Ed, I’d like to know if anyone else feels as I do about that tree in Hamilton. I feel it’s wrong to cut down a 75-year-old tree just to stand out for 30 days in New York City. Within two months, that tree is going to be a bunch of mulch, where it could have stood in Hamilton for another 50 years. I see something really wrong about that. How about other readers?

Tree hugger

While I don’t feel bad for the tree per se, I do see your point. Besides, you ever go into Rockefeller Center to see the tree? It’s not as imposing as it looks on the TV. The whole thing is silly. And let’s not even think about the cost of cutting the tree, transporting the tree, getting the tree up, decorating the tree, and the cost to maintain the tree. How many Christmas dinners you think you could buy for the less fortunate with that dough?— Ed. Note

Ed, I’m calling about the gangster who got only 10 years in prison because he was only pedaling the bike in a drive-by killing. And he was told during sentencing to get his GED and do what he can to make the best of those years. What justice is that for the brothers and sisters of the victims who are left behind? For the neighborhood that remembers that loss? For the mother who will never get over that? In 10 years perhaps their sons could have turned their lives around, too. What can we do about this justice?

Not served

Listen, at heart, I’m a big softie. But when it comes to criminals in this country, we are way too soft. If you kill someone, or was part of killing someone, you should be either locked up for life, or put to death yourself. Either way. Same goes for child molesters. But what do we have instead? Halfway houses and pre-trial intervention. I don’t want more jails; I want less criminals.— Ed. Note

Ed, I’m answering two state workers, one who complained she can’t get pens and envelopes, and the other who urged everyone to use only e-mails. Well, the problem is that our welfare clients do not have computers at home to receive e-mails. So, you have to send them envelopes in the regular mail. Once we use up our supply of envelopes, it will be slow in getting more.

Licked

It’s almost comical. Next thing you know, they’ll have you reusing Scotch tape. The mafia would never have let things get to this point. I’m talking real old time gangsters here. Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky and stuff.— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I just read that Governor Corzine is talking about laying off state employees. He should start with the approximately 8,000 appointed employees who have no Civil Service status. Also, in the Treasury Department, property management and construction, they just hired two new guys, one at $102,000 and one at $110,000. What the heck is going on?

Curious

This state needs an audit. It’s just that simple. Things are so out of control, it can never be fixed from the inside. You know who would probably do a good job running the state? The mafia. The old-time mafia. They’d come in, whack everything up, pocket the difference, and things would be better. That’s right. I honestly believe the mafia would run the state better than the politicians, and I’m not even close to joking.— Ed. Note

Ed, after reading comments by Pension Plan on cops and firemen retiring early, I’ve been reflecting on my own police career, and what a good gig it’s been over 28 years. I’ve worked nights, weekends, holidays, and Thanksgiving Day I’ll be working and won’t be with my family. I wonder where Pension Plan will be, with his family? Look at all the fun I’ve had over 28 years. I’ve been stabbed once, shot at, had two surgeries, three concussions, a broken arm, ribs, nose and jaw, and two permanently herniated discs, which leave me in constant pain. I’ve had a lot of opportunities to hang out with other cops and firemen. They’re called funerals, 21 all told; my partner, my sergeant, two academy classmates, and a lot of friends. All were killed in the line of duty protecting people like Pension Plan, who are entitled to the protection, but they don’t have a clue as to what the real cost of it is.

Cop Out

And there it is. Anybody want the job? Because our streets are just getting safer all the time, right?— Ed. Note

Ed, this is for the shallow person who called in about the cops retiring early, that the job isn’t too dangerous, or it’s not a bad job to work. How about telling that to the families of the five Philadelphia cops who died this past year. I bet you wouldn’t come into the city and walk down certain streets at night. Cops see more shocking things happen in a couple of years on the job than you will see in a lifetime. So stay in your little shallow town in your little shallow hole there.

Deep

Police officers are one of the few jobs out there I have no problem with when it comes to retiring and getting out when the time comes. I’d never do the job.— Ed. Not

Hey, Ed, I’m calling about the photo ID. I was advised a month ago by an attorney that they should mark on the back of your credit card SEE ID, do not sign it. That tells the merchant to check your ID. You put SEE ID. That forces them to ask for your photo ID. Otherwise, they won’t if you just sign the back, and therefore people use them. That’s one way to protect your card from being used.

Still charging

Who knew this was such a huge problem? How about not losing your stuff?

Ed, this is for the person who called in about losing a Visa debit card and said that merchants should ask for photo ID. I went to my bank and got a debit card with my picture on it, so nobody can use it unless they look like me!

Charger

Well that just makes too much sense. Next!— Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I’m a pizza delivery guy in the Trenton-Hamilton area. I just want all these deadbeats who don’t tip to read that I don’t know how they can look at themselves in the mirror. Why would you not tip the guy that brings your food? If you’re not going to tip, get off your lazy butts and drive yourself to the store to pick it up.

Tipped off

He’s right. Anyone who delivers or serves you food is depending on tips for their jobs. You don’t tip, there won’t be anyone willing to deliver. Simple, right?— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, so Wayne Bryant is guilty up and down of corruption charges. Another of the liberal state government mafioso going to prison. U.S. Attorney Chris Cristie is quitting because President-to-be Obama would have fired him anyway in favor of a liberal appointee. I guess we can say goodbye to any further rooting out of corruption in our state government. The fox will be watching the fox watching over the henhouse. Just like our state attorney general, who has never even indicted anybody for corruption. We are doomed.

Nervous

Chris Christie is going to run for governor, obviously, and unless the economy does an about-face, I think he’ll win. You read it here first.— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m a “glass half empty” kind of person by nature. That being said, I have to ask why we’re reading about chess matches at Trenton State Prison? As a Trentonian and curious reader, I would much rather read about Trenton Central High students beating up on Princeton in chess matches or the Trenton YM/YWCA or Trenton PAL beating up on West or East Windsor. I’m guessing the only way I might read about these types of chess matches would be if Mr. Frisby, of Trenton’s Department of Recreation, got up off the city’s dime and got the matches set up and publicized. I’m not trying to steal TSP’s thunder, but really, how about positively engaging 10-20 of Trenton’s young or youthful incorrigibles “before” they get to TSP or Northern/Southern State prisons.

Check mate

Points taken. All of them. That said, I’ve tried to learn chess a few times, and I can’t grasp it. Maybe I need to go to prison.— Ed. Note

I want to know why Jeff Edelstein can talk all this garbage about the Jets, but the day after they beat the Titans, nothing in the paper? What gives? He’s got nothing to say for himself?

Favre fan

Don’t worry. I have it on good authority Jeff is tackling the Jets this Sunday, and he’s talking Super Bowl. And I’m not even sure if he’s joking.— Ed. Note

Ed, I’m a Hamilton Township resident and I want you to alert your readers about a house rental scam in Hamilton that’s listed on Craigslist. They say the owner lives in Africa and just moved there. Well, my daughter applied for this house and I went over there, 34 Holt Ave. in Mercerville. Someone lives in that house, and people are coming up and asking if it’s for rent. It’s a scam. Do not send money to Africa to rent a house in Hamilton Township!!!

Looking

Beware the Internet, of course. That said, if you think there’s a Nigerian minister out there looking to deposit $3 million in your bank account, and you fall for it, well, that’s your problem.— Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, how long does it take to replace a bridge in Mercer County? I’m talking about the one on Quakerbridge Road, where they’ve been working for two years and it looks only half-way done. Can you find out when they hope to complete this project? Is is a state or county project? Either way, it’s public workers taking their time again.

Bridged

Actually, it’s a Sarah Palin project. Bridge to nowhere.— Ed. Note

Ed, I’m calling about the workers’ comp situation. Everybody I know who’s on comp at the hospital where I go for checkups, we still haven’t received the paychecks Gov. Corzine promised to speed up, and we get treated like third-class citizens. Why can’t the government give us the money we’re due, 80 percent of our pay each week. Any money we get from state agencies we have to pay back. Corzine promised to take care of workers’ comp but nothing’s being done because the judges are all crooked.

Waiting

Anyone? Thankfully, I’ve never been in a workers’ comp situation myself, and my knowledge is nil. Can anyone tell this guy why the checks aren’t in the mail?— Ed. Note

Ed, I’m calling about Barack Obama. I believe he’s a very nice guy and he’s going to do a good job, BUT you gotta remember one thing: they keep talking that he’s African-American. You are what your mother is. His mother is white. So as far as I’m concerned, he’s a white man. That’s my opinion.

Pigment

Actually, he’s... oh, who cares? He’s a man. He’s human. He’s an American. He’s the president-elect. And besides, humans originally come from central Africa, so, you know. Do the math. Did I say central Africa? Or the Garden of Eden, which, I think, is somewhere south of Des Moines.— Ed. Note

Ed, I’d like to know why Trenton City Council doesn’t raise a fuss about Mayor Doug Palmer’s residency. Everyone knows he lives in his mansion in Hunterdon County. That’s why he has the Trenton police patrol car stationed 24/7 outside his house at 6 Buckingham Ave. to make sure no reporters or dissenters are hanging around trying to prove that house is vacant. All they have to do is check the use of electricity, water, gas, and they can plainly see the house is vacant. If you had a mansion in Hunterdon County and you had a house by Cadwalader Park, which one would you live in? And do you really think he’s going to send his daughter to Trenton’s schools. Also, why is it that you never see his wife? The people of Trenton are not stupid. Mayor Palmer does not live in Trenton and has not lived here for years.

Resident

I suppose if someone really wanted to push the issue, the facts would come to light. That said, I have personally been, unannounced, to the mayor’s Trenton home two different times, and both times it was clear he was living there. For what it’s worth.— Ed. Note

Ed, with all the closings around the country, in Mercer County and Hamilton Township, I’d like to know why Kuser Mansion is still open. No one goes there only on holidays. Yet the mayor has kept it open, and when the person who was in charge retired, they gave the new person who’s in charge $20,000 more. Yes, $20,000 more. How would you like to have a job where no one comes to see you except at holidays. Pretty good. I’d like to have that job at $80,000.

Spent

Now that is a good question. A very, very, very good question.— Ed. Note

Ed, I have a question about jury duty. I’m 62 years old and I’ve been picked four times for jury duty. A couple of friends of mine, the same way. Yet I know others who have never been summoned to serve. Do you know exactly how they go about picking people for jury duty? If you have the answer, I’d appreciate it.

Judge Jury

I’m not entirely sure, but I think it has something to do with voter rolls or something. Easy way to get out of it, though. Just act like a loon. I did it once, worked like a charm. Two hours, in and out.— Ed. Note

Ed, I have a question about jury duty. I’m 62 years old and I’ve been picked four times for jury duty. A couple of friends of mine, the same way. Yet I know others who have never been summoned to serve. Do you know exactly how they go about picking people for jury duty? If you have the answer, I’d appreciate it.

Judge Jury

I’m not entirely sure, but I think it has something to do with voter rolls or something. Easy way to get out of it, though. Just act like a loon. I did it once, worked like a charm. Two hours, in and out.— Ed. Note

Ed, I have a question about jury duty. I’m 62 years old and I’ve been picked four times for jury duty. A couple of friends of mine, the same way. Yet I know others who have never been summoned to serve. Do you know exactly how they go about picking people for jury duty? If you have the answer, I’d appreciate it.

Judge Jury

I’m not entirely sure, but I think it has something to do with voter rolls or something. Easy way to get out of it, though. Just act like a loon. I did it once, worked like a charm. Two hours, in and out.— Ed. Note

Ed, How can the state of New Jersey run a daycare center at the Richard J. Hughes Complex and give it to a company that doesn’t pay rent, lease money, electric, water, heat, air conditioning, but they charge the people $700-$800 per kid? How come the state isn’t collecting any money for this piece of their building?

Wondering

Sounds like either A) a giant boondoggle or B) you’ve got your facts wrong. Let’s take a poll and see what everyone thinks.— Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I lost my job in October, applied for food stamps, and my unemployment has already kicked in, 60 percent of what I was making working. What happened to the food stamps? I’m a single mother and I can’t feed my kids. What’s taking social services so long? I wouldn’t have applied if I didn’t need the help. Please, somebody get social services on their feet to help us. I was getting up at 4:30 a.m. and working til 3 p.m. for two years. My boss laid me off without any warning. Social services should work harder to help us.

Help

If anyone has advice for this young woman, please, call in. In the meantime, something tells me things are going to get easier for those in need to get help. New president + tanking economy = something new coming down the pike.— Ed. Note

Ed, I’m responding to “Pa. workers free ride.” I want you to know that my brother-in-law works for the fire department and he brings a car home every night. and so does every member of the fire department, the maintenance garage, and just about everybody else in the city. So, she should watch Trenton free rides instead of Pennsylvania free rides.

Driver

Great. Now firemen are driving city cars home. Unreal. What next? OK, really — who cares? Can’t we just make it official and be done with it? Who is losing sleep over this?— Ed. Note

Ed, I’m calling about Ewing Cemetery. On Veterans Day there was not one flag on the graves because they blowing leaves the week before and they were blowing the flags, so they removed them. Why not blow the leaves after Veterans Day? The leaves will still be there. Whoever is in charge should be ashamed. This is a veteran’s family calling.

Left Alone

Well that seems like good ol’ common sense. Of course, that’s something in short supply these days.— Ed. Note

Ed, I’m upset about my recent trip with my husband to Atlantic City. We never stay over, but one of the luxury hotels sent us information about how nice the rooms are, so we went. The key card for my hotel room had a little blue card on back that said “$150 will be charged to you if you smoke in this room.” My husband and I are elderly and don’t smoke, we both have heart problems, so I called the hotel’s front desk and explained that we smelled cigarettes in this room, and please don’t charge us for this. They billed us $150 anyway. I will never step foot in that place again, I am so sorry, and other people should know what’s going on. It sounds like a scam to me.

Burned

I can’t believe you paid it. I would’ve flipped out on them. That said, if you were charged on your credit card, I would call your credit card company and tell them there is no way you’re paying. Unreal. Disgusting. Go get your money back. Or call the newsroom here and maybe we’ll see what we could do.— Ed. Note

Ed, I’m a disgruntled state worker, not because of the cuts, but because my office building is located on West State Street next to Trenton Community Charter School. Every morning and every afternoon the parents dropping off and picking up their children block our driveway, our streets — traffic is unbearable to do my job. I was told by one parent that they are supposed to drop off and pick up their children on side streets where traffic can be contained by a crossing guard. These parents just do not comply with the school’s rules. No wonder their children run around and don’t pay attention. The poor crossing guard is at her wit’s end. If there’s some way you can print this to let vent and alert the school’s administration will get their parents to comply with their rules and not block West State Street and the driveway. Some people want this school closed down.

My Street

Let me get this straight. It’s “unbearable” to do your job because some kids are running around outside your building? Does your job involve something in the middle of the street?—Ed. Note

Ed, isn’t it about time we did something about these retirements, especially the police and firemen. Years ago, when they retired after 20-22 years, they only lived another 15 years, maybe a little longer. But today, they retire at 45 or so, and they live another 25-35 years. And don’t tell me it’s dangerous work. If it were that dangerous, they wouldn’t have their sons and daughters follow in their footsteps. Thank you.

Pension Plan

Police and firefighters don’t have dangerous jobs? What are you, a tightrope walker? But you’ve got a point about the retirement age. Thanks to this gosh-darn modern medicine, people just won’t die on time. —Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m replying to the letter decrying the use of big words in your editorials. I, for one, as an avid reader, appreciate seeing big words as it gives me an opportunity to learn and to see in which context they are used and their definitions. Please don’t dummy-down your editorials. Some people do like to learn.

Wordsmith

Totally. There’s this great thing called a dictionary. Everyone should get one.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m calling about the state worker who complained about not having envelopes and pens. I work for the state, I run a paperless program. That state worker needs to get with it: e-mail, e-mail, more e-mail. No more paper.

Paper Less

Welcome to the 21st century.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, tell the guy who complained about postal workers to complain directly to the post office.

Return to Sender

You know how I love to relay messages. Here goes: Hey, guy who complained about postal workers, complain directly to the post office.—Ed. Note

Ed, I recently lost my Visa debit card, and someone went to the mall and had a great time at Lord & Taylor and bought gas and did what they wanted to do. Can you please, please ask merchants to ask for photo ID for any debit card used for this holiday. They ripped me off really good. My bank had to return the funds, but it’s still a fact that the merchants need to ask for ID when someone tries to make a purchase because we have a rash of thefts.

Stolen

Seriously. Have you ever signed a totally different name on the slip just to see if they’re paying attention? Doesn’t employee training cover this stuff? Makes you want to go cash-only. But then you’ll get mugged.—Ed. Note

Ed, I find it amazing that expensive dogs for $500-$600 are flying out of the pet stores even in these bad times, yet the pet shelters are full of abandoned dogs, including pedigrees, because people can’t afford to keep them. Every time I visit certain pet shops, I find there’s a whole new batch of pups. What’s happening here?

Dog Dismay

People are snobs, and they need the perfect puggle as a status symbol instead of one of the mutts at the pound who will probably live twice as long. You say they’ve got “pedigrees” at the shelter, but do they have their papers?—Ed. Note

Ed, this Mary at Tender Hearts is always asking for food and things. Well, last year I brought a complete dinner and tried to drop it off. The shop is never open and a big sign said don’t leave it. I took it home, froze it and ate it at my leisure. If she wants stuff, she should tell you when someone’s going to be there to take the stuff she asks for.

Wood B. Giver

You could call ahead.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, listen to this. The state of New Jersey hires a retired police lieutenant from Hamilton Township to go around and check on used car dealers to see if they do the paperwork right. So, if the dealer has a minor infraction, like maybe issuing two temporaries, they close the guy down for 30 days. That puts the dealer out of work plus the guys who work for him, and all the people the dealer does business with, like the newspaper, they don’t get money, and the state doesn’t get any sales tax. The only one with a job is the guy who gets the $70,000 a year pension. Boy, this is really good for the economy.

No Money Down

If they’re gonna have rules, it’s hard to insist that they don’t enforce them. But 30 days seems harsh. And 70 grand is cushy. —Ed. Note

Ed, my mother told me some man helped my brother who was having an epileptic fit at Popeye’s on Nottingham Way in Hamilton. I was told the man’s name is Carmen, and I just want to thank him. Thank you, thank you, buddy, for helping my brother.

Grateful

Here’s to you, Carmen.—Ed. Note

Ed, my brother, who is 38 and a hardworking certified mechanic, was laid off recently, and he’s having a hard time getting by on $253 a week in unemployment. That’s not enough to pay the bills. His wife was born with PKU and she’s been getting $600 a month from disability for the past four years. and she’s scared of being homeless. They have two sons, and one is autistic. We tried eight different places and nobody’s hiring. Ed, please, if you know anybody who’s hiring, he’s a certified mechanic. but he’s willing to do other work outside the car business. He was a machinist, too.

Job Hunter

If anyone can help you, it’s the BackTalkers. But sadly, being a hardworking and talented employee no longer guarantees you a job.—Ed. Note

Ed, I live in Hamilton and I keep reading about George Dey Road. The mayor has done so much for these people, putting lines down and a roundabout (they used to have a four-way stop), yet they keep whining and get whatever they want over there. Yet we residents in the White Horse section of Hamilton, from White Horse-Mercerville Road down to Hamilton West need sidewalks, not the whole thing, just pieces. I’ve called the mayor I don’t know how many times and nothing gets done. Everything is catered to the Hamilton Square people and their freaking whining, and I’m sick of it. Every day I see kids walking in the middle of the streets going down to Hamilton West. It’s been a problem forever. We are the lost area of the township. I’m not the only one who’s complained, but nothing gets done, even putting safety lines down the side of the road so the kids aren’t hit by cars. I called when Gilmore was in office and nothing got done. It’s time for this guy Bencivengo to step up.

Out West

Benci, where’s the love for West?—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I see in BackTalk we’re supposed to buy “American.” I did that a few years ago. Lee Iacocca said “buy American,” so I bought me a Chrysler mini-van, and after a few years, I had some trouble on it, so I took it apart and found I had a Mexican engine, a Japanese alternator, a German battery and tires, and Canadian fenders. So, when you buy American, what the heck do you really buy? You try to do the right thing, and you get beat down by Big Business, and all for money.

Beat Down

Canadian fenders. Now that’s the last straw.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I see there’s more shooting and violence and mayhem in Ewing on the Trenton border. Here’s a suggestion: close down those fried chicken places before 2 a.m. when the bars let out.

Chicken Little

You’d really rather have all those late-night revelers running on alcohol with no food in their bellies?—Ed. Note

Ed, for all of my friends who are still discouraged about the election two weeks ago, I have a little poem. “The election is over, the result is known; the will of the people has clearly been shown. Let’s forget all our differences and show by our deeds we’ll give Obama the backing he needs. We’ll all get together and let bitterness pass. I’ll hug your elephant and you kiss my ass.”

The Poet

Nice to see a true gesture of goodwill from a classy Dem.— Ed. Note

Ed, I’m a New Jersey voter. From now on, I’m voting against any politician who sponsors a law designed from someone’s name, such as Megan’s Law, Jessica’s Law. This is getting ridiculous. The law is supposed to cover all the people, not be designed for one specific incident. Politicians beware. You will lose my vote.

No Name

Boy, I don’t think you’re kidding, so I’ll take you seriously: The laws are designed to help many; they are inspired by the circumstances of a given case. Megan’s law protects all children from sex offenders but was prompted by what happened to her. Get it?—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I work at the Burlington County Jail as a correction officer. First, let me say, Warden Cole is nothing but a yes man. Whatever the freeholders tell him to do, he’ll do. He has never ever defended the correction officers that work here. He doesn’t believe in that, and we will be happy to see him retire. Second, I don’t give a good damn what (the inmates) wash, even bloody rags. If they weren’t doing bad on the streets, committing robberies and crimes with guns, they wouldn’t be in here. They are repeaters; they get out on Monday and two weeks later they’re right back here. So, I really don’t care what they wash, any bloody rags that come this way. I know how to protect myself and my family.

Correct

Yeah, bloody rags get a bad rap.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m a good friend of the Trenton Fire Company, and I do not appreciate Mayor Palmer’s closing these firehouses, endangering people’s lives. If I have to, I will get a permit from City Hall and will wear my Trenton fire paraphernalia to protest.

Turnout to Protest

With or without the ax and oxygen tanks?—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I have to agree with Jeff Edelstein about the property tax. As far as state workers, Jeff, stop being a player hater because you don’t work for the state. People who gave 25 years and were able to retire at 55, they earned that. As far as the state workers sucking them dry, everyone who works for the state doesn’t come out making $60,000 a year. I don’t know where you get that figure, but you need to check again. There are lots of lower-paid state workers and they’re not getting that much in retirement.

Player Lover

Jeff didn’t say every state worker makes 60 grand. But a lot of ’em do. Many are doing great work. Others, eh.—Ed. Note

Jeff Edelstein says state workers all make $60,000. They don’t! I make $40,000. And to top it off, our good governor has cut it off to where we cannot order supplies: no envelopes, no pens, nothing. Now, you tell me, how are we supposed to send out letters? Do we have to buy our own pens? This is Gov. Corzine. If they put him in Washington, it might be good to get him out of New Jersey because he will never be elected again as governor.

Only 40

Too bad for you your job isn’t that cushy. Still, anyone with a job should be glad these days. As for the whole envelope/pen shortage: Type notes. Send e-mails.—Ed. Note

Ed, what’s the reason for having the lights on in the tunnel all day, and when it gets dark, there are very few lights on. Is there a reason for that?

Underground

My guess: During the day, when people generally have their headlights off, it’s important to keep the tunnel bright so you can see. At night, your lights are on anyway, so the tunnel can be darker.—Ed. Note

No respect for mailmenEd, I’d like to know if the mailmen being hired today have to pass any test for common sense. It rains all day long and they put your mail out in an exposed area, so it’s soaking wet when you pick it up. I mean dripping wet. These guys are idiots. Use some common sense! Put it in the mailbox with the lid on it. You don’t need a high school education to figure that out.

In the Box

Most postal workers are responsible and conscientious. Don’t be dissing the lot of them because you had a bad experience.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, New Jersey is billions of dollars in debt and it’s going to get worse. We need to stop letting people who live in Pennsylvania take state cars home. Why should we could keep subsidizing free rides to Pennsylvania every day? Let them start paying for gas. The state’s getting $75 million from the federal government for homeland security. Take some of that money. We’re overstaffed with police for homeland security. The terrorism is not with the terrorists themselves, the terrorists sit in the Statehouse in the Assembly and Senate, that’s where all these problems start. They are terrorizing people by raising taxes each and every day. Let’s stop it.

Cost Cutter

I heard they were adding the Statehouse to the Axis of Evil.—Ed. Note

Ed, if President Obama wants to help Americans on the bottom level of society, he should pass a law that nobody works in the United States of America until every American has a job. Anybody who is not a citizen will not work here. They do this in Canada and Japan and several other countries. There’s reason why we can’t return the favor. Also, I’ve been saying it all along and I saw it on CNN: There’s enough natural gas in Alaska to supply the United States for hundreds of years. All we have to do is make an agreement with the Canadians to use their gas lines and we can supply the U.S. indefinitely with natural gas. We need to lay a 300-mile line of pipe from Alaska to Canada. I’m sure something can be worked out. This would also create a lot of jobs and a lot of good will with our northern neighbors.

Pipe Dream

As long as we can name the pipeline after Sarah Palin.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, Bencivengo should stop crowing about that stupid tree and pay attention to the rampant racism that exists in Hamilton. Every Obama sign that I put up in the North Crosswicks area of Hamilton was either defaced or stolen. And a friend of my who lives on Country Lane had a swastika spray-painted on his fence and KKK painted on his window shutters. So, Hamilton should not be very proud these days. We’ve got a bunch of racists living among us.

I.C. Evil

That is disgusting and disturbing. Guess we still have a long way to go.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, as far as New Jersey legends and lore, the story of that Christmas tree getting to Rockefeller Center is one for the books. I guess it still is true: Trenton Makes, the World Takes. Congratulations to the brothers.

Tree Whiz

That story would make a great Christmastime children’s book.—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m replying to Tree Patrol. This person needs to get a life! This is an honor for our state and Hamilton Township. Throughout the world they can get a tree anywhere and they picked one from Hamilton Township. To see the people out there watching that tree being cut down actually gave me goosebumps. Lady, man, whoever you are, get a life and get over it. We do need a cop to do certain jobs, and they’re doing a good job as it is.

Tree Giddy

As another reader noted, the tree people paid for the cop’s duties. Anyway, it is pretty cool that the nation’s most famous Christmas tree came from Hamilton this year. All the little spruces in the township can dream of growing up to be just like him. —Ed. Note

Ed, the holidays are upon us and families are preparing packages to send to the troops in Ira q. Why can’t they find a less expensive way of sending them? Our gals and guys are over there fighting for us, so the least they can do is help out the families by not charging us for the packages. Only for service personnel. Please check into this for me. Maybe you’ll get some replies.

Mailer

Are you hoping for U.S. Mail, UPS, FedEx or all of the above?—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, it’s time for Americans to stop using imported products to halt the outflow of American jobs. When you buy something, make sure it’s an American product. If you can’t find it, write to companies and petition them to bring back American jobs. When you call for information on your mortgage payment, credit card balance, or whatever, and you don’t get an American at a call center here, demand to speak to an American. Those calls are recorded, and companies will have to bow to the pressure if we demand that those jobs, all jobs, be returned to this country. We’ve done it in the past, it’s our history, and we can do it again. Let’s force them to bring back our jobs to the U.S. We can’t expect government to do everything; we the people have to stand firm and demand that jobs be returned here, because without jobs we won’t have an economy that we can depend on. We can do it!

American Might

How long are you willing to wait on hold for an American?—Ed. Note

Ed, you’re a man who gets things done, and I was picked to ask for your help. We residents of George Dey Road see that our illustrious mayor is putting a roundabout at the corner of Dey Road and Estates Boulevard. We see cars slow down to rotate that circle, but please ask the mayor for us, what slows down these cars from Klockner Road until they get to this merry-go-round? We still clock them at 40 to 54 mph. This is ridiculous to spend this kind of money for a merry-go-round that will only benefit that corner. What happens to the quarter-mile between Estates and George Dey? How do we slow down these idiots?

The Chosen One

Not sure what I got done, but thanks. Anyway, Mr. Mayor: How will you slow down cars before and after the “merry-go-round”? Perhaps a combination of radar and wishful thinking. —Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, this is Mary from Tender Hearts. We just had a couple come to our shop with a 9-month-old baby who had no coat, just a sweater, and it’s very cold out. We need a size-one coat for this baby, and children’s coats in all sizes, as fast as possible. We also need turkeys for the holiday for 87 families. Call me at (609) 586-6841 (my home) or 890-3517 (the shop) or come to the shop at 320 Scully Ave., Hamilton.

Mary

Mary makes it very easy for you to feel good about yourself during the holidays. Bring her the stuff, and your good deed is done.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I read where bathrooms at 19 state parks are closed during the weekends. I don’t see how shutting a restroom saves money. Oh well, be of good cheer, I’m sure the grass and shrubbery and greenery in the park will be fertilized really well once this starts. It should look really nice for next summer. More stupid state bureacracy.

Outdoor Relief

First off, thanks for the visuals. I guess they save money by not having to pay anyone to maintain the facilities. And there’s the ever-increasing cost of toilet paper. And liquid soap. —Ed. Note

Good morning, Big Ed, I’m calling about the tree headed for Rockefeller Center for Christmas. I can’t get over it, we taxpayers are paying a cop to sit there watching it, 24 hours, seven days a week? You gotta be kidding me. I get egg on my house, my car’s broken into, my windows shot out with BBs, and they’re sitting out there with a tree? No wonder I can’t get no one locked up.

Spruced Up

I’m sure the town will be reimbursed for the patrol. Right, Mr. Mayor?—Ed. Note

Ed, I’m a disabled mother who wants to adopt a nice house- trained cat, a female that’s had its shots and been spayed. I lost my cat and really miss having a pet. I hope there’s someone willing to give me a nice cat for free.

Meow Meow

Can someone help out this kind woman with a kind cat? —Ed. Note

Hi Ed, I read about the kid who dressed up as Jesus for Halloween and got sent home by his school principal. How come it’s OK for other kids who dressed up as a Devil, a demon, a big-busted woman, a vampire, etc., and they never got sent home from school? It’s hard to figure them out.

Scary World

Apparently the crown of thorns was deemed a hazard. Or that’s the school’s excuse. —Ed. Note

Ed, I read in the paper that President-elect Obama is looking for a dog for his two little girls but it must be hypoallergenic. I have a litter of Yorkshire Terrier puppies, Yorkies, which are six weeks old, hypoallergenic and excellent with kids. I have a 7-year-old and a 15-month-old niece. I’d like to donate a puppy to Obama, but I don’t know how to go about getting a message to him. Maybe you can help me by publishing this?

Good Breeding

Obama, like every great public figure, reads BackTalk religiously. I’d be surprised if you don’t hear from him within 24 hours.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I see where the Big Three automakers want another $50 billion from the government in addition to the $25 billion they’re getting next year. They’re saying at least $25 billion has to go to pay for health care for their 800,000 retirees. Hey, how about giving me top-of-the-line health costs for nothing, too? They have the greatest health plan going since state workers. It’s not right that I have to fund them for health care and I don’t have it. Something’s wrong with these United States of America.

Health Conscious

Can we taxpayers at least get some free hubcaps out of the deal?—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I read recently that President-elect Obama wants to tap Gov. Jon Corzine as treasury secretary. Well, let’s look at Corzine’s track record in New Jersey. Do we really want him as treasury secretary? C’mon Obama, don’t start your tenure putting people like this into certain positions. Let’s be a little wise about our choices.

Concerned in N.J.

Dear Concerned and Mr. Obama, Concerned is right.—Ed. Note

Hey, Trentonian, what did you think about Obama winning the election? Because you came out big-time for McCain. Ha, Ha, Ha! How do you like us now?

Got Your Gloat

Well, The Trentonian editorialized in favor of McCain based on policy and experience but always tipped its hat to Mr. Obama as a brilliant orator and politician, an all-around impressive human being, and an inspiring, unifying figure. We wish him the best and stand behind him as our president and commander-in-chief. —Ed. Note

Ed, why do they keep saying Obama is the first African-American president? Yes, his father was an African from Kenya, but his mother was Caucasian, she was white. Why do they have to lean toward the black race rather than the white?

Mixmaster

Because his African heritage is a big deal as far as presidents go. He’s the first. He broke down barriers, and he is a source of pride and inspiration. —Ed. Note

Ed, I’d like to know why Comcast gets away with giving us a 6 percent rate increase without any prior notice to the public. Comcast owes us an explanation, especially since their service does not warrant an increase.

57 Channels

They get away with it because they can. They’re offering a service. You can cancel it if you want.—Ed. Note

Ed, this is to the politicians in Mercer and Burlington counties: Where are our off-track betting parlors? The people in this area still have to go to Philadelphia Park. There are five OTBs in New Jersey, but we have none.

Numbers

It hardly seems fair. Some people forced to drive so far to fuel their addictions, while others are just walking distance from blowing all their money. —Ed. Note

Ed, please would someone go to the pet shop in the mall because this filthy place should be cleaned up. All the puppies come from the horrors of a Pennsylvania puppy mill. Have you seen the Oprah show on them? It’s horrible, and every time you buy one, you feel sorry for it. You’re just fueling it by buying so he can replace it with another dog.

Dog Savior

You should tip off the state’s Division of Consumer Affairs (Department of Law and Public Safety) if you believe there are violations at the shop. As for the puppy mill, sounds like Oprah’s on the case.—Ed. Note

Hey, this BackTalk item is amazing. “Shooting money away.” How many bullets does $300,000 buy? Can you imagine how many bullets that is? It’s insanity. Someone needs to get a grip on life. The economy’s crashed, nobody’s gonna have a job, the world’s falling apart, and you people are just pissing money away. Palmer says you gotta give us money for this and that. This is insanity. You people are retarded. Get a grip on life. Get a grip!

Gripper

Depends if you want regular bullets or hollow-point bullets. Not sure if you need hollow-points for practice shooting, but it wouldn’t surprise me.—Ed. Note

Ed, how is it that the city of Trenton has money to buy new cars for the directors but they are canceling the Thanksgiving Day parade? It seems the city has money for things they want but not money for the kids.

Children’s Advocate

The parade’s back on!—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, about the career fair at the Mercer County One Stop Career Center, is there any way the county can provide transportation for veterans who don’t have any?

Need a Lift

How about it, county?—Ed. Note

Ed, how you doin’? I’m calling about the editorial by Jeff Edelstein. He’s saying $9.50 an hour’s not a horrible wage. But by 2011, what’s $9.50 an hour gonna be? Similar to minimum wage now? With the ever-increasing taxes, the cost of everything, the food, just living in general, or I should say “existing” for us working poor. Gotta use your head. Bye.

Working Poor

For supporting a family, $9.50 in 2011 is dirt. But let’s face it, some of these 16-year-old dopes working their first jobs aren’t worth half that. I was in a shoe store the other day and couldn’t get the two slumped-over pimple-faced nimrods to disengage from flirting with the two not-even-that-attractive girls who walked in long enough to tell me whether they “have this in a ten and a half.” Those kids, my friend, are not worth $9.50.—Ed. Not

Ed, can you give me an answer. Now that gas prices are down close to $2, why haven’t the grocery prices gone down? We’re all using the same gas, right?

The Puzzler

The savings are trickling down. Trickle, trickle. —Ed. Note

Hey, I’m calling about energy-efficient cars. Let’s be real, the average family of four — daughter in soccer, son in baseball — we can’t even fit our stuff in a small car. We need a big car. We need a Suburban. We need to make them energy-efficient. The small cars are dangerous. I see it all the time in the industry I work in. People dying left and right. We need to make the big cars energy-efficient.

Big Wheels

Are you an undertaker?—Ed. Note

Hi, it’s former Councilman Vinnie Capodanno in Hamilton. If there’s one time where I’m really really serious about what I’m going to say, it’s now. Something’s really bothering me. My uncle, who died in Vietnam, who was my idol, Navy Chaplain Vincent Capodanno, attached to the Marine Corps, who got the Medal of Honor, who now is going through the process of cannonization, died in Vietnam when his only weapon was faith. A congressman from the U.S. Congress has always been a champion of people like my uncle: Chris Smith. And I know the Democrats won’t be too happy, and I do want to run for council next year as a Democrat, but the robocalls and the type of campaign run against Smith, those calls were cowardly and trying to destroy a great man. I have the utmost respect for him as a person and a man. He’ll go down in history as one of the most clean, honest congressmen ever to set foot in the Capitol building.

Vinnie

We, too, are fans of Rep. Smith. You’re a brave man to call out your own party like that. Wish I could say it won’t hurt your chances.—Ed. Note

I just wanted to call in about “Utley’s Utterance.” I’m sincerely disappointed that, knowing it was a day for the family, Chase Utley used profanity. I’m sincerely disappointed.

Let Down Fan

He was caught up in the moment, I guess. But c’mon, what a &*$%head!—Ed. Note

Yeah, I see where senile Palmer is deciding to shut down the library branches, especially the Skelton branch in South Trenton, and build a super library in town. Yeah, right, I’m gonna come home from work and by the time my son gets done eating I’m gonna take him all the way down to Academy Street at 7 o’clock at night? Then Palmer’s gonna find more money to sink into West Trenton, when he let South Trenton turn into a &*$%hole.

South Trenton Dad

Sounds like you care deeply about your son and your city. Gotta respect the passion.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, the government’s talking about cutting unnecessary funds. What about cutting the $10,000 a year that goes to the fund of Punksatony Phil in Pennsylvania. That rich groundhog. Let’s cut that $10,000.

Wood Chuck

Great. Now that you put that out there the poor groundhog will need 24-hour security around his hole so armed thugs don’t shake him down for the $10,000. The patrols will cost another $100,000 a year. Minimum.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed! I saw two people stealing political signs on the corner of Spruce Street and, I don’t know the name of the other street, but they were Ewing Township officials. And the sign said “Recall Councilmen Steinmann, Summiel and Murphy.” I’d like to know why that’s OK. ... Hey, I’m calling again. I talked to the mayor and he ordered them to do it, in fact he paid them overtime, because they were on the side of the street in the right-of-way and people, I guess Democrats, called to complain.

Watching the Signs

Overtime? And more than one official? How many people does it take to squelch free speech? —Ed. Note

Yes, Ed, I’m so sick of people complaining about the police force. Do I care that they take a break and have coffee and doughnuts? No, I don’t. Do I care where they choose to live at? No, I don’t. Everybody else on their jobs take their lunch breaks and are indignant if they don’t get it for some reason. Many times police officers can’t take their breaks. If they think it’s such a sissy job, why don’t they take the job? I’m glad I don’t have a family member on the police force, because every time they left for work I’d be wondering if I’m ever going to see them alive again. So, lay off of them.

Respect the Force

Well put.—Ed. Note

This is in response to the BackTalk article about “the dark side of recovery.” I would like to add that methadone is no joke, man. I know because I was there. Methadone is harder to get off of then the friggin’ drugs you went there for originally. So I don’t recommend to any recovering heroin addict to go to a methadone clinic. I suggest you go to a rehab, detox, old-fashioned, old-school, cold-turkey, come off of it and stay off of everything. Complete and total abstinence from all mind- or mood-altering substances including methadone is what I recommend. Methadone is legal dope. It’s an atrocity.

I Should Know

I’ve never had to kick heroin, but it does seem backward to trade one addictive substance for another.—Ed. Note

Good evening, Ed. I find it very ironic that Mayor Palmer of Trenton wants $90 billion and he wants $100 million for the water company. Doesn’t he realize he’s spent so much money, that’s why Trenton’s on the verge of bankruptcy? Why doesn’t he stop wasteful spending and give his taxpayers a break once and for all and forget about the $90 billion? It’s nothing but a cash cow they’ve given these stock market people, and now they want to give a cash cow to the automotive industry too? Where’s it gonna stop? It’s not gonna stop with a new president or Congress or Senate because Americans are too stupid to realize administrations keep bleeding us every single day, whether it be federal, state or county. It’s time the people stand up and demand where their money’s actually going once and for all.

Show Me the Money

Where will it stop, indeed.—Ed. Note

Ed, Mayor Palmer wants to eliminate several jobs to balance the budget. The common-sense thing to do would be to eliminate all the fluff at the top — titles that were created for cronies — pension-padding, do-nothing jobs. They’re the ones making 70, 80, 90,000 dollars a years. Then let’s go after all the city employees who are required to live in the city for the first 15 years of their employment who do not live in the city. And you won’t have to lay off the actual hardworking, good employees who are out there working every day, not just walking around with clipboards looking busy or doing things on their knees behind closed doors.

Pink Slip

I’m sure the mayor will take your proposal under advisement.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m calling about the caller whose 13-year-old daughter was worried about a plot to kill Barack Obama and whether a vote for Obama would be signing his death certificate. You know, I’ve learned in life that if you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything, and I don’t want him hurt either, but I voted for him and whatever happens I won’t feel that I contributed to it. I feel like people were using it as an excuse. I’m a black woman and people died for me to be able to vote, you think I’m not going to go in there and vote for who I want to? I would have hated for him not to win because people were scared.

No Fear

It looks like the rest of America felt the same way.—Ed. Note

Hi, I’m worried about where I live, whether someone could help me and let me know where I can get my apartment tested for mildew and mold. I’ve been flooded in my apartment several times. Please! I need to have this place tested. Does anyone know if I can pick up a kit someplace?

Flooded

Any other mildewy BackTalkers have some advice?—Ed. Note

I’m so sick and tired of Philadelphia I hope I never hear it again. Tired!

Mets Fan

I assume you mean the baseball team and not the city?—Ed. Note

It doesn’t matter who the president is. Unless we stop having all the foreigns coming in here and sending all our trade out to foreign companies, we are never gonna be back to being America. United and working together. People are cruel, they can’t take the time for one another, they’re teaching their children this. We gave everything our ancestors worked for and gave it to them. And they’re taking it back. They’re getting richer, they’re getting stronger, and they’re treating us like garbage.

Bitter in America

If immigrant business owners are rude to you, that’s unfortunate and they should be kinder. But it’s hard to fault them for getting richer and stronger. That’s the American dream. Instead of just lamenting that “we gave it to them,” perhaps you should remember that the dream they’re living is still available to us all with organization and hard work.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I gotta question for you. I’m reading every day how these gang members go out and terrorize people, beating them, smashing them with pipes, stabbing them, shooting them, and nothing gets done about it. These people aren’t gangs, they’re terrorists. They should be dealt with as terrorists, not say, “Oh, you killed someone, go to jail for three weeks and we’ll let you out.” I think the police and the system are a bunch of chickens. Chicken, chicken, chicken. You’re afraid to walk out your door, you gotta problem. Nothing gets done about it. When do you think it’s gonna happen, when they lose their chicken feathers?

Plucky

Send ’em to Gitmo. —Ed. Note

Yes, Ed, I’d like to advise some of you readers about these gas station. I went to a station on Route 206. The attendant told me to pull up, pull up. I wanted regular, but I looked at the gas pump and he was putting premium in. They tell you to move up so you can’t see it.

Regular

Guy Keep your eyes on the pump, people.—Ed. Note

Ed, Corzine is not gonna touch public schools because the teachers’ union helped vote him in.

Guv

Watch Behold, the most powerful lobby in the land.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I’m a Burlington County reader. I hope you don’t hold that against me. I like the fact that they nabbed this guy for not paying child support and he had almost $2,500 dollars on him. That’s a sore subject for me, but however I thought about it, I always wanted to give my daughter money and buy her things even though I couldn’t live with her. I had her just about every weekend and holiday that I had off. And I also had to pay $125 a week, and that was taken through my salary and figured out through the courts. And at first it was tough, because that’s money you need, but you make it work. And if you have to you get two jobs, which I did. I like that they’re going after deadbeat dads, though I don’t always like the system.

Standup Dad

Good job getting over the system’s injustices in the interest of your child. That’s a real man.—Ed. Note

This is for all voters. Beware of the presidential voter with a glib tongue. You will soon learn that the devil will be in the details.

Warning

We’ll be on alert.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I just read how Palmer’s begging the government for a stimulus package. You should have thought about that when you opened your doors to all the illegal immigrants. They work for cash, they don’t pay taxes and they pay very low rent. You allow low-income building in your area, which gives you lower taxes. So all the hardworking American people who were in Trenton, my grandparents, my parents, they’re all gone, Mr. Palmer. This town is falling apart right before your eyes. So I hope you go under, and I’ll enjoy seeing you fall.

Venting Hatred

So Palmer should be blamed for not banning immigrants from entering the city? You want him to set up a Border Patrol station or what?—Ed. Note

Ed, this message is for Jeff Edelstein, who likes to quote Mets and Phillies history. At the 1980 World Series parade for the Phillies, the late Tug McGraw was quoted as saying, “New York can take this World Series and stick it.” I guess he had a bad taste in his mouth for the New York fans who believe in entitlement. So Jeff, “You gotta believe.” Tug would have agreed with current Phillies fans when they say, “All you stinkin’ Mets fan can take this World Series and stick it.”

Phightin’ Phil

Except for Jeff, of course. You exempt him from your hatred, right?—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, I keep reading in the police blotter about the crime spree at Philadelphia Park Casino. Is it really a crime when some bimbo better leaves credits in the slot and walks away or drops a bill on the floor and someone picks it up? What’s one to do, call out in the casino, “Anyone lose a $100 bill?” Yeah, that’s gonna work. I think finders, keepers; losers who can afford it, weepers.

Lost and Found

Do drunk gamblers get any more sympathy from you?—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I’m a U.S. citizen. I’ve been looking for a job for the last five months. I went to a temp agency, and if you’re not Hispanic or Guatemalan, there’s no way you can get a job in New Jersey. What can we do about the immigrants in our country who are taking over our jobs?

Out of Work

So the agency is only interested in placing immigrants? I know times are tough, but you’ve given yourself a convenient excuse. —Ed. Note

Ed, how is it that the city of Trenton has money to buy new cars for the directors but they are canceling the Thanksgiving Day parade? It seems the city has money for things they want but not money for the kids.

Children’s Advocate

I love a parade.—Ed. Note

Ed, I read ahout Gov. Corzine’s stimulus package and it is nothing but a Bandaid. He shouldn’t be touching the state workers’ pension money. Tell him to make mortgage interest tax-deductible on our New Jersey state income tax. That would stimulate the economy.

Man with a Plan

People are always telling me to tell the guv stuff. Here we go: Hey guv, make mortgage interest tax-deductible.—Ed. Note

Ed, if your readers haven’t been to the new Food Bazaar in the Roebling Center in Trenton, I want to tell them it’s really, really nice. It’s nice to have a supermarket in this community. I hope it makes it there.

Shopper

If the big crowds of shoppers are any indication, it’s doing very well.—Ed. Note

Good morning, Ed, Gov. Corzine recently signed legislation dealing with disability payments. Does anyone have a phone number for non-payment of workers’ comp claims and what can be done?

Get Paid

Anyone out there in a similar predicament?—Ed. Note

Ed, I have a picture in my apartment and I would like to have it appraised.

Seeking Value

Look for appraisers in the yellow pages. Or watch The Trentonian’s events calendar for future events offering appraisals.—Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, please let the readers know that EZPass is running a bit of a scam off the Garden State Parkway down in Ocean City. They have two lanes leading from the parkway to the 9th Street Bridge going to Ocean City. One is the regular lane, the other lane says EZPass or exact change only. So, you pull up, pay the exact change, take off, and next thing you know, you get a notice in the mail about how you didn’t pay through the EZPass system. They fine you $25 plus the 70-cent toll they claim you didn’t pay. This is B.S. and one of the ways Corzine is making up money by scamming the people again.

Road Rage

Sounds like more of a glitch than a deliberate attempt to scam anyone. But thanks for the warning.—Ed. Note

Hey, Ed, how can a criminal become a police director? Mayor Doug Palmer appointed Irving Bradley Jr. as police director. I thought when you’ve broken the law you can’t hold a job like this, but maybe I’m wrong. Then we look at this poor guy that tried to take his own life, and one did in Hamilton, another hotbed of discontentment. What is going on? Why isn’t this being investigated? I wish U.S. Attorney Chris Christie would come in and investigate what goes on in these police departments. There’s something wrong.

Wondering

What do you say, Chris? Are you busy?—Ed. Note

Ed, my apartment complex is full of rats and roaches, and the landlord does nothing. She is a slumlord. The maintenance is no good either. This building needs to be closed up.

Slumming

Report it to the city. —Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I just finished reading the Oct. 30 edition of The Trentonian, specifically L.A. Parker’s column about race problems. How conveniently he accused the Republican vice-presidential candidate of being a whack job or a diva. And yet, in the interest of fair journalism, there was nothing included about the Tawanda Brawley case of a few years back, the black girl who lied that a white man had attacked her, prompting an outcry for justice by black leaders of that era, including Rev. Al Sharpton.

Another White Guy

Huh? So to be “fair” our columnist has to mention the Brawley case every time he comments on race because you cherish it as a glaring example of injustice to whites? Leave the column writing to L.A.—Ed. Note

Ed, I cannot understand why and how former Philadelphia Mayor Street’s brother, Milton Street, was charged with tax evasion and is going to pay restitution and go to a country jail for a few months. Back in the 1930s, gangster Al Capone was arrested for the same crime, tax evasion, and went to jail for years. I guess the law has changed and for the worst. It’s still politics, power, and today, race more than ever.

White Guy

Do you really think Street is a criminal of the caliber of Al Capone? You’re making a giant stretch with the comparison, and whatever point you think you’re making about race is lost. —Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, my condolence to family of Philadelphia police Sgt. Patrick McDonald, who was assassinated by a killer. And may I say, you police officers have the worst union in the nation. You should not ask or negotiate but demand the death penalty across the country for the killer of any police officer. You are there to protect and serve, but you are not getting any protection from the criminal. Please, wise up and go on strike throughout the country to get the death penalty for police killers. I know in New Jersey, it’s a lost cause.

Striker

Are you prepared to have no police officers on duty anywhere, indefinitely, until all the states in the union adopt a mandatory-death-penalty-for-cop-killers law? That sounds like a fun few decades for everyone.—Ed. Note

Ed, now that’s what I call a state of justice, Huntsville, Texas, where this Eric Nenno was executed for the rape and strangling of a 7-year-old girl. This is what I call justice. If this sicko person did this in New Jersey, he would go free in jail for a short time and live off the taxpayers. He would thank Gov. Corzine, Sen. Shirley Turner and their hand-picked committee on the abolishment of the death penalty in New Jersey.

Justice Done

The problem is that with the appeals, the execution probably cost the Texas taxpayers as much in legal fees as housing that sicko for a lifetime. But at least they know he’ll never do it again.—Ed. Note

Ed, with Exxon Mobil making over $14 billion profit in three months (that’s billion with a “b”) and BP making over $10 billion in three months, why are we still paying over $2 a gallon for gasoline?

Gas Puzzler

So that’s how you spell billion. —Ed. Note

Ed, it always amazes me that people are really dumb enough to fall for money scams, like psychics and fortune tellers who guarantee you will receive X amount of dollars by paying them X amount of dollars. Or filling out a form with all your personal information. If anybody has the power to do this, they would not need you or your money; they could just exert the power for their own use. Also, the ministers on TV who claim if you send X amount of dollars, they will pray over the envelope and you will be free from all debt. What a laugh! If they had a direct line with God to get that money for you, why do they need you or your money for their ministry? And they quote the Bible to support their claims. Wise up! If you want to give money to any church and can afford it, do so, but there’s no guarantee you will ever be rich in return. God never said you had to give money to the church for answers to prayers or prosperity. Never. I have read the entire Bible and it does not say that.

Voice of Reason

Let’s not call the people who fall for such things “dumb.” Unfortunate, naive, victimized, hopelessly hopeful, but dumb is too harsh. —Ed. Note

Hi, Ed, I want to talk about rice. I just purchased some, and as I opened the box, out came about 10 mosquitoes or flies or something. So, I just want to let the shoppers know, beware, when you buy rice: Hold your head back because who knows what might come out of it.

Bugged

You know what they say. Extra protein.—Ed. Note