Posted on 07/06/2006 5:31:59 AM PDT by new cruelty
We all know that old saying about things always looking greener in someone else's pasture. Compared to the brown, dead grass that is New Jersey's state government, I'd say that's certainly true. However, I have a feeling that residents in our neighboring states aren't thinking the same about us. In fact, they're probably shaking their heads in-between fits of laughter.
Yes, Garden State residents' morale is at an all-time low. This is what shutting down the government has done to us.
What makes me most angry is that the state's residents are suffering at the hands of the people we elected to office. These legislators have let down their constituents in a variety of ways. They betrayed our trust in their abilities to do their jobs. They've cost the residents much-needed revenue. They've bruised our state pride.
Forget political party lines. The next election, I'll be hard-pressed to vote for any incumbent who contributed to this mess.
It's ironic that our government shut down a number of viable, money-making machines, such as casinos and the lottery, when some lawmakers are trying to bring more revenue into the state budget through an increased sales tax. That proposed increase is at the center of the budget decision stalemate.
Reports estimate that the state earns $1.3 million daily from casinos alone. I wonder what scheme lawmakers will come up with next to cover the money that is lost to our state budget through the government shutdown.
Aside from revenue-generating areas, other agencies that handle matters, such as court cases and motor vehicle business, are going to have to eventually catch up. Either we'll have to pay state workers overtime — costing more money — or be subjected to longer waits.
At least state workers will be back on the job. The not-getting-paid consequence of lawmakers' inaction is likely hurting a lot of people's wallets. However, it's a good thing welfare checks were mailed out the day before the state began shutting down. At least some of the people who rely on the state to put food on their tables aren't suffering.
Unfortunately, the state may be taking more residents under its wing when the many workers ordered not to perform their jobs join the ranks of welfare and unemployment recipients.
Many news reports about the shutdown have focused attention on the tourism industry in Atlantic City. That's a shame because that city doesn't deserve to be the poster child for the state government's incompetence.
Going through a cultural renaissance of sorts, the city has been evolving from a downtrodden wasteland to tourist destination with something for everyone. However, any ground A.C. has made against its competitors — mainly Las Vegas — is undermined by all the national news stories publicizing the casino closings.
Outside the casino walls, other areas of tourism also are suffering. Historic sites, state parks and campgrounds all rely on day trippers or overnight guests to continue operating.
Tourists have every reason to be concerned about coming here.
New Jersey as a whole doesn't need another black eye, either. Those of us who live here may be proud of our state — well, not in this case — but if you've been anywhere outside our borders, you know that the rest of the country doesn't appreciate our positive aspects as much as we do.
If the state's image isn't tarnished enough by that smelly portion of the turnpike, our brash attitudes and those hypodermic needles along the beaches that have been gone for years, but no one wants to forget, then shutting down our government certainly adds a few new spots.
This was the last straw in any argument I would have had defending the not-so-great state of New Jersey. Really, what can I say to change someone's mind when I hear comments about what a horrible state I live in?
Shutting down the government and everything that goes with it is indefensible.
Unfortunately, I'm not optimistic that things will get better for Garden State residents in the near future. In fact, I'm betting we'll all be worse off before positive changes can be made or we decide to move across one of our state borders.
That bet, of course, won't be taken in a New Jersey casino.
Corzine did it with the Leg., raise taxes today. No, as an ole Cape May boy living in SOCAL, I fear for the minds and morale of Jerseyites. They keep voting for libs. At least they have a chance to vote for Kean who might bring some rationality to NJ politics.
>> Reports estimate that the state earns $1.3 million daily from casinos alone. <<
That's chickenfeed! What, about 18 cents per person? Buy a single gallon of milk, and you'll pay that much in sales tax.
Ah, yes, Delaware. The 3,000 square mile leach.
We need a new state. And I'll cordially invite the red bits of PA and NJ to come along :)
Let's just add Philadelphia and New York City to NJ.
For crying out loud, Kristen. Get a hold of yourself and you too can learn to live without government crutches to support you.
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