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.
I knew the guy was a 'three dollar bill' but did he really cruise the highways as you claim?
It IS so retarted. The soccer moms and hipsters always vote in the tax and spend liberals and then cry and whine when their taxes go up. For ONCE, I wish NJ voters could get a grip.
Well New Jerseyans on average make more money (per capita) than the residents of 48 other states (only Connecticut ranks higher). Two of the four richest counties in the United States are in New Jersey. It is the national leader in pharmacutical research and has some of the best school systems in the country.
Those are all things that other states should be aspiring to, not running away from.
Jeez, don't be stupid. The entire state did not vote democrat.
Sadly, I agree.
I celebrated the closing of the NJ state government yesterday with a "screw you Comrade Corzine" group mountain bike ride in one of the closed state parks.
What a joke NJ have become.
That is something I remind my neighbors who voted for corzine and now complain about this sad state of affairs.
Let's set the record straight:NJ has been running in the red because we have (for a wide number of reasons,including court orders)a need for a strong state government..........and a childish belief it will,somehow,pay for itself.
Our last 2 governors "prevented" tax increases at the state level by borrowing money to meet the budget,and by dumping part of the state's normal burden onto the municipalities.
The result was a massive increase in debt,coupled with a very slight decrease in state income tax, and huge increases in local property taxes.
Be as partisan as you like, but Corzine is trying to do the fiscally responsible thing-and is being beaten about the head and shoulders by his own party,and what passes for a Republican party in this state.
I happen to think he is on the right track-regardless of his politics.
Priceless! On a personal level, the situation in NJ would be akin to your making very poor choices with spending your money, going bankrupt, and rather than turning over a new leaf and becoming fiscally responsible, you just worry about what your neighbors are saying. How narcissistic.
I'm considering my options on moving across the Delaware.
Well that's what you get when you vote a gay guy, that is married with children, then cruises the highways for bowjobs from men, as governor.
Then follow it up by voting in another corrupt RAT as governor.
Hope NJ people are enjoying the comfy bed they made for themslves
>>>You put them in office...
Thanks butternut.
It is enough that the people know there was an election. The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything.
Joseph Stalin
Excerpt:
More than 4,000 votes (4,755) were cast under the names of dead New Jerseyans in last November's election, and nearly 11,000 more people appear to have voted twice, according to state Republicans who say they fear election fraud when voters choose a new governor.
Saying they first raised these issues with state officials in May, Republican State Committee leaders blasted state Attorney General Peter C. Harvey Thursday for "ignoring warnings" and demanded he address their concerns within a week or face a lawsuit.
"I know this is going to be a close election, and I'm deeply concerned about the process," said Republican State Committee Chairman Tom Wilson. "If you believe that there isn't voter fraud going on, you probably also believe in Martians."
How many of these 'laid-off' workers are still getting paid?
How much sense does it make to shut down the largest tax cash cow (casinos)?
Don't be ignorant...the majority DID. Otherwise, HOW did they get into office, hmmm?
"I'm considering my options on moving across the Delaware."
...think carefully about that, we are stuck with Boss Tweed for a governor, and the mentality of most of the people pulling voting levers over here isn't much different. When the same thing happens here I suspect that Rendell's reaction will be virtually the same.
And you are another I've posted to (yesterday) about voter fraud, yet you still post, "The voters of NJ elected a liberal and socialist tax and spend governor and now wonder what is going on?"
By raising taxes. I haven't heard any news about him trying to reduce spending or eliminate unneccessary programs.
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