National Holiday for 300 Million Population

Gestapo Tactics on the New Jersey Garden State Parkway

Gestapo Tactics on the New Jersey Garden State Parkway

I received a summon for failing to pay a 70 cent toll on the New Jersey Garden State Parkway from the E-ZPass New Jersey Customer Service Center.

I remember the occasion because it was on an automobile trip to south Jersey with my brother on Friday, January 18, 2008. At one toll booth there was no positive response from the machine after I threw my 70 cents into the machine. My brother gave me an additional quarter to throw in the bucket which I did, for a total of 95 cents thrown into the bucket, but we still got no response from the toll both machine to proceed. A sign said when that occurs to honk the car horn, wait 10 seconds and then proceed, which we did.

In fact when I travel on toll roads I bring a baggy with coins in it. We look for signs on how much it is because it does vary along the Garden State Parkway or other toll roads and bridges, and when we find the sign my brother digs the exact change amount from the baggy and hands it to me and I verify the amount before I throw it into the bucket.

I called the customer service phone and was told if I wanted to dispute the violation, I must send them another 70 cents for that particular toll but not the $25 fine and fill in the dispute form on the back of the "Notice of Enforcement Action". I told her that I felt violated in having to send in the 70 cent toll payment and she told me I was getting off lucky in not paying the $25 fine. I told her I was not being personal but I felt screwed and she asked if there was anything she could do for me. She said I do not have proof that I paid the toll. I told her machines occasionally fail and that she does not have proff that I did not pay the toll. And this does not really mean that it is all over because I guess if I do send in my 70 cents it still has to be approved by someone.

It is not the money. 70 cents is not a lot of money. It is all about right and wrong.

Since I received my drivers license in 1965, I tended to avoid toll rolls but now I will work harder to avoid them. When I must use one, I will go to the cash lane of the toll booth and hand it over to a toll booth attendant.

I heard about many nightmares with E-ZPass from their customers and now this. Governor Corzine this must be fixed. I am sure many others cringe when they face this unjustice. You are not going to raise funds by screwing people but you will wind up with lower than expected.

This is just another nail in the New Jersey coffin, another reason for New Jersey residents to relocate to other states.

posted by God Bless America - Bob @ 5:09 PM 0 comments

Republicans Deny Expanding Food Stamps

Republicans Deny Expanding Food Stamps

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h19_YeGzwzlmJhx42iIA7nJF0_UAD8UCAGKO0

How mean can Republicans get when they force increasing Food Stamps to be taken off of the table in the House during talks about an economic stimulus plan for the United States economy.
Food stamps is an active Federal and state program that provides a debit card to individuals and families with low income to purchase food. There are income requirements to determine whether or not the applicant is eligible and if eligible how much should be paid if anything for the monthly food stamp allowance.

All of us have seen the recent price increases in just about everything in the supermarket. Our food supply is now in competition with the ethanol business, where 20% of our corn now supplies ethanol production as well as other food products such as wheat and sugar. Transportation, health, housing, and heating costs have gone through the roof as well. Many of us are struggling but making it, while others are not.

One of the congresswomen mentioned that a constituent told her that she had 3 jobs: one to pay the mortgage, one to pay for heat, and one to buy gas to get to the other 2 jobs. There are a lot of people facing similar choices of buying food and maintaining a balanced diet, and staying warm at home, and paying the rest of the bills on time. 23 million are lucky to obtain the Food Stamp benefit right now. But the program should be increased to allow a bigger benefit and the income threshold should be increased to reflect better the rampant price increases affecting low income individuals. Then these people would feel better about the economy and better assist in the economic problems. They would better manage their cash if they have any, assisting the economy also.

There are 37 million Americans suffering food insecurity (hunger) and 23 million receiving Food Stamps which means to me that the Food Stamp program is not reaching as many as they should to begin with.

People with poor food choices get sick more frequently and develop chronic diseases causing further health expense exceeding the Food Stamp cost by far. The children do not do as well in school as those receiving adequate food.

The Republican House leaders should be condemned for using Food Stamps as a bargaining chip in trying to create a national economic stimulus plan for America. In fact is not only mean but rotten for them to do it. They stink and make it appear that all Republicans stink. The more moderate Republicans should straighten them out.

Everyone sould sound off in emails to their Republican elected officials including President Bush.

posted by God Bless America - Bob @ 1:04 PM 0 comments