The expression "Whose Ox is Gored" derives from the Book of Exodus, as interpreted by Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms in 1521. Exodus verses 21:29 and 31 state:
Whether it has gored a son or has gored a daughter, according to this judgment it shall be done to him . . But if the ox have gored heretofore, and it have been testified to its owner, and he have not kept it in, and it kill a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned, and its owner also shall be put to death."
In his defense at the 1521 Diet of Worms, Luther said that "most human affairs come down to depending upon whose ox is gored."
The outbursts today by Rep. King and Gov. Christie are merely the latest example of what I refer to as "Ox is Gored" Conservativism -- the fundamental principle that Conservatives only like government intervention when those close to them or their immediate constituents personally need it. It's perfect description of the right, which can only manage compassion under those circumstances. Thus:
Nancy Reagan was a "liberal" on stem cells because of her husband's Alzheimers.
Sen. Pete Domenici crusaded for federal mental health after his daughter was diagnosed as schizophrenic.
Orrin Hatch, like Nancy Reagan, carved out stem cells from his "pro-life" position when a relative was diagnosed with Parkinson's.
Dick Cheney is a gay rights advocate because of his daughter Mary.
It's wonderful that Christie and King are filled with righteous indignation over the Republicans Sandy failure.
But:
Peter King had no problem voting for the Ryan Plan, which would make life miserable for the poor.
Chris Christie has no trouble proposing a budget that cuts programs for the working poor.
And Christie had no qualms about impairing the health of future generations of his state and NY by killing the Hudson tunnel project.
Ox is Gored, indeed.