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.
">>>You put them in office... Thanks butternut."
That was Puppage, post #3, who said that, Calpernia.
Obviously, the majority voted democrat. But you are stupid to think I voted for the guy.
I'm sorry for those who live in New Jersey, but they wanted their state and their state government to be this way.
No, I was thanking you for pointing the quote out to me.
I expect that you are correct. However, I wonder if the amount of taxes paid on that side of the river is comparable to what is paid over here?
I see what happened. The post was addressed to both of you.
I've noticed posts drop nics alot in the addressing. Wonder why?
Enough with the name calling, ok Chief? You're sounding every bit the Jersey democrat.
And, for the record......just WHERE did I say YOU voted for them, or, per your last post, the entire state voted for them?
Truth be told, like the klinton koolaid drinkers, people in NJ would vote the same way again!
All I can say is, elections have consequences. The residents of the state keep voting for the same party time and again in election after election, and they wonder why things don't change. The electorate has had the opportunity in the last several elections, for Governor and Senate, to make a change, but they have chosen not to, and so must now live with the consequences. That isn't hard to understand.
As an expatriate Jerseyan, it makes me sad to see what has become of my home state. Many pleasant memories of childhood summers spent "down the shore", growing up in the idyllic central NJ town of Cranbury (home of Flight 93 hero Todd Beamer) in the 1950s, seems a lifetime away from the hole the place has become under years of ruinous 'Rat rule. I hope the place can yet be saved, but I have my doubts.
"Forget political party lines. The next election, I'll be hard-pressed to vote for any incumbent who contributed to this mess."
We did this to the State Assembly in Harrisburg (PA) - 1am pay raises/ 'unvouchered expenses' with no discussion - a few months back, and we aren't finished yet. The rats' nest still needs cleaning...
Same here- though it may be a couple to three years before my family moves.
About all they can manage is they don't "trust" Republicans.
I know several people with the same idiotic mindset. Their main fear in voting for a Republican is that abortions will be banned.
Wish all you want, but soccer moms and hipsters will never exert the intellectual effort required to either vote with their minds (rather than their emotions), nor will they ever realize (let alone admit) that their efforts are the primary cause of the problems.
Of course I lived in Burlington County near Ft. Dix and McGuire (lots of small towns, open spaces, farms, yet near Philly, the shore, Major League Sports Teams, etc.) and at that time it (South Jersey) was a great place to live.
The cost of living and wages were extremely good.
Again, when I grew up in Vermont in the 50's it was a pretty good place to live as well and look at it now.
What I can't (and probably many others as well) understand is WHY shut down the casinos which generate so much revenue?
I would think that there would be a way to continue to pay the state employees who monitor gambling? But what do I know!!
You're quite welcome, Ma'am.
So much for the hold on name calling. Just don't bother posting to me puppage and you'll be okay by me.
>>>...-and is being beaten about the head and shoulders...
Not hard enough.
Beats me, but look at this weirdness on FR...
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1661192/posts
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