By: Michael Shapiro
New York PIRG has created a Straphanger's Campaign, www.straphangers.org, in the State that provides information to commuters, including how to best file complaints, a blog for commuters to discuss issues, and methods for them to become active in transit issues for the betterment of all riders. In New Jersey, no such organization exists to assist the approximately 800,000 daily commuters who take modes of transportation offered by New Jersey Transit every day. Given the frustrating experiences encountered on New Jersey Transit, an organization devoted to such issues would be welcomed by the commuter.
STATE CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (SCHIP) DEBATE
By: Hank Butehorn
Democrats (and many left leaning Republicans) are continuing their campaign to increase government provided health insurance; a step in their march towards socialized medicine. The current front in this debate revolves around the reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
Democrats (and many left leaning Republicans) are continuing their campaign to increase government provided health insurance; a step in their march towards socialized medicine. The current front in this debate revolves around the reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
IMPACT OF BUDGET CUTS ON CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
By: Sal Pizzuro
New Jersey’s Division on Civil Rights (DCR) has cut back on services when investigating complaints of employment and housing discrimination violations that have occurred against people with disabilities.
New Jersey’s Division on Civil Rights (DCR) has cut back on services when investigating complaints of employment and housing discrimination violations that have occurred against people with disabilities.
LOVING THE THUNDER
By: Michael Riccards
No position is more difficult to fill than major league pitcher, and it seems that no high level team has had more problems with pitiching than the New York Yankees. Even with their nearly a quarter billion dollar payroll, they have not managed to find dependable starters or finishers. With the hitting somewhat sporadic, that failing has led them to a terrible showing at All Star time.
No position is more difficult to fill than major league pitcher, and it seems that no high level team has had more problems with pitiching than the New York Yankees. Even with their nearly a quarter billion dollar payroll, they have not managed to find dependable starters or finishers. With the hitting somewhat sporadic, that failing has led them to a terrible showing at All Star time.
THE LOSS OF JUDGMENT IN MODERN AMERICA
By: Michael Riccards
Benjamin Franklin once observed that he opposed anything that led to the debasement of the common people. Thank God, the Sage isn’t living now. We have seen in the last several weeks some incredible examples of debasement, debasement that you and I probably have contributed to.
Benjamin Franklin once observed that he opposed anything that led to the debasement of the common people. Thank God, the Sage isn’t living now. We have seen in the last several weeks some incredible examples of debasement, debasement that you and I probably have contributed to.
THE DECLARATION IN NEW JERSEYB
By: Michael Riccards
On late July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was printed in Philadelphia, and Congress ordered that copies be sent “to the several Assemblies, Conventions, and Committees or Councils of Safety, and to the several Commanding officers of the Continental troops.” Messengers were sent by horseback to all thirteen states and one of the first readings of the Declaration was in Trenton New Jersey on July 8. On July 10, 2007, there was a re-reading to celebrate that event where it first took place on Warren Street which was then the site of a court house. Across is the street is now a mural of that meeting. Hall Institute’s Richard Lee has taken a photo of it and that is enclosed here.
On late July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was printed in Philadelphia, and Congress ordered that copies be sent “to the several Assemblies, Conventions, and Committees or Councils of Safety, and to the several Commanding officers of the Continental troops.” Messengers were sent by horseback to all thirteen states and one of the first readings of the Declaration was in Trenton New Jersey on July 8. On July 10, 2007, there was a re-reading to celebrate that event where it first took place on Warren Street which was then the site of a court house. Across is the street is now a mural of that meeting. Hall Institute’s Richard Lee has taken a photo of it and that is enclosed here.
NJ DEATH PENALTY COMMISSION
By: Dudley Sharp
The New Jersey Death Penalty Commission made significant errors within its findings. The evidence, contrary to the Commissions findings, was so easy to obtain that it appears either willful ignorance or deception guided their report.
The New Jersey Death Penalty Commission made significant errors within its findings. The evidence, contrary to the Commissions findings, was so easy to obtain that it appears either willful ignorance or deception guided their report.
BEING NEW JERSEY
By: Michael P. Riccards
Dennis Gale of the Rutgers Department of Public Administration and Political Science has provided a rather interesting volume in the “Metropolitan Portraits” series. He concentrates on how New Jersey lives in the shadow of New York City. This state has the country’s densest population in the North Jersey area which is influenced economically, politically, and socially by its proximity to the greatest city in the nation .
Dennis Gale of the Rutgers Department of Public Administration and Political Science has provided a rather interesting volume in the “Metropolitan Portraits” series. He concentrates on how New Jersey lives in the shadow of New York City. This state has the country’s densest population in the North Jersey area which is influenced economically, politically, and socially by its proximity to the greatest city in the nation .
AN INTRIGUING LATE SUMMER/FALL COULD BECOME EXCITING
BY: Michael M. Shapiro
The main Republican contenders are Rudy, John and Mitt. On the Democratic side, they are Hillary, Obama and John. Polls reveal that Democrats are more content with their frontrunners than Republicans are with theirs. However, there are nagging doubts whether any of the three main Democratic contenders can win a general election and serious reservations regarding a Clinton general election run, mostly for that reason. The Republican field is regarded as weak, with no candidate gaining support of the Party's base. In both races, there is significant intrigue building as to whether other candidates will run. In addition, a third-party candidate could have serious repercussions for the major party nominees and perhaps win more support than any third-party efforts to date in our nation's history.
The main Republican contenders are Rudy, John and Mitt. On the Democratic side, they are Hillary, Obama and John. Polls reveal that Democrats are more content with their frontrunners than Republicans are with theirs. However, there are nagging doubts whether any of the three main Democratic contenders can win a general election and serious reservations regarding a Clinton general election run, mostly for that reason. The Republican field is regarded as weak, with no candidate gaining support of the Party's base. In both races, there is significant intrigue building as to whether other candidates will run. In addition, a third-party candidate could have serious repercussions for the major party nominees and perhaps win more support than any third-party efforts to date in our nation's history.
AUTOMATED CALLS IN NEW JERSEY POLITICS:
By: Michael Shapiro
You’ve received them. I’ve received them. I’ve even recorded and used them: those automated calls that emanate around election time. As annoying as they may be, they are a quick, efficient, and cost-effective way for a candidate or a resident to bring an issue or a candidacy to the public’s attention. A ban on automated calls amounts to greater incumbent protection as it is usually the incumbent officeholder who has the wherewithal and campaign donations to be able to send out glossy mailings, run radio and television commercials, and afford a sophisticated door-to-door operation. Candidates who take on incumbents have few tools at their disposal to get their message out, especially in areas where the local press is either nonexistent or “bought and paid for.” As a result, the automated call is one of very few equalizing forces in New Jersey politics, allowing all candidates to reach voters without a significant monetary expenditure. That said, restrictions on automated calls are necessary to curb abuse.
You’ve received them. I’ve received them. I’ve even recorded and used them: those automated calls that emanate around election time. As annoying as they may be, they are a quick, efficient, and cost-effective way for a candidate or a resident to bring an issue or a candidacy to the public’s attention. A ban on automated calls amounts to greater incumbent protection as it is usually the incumbent officeholder who has the wherewithal and campaign donations to be able to send out glossy mailings, run radio and television commercials, and afford a sophisticated door-to-door operation. Candidates who take on incumbents have few tools at their disposal to get their message out, especially in areas where the local press is either nonexistent or “bought and paid for.” As a result, the automated call is one of very few equalizing forces in New Jersey politics, allowing all candidates to reach voters without a significant monetary expenditure. That said, restrictions on automated calls are necessary to curb abuse.
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