Teachers Union's Christie Death Joke: Memo Jokes That New Jersey Governor Will Die
TRENTON, N.J. — A teacher union's memo hinting that New Jersey's governor should die has escalated a war of words in a state already squabbling about public schools and how much they cost.
The memo from the Bergen County Education Association to its locals reads in part: "Dear Lord this year you have taken away my favorite actor, Patrick Swayze, my favorite actress, Farrah Fawcett, my favorite singer, Michael Jackson, and my favorite salesman, Billy Mays. I just wanted to let you know that Chris Christie is my favorite governor."
Association president Joe Coppola said the "prayer" was a joke and was never meant to be made public. Friday, he apologized, saying he'd made an error in judgment.
The New Jersey Education Association was also contrite. It issued an apology Friday, saying the attack wasn't funny and that it takes away from the more serious discussion the group would like to have with the governor. NJEA President Barbara Keshishian said she would try to apologize personally to Christie.
At an appearance in New Brunswick on Friday, Christie didn't see any humor in the memo – and used it as another chance to blast the teachers unions.
"They said they didn't intend it to be public," said Christie, a Republican. "So, private prayer for my
