Ed, exactly how do the oil speculators fit into the picture to cause the prices to go up? I’d like a good explanation.

Squeezed

Well, not to get too technical, but it goes something like ... they’re smart and they make money. We’re dumb and we get screwed.—Ed. Note

Everybody in Hamilton, please stop complaining about Mayor Bencivengo. Everyone voted him in, and they complained about Gilmore. The guy is trying to save us tax dollars. The burden was put on him, and now I’m sick and tired of seeing people blaming him. He can’t even show up at an event without being booed. He didn’t create the problem, he’s trying to fix it. It’s our taxes he’s trying to save.

Save Benci

But it’s a favorite pastime to bash the mayor. Don’t take that away from the people.—Ed. Note

Ed, I live in Hamilton Square on Sycamore Way. I’d like to send a message to the person who walks his dog across my front lawn, where the dog relieves himself. When I find out who this person is, and trust me, I will, I will gladly repay the favor with a big delightful scoop from my brother-in-law’s horse.

Scooper

Good luck with that.—Ed. Note

Ed, Well, I’ll be damned, you are racist! I can’t believe it. “He’s more likely to offer something to Palmer.” Did you say that because Palmer is black and so is Barack? You are so full of crap. All of them went for Hillary. Douglas Palmer will get nothing on Barack’s back. He’s going to surround himself with excellent crew as he has done in this campaign. I don’t know if they will be black or white, but he doesn’t choose people because their skin color is black; he chooses them because their mind is working, sharp and alert. One thing we’ll never have to worry about, Ed, he’ll never chose you! That’s for damn sure.

Reading Into It

Good grief. The comment, made in response to a reader’s playful request that Obama take our governor off our hands, was that Obama would be more likely to choose Mr. Palmer for his administration than to choose Gov. Corzine. Palmer, nearing the end of his run as Trenton mayor and coming off a stint in the top post of the mayors’ conference is a man presumed to have lofty political aspirations and is someone with a shot at a post in Obama’s regime, regardless of his prior support of Hillary. Corzine, a bumbling governor, is not a prime candidate. That’s all.—Ed. Note

Ed, the other night my four-year-old grandson was so excited because he was going to his first ballgame, a Thunder game. He decided to wear his Phillies shirt, not knowing it made a difference. He asked Boomer to autograph his shirt, but when Boomer saw it was not a Thunder shirt, he refused to sign. My grandson was devastated and started to cry. I was wondering, what they are thinking? I think Boomer should have been more compassionate. It should have been an honor for him to put his name on that shirt. I don’t understand people sometimes.

Go Phillies

Gotta love those Yankees policies. — Ed. Note

Dear Mr. Note, I would like to thank Lisa from Lakeside Towing for all her help and compassion that she gave our family in our time of need. She reminded me that there is still good in people, and people willing to help others. She went the extra mile for my husband and me, and we appreciated it so much. First, she towed our car after an accident, and then she stood up for my husband, who was terminally ill with cancer and crying from the stress; she did not allow an auto repairman to bully us. I often wonder how many other lives she’s touched with her kindness. My husband died three weeks ago, peacefully at home, and I miss him dearly. He was my best friend, and Lisa was our best friend that terrible day. May God bless you, Lisa, and protect you every day. You are always in my prayers.

In Tow

I love it when they call me Mr. Note.— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m calling about the article about St. Stan’s “hero” Jim Coston going around, trying to get rid of these hoodlum kids in Trenton. It would be nice if we had more police protection, but it would also be nice if when you called the cops to report these kids, that the cops would respond instead of just ignoring the call.

Cop Call

Cut the cops some slack. Let Jim be a hero to nuns.— Ed. Note

Dear Ed, the philosopher Thoreau (author of Walden Pond) stated: “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” He advocated economizing and simplifying our lives. Good advice, especially now when we are having to pay more for almost everything!

Poet Economist

Brilliant.— Ed. Note

Ed, I’m sick and tired of the continuous bashing of our new Hamilton Township mayor. He has not warmed up the chair in his office and yet these unsatisfied imbeciles want to impeach him. There is strong conspiracy in the air, where evil is prevailing with jealousy, and calling him a dog’s name instead of Mr. John Bencivengo! (Meaning in Italian, Good things to come and also welcome.) So please give the gentleman a break, and thank him and his staff for serving us. May God bless them and America.

Don’t Bash Benci

No arguments here. Let him warm the chair.— Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I didn’t know that Hamilton Township had a taxi service. Two out of four of the employees hired by Mayor Bencivengo do not have a driver’s license, and they have to be picked up every day to come to work. Can I get a car to pick me up for work?

Driven

No, you can’t. Don’t ask again. —Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I just found out home heating oil costs $4.60 a gallon, which means $1,200 to fill up up the tank. If we do that a few times, especially if it’s a terrible winter, my thermostat will be set on 55 degrees, and we will huddle over a candle. Gee, it’s so great to be alive with all the progress in this country.

Chilly Willy

Pray for global warming.—Ed. Note

Ed, what’s going on at the Trenton train station? You got a new station and dirty cabs. The drivers need a shave, haircut, some need a bath, the cabs need a bath because they smell. I mean, it doesn’t look right having dirty cabs outside this nice station. What’s the cab inspector doing? He needs to get out there and do his job. And they need someone out there to get the people in these cars instead of drivers jumping out and taking who they want to take. They should take turns. Somebody should be doing this job. Palmer ain’t doing the job.

Well Groomed

Maybe we need another mayors conference in town. That should prompt some regulations — if temporary — on the appearance of our professional drivers.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m responding to the article “Steinert coach (Jordan) was lynched.” I don’t know why you are making him out to be a hero; he was nothing but trouble from Day 1. He brought down the entire Steinert football team in the two years he was there. He’s degrading, the way he treated and talked to the kids, all kids, black, white, whatever. I know firsthand how my son was treated. It’s disgusting you would support someone like that. Good riddance. Thank God he’s out of Steinert. It’s not a race issue, the guy was just a creep. He didn’t know how to teach or coach. He was a fricking loser.

Football Mom

It’s not a race issue. It’s a football issue. OK—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, it seems strange that they want to crucify Coach Jordan for inappropriate “touching” of the 18 year old at Steinert High School. Also it seems strange why nothing was said about an 18-year-old and a 5-year-old. I guess it does matter when your father is a Hamilton Township police officer. Also, whatever happened to the State Trooper case which they swept under the rug? Seems like a lot of “selective” persecution.

Unnatural Selection

Any allegation of sexual misconduct against a teacher must be taken seriously. And if you can oust a losing coach in the process ... how convenient.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, it sure would be nice if Barack Obama would offer something to Corzine. Then we could get him the hell out of the state.

Chief of Staff

He’s more likely to offer something to Palmer. —Ed. Note

Ed, Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine test with which I have no problem. What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don’t have to pass a urine test. Shouldn’t one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their rears, doing drugs, while I work. Can you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check? Something has to change in this country.

Stream of Consciousness

You might be onto something. Or you just have a disturbing fixation on urine.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, has anyone seen the homemade park at the corner of Passaic and Calhoun streets? The kids took Little Tikes playground toys and put them in the park so that they could have somewhere to play! That says a lot about Trenton being the “capital.” Trenton takes what the world makes. Palmer is all politics now, he’s not for the people anymore.

Play Pen

So, Palmer’s a jerk because some kids found a place to play?—Ed. Note

Ed, try this conspiracy theory in Hamilton. Mayor Benci has pledged to target township taxpayers who don’t cut their grass. Before becoming mayor he owned a lawn service. Wonder if he made a deal with his then-competitors: “You support me for mayor, and once elected I will enforce all laws dealing with uncut grass. This will eventually get all of you more business.” I wouldn’t put anything past Benci.

Weedwacker

Why didn’t I think of that? Oh yeah, because it’s stupid.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m a Hamilton Township employee, and I think the rest of the township should get together and impeach Mayor John Bencivengo, our new communist mayor. He has brought nothing but horror and disgrace to Hamilton. Impeach, impeach, impeach.

Red Scare

Communist? Yeah, I heard he was ex-KGB.—Ed. Note

Hi, BackTalk, has anyone out there experienced my kind of problem with Verizon’s customer service or tech support? Verizon installed services for us on June 9, and here it is, June 12, and I’m still on the phone trying to get through with my complaint that the work was not finished. I’ve been left on hold for anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, then told leave my number and they will call back. When they call, there’s another wait and a message to leave my message. For the prices we pay for their service, this is ridiculous, and for the modern technology that we have that can change this, I don’t understand why they cannot satisfy their customers.

On Hold

You expect a phone company to answer the phone? What world are you living in?—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I live and work in Hamilton Township, and I need a ride to work. Anyone interested in making some extra money for their gas, please give me a call. I’ll leave my phone number with Ed.

No Wheels

Yes, callers are standing by at the BackTalk Carpool Hotline.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m looking at your June 20 page 3, “Feds bust alleged sex parlor.” Holy mackerel! Two months of surveillance and they got $600 and arrested two prostitutes? Guess what, after that the price of oil came down, gas came down, health insurance straightened out. What a police department! In the meantime, all the gangs are running around, but they arrested two prostitutes. God almighty, what’s going on, what’s next?

Cop Critic

But what an undercover assignment! How many, er, massages did it take to gather the necessary evidence?—Ed. Note

Shame on you, Gov. Corzine. I bet you stayed up nights thinking of ways to hurt poor people who need some extra help: renters, senior citizens, people who don’t make millions like you do. I hope you aren’t thinking about running for re-election because I wouldn’t vote for you to be dog catcher. And I’m not alone in this opinion. I’m disgusted with you and surprised. I guess the accident must have done something to your head because your brain is rattled.

Corzine Fan Club

He might not make a good dog catcher, but it would be fun to see him in one of those catch-the-greased-pig contests.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m calling about the critics of Mayor Palmer’s pool fees. I’m not defending Palmer, but I lived in Trenton all my life until six years ago, and when I was growing up in Chambersburg 50 years ago, we didn’t have pools or air conditioning. So, if they have to pay a small fee to get in the pool, they should be happy. My generation had to go to Hamilton to the Woodlawn pool, and it wasn’t free, we paid. We never had free pools. So let’s stop feeling sorry because they have to pay. Today, they have everything given to them, and they expect it.

In My Day

While I admire your hard-ass old school approach, there are many Trenton kids who have very little handed to them, and the stakes if we let them go to the dark side. Put me down as pro-free-pool.— Ed. Note

Ed, I just want to say that Trenton Police Director Joseph Santiago’s refusal to have State Police in Trenton is a sign that he has lost control of the city. He needs to have the State Police to help the regular police because they do a hard job and there’s a lot for them to do. As for budget cuts, Santiago needs to stop supplying cars to his family. He needs to admit he’s lost control of the city of Trenton. It is a disgrace.

Control Freak

He wouldn’t admit that even if it were true.— Ed. Note

Ed, I’m calling about L.A. Parker’s article about the Trenton recreation department not doing a good job. He needs to understand it’s not that we don’t care, we are down 13 positions and working with a skeleton crew. It makes it hard for us to keep up the parks, baseball and soccer fields because we’re short-handed. The union and City Hall refuse to fill these jobs, so the grass starts growing higher, garbage starts piling up. We’ve got 10 guys doing work formerly done by 20 guys; we are over-worked and burned. They can’t expect the same job performance, even though we’re working at our max. City Hall is thinking of cutting us down even more. We’re running the pools on a tight budget because Palmer doesn’t want to let money go. They always complain they don’t have money, but if you go down to City Hall you’ll see that every bigwig has a brand-new hybrid car, and part-timers are making $100,000-something a year. Forget pool fees; they should be cutting back in City Hall, especially hybrid cars. Use that money for the pools and to repair parks. How can we do our repairs when our budget is cut and they don’t want to hire, yet they’re buying new cars for City Hall. That’s something you need to investigate.

Burned

L.A. wasn’t criticizing the average guy trying to do the job. He was pointing out a problem with prioritizing issues that make a difference if we’re looking at the long-term health of youth in this city, and thus the long-term health of the city. — Ed. Note

Ed, I’m calling about the $829,000 taken from Local 89. Why isn’t Fred Dumont answering any questions? If he’s the organizer and financial secretary of Local 89, that means he was in control of the books, probably wrote the checks but yet he refers all questions to the union bigwig, Ed Fedorko? I think he should answer that question. Something fishy going on there.

Sniffer

Fred, set this caller straight. We know you’re on the up and up. — Ed. Note

Ed, the dope dealing and prostitution going on in Trenton between South Broad Street and Genesse Street on Beatty Street is unbearable. I don’t know why the police haven’t seen this and done something. Known prostitutes are copping drugs out in the open all day long.

Street Smarts

Be patient. One hooker at a time.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, does anyone know the whereabouts of Judy, a hairdresser formerly at Hair We Go? No one would say where (she is), except that it’s on Route 33. It would be nice if Judy would call some of her regular customers and tell us where she’s working now. I hope someone can help us.

Desperately Seeking Judy

Judy, you’ve left legions of ungroomed patrons in your wake. Have a heart and make your location known.—Ed. Note

Ed, Mayor Bencivengo’s credibility is sinking fast. I work at the State Election Commission, and the staff never changes reports. All we do is scan what the officeholder sends and place it on the Web site. So the mayor is 100 percent wrong about the ELEC staff combining donations of his engineer contributor. The report clearly shows just one name and a total of $600. Why is he trying to blame our hardworking staff?

Scanner

I’m sure it was an honest mistake.—Ed. Note

Ed, it’s the end of year in Hamilton and kids are coming home from middle school having watched movies in all their classes, with no education going on whatsoever. My kid comes home and bored to tears. I don’t understand why the last seven to 10 days of school are just a playground. It’s pretty bad when kids moan about watching a movie instead of reading a book. Wake up, Hamilton.

Movie Critic

Cut the teachers some slack. If they teach right up to the end of the year it will be too much of a shock to their system when summer arrives and they don’t have to do anything. They need to ease into summer.—Ed. Note

Hey Ed, just wanted to let you know, for Hamilton Township’s Fourth of July fireworks, the volunteers firefighters will be standing by. The township doesn’t have to pay anything for the volunteers to stand by and protect the fine people of Hamilton. This is why I am proud of our volunteer firefighters and EMT, as they will go out of their way to help anyone at anytime. I am sure the career firefighters are wishing the volunteers won’t show up so that they can actually show off their uniforms.

Sparks Fly

Hey, we can honor the volunteers without dissing the paid firefighters. Sort out your differences with a pickup basketball game or something.—Ed. Note

Yo, Ed, people are sure taking advantage of this gas crisis. There’s a local Latino store where I stop every day and get half a baked chicken for $3. I went in yesterday and the guy charged me $3.50. I asked when did the price go up? He said “gas high, everything go up, price high.” I said that was ridiculous and walked out. Talk about price gouging, they are raising the price for everything.

Chicken Little

Before you condemn this guy, realize that he probably is paying more for chicken and everything else, and the explanation given to him is that increased fuel prices are driving up the cost of everything. It’s true. Maybe chickens don’t eat oil, but your analysis needs to go a little deeper than that.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I’m the parent of a middle-school student at Kuser School. During the year we donate a lot of time, products and money to the school and their fine old graduation. So, I’m wondering why, when they have a fifth-grade picnic, would they charge these kids $1 for hot dogs?

No Relish

Gas high. Everything go up. —Ed. Note

Ed, The Fourth of July fireworks and celebration in Hamilton Township will be sponsored by Capital Health System. The hospital is paying for the fireworks, but who’s going to pay for all the extra police, paid firemen and ETMs on extra duty? I’d like to know, Mayor Bencivengo. You told us you were going to cut out everything. What about all these extras?

Cheap Skate

Maybe they can fund the firemen through the sale of overpriced chicken and hot dogs. —Ed. Note

Ed, I want to alert everyone to a new kind of thieving going on. Last week I stopped at an area gas station and the attendant charged me for 22 gallons of gas, which I thought was excessive, considering I wasn’t even on empty yet. So I looked in my car’s driver’s manual and found I only have a 19-gallon capacity. When I went back and confronted him, he gave me $10 if that would make me happy. I just want everyone to be aware of this kind of thieving.

Filled Up

If only we could pump our own gas.—Ed. Note

Ed, let’s straighten something out! Real police might put their lives on the line day to day but surely not Hamilton’s police, who have one of the cushiest jobs in the country. Try being a public works employee, working on the side of the road when cars are speeding by at 50-55 mph.

On the Road

On what are you basing your comparison? There are much cushier situations out there for police in this nation. —Ed. Note

Ed, that person who complained about the certificate of occupancy for the apartment should be informed that he doesn’t need one because apartments are regularly inspected. The only time a CO is needed is for new construction or when there’s been a rehabilitation of a building.

Up to Code

That makes sense. Thanks.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, this is for the person who complained because there are no certificate of occupancy inspections in Bordentown. Why don’t you come to Ewing? Because $10 of every single tenant’s rent in one-, two- and three-family houses goes to the inspection department. That’s right, $125 a year from every single tenant goes to the Ewing department of inspections for their five-minute inspections. The first year they were more careful, but now the inspections take about five minutes, and they are in and out. That’s $10 out of every month of my rent, and that needs to stop. Come here and get over-inspected, if you want.

Inspected

Anyone out there feel they’re being inspected just the right amount?—Ed. Note

Ed, for the person looking for stimulus rebate check, have them call 1-866-234-2942 and follow the prompts. It should give them all the information they need.

IRS Hotline

There’s nothing as fun as following the prompts.—Ed. Note

Hello, Ed, I’m a senior citizen living alone on a fixed budget, struggling to pay for food and my prescriptions. I can only go out once a week because of the high price of gas. I think the people of the United States should get together and go protest on Washington’s steps, let Bush and Cheney and everyone in Congress know what we’re going through. I don’t know if it was this bad during the Depression; at least people then didn’t suffer as much with medication costs like today. Everyone’s got high blood pressure and cholesterol. This country is in bad shape. What’s it coming to? We’re going to go into the biggest recession of all time.

Rise Up

I want to feel your pain, but I would venture to say that the Depression was a wee bit rougher than the times we’re facing today, at least so far. Perhaps you should consult an even-more-senior senior citizen who remembers the Depression to put things in perspective for you.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, you know what they call a trial lawyer at the bottom of the ocean? A start. We should add Robin Lord’s name to the list. Miss Lord should have her defendant sue the deceased woman who was killed by the ATV driver for being in his way. Bring back the death penalty and soon, Sen. Turner.

Comedy Act

I didn’t like the verdict any more than you did, but I can’t blame Ms. Lord for being damn good at her job. Your issue is with the prosecution. —Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, tell Gov. Corzine that there are vendors in the food court in downtown Trenton who are charging customers 7 percent sales tax, even though their businesses are located in an Urban Enterprise Zone, where the tax is half or 3.5 percent. These vendors are collecting 7 percent, but I’m sure they are only passing on 3.5 percent to the state and pocketing the other 3.5 percent. This is happening just two blocks from the Statehouse and a few blocks from the State Department of Treasury. Ironically, Treasury employees eat there but do not question these taxes. These vendors should be audited to determine how long this has been going on, and they should be required to reimburse the state for the money collected illegally.

Found Money

Hey, guv! Readers are always telling me to tell you stuff. I know you’re reading this, so I won’t bother to leave you a voicemail. — Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m calling to wish all the deadbeat dads out there a Happy Rotten Father’s Day. Your day will come!

Pay Up

I hate to tarnish a holiday meant to honor all the wonderful dads out there, but your sentiment is dead-on. The deadbeats should take this day to get their heads out of their you-know-whats and do right by the products of their seed. — Ed. Note

Ed Note: I’m calling about your headline, “Innocence Shattered.” C’mon, these boys are going to giggle and chuckle about these memories for the rest of their lives. It wasn’t right for these two dames to do it, but these guys are not as victimized as a girl would be, given a similar situation. Let’s face the facts: Boys are boys and girls are girls. The results are different.

Fact Finder

I guess one can’t argue with the fact that boys are boys. Good work there. But at age 14, any child is incapable of making a wise decision when coerced — you would say enticed — into sex by an adult. Did he enjoy it at the time? Perhaps. Was it good for his psyche — and his eventual development into a well-adjusted adult with a healthy understanding of sexual relationships — not so much. —Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I cannot believe the boy’s parent who cried out about his loss of innocence for having sex with an older woman. Did she force him to have sex at gunpoint? All he had to do was to say no! Parents are so stupid.

Wise Guy

The law is clear — and correct — that adults have a responsibility not to have sex with children. Period. If this were a young girl with a 38-year-old man, you know you’d be singing a different tune. — Ed. Note

Ed, I hope all those legislatorswho repealed the death penalty can’t sleep at night after seeing those two innocent girls in Trenton murdered. What they should have done is enforced the death penalty a little stronger instead of repeal it. Now you’ve got murderers getting out in 15 years, and committing more murders. What goes around comes around.

Enforcer

The sad thing is, they’re sleeping just fine.—Ed. Note

Ed, I recently went looking to rent an apartment in Bordentown City and inquired at a few complexes there. I inquired about a CO (certificate of occupancy) for fire inspection and was told they don’t get them in Bordentown. I thought this was state law. I tried calling the public safety inspector and got no response. I think New Jersey is supposed to protect renters, that the apartments are safe and sound. It appears Bordentown City doesn’t do this. I think the public should know.

Safe T.

Perhaps the inspector was busy inspecting something to keep you safe. Don’t believe everything you hear. —Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’d like to report a good thing in Hamilton. I just came back from the Newhouse Senior Citizen Center and I’d like to commend the staff there for taking such good care of us old people, especially the dining crew. Never a harsh word, and it takes a lot of patience to put up with some of us. I just want to say thank you, ladies, and God bless you all.

Grateful

It’s enough to make one look forward to old age.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m a concerned citizen calling about a senior citizen building downtown on Front Street. A lot of elderly people live there, and during the summer months it’s so hot in there for them. Those hallways are literally like ovens. I think they should fix the air conditioning unit on the roof so they can have central air conditioning.

Cool It

For now, stay out of the hallways.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I’m calling about those stimulus checks they are supposed to send all taxpayers. I did not get mine and I’ve been trying to get through to some department for an answer for the past three days. Have all the checks been sent out, and if not, what number are they working on? They go by the last two digits of your Social Security number. I understood that all the checks were supposed to be sent out in May.

Unstimulated

By the time you get your check it will be worth about 12 gallons of gas.—Ed. Note

Ed, yesterday I received my economic stimulus check, so I went out and bought an air conditioner, which was made in China, for my wife’s bedroom and a bottle of Wild Turkey, which was made in Kentucky, for myself. So, I am keeping the world’s economy moving. Just doing my part!

Chilled

Your “wife’s bedroom”? Are you sleeping on the couch?—Ed. Note

The other day there were several lightning storms and several people had their lines hit by lightning. When you call the telephone company they’ll tell you that if the damage is on the line inside your house, you have to pay for the repair. I don’t understand that. They put the line inside your house. It’s their wires and their hookups. So why shouldn’t the telephone company be responsible for the line inside the house? It doesn’t make any sense.

Dial Tone

Um, it doesn’t have to “make sense” to us. As long as we keep paying it, it makes sense to them.—Ed. Note

This is Dave Martin. I really gotta appreciate what Rick Murray wrote about me in the Memorial Day edition. It took me 40 years and I really put my heart and soul into that book. I really appreciated it.

Author and Marine

For those of you who missed it, the Hamilton native and Vietnam veteran has written “Crazy Asian War,” filled with compelling, chilling and tragic war stories.—Ed. Note

I was out at Mercer County Park watching the soccer stuff all day long and the U-11 Wildcats was the best game I ever saw. And I am like one of these experts in soccer, and they were like fantastic.

Soccer Dad

Like, I’m glad you enjoyed the game. Some of these kids are like amazingly talented.—Ed. Note

How about the Trenton Police Department start doing Zero Tolerance in Chambersburg and get rid of all the crack dealers along Hudson Street, Butler, Elmer, Hamilton Avenue, and also while they’re out there get rid of the crack whores all along South Clinton, Hamilton, Butler, all over the place. It’s getting to look like Times Square around here.

’Burg Watch

Times Square without the pretty lights.—Ed. Note

I’m calling about the reader looking for Desenex to get rid of squirrels. How does Desenex get rid of squirrels? It’s for diaper rash. Squirrels don’t wear diapers. But anyway, they sell it at all supermarkets.

Changing Station

But I’m pretty sure Alvin and the Chipmunks were in diapers at some point.—Ed. Note

I just called to give a big hoo-rah to the Post 530 Robbinsville. At a time when most post are losing members, they started a new post to support the vets. Thank God for our vets, and thank God for America. Now I don’t know if that’s politically correct, but I hope you print it.

Post It

I think it’s still OK to say “thank God for America.” Just don’t say it at school.—Ed. Note

Ed, wanted to let you know what I observed in New Hope. I went to a restaurant, all the bikers were inside having meals and spending money. They come out, and there’s a ticket lady giving tickets to all the motorcycles. Here are these guys that spent 60 or 100 dollars for a meal plus whatever they bought for their wives while they were out there. New Hope doesn’t want motorcycles, they should just put a big sign out there that says there’s “no motorcycles allowed in this town ever again.” I parked in Lambertville and walked over. Maybe next time I’ll just stay in Lambertville.

Easy Rider

If they did a little cost analysis they’d realize bikers are fitting four times the tourism dollars into the same amount of parking.—Ed. Note

I just read in your paper about this 18-year-old cheerleader who died in Hawaii when she fell off a balcony. They awarded over $1.15 million but reduced the amount to $690,000 because she caused her own death. Why the hell should they award anything if she caused her own death? There’s something wrong with the system in this country.

Unsettled

Try telling that to her family.—Ed. Note

Lautenberg’s against drilling for oil in Jersey with gas prices $4 a gallon. I mean, who voted this nut in? This liberal wacko who’s worth $40M can afford Jimmy Carter’s Democrat share-the-shortages prices. We’re talking about getting our oil in America to make us independent. Lautenberg wants us interdependent. In that case stick a drill up Lautenberg’s jackass rear-end.

Texas Tea

Ouch!—Ed. Note

Yeah, I’m calling about the “hidden tax.” Do people understand the definition of “tax” and “deposit”? If you’re so lazy you can’t save up your bottles for a little bit and take ’em over to the center and get your money back, that’s your problem. I’m not an environmentalist crybaby hippy, but it still keeps stuff out of the landfill. It’s a win-win situation and makes sure that stuff gets recycled. Take your butt, drive ’em over there and get your money back, plain and simple.

No Hippy

What if you don’t have a car?—Ed. Note

I’m from Trenton. I’ve been here over 40 years. I would like to know why our president-to-be Obama was not on your newspaper’s front page on June 4 when there is history being made here in America that he is the first black person to run for president. Do we have a problem with acknowledging that we are making history here in the United States of America?

Hope

Obama and his movement are indeed making history. There was no intention to slight his accomplishment.—Ed. Note

Ed, I will never understand why we need these fireworks at Waterfront Park. It’s a total disgrace, the noise we have to deal with on Lamberton Street not to mention what it does to our poor dogs. I cordially invite the mayor and police director to spend the night at my house and see how it feels for us to put up with this. It’s uncalled for. With all the violence and shootings we’re now having, I really don’t think we need any more noise. I’m sure Santiago doesn’t hear the noise where he lives.

Shell Shocked

But the pretty colors. What about the pretty colors?—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I’ve got a question to ask the governor. He’s worried about his budget, well I’d like him to explain who decided that veterans can live on less than $10,000 a year in order to get $250 tax rebates — and that goes for seniors too. This state stinks for veterans; it doesn’t give a damn about anything but its own big healthy pockets. It’s about time somebody told that bum down there it’s been 30 years since they set a $10,000 income limit. Who the hell can live on $10,000 a year?

Dis Gruntled

You give your life for our country, and this is how we thank you. I wish you could live on the thanks and pride we all feel for you.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, as soon as the senior citizens in New Jersey get a little bit extra in their Social Security, all our taxes go up. Then the politicians just fill up their pockets and leave. They’re nothing but crooks.

Grandma

Well, I hope you’ve still got your health, at least.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I wonder if you can do me a favor. I have a console organ that I would like to donate to a church or nonprofit organization. It is in good condition. If anyone is interested, they would have to move it. I’m leaving my phone number with you in case someone contacts you.

Organ Donor

The better question is, who DOESN’T need an extra organ or two?—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I just learned the state commissioner of the Babe Ruth League and the district commissioner will not do any investigation into the problems that Ewing Babe Ruth baseball is having with their president and vice president running the league like a dictatorship. I just want to be put on record to let the people know that when there’s no league next year in Ewing, they will only have to look to the state commissioner and district commissioner to blame because they won’t lift a finger to investigate or help.

Strikeout

You’re on the record. —Ed. Note

Ed, with so many layoffs in Hamilton Township, how does this mayor have the nerve to hire a personnel officer, and he’s a relative, even though their names are not the same. So we’re going right back to the old way, friends and relatives! This is going to be Bencivengoville, not Hamilton. It’s disgusting how one politician is as bad as the next. Isn’t there anything the people can do? He’s going to be a one-term mayor, that much I know. It’s all people are talking about. He thinks he’s getting away with this, but people can see through his scheme of “saving Hamilton money.”

Hamiltonian

I prefer “Benciville” to Bencivengoville. Has more of a ring to it. But give the guy at least a full year before you judge his ability to run the town’s finances. —Ed. Note

Ed, what happened to all the American flags we used to fly after 9/11? Have Americans become that complacent? Don’t they realize we’re still at war and our men are still fighting over there? I rarely see an American flag at a home any more. C’mon everybody, our boys are dying over there, so get those flags up!

The Patriot

It was nice to see them flying everywhere. Let’s hope we don’t need another act of terror to kick off another rush of patriotism.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I want to thank Faith Baptist Church for a beautiful Memorial Day service. Everything was excellent. Luncheon was perfect and the program was out of this world. I want to thank Pastor Wood for picking me and taking me back. I enjoyed every minute.

Grateful

A fine job by a fine church.—Ed. Note

Irving Bradley, what in the deuce were you thinking when you were taking a City of Trenton vehicle out on a personal cruise and shopping spree? That car crash cost me and my people money. And then Santiago turns around and you receive another City of Trenton vehicle the day after. This is a crazy, crazy world we live in. Somebody get me out of here, I’m running for the hills.

Outta Here

The city’s rules allow him to take the car pretty much wherever. Your issue is as much with the policy as with Mr. Bradley.—Ed. Note

Ed, tell the residents of Hamilton to brace themselves for a civilian police director. There’s one on the way. Just read between the lines of Mayor Benci’s police transition report. Then consider the report architects: an ex-Hamilton deputy chief who didn’t get the chief’s job he wanted, retired and later became a police director in Hunterdon; an ex-Trenton deputy chief (and Robbinsville resident, mind you) who was derailed by a police director while on his way to the supposedly promised chief’s job; and one of Mayor Benci’s vacation buddies, who was an FBI agent. My prediction: These guys shook the trees to see if anything would fall down, so that one of them can finally get the big job that has eluded them. Should they fail, Sgt. Recine is salivating in the wings for a cell phone call from Mayor Benci. After all, from past newspaper reports, we know the mayor has his number.

Keep The Chief

The administration said in a recent article that there is no truth to the rumor of a civilian police director.—Ed. Note

Ed, people in New Jersey do want to help with stem cell research, they just don’t want the government overseeing it. Private companies can raise the money. People are tired of paying out money and taxes being raised. Some private industry will or should take care of it.

The Cure

You mean you don’t trust the government to manage your money?— Ed. Note

Ed, my nephew was in the used-car business for 20 years on Route 130 and dealt with the Yardville National Bank. When PNC Bank took over, they closed him down in two days. First they said it was OK, then called him back and said they changed their minds. He is not some fly-by-night businessman. After 20 years in the same location, he proved his worth. With the economy at its lowest, they closed him down just when the warm weather arrived and he could have made it work. All I can say to other businesses is, stay away from PNC. They have no foresight. Thanks for letting me vent. My nephew is devastated.

Their Loss

Listen, that bank had its reasons for denying your nephew. He need not be devastated. If you’re right about all his credentials, then another bank will be glad to service him. Lord knows there is no shortage of banks competing for business.— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, this is a message for Bill Guhl. If you want to save money for Hamilton Township, cut your $150,000 salary because from what I can see, you make more than any of the state department heads. If the state can pay its employees less, then the township can pay you and the mayor less, instead of increasing your salaries — which is what you did!

Cash Envy

He may well be worth his salary. It’s just like with your accountant — he should save you more than you pay him. — Ed. Note

Ed, I saw on CNN that a town in Ohio has parked its police cars and now uses scooters and golf carts. Their police cars are used only for emergencies. I think Hamilton Township should do the same because the police only use their cars to go to Dunkin’ Donuts, WaWa and maybe the local pizza pie place. I don’t even think Mayor Bencivengo needs a township car. He could take a golf cart from the municipal building to his 55-and-older residence.

Little Engine

Hondas for the officers, Vespas for sergeants.—Ed. Note