By Michael M. Shapiro
Politics has always had its share of negativity and personal invective. In the election of 1884, Republicans backing James Blaine for President circulated the phrase "Ma, ma, where's my pa?” referring to an affair Grover Cleveland, the Democratic nominee, had engaged in prior to entering politics. Unfortunately, such a tactic is tame by today’s standards. In Hudson County, Democrat Sal Vega, who is running for State Senate against Brian Stack, accuses Stack and his allies of harassing and “paying off” the opposition and “abusing” City employees. Also in Hudson County, Assemblyman Manzo and Sandra Bolden Cunningham have unleashed assaults against each other for the right to claim the contested Senate seat there. On the Republican side of the aisle, Larry Casha and Jay Webber are engaging in a fiercely negative campaign for the District 26 Senate seat, with Webber recently stating that Casha “is proud of his tax and spend record.”
NJ TRANSIT’S COMMUNITY MOBILITY TRAINING PROGRAM: AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE
By Salvatore Pizzuro, Ed.D.
On January 29, 2007, the New Jersey State Assembly passed a bill that is designed to ensure that the pilot project that has provided mass transit training for a select group of people with disabilities will continue. This experimental program was originally implemented over four counties in New Jersey and included only New Jerseyans with disabilities who were eligible for “Access Link”, a travel support program for people whose disabilities preclude normal mass transit participation. The vote in favor of the bill was non-partisan and unanimous.
On January 29, 2007, the New Jersey State Assembly passed a bill that is designed to ensure that the pilot project that has provided mass transit training for a select group of people with disabilities will continue. This experimental program was originally implemented over four counties in New Jersey and included only New Jerseyans with disabilities who were eligible for “Access Link”, a travel support program for people whose disabilities preclude normal mass transit participation. The vote in favor of the bill was non-partisan and unanimous.
MANDATORY SENSITIVITY TRAINING
By Michael M. Shapiro
This past February, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that school systems are responsible for stopping bias-based harassment and found in favor of a former student who had been incessantly harassed because of his sexual preference while attending the Toms River Regional School District. A school district may now be held liable if it is notified of a “hostile educational environment” and does not take reasonable action to eradicate it. While New Jersey has one of the toughest anti-discrimination laws in the Country, enforcement of the law is weak, particularly in New Jersey’s public schools. The New Jersey Supreme Court’s recent decision should be viewed as a catalyst for change in its public schools. To avoid adverse court decisions and to create an educational environment free of bias-based harassment, every school district in the State should be required to provide mandatory sensitivity training to all students, faculty and staff.
This past February, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that school systems are responsible for stopping bias-based harassment and found in favor of a former student who had been incessantly harassed because of his sexual preference while attending the Toms River Regional School District. A school district may now be held liable if it is notified of a “hostile educational environment” and does not take reasonable action to eradicate it. While New Jersey has one of the toughest anti-discrimination laws in the Country, enforcement of the law is weak, particularly in New Jersey’s public schools. The New Jersey Supreme Court’s recent decision should be viewed as a catalyst for change in its public schools. To avoid adverse court decisions and to create an educational environment free of bias-based harassment, every school district in the State should be required to provide mandatory sensitivity training to all students, faculty and staff.
SCALERA SEEKS TO PROVIDE ATHLETIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
By Salvatore Pizzuro, Ed.D.
Recognizing that school children with disabilities have limited opportunities to engage in extra-curricular activities, on May 14, 2007, New Jersey State Assemblyman Fred Scalera (Democrat, 36th Legislative District) introduced Assembly bill A-4256, designed to “help foster partnerships among different school districts that are large enough to field teams of students who can play “adapted sports” – competitions that are based on mainstream sports, but are modified to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.”
Recognizing that school children with disabilities have limited opportunities to engage in extra-curricular activities, on May 14, 2007, New Jersey State Assemblyman Fred Scalera (Democrat, 36th Legislative District) introduced Assembly bill A-4256, designed to “help foster partnerships among different school districts that are large enough to field teams of students who can play “adapted sports” – competitions that are based on mainstream sports, but are modified to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.”
RECORD-BREAKING R&D INVESTMENT COULD SPELL RECORD NUMBERS OF BREAKTHROUGH CURES
By Bob Franks
PhRMA , the biopharmaceutical industry’s national trade association, recently announced that America’s pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies set a new record for research spending last year -- investing $55.2 billion to develop new medicines and vaccines. The study, conducted by Burrill & Company, also noted this investment is $3.4 billion higher than in 2005.
PhRMA , the biopharmaceutical industry’s national trade association, recently announced that America’s pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies set a new record for research spending last year -- investing $55.2 billion to develop new medicines and vaccines. The study, conducted by Burrill & Company, also noted this investment is $3.4 billion higher than in 2005.
DISABILITY RIGHTS AND THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN
By Paul Aronsohn and Marcie Roth
It is a shameful story – one that needs to be retold. On March 30, the United Nations General Assembly was filled to near capacity with government representatives and civil rights advocates. In ceremonial fashion, the world body was committing itself to a landmark set of principles in support of the human rights of more than 650 million people worldwide with disabilities. Eighty countries, including our European allies, walked – one-by-one – to the dais to sign the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
It is a shameful story – one that needs to be retold. On March 30, the United Nations General Assembly was filled to near capacity with government representatives and civil rights advocates. In ceremonial fashion, the world body was committing itself to a landmark set of principles in support of the human rights of more than 650 million people worldwide with disabilities. Eighty countries, including our European allies, walked – one-by-one – to the dais to sign the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
LAROUCHE’S NEW DEAL
By Michael P. Riccards
In Trenton and throughout many cities, one encounters devotees of the perennial political candidate, Lyndon LaRouche of Leesburg Virginia. He has served time in prison and run for president of the Untied States and proclaims through his political action committee positions on the environment, the economy, education, and whatever topic gets his confused attention.
Now he is declaring that the old economics is dead, and a new one is needed. He has urged the forced retirement of Vice President Cheney and that we put George Bush under “compassionate care.” If we don’t, we will have a war spreading across the Middle East and also the worst financial crisis since the Dark Ages. He is critical of every president since the death of McKinley and regards Teddy Roosevelt as the nephew of a Confederate traitor. And he sees Woodrow Wilson as an advocate of the Ku Klux Klan. Only with the inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt did a president challenge the corrupt clique centered in London and Wall Street.
Like many commentator, he is concerned about our economic and political dependence on fossil fuels. He presents fusion as the technology of the future. But Baby Boomers are conditioned not to believe in the harsh truth. We need “bell canto” mode of singing in the streets to woo the next generation. HUH. He opposes a money economy and wants a “physical” economic and insists that the entire international money system be liquated. Put the whole system into bankruptcy, destroy the Federal Reserve System, and end banks.
Yet he is fulsome in his support of FDR’s interventionist New Deal with its huge public works programs over the years. He denounces outsourcing and globalization, and the Anglo-Dutch Liberal imperial order. He wants the USA to invest in the physical infrastructure.
We used to control China, now it controls us. He talks a swipe at the former Secretary Treasury, Robert Rubin, who thinks like a banker—which of course he was in several senses. LaRouche wants to go back to the protectionist model—which the early FDR indeed did do.
Lastly, he concludes that the biggest terrorist threat is Vice President Cheney. Al Qaeda was created by George Bush and the Carter aide Zbigniew Brzezinski who mobilized resources for the war in Afghanistan against the Soviets and which feed the al Qaeda forces. The Bushes are close to the Saudi families and interests and are personally allied to Bin Liaen’s family. These are the gist of La Rouche’s polices.
His position and than of his followers illustrates how complicated international economics has become and the difficulty of understanding the flow of capital, investment, goods and human labor in a global economy. He takes comfort from the last great president’s ways, but FDR was remarkably adaptable in his movements and philosophical underpinnings.
FDR did not understand the Depression neither did the academic economists or Was Street. But he pushed for a more humane state as part of his experimentation, and his fits and starts.
In Trenton and throughout many cities, one encounters devotees of the perennial political candidate, Lyndon LaRouche of Leesburg Virginia. He has served time in prison and run for president of the Untied States and proclaims through his political action committee positions on the environment, the economy, education, and whatever topic gets his confused attention.
Now he is declaring that the old economics is dead, and a new one is needed. He has urged the forced retirement of Vice President Cheney and that we put George Bush under “compassionate care.” If we don’t, we will have a war spreading across the Middle East and also the worst financial crisis since the Dark Ages. He is critical of every president since the death of McKinley and regards Teddy Roosevelt as the nephew of a Confederate traitor. And he sees Woodrow Wilson as an advocate of the Ku Klux Klan. Only with the inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt did a president challenge the corrupt clique centered in London and Wall Street.
Like many commentator, he is concerned about our economic and political dependence on fossil fuels. He presents fusion as the technology of the future. But Baby Boomers are conditioned not to believe in the harsh truth. We need “bell canto” mode of singing in the streets to woo the next generation. HUH. He opposes a money economy and wants a “physical” economic and insists that the entire international money system be liquated. Put the whole system into bankruptcy, destroy the Federal Reserve System, and end banks.
Yet he is fulsome in his support of FDR’s interventionist New Deal with its huge public works programs over the years. He denounces outsourcing and globalization, and the Anglo-Dutch Liberal imperial order. He wants the USA to invest in the physical infrastructure.
We used to control China, now it controls us. He talks a swipe at the former Secretary Treasury, Robert Rubin, who thinks like a banker—which of course he was in several senses. LaRouche wants to go back to the protectionist model—which the early FDR indeed did do.
Lastly, he concludes that the biggest terrorist threat is Vice President Cheney. Al Qaeda was created by George Bush and the Carter aide Zbigniew Brzezinski who mobilized resources for the war in Afghanistan against the Soviets and which feed the al Qaeda forces. The Bushes are close to the Saudi families and interests and are personally allied to Bin Liaen’s family. These are the gist of La Rouche’s polices.
His position and than of his followers illustrates how complicated international economics has become and the difficulty of understanding the flow of capital, investment, goods and human labor in a global economy. He takes comfort from the last great president’s ways, but FDR was remarkably adaptable in his movements and philosophical underpinnings.
FDR did not understand the Depression neither did the academic economists or Was Street. But he pushed for a more humane state as part of his experimentation, and his fits and starts.
GOVERNOR CORZINE: SHOWING HIS HUMAN SIDE
By Michael M. Shapiro
Governor Corzine's speech upon discharge from Cooper University Hospital was passionate -- not in a cheesy, opportunistic way, but rather in an authentic and unmistakably human way. His voice quaked with emotion as he apologized for setting a bad example for our State's youth and adults by not wearing a safety belt. He thanked his family and his supporters with a sincerity that is sorely missing in politics. He then asked our residents for forgiveness in a manner that would be difficult for even the most die-hard anti-Corzine person to dismiss. In that short five-minute speech, Governor Corzine revealed more of himself than our residents have seen during his first years in office. It revealed a Governor who has feelings and emotions and who is a genuine individual just like you and me.
Governor Corzine's speech upon discharge from Cooper University Hospital was passionate -- not in a cheesy, opportunistic way, but rather in an authentic and unmistakably human way. His voice quaked with emotion as he apologized for setting a bad example for our State's youth and adults by not wearing a safety belt. He thanked his family and his supporters with a sincerity that is sorely missing in politics. He then asked our residents for forgiveness in a manner that would be difficult for even the most die-hard anti-Corzine person to dismiss. In that short five-minute speech, Governor Corzine revealed more of himself than our residents have seen during his first years in office. It revealed a Governor who has feelings and emotions and who is a genuine individual just like you and me.
New Jersey’s Special Education Week and Life-Long Needs
BY SalPizzuro
On May 11, 2007, Governor Jon Corzine proclaimed May 13-19 as Special Education Week in New Jersey. The Governor’s proclamation recognizes the achievements of the students, parents, and school personnel. According to the proclamation, Corzine states:
“I call upon all citizens to recognize the achievements of New Jersey’s special education students and the outstanding contributions made by educators, school board members, schools and agencies for the handicapped and parents toward quality education for the exceptional citizens of our state.”
On May 11, 2007, Governor Jon Corzine proclaimed May 13-19 as Special Education Week in New Jersey. The Governor’s proclamation recognizes the achievements of the students, parents, and school personnel. According to the proclamation, Corzine states:
“I call upon all citizens to recognize the achievements of New Jersey’s special education students and the outstanding contributions made by educators, school board members, schools and agencies for the handicapped and parents toward quality education for the exceptional citizens of our state.”
THE NEW JERSEY EQUINE INDUSTRY, 2007
The New Jersey equine industry – valued at more than $3.5 billion – generates $1.1 billion annually in positive impact on the New Jersey economy, according to a new study released by the Rutgers Equine Science Center.
WHAT IS “THE STRIVING READERS ACT OF 2007”? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO NEW JERSEY?
By Alyce Hunter, Ed. D.
On March 22, 2007, Senators Jeff Sessions (R-AL) and Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced “The Striving Readers Act of 2007” (S.958). This bi-partisan action requests the allocation of $200 million in the fiscal year of 2007 with increased funding through 2011 that would expand the initiative to every state. The purpose of this legislation is to focus on literacy at the middle and high school levels. This focus would involve creating adolescent literacy initiatives, such as planning, initiating, implementing, and evaluating programs by local school districts and schools to improve reading and writing skills for students from grades 4 through 12.
On March 22, 2007, Senators Jeff Sessions (R-AL) and Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced “The Striving Readers Act of 2007” (S.958). This bi-partisan action requests the allocation of $200 million in the fiscal year of 2007 with increased funding through 2011 that would expand the initiative to every state. The purpose of this legislation is to focus on literacy at the middle and high school levels. This focus would involve creating adolescent literacy initiatives, such as planning, initiating, implementing, and evaluating programs by local school districts and schools to improve reading and writing skills for students from grades 4 through 12.
THE COALITION AGAINST CORRUPT POLITICIANS (CACP): THE RIGHT MESSAGE, WRONG MESSENGER?
By Michael M. Shapiro
Craig Carton and Ray Rossi, The Jersey Guys from New Jersey 101.5 FM, have launched the Coalition Against Corrupt Politicians (CACP), an anonymous system by which residents of New Jersey can report politicians they believe are engaging in corruption including pension padding and cronyism. The Jersey Guys then investigate the allegations, file Open Public Records Act requests to learn more, and pass on both the allegations of corruption and any evidence they gather to Chris Christie, the United States Attorney for the State of New Jersey. Prominent legislators from both political parties have joined CACP including Senator John Adler (D) and Senator Joe Vitale (D), as well as Tom Kean, Jr. (R) and former Gubernatorial candidate Doug Forrester (R). While CACP is a worthy idea that can provide benefits to the residents of New Jersey, the Jersey Guys are not the most credible or most appropriate individuals to carry the banner to rid our State of political corruption.
Craig Carton and Ray Rossi, The Jersey Guys from New Jersey 101.5 FM, have launched the Coalition Against Corrupt Politicians (CACP), an anonymous system by which residents of New Jersey can report politicians they believe are engaging in corruption including pension padding and cronyism. The Jersey Guys then investigate the allegations, file Open Public Records Act requests to learn more, and pass on both the allegations of corruption and any evidence they gather to Chris Christie, the United States Attorney for the State of New Jersey. Prominent legislators from both political parties have joined CACP including Senator John Adler (D) and Senator Joe Vitale (D), as well as Tom Kean, Jr. (R) and former Gubernatorial candidate Doug Forrester (R). While CACP is a worthy idea that can provide benefits to the residents of New Jersey, the Jersey Guys are not the most credible or most appropriate individuals to carry the banner to rid our State of political corruption.
WHAT IS THE FUTURE FOR LNG IN NEW JERSEY?
By Jessica Hunter
In a recent decision by a U.S. Supreme Court Special Master, Delaware received control over the water along the coastline of New Jersey. This area, mainly Logan Township, has a special interest for the state. BP has proposed a multibillion-dollar deal with Logan Township to build a liquefied natural gas facility there. Most of the facility will be in New Jersey. However a 2,000 foot pier would extend into the Delaware River across the state line and into Delaware. Delaware claimed jurisdiction, therefore it had the right to decide if this plan was to go through. New Jersey also claimed jurisdiction. In 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court appointed Special Master Ralph Lancaster Jr. to decide who had jurisdiction over this area.
In a recent decision by a U.S. Supreme Court Special Master, Delaware received control over the water along the coastline of New Jersey. This area, mainly Logan Township, has a special interest for the state. BP has proposed a multibillion-dollar deal with Logan Township to build a liquefied natural gas facility there. Most of the facility will be in New Jersey. However a 2,000 foot pier would extend into the Delaware River across the state line and into Delaware. Delaware claimed jurisdiction, therefore it had the right to decide if this plan was to go through. New Jersey also claimed jurisdiction. In 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court appointed Special Master Ralph Lancaster Jr. to decide who had jurisdiction over this area.
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