“Vast Carelessness” at “Harry’s House”

“They were careless people, Tom and Daisy – they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they made…” ~~~ The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Now we know why he can’t imagine what it’s like to walk a mile in the shoes of regular New Jerseyans: He doesn’t even walk 100 yards in his own.

Star Ledger editorial (6/2/11)

Story and photo credit: Bergen Record – LESLIE BARBARO / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

While the Gatsby line captures the social meaning of the Christie’s, a line from Joni Mitchell hits the personal relationship side.

Look closely at Marypat – she’s texting, not watching the game or talking with her tubby hubby (“Lost in House and Gardens“).

And look at Christie basking in his own immanence (“Caught up in Chief of Staff“).

Then consider this line, from “Harry’s House” (listen and watch live version  – also, here’s the album version)

He opens up his suitcase
In the continental suite
And people twenty stories down
Colored currents in the street
A helicopter lands on the Pan Am roof
Like a dragonfly on a tomb
And business men in button downs
Press into conference rooms
Battalions of paper-minded males
Talking commodities and sales
While at home their paper wives
And paper kids
Paper the walls to keep their gut reactions hid

Yellow checkers for the kitchen
Climbing ivy for the bath
She is lost in House and Gardens
He’s caught up in Chief of Staff