known, the story has begun to change yet again. Now accounts of the accident leave out the red pickup truck entirely and mention only a white vehicle:

"The state trooper driven SUV was in the left lane with its emergency lights flashing when a pickup tried to get out of its way. Instead, it set off a chain reaction that resulted in the crash." (AP) (emphasis added)

Mentioning the speed of the N.J. vehicle and the allegation that Mr. Corzine was not wearing a seat belt is simply muddying the waters. A PASSENGER not wearing a seat belt cannot "cause" an accident. It is the responsibility of state troopers, as drivers, to protect the safety of the governor when that official is being driven to a meeting, maybe going through his papers preparing for it. It is not possible, again, for a passenger to control the speed of a vehicle driven by another person.

Are the Trenton Boys suggesting that a New Jersey Trooper was doing 91 mph, in complete disregard for the safety of his passengers? If so, then the driver should be issued a summons for speeding and for reckless driving, which may be downgraded to careless driving only by a judge. He also should be terminated from his employment, especially if he was on his cellphone as some news accounts allege. Who was on the phone? Mr. Codey?

The driver of that red pickup truck must have known about an accident such as this, so that (if there were such a driver), and he was really "acting on his own," then he should be issued summonses for speeding (if he were speeding), reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident and other possible charges.

The manner in which this investigation has unfolded and the unfortunate comments by Mr. Richard J. Cody -- who said that he would "await the official report," even as it was clear that Cody knew exactly what would be in that report -- all suggest that the once well-oiled Trenton Machine is falling apart.

Mr. Cody's surprising coldness in response to these events: "I wear my seat belt." His lack of surprise or shock at this terrible incident, and tendency to smear Mr. Corzine, indirectly, have led many observers to wonder about the true motive for whatever really happened. This is especially true in light of on-going federal investigations of political corruption and organized crime in New Jersey government.

Recollections of the similar mysterious experiences of Zulima Farber do not help with the image of New Jersey. Federal investigators should look into this matter.

Mr. Cody stated on Monday that he was looking forward to visiting Mr. Corzine ... on Thursday.

Please remember to wear your seat belt in the car, Richard. "Have a nice day!"