Backtalkers continue to respond in force to comments made here regarding the conditions in nursing homes. Another sampling follows ....—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, here’s more on nursing homes and hospitals. My father was in a nursing home that was supposed to be one of the best. We paid several thousand dollars each month for his care, but every time I visited I noticed bruises on his hands and arms and so on. I complained to everybody, even the doctor, and nothing was done. I could not keep him at home because the private nurse we had caring for him could not lift him into a chair; he was a big man. They had a machine at the nursing home to do this. Also my mother was in a nursing home in Hamilton. People judge this nursing home by its name, which is supposed to mean the best care. That name is a laugh. They would put her clothes on every day without even bathing her and take her down for therapy. Hospitals are another sad story I won’t even touch. I don’t know what’s wrong with this country, but the medical world has certainly gone down the sewer.

Ed, I’m calling in response to some of the nursing home horrors printed in BackTalk. I’m a registered nurse at a nursing home, and I do agree that families should come as often as they can. But there should be no generalization that nursing homes don’t care. Most of us became nurses and attendants because we do care about people. I also suggest that families hang up pictures of the patient when they were younger in their room. Nursing staff needs to be reminded that before they became sick and old, they were someone’s mother, father, sister, brother, and child, and they lived a life and were loved. I find that keeps things in perspective for myself when I become overburdened with my nursing duties.

Hi, Ed, not all nursing homes are bad. I had an experience with my mother, now deceased, who was in a nursing home where the staff was good. (My father ended up in a nursing home where they treated him terrible and stole everything from him). But I’d like to comment on Mercer County welfare and social services. I believe they are in bed together with some of these nursing homes. They told me to get my mother, throw her in a cardboard box, pay $500 for a state funeral and give the rest of the money from the sale of my mother’s house to the nursing home, which was pretty sad. I found out from a friend who worked at a nursing home that I could have used the last $8,000 to $10,000 from her home for her funeral and given the rest of the money to the nursing home. That way I could bury her with a proper funeral, which is what we ended up doing. Anybody in this situation definitely ought to see an attorney who knows what they’re doing because our attorney apparently didn’t. The factory where my mother worked had closed and moved away, and all of her life insurance documents were missing.

Ed, I’d like to expose a county-run nursing home that is the pits. starting with the administrators on down. I had a loved one there by default. Not only are the administrators crooked but they conspired with lawyers to drain the assets of our elderly. My loved one was charged $6,000 a month only to have meals placed before him that were very unhealthy. They over-medicate and drain them dry. They only hire uneducated minorities as caregivers. The administration is horrible; they steal, lie and try to put down dementia as the problem. They were medicating my loved one, and he was not demented. Everyone, please do not send your loved ones to a nursing home or you will have to stay on top and chart every single thing. Please expose them, Ed.

Hello, Ed, I have to give my side to complaints about “nursing home horrors.” I’ve worked nine years at Mill House as the admissions director, and all I have to say to these people and you is, what about state surveys of nursing homes? We are surveyed once a year. We get a report card from the state Department of Health and Senior Services. I suggest that families go on the Web site to medicare.gov, and then go to nursing homes to see how they are rated. I urge you to look at Milll House; we are proud of our nursing home and that we pass every year with flying colors. We do a good job, we work hard. There are some good and bad in everything, but you need to hear the other side. And if families have problems, they can call the state ombudsman for the elderly. Why would they let their loved ones be hurt in a nursing home when there are avenues you can go and have them reported. I feel we’re getting a bad rap, and it’s upsetting because I know we’re doing a good job.

Ed, Trenton’s got a fiscal deficit, no money, no contracts for police or fire, the closing of libraries. So how is it that the directors received at least a $6,000-$10,000 raise? Why were they given raises and why wasn’t the public made aware? You need to look at the directors who got those raises and what they do. You’d be really surprised.

Accounting

So you want accountability and fairness? Good luck.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I find it outrageous that New Jersey invested $180 million in Lehman Brothers stock in June 2008. It was invested by the director of the division of investments. How could that be? Everyone knew because of the subprime mortgage mess that Lehman was hit deep, and now the state’s lost half of that money. The state needs to do some explaining to the people of New Jersey as to why we taxpayers are going to have to cover that investment.

Answers

Someone should be fired.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, well, Santiago finally resigned. What did it cost Trenton to defend him? How many thousands of dollars of taxpayers’ money. We could we have kept one library open with that money, or maybe two.

What a Waste

Maybe he’ll make a donation back to the city to thank taxpayers for funding him during his ordeal. They can rename one of the branches the Joe Santiago Library.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, it’s a very great day in Trenton now that Santiago has resigned. But where do he and Palmer get off saying Trenton is a safer city, that he reduced crime 50 percent? Each and every day I see in your paper that there’s still muggings, robberies and shootings going on, so how can the city of Trenton be safer? I foresee a scam: He’s coming back to be appointed acting director to circumvent the residency law. And is Palmer living in Trenton each and every night? I know someone who lives on the same street and he never sees Palmer.

Doubt

That’s two votes so far for “Santiago isn’t really gone.” We’ll see.—Ed. Note

Ed, Santiago is gone and Doug Palmer is going to appoint Capt. Reister as temporary director. After the City Council amends the residency law, Palmer will bring Santiago back. Mark my words! That’s straight out of City Hall. I was there.

Insider

Just when you thought the saga was finally over ....—Ed. Note

Ed, I went to pay a traffic ticket at the police station and I had a really bad experience with three security guards, who were very nasty and subjected me to humiliation and said I was nothing. I can’t believe the way they acted. There were witnesses working there, but no one came out to make them stop.

Not Nothing

Sorry you had to go through that. But don’t lump all guards into the same category.—Ed. Note

If an immigrant is over 65 they can apply for SSI and Medicaid and get more than my mom (in her 80s) gets for Social Security, and she worked from 1944 until 2004, and gets $791 per month because she was born before 1924 and there is a “catch 22.” It is interesting that the federal government provides a single refugee with a monthly allowance of $1,890 and each can also obtain an additional $580 in social assistance for a total of $2,470 a month. Compare this to a single pensioner, who after contributing to the growth and development of America for 40-50 years, can only receive a monthly maximum of $1,012 in old age pension and guaranteed income supplement. Maybe our pensioners should apply as refugees! All older Americans must demand that any person who actually worked for their Social Security gets at least as much as an alien — if not more!

Ain’t that America

It doesn’t seem right, but at least there’s still money in the Social Security fund for her. You might be out of luck when you’re 80.—Ed. Note

Ed, please pass this message on to Vinny Capodanno in Hamilton. Vinny, rally up the troops in Hamilton Township. Let’s get together and let the administration know that we are not going to pay up every time someone, like the mayor, makes a mistake. It’s getting very expensive living in Hamilton because we are always stuck paying for their errors. Make them find another way to get the money, not always from the poor taxpayers. Call a meeting, Vinny, and let’s all get together to protest and let them know we’re not going to be guinea pigs all the time.

“Disgruntled Seniors”

Vinny, we know you’re reading this. —Ed. Note

Ed, I just moved my family here to Bordentown and I’ve been reading your newspaper’s police beat. These police making a lot of arrests for drugs. I didn’t realize I moved my family to such a drug-infested community. Is it safe here? I’m worried. Maybe I should go back to the state I came from.

New in Town

Drugs are everywhere, but there’s two ways to look at it. The police activity noted in the blotter indicates that crime is happening, but also that the police are successfully cleaning it up.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m calling to ask if any of your readers knows whether my quarter from 1965, which I believe is genuine silver, has any value before I spend it. Thanks.

Coin Collector

I’m pretty sure it’s worth at least 25 cents. —Ed. Note

Ed, every time I go to a supermarket in Bordentown, I find outdated items on the shelves. When I make my returns, I find others also making returns for outdated products. They need to go through the shelves and remove outdated merchandise. My product was baby food, and if I had fed that to my daughter, I would have sued their pants off.

Litigious Larry

To the store in question, clean up your shelves!— Ed. Note

Ed, a friend of mine was jailed for a weekend in the Mercer County Corrections Center in Lambertville, and he told me that when you are admitted, you cannot wear your own underclothes. They give you underclothes that belong to the county and that are stained because they were worn by other people. I know incarcerated people are being punished for crimes, but that’s not sanitary. Why would they have to wear other peoples’ underwear? That’s really pathetic. Is money that scarce, and if it is, why can’t inmates wear their own underwear?

Fruit of the Loom

Let’s at least hope the MCCC cleans the drawers first.— Ed. Note

Ed, I’ve been a registered Republican my entire life and I’ve always lived in New Jersey. I voted twice for President Ronald Reagan and even campaigned for his second term. I am voting for Barack Obama. Why? Because he reminds me of Reagan; he gives us new hope. He’s going to make us strong as a nation, not just in the United States but throughout the whole world. And I’m hoping that he wins. Thanks for letting me voice my opinion.

Reaganobamamaniac

In that Barack is a charismatic persona with a natural talent for uniting and motivating masses, there is, now that you mention it, a similarity. His politics, not so much. But we do need a leader. Thanks for your thought-provoking opinion.— Ed. Note

Ed, we live in Hamilton and we want to know what’s with the water here? It smells like it’s chlorinified. It’s unbelievable. Is that a mistake or is it safe?

Thirsty

Unfortunately, the chemical we use to keep the water from containing microorganisms that make us sick is also a chemical that is toxic in large doses and smells repulsive to those with chemical sensitivity. Count your blessings and be glad your Hamilton water doesn’t give you diarrhea.— Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, what’s going on with the Hamilton Township Health Department? I work here, and I understand the health officer has been suspended or fired. What’s going on? Is this town nothing but one big cover-up? We see nothing in the paper.

Can you help, Ed?

HamiltonianComing soon: new Hamilton reporter. We’ve said it before, but RIP Rick Murray.— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m calling about the casino in Pennsylvania. If people are dumb enough to walk away from a machine, knowing they have money left in it, then that should be their loss. Money is money. Don’t blame others and don’t be stupid.

Unforgiving

I guess you can blame a drunk gambler, if you want, for not attending to his or her cash. But it would be nice to think that other drunk gamblers would have the goodness to report lost funds and not pocket them. Regardless, the law disagrees with you and that’s why it ends up in the police blotter. — Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, a lot of people in Trenton are wondering what’s that burning smell. It smells like wood burning. We’ve been smelling it since last Aug. 29, and nobody knows the source. It hasn’t been on the news or radio. We thought Trenton was on fire. Maybe one of your readers knows?

Nose for News

Anyone else smell something? Anyone know what it is?— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I just want to tell you that St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton has the best emergency room and staff. We rushed over there when my daughter got sick at night, and they were so sweet, nice, and helped her. Everyone was wonderful. There was an African doctor and she helped us so much. They were even taking care of homeless people and people with no money, and they were just as respectful to them as they were to everyone else. I want everyone to know.

Cared For

Doctors have such a hard job. It’s so beautiful when they do it well.— Ed Note

Ed, has anyone seen the Trenton Public Schools Web site? Trenton is really on the move to getting our children the proper education they need. They did the back-to-school drive for book bags and uniforms. I even got a letter from my children’s teachers stating their goals for this school year and welcoming them back to school. Why can’t we have one of their success stories on the front page of our local newspaper?

Good News

The success story isn’t a successful PR campaign or any well-articulated “plans” or “goals.” The success story will be results — more students achieving high test scores and (legitimate) good grades coupled with less violence and no more corruption. The talk — or written promises — is all well and good, but cheap. — Ed. Note

Ed, it’s 11:30 a.m. and I’m walking down Broad Street toward the state capitol. I cannot believe the appalling litter all over the street. Is there no leadership in this city anymore when it comes to pride and appearance? This is another reason why Mayor Palmer should be out of office.

Trash Talker

Did you pick any of it up?—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, the downtown Trenton Post Office is an absolute disgrace. I waited 45 minutes to pick up one letter. When I left there was one clerk working and 30 people in line at 10:15 a.m. Where is the postmaster? If I could pick up my mail someplace else, I would, but it’s the only post office I have. Someone should look into this, it’s an absolute disgrace.

On Line

Hey, in the old days that letter would have taken weeks to arrive by horse, and those 45 minutes would have been negligible.—Ed. Note

Ed, the person who keeps complaining about bed bugs at Pond Run housing needs to stop. This problem was dealt with. I am a Pond Run resident, along with 130-140 others. Those few who had the problem had it taken care of; no one else is talking about it. There’s no infestation, so why does this one person keep harping? If the building was so infested, all of us would have moved out.

Sleeping Tight

That’s good news, but the person who is complaining must not be sleeping in the same bed you are. Maybe the bugs are surviving in pockets.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I just read that the New York Giants and Jets are getting a new stadium with a German company that helped the Nazis in World War II. My dad fought them, and I don’t care if they have made amends, they do not belong in America, just like we don’t need Muslim names on any of our buildings. It’s about time we Americans stood up for our rights and said enough of foreign influence in this country.

All American

I can’t argue with your holding a grudge against a specific company responsible for aiding the Nazis, but there’s a big difference between doing that and condemning all Muslims for the actions of extremist terrorists. —Ed. Note

Ed, now that Sheriff Larkin has admitted he used a county vehicle for personal business, I hope County Executive Brian Hughes has disciplinary action in mind for him. I personally know county employees who were suspended for misuse of their county vehicles. He should not have a different standard than anyone else. Discipline the sheriff and make it public so we know we can trust him.

Penalizer

Let me guess, you’re voting for McSorley?—Ed. Note

Hey Ed, let me get this straight: the Mercer County sheriff makes $130,000 and he needs a part-time job? If he gets hurt on his part-time job protecting the senior citizen housing, is the county liable?

Job Hunter

Good question.—Ed. Note

Ed, I live in Ewing, and I’d like to congratulate Trenton’s Police Director Joseph Santiago and all the Trenton police for their Zero Tolerance effort. I think it’s wonderful and showing our law enforcement actually cares. When is Ewing going to do that same thing? The township is overrun with drugs and gangs just like Trenton. Ewing police claim they know what’s going on but they refuse to do anything when residents call: They don’t show up or they show up too late. Maybe Santiago can come over and do a little training in Ewing.

Taking Direction

Nope. You can’t have him. He’s our ousted director and we’re not letting him go.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, this is about mismanagement of money in Trenton. While I read about the closing of the Trenton libraries and what the city has spent on things like the ridiculous sculpture at the train station, our priorities are definitely going the wrong way. How can we expect our youth to pursue their education and stay on track while taking away a learning tool that a library provides. Mayor Palmer’s answer is “the city suffers through hard times.” This is important, Doug. Stick around your town and fix it.

Make It Work

Think we can trade that sculpture for a few new port-a-potties for our libraries?—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, how about saving the libraries with a special lottery? That would be a good idea for Trenton. I would certainly participate.

Bookie

Now you’re getting the state involved. Great.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, don’t close the libraries, they are the poor man’s university. People who can’t afford to go to college can still learn things at the free library. It’s very important to keep them open. Find the money cuts somewhere else.

Poor Man’s Professor

Perhaps you’re better off looking to the private sector to save the libraries. Someone needs to get organized. Fast. Waiting for the government to fix everything isn’t a safe plan. —Ed. Note

Ed, I can’t believe they are going to close down Trenton public libraries. The mayor and governor need to be ashamed. The library is the pulse of our community. I grew up in the library. I started when I was 5, and I’m still a card-carrying library person. Kids go there after school for computers and reading programs. This is an outrage. Please stop this from happening.

Bookworm

It is almost unbelievable. We all share your hope that there’s a solution to stop the closures.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I want to know why it took Trenton police 24 hours to respond to a shooting that occurred Sept. 2 on Prospect Street. I can look down the street and see the big bullet holes in the wall. Mr. Santiago, where was everyone right after the shooting? Why did it take the cops and sheriff’s department 24 hours to respond? Where was everyone, eating donuts and drinking coffee?

Day Late

If that wall was the only victim in this shooting, there was probably another incident with a human victim that took priority.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I have a big problem with Public Service Electric & Gas. They have been estimating my bill outrageously high. They claim they come to my place and make an official reading, but my bill says “estimate.” To get an official reading they have to get my key because the meter is gated. I haven’t seen a PSE&G meter reader since last winter. Why are they doing this to us? Some type of official needs to investigate, maybe the Better Business Bureau or the feds, because they are bullying people into pay outrageous rates for a wrong estimate.

Estimated

Call PSE&G and schedule a meter reading for a time you can be home.—Ed. Note

Ed, with all the airline luggage fees, my toddler and I brought only a backpack each on our recent trip to Miami. Safety being the priority, we were two stops out from Newark before I realized my daughter had left her backpack on the platform at Newark Liberty International Airport. I went to the train conductor, who radioed back to the station. Amazingly they still had it and turned it over to police. We doubled back on the next train free of charge, the next conductor as kind and understanding as the first. Back in Newark, my girl’s eyes filled up when she saw the police had her backpack with her favorite stuffed Ariel inside safe and sound. I can’t tell you how impressed and grateful I am to everyone, from the attendant who picked it up to the cops who gave my girl her smile back!

Precious Cargo

A heartwarming story of travel in America. You should be in a commercial for Newark Liberty International.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m the concerned parent of an inmate at the Garden State Youth Correctional Facility. Can you or anyone out there tell me who I can talk to about my son, who has a severe medical impairment that requires attention. He went for help and was turned down. They told him he has to fill out a medical slip. If he’s sick and can’t get help, who does he turn to if the corrections officers are cussing him out, and they’re supposed to be the ones helping him.

Visitation

Any BackTalkers out there with children in custody who have special needs?—Ed. Note

Ed, this is for you or any of your readers. I spilled nail polish on my new sheets, and nail polish remover will not take it out. Anybody got any suggestions?

Manicure

It won’t come out. You need to dip the entire sheet in nail polish. You’ll need a gallon or so, but the color will be consistent.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’ve been reading in BackTalk about these women who want to see a handsome hunk of a man instead of looking at women all the time on Page 6. Well, I’m a gay guy, and if they want to take a hint from me, all they have to do is buy a body building magazine, where these guy are wearing these skimpy shorts. If it satisfies a gay guy like me, it might do something for the girls!

Ask and Tell

He’s opening up a whole new world of eye candy for the ladies.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I’d like to ask your readers, if I buy a first base from one of the last games at Yankee Stadium this month, what’s the likelihood it will appreciate in value in the years to come, and by how much? Or do you think that would be a bad investment? Thanks for your help.

Rounding First

There’s gotta be a BackTalking Yankee fanatic out there who’s already done this research.—Ed. Note

Ed, I was just reading about Coach Jordan and the Hamilton Township school board. Believe me, I worked there in the township for over 30 years and the school board doesn’t blow their nose if Mr. Neil Bencivengo doesn’t tell them it’s all right to do that. Just wanted to let you know what’s really going on.

Board Watch

So the Justice for Jordan protesters should be on Mr. Bencivengo’s front lawn?—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, about Coach Jordan and the fact that he wasn’t reinstated as a coach at Steinert High, he is still a teacher and got his job back to teach math. The only reason he didn’t get his coaching job back is because he was not a good coach. They need to say that in the media, so this doesn’t turn into a race issue any longer. He’s not a coach because coaching is not a guaranteed position. Speaking to the returning players at Steinert, I found them saying they don’t want him back.

Sidelines

There have been plenty of published comments hinting that a dissatisfaction with his coaching was part of the motivation behind Jordan’s ouster. We’ve said all along that if that is what happened, it should have been out in the open, rather than robbing a man of his job based on accusations that were deemed unfounded.—Ed. Note

You know, Ed, maybe our children would not need sex education to teach them to have safe sex if they were not so blatantly encouraged to have sex by the constant and casual way it is portrayed in the entertainment industry.

Sin Screen

There may be more pressure to have sex when television and film are making it seem like the thing to do. But eliminating such stimuli wouldn’t stop the raging of teen hormones.—Ed. Note

Ed, who is John McCain, Republican, talking about on television that he served in the Vietnam War, was twice a prisoner and got shot. Will that make him a good president? Why didn’t he mention all the other American soldiers, young people, who went over, got shot and killed? He isn’t the only big shot around!

Shoot Down

He is one of many lucky enough to survive, but pointing to his grueling experience as a proof of loyalty to this country in no way minimizes the contribution of any other man or woman who served in wartime.— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I read in the paper that the U.S. sent $1 billion in aid to the Eastern European nation of Georgia. A lot of people in this country are getting their houses foreclosed, and they’re sending a billion dollars to Georgia? Let them take care of our own.

Georgia on my Mind

There are so many foreign-aid scenarios that prompt similar sentiments. But the U.S. is a world player. Let’s hope there’s a method to the madness.— Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, thumbs up to the Mott School kids in their impressive new powder blue and khaki uniforms. As a graduate of the Class of 1942, I say, Go, Mustangs.

Mustang Sally

They’re looking good. And unified.— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, it’s Mary from Tender Hearts, this time asking your readers for some help for myself. Does anyone know where I can find parts for my 1965 Thunderbird? I’ve tried to find them, called a lot of place and ran into a dead end. If anyone has parts, ideas or information, please call me at the store at (609) 890-3517.

Mary

Mary’s done so many good things for so many others, the least BackTalk can do is help her fix her ride. — Ed. Note

Ed, I work with the elderly as a volunteer, so this is a plea to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Do you know how lonely your grandmother is, sitting home alone day after day, two to three years since grandfather died? Do you realize the elderly only want a day out, especially on weekends? You’re too busy to pick them up? But it’s OK when she’s giving you a birthday or Christmas gift. Oh, then you’re right there! Put yourself in their position: sitting alone, eating alone, watching TV alone. They don’t drive so they can’t go out. There’s so many lonely, lonely senior citizens and all they want is someone to come and take them out for a visit. Families can’t expect volunteers to stand in for them.

Duty Bound

Amen to that. We owe so much to them and have so much to learn from them.— Ed. Note

Ed, write in Hillary? Is this person nuts? If you write in Hillary on the ballot in the Nov. 4 election, you will ensure a McCain victory. McCain stands for everything that Hillary opposes. If you want to support what Hillary’s for, then vote for Obama because that’s the closest to where Hillary stands on the issues.

Eight is Enough

A millions-strong write-in campaign for Hillary would surely sink Obama. But you have to think Bill would secretly be smiling.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, our country is becoming a soap opera. I give credit to Sarah Palin, but she ain’t running for president. McCain is riding her coattails. The saddest thing in my life was to see her put a child with Down’s Syndrome on TV and then say she’s going to help every physically disabled child. McCain should go back to where he came from and she should go back to her family.

Palin Comparison

Go “back to her family”? That doesn’t sound like a very liberated liberal opinion. —Ed. Note

Ed, Mrs. Palin needs to be reminded that Jesus Christ was a community organizer and Pontius Pilate was a governor.

Historian

She probably already regrets that community organizer remark. Blame the speech writers. —Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, would people like Mayor Palmer please stop calling Barack Obama black. He is bi-racial; raised by a white mother. Bi-racial, get it? And Mr. Palmer is American-Afro, not Afro-American. I know he was born in the United States. I’m an American.

Color Conscious

You lost me on the last part. As for the first, half-black counts as black. Next ...—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, why do they keep referring to Barack Obama as an African-American. He was born in Hawaii. Doesn’t that make him a Hawaiian?

Life’s mysteries

Um, the term African-American refers to American people of African descent. He is “a Hawaiian” in the same way that you might be “a New Jerseyan,” but he is not Hawaiian by ethnicity. Next ....—Ed. Note

Ed, Barack Obama is not African-American; he’s part Polish and German on his white mother’s side of the family tree.

Genealogist

OK, so he’s African-Polish-German American. That doesn’t make him any less qualified to relate to his African roots. Next ....—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m getting sick and tired of all the hype about Barack Obama being our first Afro-American nominee, when he is mulatto. Look it up, m-u-l-a-t-t-o. He’s our first mulatto presidential nominee.

Spelling Champion

Good grief, this is a silly discussion. No, all of his DNA isn’t African. Yes, he’s still black. New topic. ....—Ed. Note

Ed, This is for the 18 million Hillary supporters out there with tears in their eyes because she’s not on the Democratic ballot. They are just demonstrating their ignorance of the political election system. There is such a thing called the write-in ballot. So, get out that pencil and vote.

Sharpened

Just what we need. A giant vote-counting fiasco.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, there’s an ice cream truck that comes up and down Emory Avenue about 8 o’clock at night. First, there’s a law that when he starts serving ice cream, the music must be turned off. He needs to know this. Second, the kids have to go to bed earlier for school. So, the ice cream truck should come around earlier than this. It’s getting very annoying. He’s got to get with the program.

Soft Serve

Always makes you wonder when the ice cream music is playing after dark — what are they really selling out of those vans?—Ed. Note

Ed, my daughter Asiana was born at Hamilton Hospital, and I’d like to give special thanks to the maternity ward and special care unit, and all the nurses and doctors on staff for caring for my daughter. She was there for a month. They are very good, a very fine hospital, especially the maternity ward.

Mom

Mazel tov.—Ed. Note

Ed, for God’s sake please print this for all the people who have relatives in nursing homes, especially in Mercer County. You need to visit unexpectedly every day and make inspections to make sure your people are safe and cared for. I’m so upset I can hardly talk. At my father’s nursing home, they forgot to put his oxygen on, he fell, and we got three different stories. The director of nurses and the administrator lied and covered for the nurses. The relieving nurses are not giving the on-duty CNA the correct information, they’re not checking on their patients. When I visit my father, I see how they ignore the other patients who are cold and shaking, and the place smells like pee constantly. Nurses changing shifts don’t pass on information to one another about the patients. Please, go check on your family members every day, take five or 10 minutes, and make sure they are OK. Things are not what they appear to be. And check on the backgrounds of these nursing homes.

Warning

That’s scary stuff. I hope it’s not that bad for most patients, but the surprise-visit tactic can’t hurt.—Ed. Note

Ed, I want to give Gov. Corzine an invitation to drive with me in my truck up and down Route 130 from Bordentown to Cranbury to see if he can make it through the day without needing back surgery. Who is in charge of those speed bumps out there? I never heard of speed bumps on a major highway.

Back Breaker

Make sure the guv wears his seat belt.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, for the person seeking shredder, the best place is UPS. It’s very inexpensive. I hope that helps.

Shredhead

Once again, BackTalkers come through with the vital information.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, for the person who is seeking a shredder, I recently took three cases of old checks to a place on Whitehead Road in Trenton. I believe they charged $15 for a pretty large box. They are bonded and give you a receipt. They shredded all our papers, and it worked out well.

Shredded

Shred it and forget it.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m so upset about a house in Yardville that has a pool in the backyard but no safety fence. I saw the front-page story in The Trentonian about the 2-year-old child who nearly drowned in Yardville because that property also had no fence. What are these people waiting for? It’s the law that you have to have a fence.

Citizen Inspector

Knock on their door and tell them what’s up. If you have to, call the authorities. Don’t wait for a child to die. —Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I’m calling about Oprah Winfrey coming to Whitesboro and donating $100 million. C’mon, Whitesboro? Why not come to Trenton and throw some of that money around here?

Trentonian

Yeah, Oprah. What gives?—Ed. Note

Ed, tell Jeff Edelstein if he’s looking for some great-fitting underwear, check out undergear.com. I found them two years ago and I love them. I don’t wear anything else now. Just be forewarned, they tend to be on the sticky side.

Form Fitter

Jeff in sticky underwear. Thanks for the visual.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m calling to make a point about Barack Obama. Everyone is always saying he’s African-American. Well, let’s not forget he has another side of the family that’s white. So why are we focusing on him being African-American when half of him is white? I think Dr. King finally got his dream realized when two races came together in one person — Mr. Obama — to make one president. I think the dream’s been finally realized, and people should realize that we finally have one race for a president.

One Love

The African half of his heritage has been a focus because we have never before hand an African-American nominee for president of the United States. That he is half-white does not subtract from that significance. —Ed

Ed, I’m a veteran from Post 491. I just watched a historic event on television, Barack Obama’s nomination for president, and I’m very proud of my country for doing it. But I’d like my country to know, it’s veterans of all creeds who make this possible, fighting for our freedom to have this type of election. I’d like everybody to have a nice, blessed day.

Country First

God bless America.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, before the three stooges from the state make any decisions for us, Corzine, Lautenberg and Menendez, maybe they should put it up to a vote: Drill here, drill now. If they don’t like it, we’ll just vote them out.

Drill Sergeant

It’s an ultimatum: Drill or lose!—Ed. Note

Ed, does anyone know where I can get an appraised value of football cards? Is there a place that gives you prices?

Card Shark

BackTalkers, which shop has the best football card appraisers?—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, after reading the article about the possibility that Sen. Obama might appoint Doug Palmer to the newly created position of Office of Urban Planning, I just have to make this comment. I hope Obama has the good sense and wise counsel not to choose Mayor Palmer for this position. Palmer has performed poorly for the city of Trenton. He’s failed to address properly the gang situation, chosen to resolve our eroding neighborhoods by recruiting wealthy residents instead of assisting those of us who elected him and have a vested interest in Trenton, and spends more time away from his office than in it. I think a White House Urban Policy Planning Office needs someone committed to the plight of inner city residents. It would also benefit that office if the person had academic credentials that would inform his decision-making process. What is not needed is a political flip-flopper like the mayor who only seeks to actualize his personal agenda. Trenton may have been naive to his tactics, but hopefully those tactics won’t be tolerated beyond Trenton.

Mayor Basher No. 217

Like it or not, Mayor Palmer is a seasoned and smooth politician who is relevant in the party and has a bright political future ahead of him.—Ed. Not

Ed, Barack Obama explained to us when he started campaigning for president that he was half white and half black. His mother was white, his father was black, and he was raised by his white grandmother. Now, what more does he need to say because he said, if he’s elected president, he will do the best he can for all concerned. I think he was speaking for all of us: black, white, red, yellow, even green people. Please print this so there’s no criticism about this man.

Barack Backer

The green people vote could be the deciding factor in this election.—Ed. Note

Ed, regarding the Coach Jordan matter, two questions arise. Where was the 6-year-old’s parent (who allegedly is a teacher) when the incident took place? And why didn’t the parent file assault charges against the 18-year-old? Is that one of the perks for the Hamilton Township police?

Probe

Not everyone files an assault charge every time there’s a little dust-up. Perhaps the little child’s parent was just being reasonable.—Ed. Note

Dear Ed, Cablevision announces a program to watch every week night at 7 p.m. on FLN, Fine Living Network. But for heaven’s sake, what channel is that? No one has been able to locate it. Would someone from Cablevision please let all of know what channel to watch!

Remote

This sounds like an emergency. BackTalkers, we need all hands on deck. Who’s got the channel?—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m calling about the “help wanted” single mom seeking fulltime employment. She should post her resume on Monster.com. I did this not too long ago and on my first day I received 16 responses. It’s a wonderful tool for her to have people find her. It’s a win-win.

Headhunter

A simple solution but a good one. This assumes she has access to the Web, but that can be found at the library if she doesn’t. Thanks.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m calling about the “help wanted” single mom seeking fulltime employment. She should post her resume on Monster.com. I did this not too long ago and on my first day I received 16 responses. It’s a wonderful tool for her to have people find her. It’s a win-win.

Headhunter

A simple solution but a good one. This assumes she has access to the Web, but that can be found at the library if she doesn’t. Thanks.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I know it’s a little late, but I wanted to comment on the July 25 article “N.J. wipes out entire ’09 calendar year.” I work in corrections, and I want to comment on what Rae Roeder said. In state corrections when we attend the academy, we buy all of our uniforms and equipment. When we graduate the academy, the state doesn’t even provide one complete uniform to new recruits: we get two pairs of pants and a jacket. In all we spend over $2,000 just to get a job, and we get paid low wages while in the academy. So maybe she needs to stop complaining over a $10 desk calendar that can easily be bought, because we have to make our own as they are not provided.

Jacket and Pants

Roeder stands “corrected.”—Ed. Note

Ed, I just did a summer internship for the state Department of Human Services. This message is for Frank Cirillo and Brian Hughes. Something needs to be done with that agency. I sat around all summer and did hardly anything, and they paid me. There were several interns like that. Since it’s my tax dollars going to pay for this agency, I think someone should look into it. Second, the way the employees act or the way they treat other staff and clients is unbelievable. I’ve never seen such a dysfunctional agency in my entire life, not that I’ve been around that long. But I know or think I should know how an office should be run. You need to look into it Frank and Brian.

Inside Spy

Hmmm. A state agency wasting money while workers aren’t getting much done. Preposterous! Who asked you anyway, intern?—Ed. Note

Ed, I live in Bordentown City and I am sticking up for the Bordentown City police because the drug dealing has gone down big time. They might not be getting everybody, but no township can do that. Where the drug dealing is going on, those cops were up and down that street a hundred thousand times. So for this person to come out and say there’s still drug-dealing going on in the city, well, why don’t you call the police? Take care of the situation, go out and say something to them. Grab a mitt and help. The city is a little big and they could use another cop or two, but they’re going a helluva job. Keep up the good work, boys.

Police Booster

Wherever there are cops there will be people questioning what they’re up to. It comes with the territory when your salary is paid with tax dollars. Just one more hazard of a very difficult job. I’ll join you in saluting them.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m calling about the guy in Bordentown City, complaining about the cops. Doesn’t he know that drunk drivers bring in more revenue than robbers? You can’t charge a $1,000-a-year surcharge to robbers and drug dealers. That’s how they get all that revenue to buy those shiny new police cars; $3,000 for three years.

Revenue Stream

That may be part of the motivation. But drunk drivers kill other drivers. It’s no joke.—Ed

Hi, Ed, the person looking for a shredder for his office paper should take it to Homesote Co. in West Trenton, where they could throw it in the recycling vat. Nothing is left once you throw it in there.

Paper Weight

Nothing is left. Nothing.—Ed. Note

Ed, for the person seeking a shredder, try Accurate Document Destruction on New York Avenue. And there’s also a location on Whitehead Road, but that company changed the name. They will be glad to shred your paper.

Shredder

BackTalkers know everything! BackTalk is the most effective non-Internet-based database of information known to man.—Ed. Note

Ed, L.A. Parker should look into what’s going on over at Mercer Oaks. It seems the west course has been destroyed. It looks like they did some aeration over there, and without any rain or water, it’s like playing in the middle of the Mojave Desert. Look into this and give us some answers. They should be letting us play there for free. Good luck.

Sand Wedge

Where’s your sense of adventure. Strap your clubs to a camel and get swinging.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, this is an idea for Hamilton Mayor John Bencivengo to lower our taxes. About 15 to 20 years ago there was talk about building an incinerator on Duck Island. I think this is an idea he should rethink. The township could save a lot of money on tipping fees for hauling our trash out to Pa., we could be host to surrounding towns to burn their trash and in the process generate electricity which is another source of income, selling the surplus to PSE&G. It’s just an idea; the technology is there today.

Burn It

And what town doesn’t want to boast that it’s home to a trash incinerator. They’ll have to repaint those new signs.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m calling about the smell remains. She needs to take down everything in her house that’s washable and wash it. She has to clean the house top to bottom. The best thing is to paint, but first apply a primer coat and then paint. If it’s in the carpet, she’s got to get a professional or do it herself, shampoo the carpet. It’s a lot of work, but that’s what she has to do. UnscentedDang, cigarette smoke is tough. Thanks for the tips.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, tell “the smell remains” to wash the curtains, windows, all her clothes, the rugs, furniture, everything. Have a built-in air freshener. If that’s doesn’t work, she has to repaint the inside of her house because the wall’s absorb the smoke. I smoked for 35 years and quit in 2000, and I’ve been smoke free ever since, so I know what I’m talking about. Just want to tell her, congratulations!Ex-smokerCongratulations to every smoker who has quit. Ridding the smell is a pain in the butt, but if you quit smoking this should be easy.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m replying to the person who wants to get out that smoke smell. My grandparents smoked for 40 years. They had that nice knotty pine on the wall and you couldn’t scrub the tar off. That’s the problem. You need to get that zinc oil or Kilz primer sealer. You have to repaint the walls and rip out the carpet. There’s nothing else you can do to get the smoke and tar out after 30 years. But think on the bright side: You’re getting a brand new house for the money you would have spent on cigarettes. So it works out pretty good.ScrubberAnd while you’re priming over all that tar on the wall, think about it sticking to your lungs. That should keep your from a relapse.—Ed. Note

Ed, tell the person who wants to get rid of the smoke smell in her house to repaint the walls and buy new furniture. That’s what I did, and I’ve been smoke free for 10 years.Paint JobAgain, congratulations. It’s paint versus cigarettes. Who will win?—Ed. Note