South Jersey speaks up: Letters to the editor for the week of Aug. 5, 2022
- Updated
Our weekly round-up of letters published in the Press of Atlantic City.
Treasury and Fed mismanaged economy
Regarding the recent letter, “Everyday prices up much more than 8%”:
I was laughing, like it was a tragic comedy, at this letter on inflation. I have been saying this same thing for over a year now. It’s like Powell and Yellen just sit in their ivory towers and regurgitate data that gets fed to them instead of going to a supermarket.
The once lowly food, chicken wings, now costs as much per pound as a bone-in ribeye did back in February 2020. And ironically, after destroying market valuations in 2020, these Fed moves are pointless. Next year if chicken wings are $7 a pound instead of today’s $7.50, they’ll crow (the Fed, not the chickens) how they tamed inflation.
But it would have dropped anyway, because sooner or later the supply chain debacle and the end of Covid subsidies, which are the real cause of this inflation and not a booming economy, will correct pricing.
Unfortunately, as I said before, this is not a romantic comedy, but a tragic one. I’m afraid we will not have a happy ending.
Dan Feldman
Margate
Doctor of education worth the honor
Regarding the recent letter, “President Biden not up to stressful job”:
Dr. Jill Biden has a bachelor’s degree in English and a doctoral degree in education from the University of Delaware, as well as a master’s degree in education from West Chester University, as well as a master’s of art English from Villanova.
Gail Karslo
Atlantic City
School no place for explicit sex lessons
The N.J. Sex Education Learning Standards for 2021-2022 include direct, explicit instruction of masturbation to 5th graders using materials considered to be and by definition are pornographic.
Prepubescence is a time of physical, social and emotional changes and government schools should not be allowed to use highly controversial material from organizations like SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change to teach sensitive sexual content. This is the exclusive right and responsibility of parents only!
Minor children must be protected from sexualization, graphic materials, and messages which have an adverse effect on the physical, social, emotional and spiritual development of the child.
I vehemently oppose this and other related teaching of a sexual nature, which is not the educational mandate of government schools.
Andrew Curran
Millville
Like having gasoline pumped for me
Regarding the recent Press editorial, “$5 gas a good time for self-serve”:
Are there studies that to prove you pay less for gas if it is self-serve?
I think at first they would have both full-serve and self-serve with a little difference in price so people could get used to it. You might notice it in the beginning but gradually gas would increase without you even knowing it.
In some cases, you have to walk inside to pay, especially without a credit card. I like having my gas pumped for me and it still gives people jobs. I am sure the price, if any, you save in gas is minimal compared to a job. I can pump my own but don’t want to. Spoiled Jersey girl.
Anne Prettyman
Somers Point
Joe and Jill Biden unfairly criticized
I am an 82-year-old, rational thinking person who can recognize ageism and sexism when I see it. Anyone who can criticize President Biden for being incapacitated doesn’t remember the former guy’s incoherent rantings. And the absurd cognitive test he took and claimed it to be a huge accomplishment. What a joke.
With the miracles of modern medicine and the enlightened attitudes on maintaining good health, 80 is indeed the new 60. Saying that a person is inept on the basis of age is wrong. Whoever declared that a person approaching their 80th birthday should undergo a cognitive test is another in the long line of distractions from the nonsense that is going on in this country today.
Saying that Dr. Jill Biden shouldn’t be addressed as doctor because she is not a medical or a PhD is strange because I am sure that no one would balk at calling MLK Dr. Martin Luther King. I think it is because Jill Biden is a woman whose priority should be the health and welfare of her spouse. And the nerve of her to want to fulfill her personal ambition, which I think is teaching and not living in the White House.
This throwing anything at the wall to see what sticks is a tiresome, tedious practice which is setting us back to the 50s, where I know some people want to be. But you cannot turn the clock back. It is a different world now and we all have to recognize that. Women and 80-year-olds are viable members of society.
Dianne McCarthy, Millville
Anti-Trump testimony unselfish, patriotic
The Republican reaction to the Jan. 6 committee hearings is it’s time for Democrats to move on from Trump.
Here’s how it looks to me. I believe the only reason the Republicans want to move on from Trump and the events of Jan. 6, 2021, is because they want to conceal their guilt and complicity in the Capitol riot.
People who still believe that Trump really cares about America should ask why those testifying in the televised hearings include Republicans, Trump appointees and members of his various teams. Wouldn’t it be easier for them to stay mum instead of testifying against Trump? Even if they are really RINOs, why would they risk their livelihoods to tell the truth about Trump?
I think the answer is because they know that Trump’s lies will do more harm to the country than telling the truth will do to themselves. And unlike Donald Trump, they put the Constitution and America before themselves. That is what Patriots do.
Josh Lucchesi, Northfield
Schumer responsible for threats to justices
Given the goings-on surrounding the Jan. 6th event, I am wondering what steps will be taken against Sen. Chuck Schumer after the assassination attempt on Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Schumer stood on the steps of the Senate and raged against Justice Kavanaugh as well as Justice Gorsuch. There is no doubt in my mind that words like, “You have released a whirlwind and you will pay the price” and “You won’t know what hit you” are calls to incite violence against individual justices. Those seed of hate have now taken root and the justices and their families are no longer safe.
It is important that Senator Schumer be held responsible for his actions. If the leaders of the nation are not punished for illegal and immoral behavior, what can we expect from citizens?
Cathe Mappin, Northfield
US power depends on affordable energy
History has proven that for a seat at the negotiating table you must have diplomatic leverage. History has also proven that to have diplomatic leverage, you must have military capabilities significant enough to protect national security, and the resolve to use it. Without both, you have little diplomatic leverage.
Per history, you must have a strong economy to afford a strong military. To be a super power, you must have a super power economy.
Finally, history has proven that to have a super power economy, you must have reliable, abundant and inexpensive energy to power it.
Since the USA must have enough energy to power its economy, support its military and ensure national security, resulting in diplomatic power, it seems we should domestically produce as much relatively clean energy as possible to protect our diplomatic leverage.
Despite the government’s significant investment, wind, hydro and solar are not reliable, abundant nor inexpensive. If they were, everyone would drive an electric car and charging stations would be everywhere.
Since they are none of the above, and won’t be for at least 15 years, it seems sensible to pump as much domestic oil, build as many nuclear plants and burn as much U.S. natural gas as needed, until they are. They are not mutually exclusive initiatives.
$5 gas and 8% inflation is unnecessary. If the government wants to help, they should empower energy producers with less regulation and a long term commitment not to abandon them on short notice. They should provide a guaranteed structured phase out allowing producers the long term horizon required to justify their needed investment to bring energy to market.
Our energy is the cleanest in the world. To allow China, Russia or OPEC to force the U.S. to grovel to them and Venezuela for a dirty supply of the economy’s life blood is national suicide. It won’t matter how clean our energy is, if we must kneel to China who, since 2021, has built 33 dirty coal burning power plants, with many more to come. China is not our friend, nor are they a good partner.
Vaughan M. Reale
Margate
Stop printing money, restore global economy
Given the recent beginning collapse of the Wall Street “recovery miracle” from the financial collapse of 2007-2008, it should be apparent to all but the financial gurus of Wall Street, the Federal Reserve and elsewhere that the quantitative easing and other such bailout measures were from the beginning a massive $25 trillion scam foisted on the American people.
Instead of restoring Glass/Steagall, the 1933 banking reform that for 65 years had kept the banking system honest by not allowing banks to speculate with depositors money on risky schemes (only in productive commercial, agricultural, home mortgage and other investments, which kept the economy stable and expanding), Congress under threats and blackmail by Wall Street, the Federal Reserve and other interests has kept the printers churning out helicopter money instead of rebuilding rotting infrastructure, and promoting advanced industry and agricultural productivity building.
We are now about to reap the fruits of that misguided and destructive conspiracy, if we do not restore Glass/Steagall immediately, if not sooner. That rottenness is now so globally pervasive and systemic, it must now be addressed by the biggest and most populous nations capable of carrying out such a global financial reorganization.
Topping that list, but not excluding others that wish to help in that prospect, must be the United States, Russia, China and India, whose industrial, agricultural and particularly scientific capabilities and manpower can be brought to bear to start to physically rebuild the global economy from an advanced outlook.
The U.S. can and must play a pivotal role, because we know that for 65 years, Glass/Steagall was the tried and true litmus test of how a real economy can and must operate to benefit its population.
Congress must push aside all those lesser and unworkable so-called reasonable solutions and return to the Glass/Steagall Banking Act.
Bruce Todd
Waretown
Increase foreign aid, fight global poverty
It seems that many are quick to jump on the bandwagon that shouts how America is a “third-world country wearing a Gucci belt,” without understanding the depth of abundance and privilege within U.S. borders.
The reality is that more than half of the world’s population lives on less than $2 a day, while a small fraction live comfortably. Global poverty poses many threats to both the United States and the countries experiencing it. Much of the everyday American routine is implausible in much of the world. Although the United States contributes more total aid than any other nation, it is still significantly less in per-capita terms than many European nations.
The Borgen Project’s mission stems from this very fact. If asked, the average person would say that 25% of the U.S. budget goes to foreign aid, but it is less than 1%. The wealthiest nation in the world should be doing more to curb global poverty as it is in the domestic and international interest. We have the political power to pass legislation that fights poverty systemically.
Increasing foreign aid does more to protect U.S. national security and jobs than it seems, making it a cause we should all be able to get behind, regardless of political differences. Advocating for goodwill is a nonpartisan issue.
Lillian Crowther
Randolph
Press editorial — ‘Cape bike path needs link to Atlantic network soon’
‘Big crowds are at the Jersey Shore, but spending more carefully’
‘New studies bolster theory coronavirus emerged from the wild’
‘Atlantic City’s homeless seek more than advocates say they’re providing’
‘Carnegie Library lease, illegal ATV use up for Atlantic City Council vote’
‘With a wealth of new businesses and teamwork, North Beach now hottest spot in A.C.’
‘US basketball star Griner testifies at Russia drug trial’
‘Fast-food chain founder buys 50,000 Mega Millions tickets — one for every employee’
Todd Williams
via Facebook
Vic Weatherford
via PressofAC.com
Tom DeFelice
via Facebook
‘TBS cancels Samantha Bee’s “Full Frontal” after 7 seasons’
“The primary purpose is to separate our local elections from the state and federal ones so that we can have a day solely focused only solving Atlantic City issues.” Matthew Diullio-Jusino, via Facebook ‘Atlantic City mayor calls new change-of-government attempt a GOP ploy’ “Excellent! I fully support completing the bike path links between Atlantic and Cape May counties … then move forward with completion of Atlantic County bikeway west.” William Reinert, via PressofAC.com “Maybe because they used most of their money filling their gas tank to get to the shore.” Colette DeGailler Klein, via Facebook “95% of scientific data in the peer-review literature demonstrates the Covid virus was developed in the Wuhan lab.” Steve Dunn, via Facebook “Using the county clerk’s address is hardly appropriate and not going to be helpful for those seeking to be employed and to reliably receive mail. Is the MVC even aware of this practice?” Toby Norwood, via PressofAC.com “The ATVs and motor bikes use Pacific Avenue like a drag strip. No plates, helmet or lights.” Raymon Fernandez, via Facebook “Business is definitely booming — only a shoobie would think or comment otherwise.” Talia Tejada, via Facebook “First she contends she packed her dope in haste, which is ridiculous in itself. Now it is doctor prescribed?” Dave G. Wood, via Facebook “Cheryl, this is decreasing our chances!” Maureen Stevenson, via Facebook “A real pity they allowed the old location to disappear.” ‘Stockton University receives grant for Noyes Museum of Art operations’ “I’m glad this country was not as xenophobic 90 years ago when my Italian grandfather came over on a boat.” ‘Van Drew opposing ID cards for undocumented immigrants through new legislation’ “Was wondering when this was going to happen. Way overdue.”
Guns don’t help keep people safer
While reading “Middle BOE approves New Guards” recently, I was surprised to see “the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” Really? Recent events show otherwise. That old bromide needs to be retired. It’s untrue and it can lead to bad decisions. You know what’s a good way to stop a bad guy with a gun? Don’t let him get his hands on a gun.
Louis Greenstein
Pleasantville
Let Absecon help all of its students
The acting state commissioner of education has decided to deny the students of Absecon, particularly those deemed underprivileged, access to greater levels of educational attainment.
The Absecon Board of Education, unsatisfied with education, opportunities and outcomes provided by Pleasantville High School, had sought a new sending agreement with Absegami High School. This was done with low-income and at-risk students in mind. Absegami, which is a minority majority school, provides greater opportunities in terms of both education and experience through its early college program and wider array of electives, athletics, and extracurricular activities — while maintaining diversity in its student body and school culture. It has higher rates of student attendance, achievement and graduation for its low-income and minority students, who make up the majority of Absecon students currently attending Pleasantville.
This year, Absecon sent 40 students to Pleasantville High School, a tiny fraction of the school’s 800 students. Of those 40 students, five of them are white. The commissioner stated that these five students make up 50-80% of Pleasantville High’s white population. That’s disturbing and symptomatic of greater societal issues and structural racism. However, to focus on those five students is to erase the other 35 students of color, as if their educations and futures matter less. Prioritizing the presence of the white children over the education of 35 children of color is unacceptable.
What concrete steps are opponents of Absecon’s change going to take to help improve Pleasantville’s school and offer them the success Absegami would have provided them? Pleasantville’s own students deserve far more than their school system is offering. Unfortunately, Absecon residents have no representation on the Pleasantville school board, which is notorious for its dysfunction. How might the residents of Absecon partner with those in Pleasantville to create positive changes for the school?
The small number of Absecon students has had no impact on Pleasantville High School – for good or ill – and to continue maintaining a failing status quo is not an answer. It should not be acceptable to the residents of Pleasantville, and it is certainly not for the residents of Absecon.
Nancy Wessler
Absecon
Inflation outpaces rise in Social Security
The last administration was feared as dividing the people into a state of haves and have nots.
May 2020 recorded an inflation rate of 0.1% The recorded inflation rate for May 2022 was 8.6% and for June 9.1%.
That feared divide is here, thanks to the current administration.
My grocery bill is only one proof from a list of many. The Social Security cost of living adjustment of 5.9% just doesn’t cover.
Frances Cavallaro
Ventnor
Politicians aren’t getting things done
Politicians continue to take the easy way when attempting to show the voters that they are doing something to solve a particular problem. But in fact, nothing ever changes — they just talk.
I beg to disagree with President Biden. I have never held a gun but the right to bear arms is absolute: The Second Amendment reads: “A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” There are no conditional words in this sentence.
The Democratic Party always seems to want to limit a citizen’s right to bear arms and villainize the GOP and the NRA instead of trying to do something to minimize the root cause — mental illness. It’s not the gun — obviously it’s the mentally ill person pulling the trigger. Why blame the guns?
This is not the only topic that politicians continue to use against their opposition without any resolution; i.e., immigration reform, energy independence, etc. Overdose deaths reached a record 107,000 deaths in 2021 fueled by fentanyl coming across the porous southern border.
During the Trump administration we were energy independent but now this green energy obsession has resulted in the administration having to go hat in hand to beg OPEC to produce more oil. In this supply/demand economy — when supply goes down and demand doesn’t change, the price goes up — that’s why gasoline is at the highest price ever.
Annamarie Donley
Egg Harbor Township
“Oh snap, I was planning on delivering there.”
Linda C. Bermes
via Facebook
‘Come September, maternity services will no longer be offered at Cape Regional Medical Center’
“What you plant in your yard can ensure this remains a sculpture and not a grave marker.”
Peter Haberstroh
via PressofAC.com
‘Nature Conservancy debuts monarch butterfly sculpture in Cape May’
“A lot of them with the signs just want drugs. Please don't be fooled by them.”
Melissa L. Jones
via Facebook
‘Atlantic City's homeless seek more than advocates say they're providing’
“A culture and sport rewarding doping that eventually had this as its fall guy.”
Mark Cowin
via Facebook
‘Today in 2005, Lance Armstrong wins his seventh consecutive Tour de France’
“Lift the ban. Others have done much worse. He was perhaps the most intensely competitive player ever.”
Art Ferrante
via Facebook
‘Pete Rose to appear on field in Philadelphia for first time since 1989’
“There never was a right to an abortion in the U.S. Constitution. There are also no limits on abortion. It is treated in the same way that capital punishment is -- left to the states.”
Irv Cohen
via PressofAC.com
‘Court's end of right to abort completes its failure,’ by Christian F. Nunes
“Expiration dates are recommendations. In previous decades, only perishables were marked with dates.”
Karen L. MacLeod
via Facebook
‘Food expiration dates don't have much science behind them’
“Paula, this is what was going on yesterday.”
Christine Karnauk
via Facebook
‘Local players get taste of professional beach volleyball at AVP's Atlantic City Open’
“If they want to watch, go ahead. Be bored. Lol”
Jenn Williams
via Facebook
‘Surveillance is pervasive: Yes, you are being watched, even if no one is looking for you’
“You can say that again. Nuts isn't the word!”
Henry Burger
via PressofAC.com
‘Democrats are scapegoating Biden for their own misjudgments,’ by Ramesh Ponnuru
“I gave up on Springsteen after he went woke. Besides, no Clarence Clemons.”
Thomas Pope
via Facebook
‘Ticket prices for Bruce Springsteen's shows are angering some fans’
“Thanks but I will depend on my immune system to do the job for me.”
Tammy Tozer
via Facebook
‘Is it time to rethink what we know about COVID-19 reinfection?’
Hold plebiscite on gun rights
Many of us have been hoping for some time that Congress would enact sensible rules around guns, particularly the deadly semi-automatic assault weapon. People petition legislators, write letters to the editors of newspapers, participate in rallies and marches, do opinion polling and of course, especially of late, they do a lot of thinking and praying for the precious lives lost and their destroyed families and friends.
But alas, as we have become accustomed, nothing of substance happens; except the inevitable, more wild and unimaginable attacks. The hew and cry from some is that nothing can be done because restriction of ownership of semi-automatic weapons would abrogate rights under the 2nd Amendment. I’ve often wondered how we would see the impact of the feared abrogation? What would the impact look like?
Well enough. It is apparent that the majority of people feel the need to change things up. Congress refuses to act as our brothers and sisters die. Our representatives will not answer our call. We cannot rely on them to act on our behalf. Why? Who knows? Who cares? We need to act to end this madness. If anything is going to change, it has become abundantly clear that change lies in the hands of all of us. We need to do a work around. We need to put this life and death issue before the people in the form of a popular vote. Sooner than later. Before more innocent lives are lost.
Jim McManus
Ocean City
O.C. wrong, pushing
teens hard works
Regarding the recent story, “After controversy, Ocean City school board declines to reappoint girls basketball coach”:
The Ocean City school board that did not approve the girls basketball coach rehiring hasn't the foresight to see what is going on in this country. We love very soft spoken folks but that generally doesn't get results when dealing with teenagers.
My almost 40 years experience dealing with teen and pre-teen students tells me that you can be loud and yet also, at the very same time, be kind. Often kids simply don't respond to soft spoken teachers. Sometimes you simply have to have the ability and courage to push the limits in order to gain results. After that happens, the kids usually respond with a completely different attitude.
The end result is winning a game or position on a team or gaining entrance to the college of your choice. It's a shame that the school system will likely lose great teaching talent. What coach or teacher will want to work in a system that does not encourage pushing its students hard in an effort to teach them that sometimes you have to strain to get the result you want and need, to get ahead.
I urge the board to revisit this decision. Speak with the students involved and reconsider the choice. Great coaches are almost impossible to come by today.
If people believe that this decision not to rehire the basketball coach will not have a resounding effect on the other educators in the system, I have to say that they are very wrong. If I were a new college grad with a degree in education, I wouldn't go near this school system seeking a position. In college I learned to push myself very hard in order to gain two degrees plus. As a result I've had the experience to push my students hard when necessary, toward success. Sometimes success is painful to achieve.
James Aumack
Cape May
More like this...
Treasury and Fed mismanaged economy
Regarding the recent letter, “Everyday prices up much more than 8%”:
I was laughing, like it was a tragic comedy, at this letter on inflation. I have been saying this same thing for over a year now. It’s like Powell and Yellen just sit in their ivory towers and regurgitate data that gets fed to them instead of going to a supermarket.
The once lowly food, chicken wings, now costs as much per pound as a bone-in ribeye did back in February 2020. And ironically, after destroying market valuations in 2020, these Fed moves are pointless. Next year if chicken wings are $7 a pound instead of today’s $7.50, they’ll crow (the Fed, not the chickens) how they tamed inflation.
But it would have dropped anyway, because sooner or later the supply chain debacle and the end of Covid subsidies, which are the real cause of this inflation and not a booming economy, will correct pricing.
Unfortunately, as I said before, this is not a romantic comedy, but a tragic one. I’m afraid we will not have a happy ending.
Dan Feldman
Margate
Doctor of education worth the honor
Regarding the recent letter, “President Biden not up to stressful job”:
Dr. Jill Biden has a bachelor’s degree in English and a doctoral degree in education from the University of Delaware, as well as a master’s degree in education from West Chester University, as well as a master’s of art English from Villanova.
Gail Karslo
Atlantic City
School no place for explicit sex lessons
The N.J. Sex Education Learning Standards for 2021-2022 include direct, explicit instruction of masturbation to 5th graders using materials considered to be and by definition are pornographic.
Prepubescence is a time of physical, social and emotional changes and government schools should not be allowed to use highly controversial material from organizations like SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change to teach sensitive sexual content. This is the exclusive right and responsibility of parents only!
Minor children must be protected from sexualization, graphic materials, and messages which have an adverse effect on the physical, social, emotional and spiritual development of the child.
I vehemently oppose this and other related teaching of a sexual nature, which is not the educational mandate of government schools.
Andrew Curran
Millville
Like having gasoline pumped for me
Regarding the recent Press editorial, “$5 gas a good time for self-serve”:
Are there studies that to prove you pay less for gas if it is self-serve?
I think at first they would have both full-serve and self-serve with a little difference in price so people could get used to it. You might notice it in the beginning but gradually gas would increase without you even knowing it.
In some cases, you have to walk inside to pay, especially without a credit card. I like having my gas pumped for me and it still gives people jobs. I am sure the price, if any, you save in gas is minimal compared to a job. I can pump my own but don’t want to. Spoiled Jersey girl.
Anne Prettyman
Somers Point
Joe and Jill Biden unfairly criticized
I am an 82-year-old, rational thinking person who can recognize ageism and sexism when I see it. Anyone who can criticize President Biden for being incapacitated doesn’t remember the former guy’s incoherent rantings. And the absurd cognitive test he took and claimed it to be a huge accomplishment. What a joke.
With the miracles of modern medicine and the enlightened attitudes on maintaining good health, 80 is indeed the new 60. Saying that a person is inept on the basis of age is wrong. Whoever declared that a person approaching their 80th birthday should undergo a cognitive test is another in the long line of distractions from the nonsense that is going on in this country today.
Saying that Dr. Jill Biden shouldn’t be addressed as doctor because she is not a medical or a PhD is strange because I am sure that no one would balk at calling MLK Dr. Martin Luther King. I think it is because Jill Biden is a woman whose priority should be the health and welfare of her spouse. And the nerve of her to want to fulfill her personal ambition, which I think is teaching and not living in the White House.
This throwing anything at the wall to see what sticks is a tiresome, tedious practice which is setting us back to the 50s, where I know some people want to be. But you cannot turn the clock back. It is a different world now and we all have to recognize that. Women and 80-year-olds are viable members of society.
Dianne McCarthy, Millville
Anti-Trump testimony unselfish, patriotic
The Republican reaction to the Jan. 6 committee hearings is it’s time for Democrats to move on from Trump.
Here’s how it looks to me. I believe the only reason the Republicans want to move on from Trump and the events of Jan. 6, 2021, is because they want to conceal their guilt and complicity in the Capitol riot.
People who still believe that Trump really cares about America should ask why those testifying in the televised hearings include Republicans, Trump appointees and members of his various teams. Wouldn’t it be easier for them to stay mum instead of testifying against Trump? Even if they are really RINOs, why would they risk their livelihoods to tell the truth about Trump?
I think the answer is because they know that Trump’s lies will do more harm to the country than telling the truth will do to themselves. And unlike Donald Trump, they put the Constitution and America before themselves. That is what Patriots do.
Josh Lucchesi, Northfield
Schumer responsible for threats to justices
Given the goings-on surrounding the Jan. 6th event, I am wondering what steps will be taken against Sen. Chuck Schumer after the assassination attempt on Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Schumer stood on the steps of the Senate and raged against Justice Kavanaugh as well as Justice Gorsuch. There is no doubt in my mind that words like, “You have released a whirlwind and you will pay the price” and “You won’t know what hit you” are calls to incite violence against individual justices. Those seed of hate have now taken root and the justices and their families are no longer safe.
It is important that Senator Schumer be held responsible for his actions. If the leaders of the nation are not punished for illegal and immoral behavior, what can we expect from citizens?
Cathe Mappin, Northfield
US power depends on affordable energy
History has proven that for a seat at the negotiating table you must have diplomatic leverage. History has also proven that to have diplomatic leverage, you must have military capabilities significant enough to protect national security, and the resolve to use it. Without both, you have little diplomatic leverage.
Per history, you must have a strong economy to afford a strong military. To be a super power, you must have a super power economy.
Finally, history has proven that to have a super power economy, you must have reliable, abundant and inexpensive energy to power it.
Since the USA must have enough energy to power its economy, support its military and ensure national security, resulting in diplomatic power, it seems we should domestically produce as much relatively clean energy as possible to protect our diplomatic leverage.
Despite the government’s significant investment, wind, hydro and solar are not reliable, abundant nor inexpensive. If they were, everyone would drive an electric car and charging stations would be everywhere.
Since they are none of the above, and won’t be for at least 15 years, it seems sensible to pump as much domestic oil, build as many nuclear plants and burn as much U.S. natural gas as needed, until they are. They are not mutually exclusive initiatives.
$5 gas and 8% inflation is unnecessary. If the government wants to help, they should empower energy producers with less regulation and a long term commitment not to abandon them on short notice. They should provide a guaranteed structured phase out allowing producers the long term horizon required to justify their needed investment to bring energy to market.
Our energy is the cleanest in the world. To allow China, Russia or OPEC to force the U.S. to grovel to them and Venezuela for a dirty supply of the economy’s life blood is national suicide. It won’t matter how clean our energy is, if we must kneel to China who, since 2021, has built 33 dirty coal burning power plants, with many more to come. China is not our friend, nor are they a good partner.
Vaughan M. Reale
Margate
Stop printing money, restore global economy
Given the recent beginning collapse of the Wall Street “recovery miracle” from the financial collapse of 2007-2008, it should be apparent to all but the financial gurus of Wall Street, the Federal Reserve and elsewhere that the quantitative easing and other such bailout measures were from the beginning a massive $25 trillion scam foisted on the American people.
Instead of restoring Glass/Steagall, the 1933 banking reform that for 65 years had kept the banking system honest by not allowing banks to speculate with depositors money on risky schemes (only in productive commercial, agricultural, home mortgage and other investments, which kept the economy stable and expanding), Congress under threats and blackmail by Wall Street, the Federal Reserve and other interests has kept the printers churning out helicopter money instead of rebuilding rotting infrastructure, and promoting advanced industry and agricultural productivity building.
We are now about to reap the fruits of that misguided and destructive conspiracy, if we do not restore Glass/Steagall immediately, if not sooner. That rottenness is now so globally pervasive and systemic, it must now be addressed by the biggest and most populous nations capable of carrying out such a global financial reorganization.
Topping that list, but not excluding others that wish to help in that prospect, must be the United States, Russia, China and India, whose industrial, agricultural and particularly scientific capabilities and manpower can be brought to bear to start to physically rebuild the global economy from an advanced outlook.
The U.S. can and must play a pivotal role, because we know that for 65 years, Glass/Steagall was the tried and true litmus test of how a real economy can and must operate to benefit its population.
Congress must push aside all those lesser and unworkable so-called reasonable solutions and return to the Glass/Steagall Banking Act.
Bruce Todd
Waretown
Increase foreign aid, fight global poverty
It seems that many are quick to jump on the bandwagon that shouts how America is a “third-world country wearing a Gucci belt,” without understanding the depth of abundance and privilege within U.S. borders.
The reality is that more than half of the world’s population lives on less than $2 a day, while a small fraction live comfortably. Global poverty poses many threats to both the United States and the countries experiencing it. Much of the everyday American routine is implausible in much of the world. Although the United States contributes more total aid than any other nation, it is still significantly less in per-capita terms than many European nations.
The Borgen Project’s mission stems from this very fact. If asked, the average person would say that 25% of the U.S. budget goes to foreign aid, but it is less than 1%. The wealthiest nation in the world should be doing more to curb global poverty as it is in the domestic and international interest. We have the political power to pass legislation that fights poverty systemically.
Increasing foreign aid does more to protect U.S. national security and jobs than it seems, making it a cause we should all be able to get behind, regardless of political differences. Advocating for goodwill is a nonpartisan issue.
Lillian Crowther
Randolph
Press editorial — ‘Cape bike path needs link to Atlantic network soon’
‘Big crowds are at the Jersey Shore, but spending more carefully’
‘New studies bolster theory coronavirus emerged from the wild’
‘Atlantic City’s homeless seek more than advocates say they’re providing’
‘Carnegie Library lease, illegal ATV use up for Atlantic City Council vote’
‘With a wealth of new businesses and teamwork, North Beach now hottest spot in A.C.’
‘US basketball star Griner testifies at Russia drug trial’
‘Fast-food chain founder buys 50,000 Mega Millions tickets — one for every employee’
Todd Williams
via Facebook
Vic Weatherford
via PressofAC.com
Tom DeFelice
via Facebook
‘TBS cancels Samantha Bee’s “Full Frontal” after 7 seasons’
“The primary purpose is to separate our local elections from the state and federal ones so that we can have a day solely focused only solving Atlantic City issues.” Matthew Diullio-Jusino, via Facebook ‘Atlantic City mayor calls new change-of-government attempt a GOP ploy’ “Excellent! I fully support completing the bike path links between Atlantic and Cape May counties … then move forward with completion of Atlantic County bikeway west.” William Reinert, via PressofAC.com “Maybe because they used most of their money filling their gas tank to get to the shore.” Colette DeGailler Klein, via Facebook “95% of scientific data in the peer-review literature demonstrates the Covid virus was developed in the Wuhan lab.” Steve Dunn, via Facebook “Using the county clerk’s address is hardly appropriate and not going to be helpful for those seeking to be employed and to reliably receive mail. Is the MVC even aware of this practice?” Toby Norwood, via PressofAC.com “The ATVs and motor bikes use Pacific Avenue like a drag strip. No plates, helmet or lights.” Raymon Fernandez, via Facebook “Business is definitely booming — only a shoobie would think or comment otherwise.” Talia Tejada, via Facebook “First she contends she packed her dope in haste, which is ridiculous in itself. Now it is doctor prescribed?” Dave G. Wood, via Facebook “Cheryl, this is decreasing our chances!” Maureen Stevenson, via Facebook “A real pity they allowed the old location to disappear.” ‘Stockton University receives grant for Noyes Museum of Art operations’ “I’m glad this country was not as xenophobic 90 years ago when my Italian grandfather came over on a boat.” ‘Van Drew opposing ID cards for undocumented immigrants through new legislation’ “Was wondering when this was going to happen. Way overdue.”
Guns don’t help keep people safer
While reading “Middle BOE approves New Guards” recently, I was surprised to see “the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” Really? Recent events show otherwise. That old bromide needs to be retired. It’s untrue and it can lead to bad decisions. You know what’s a good way to stop a bad guy with a gun? Don’t let him get his hands on a gun.
Louis Greenstein
Pleasantville
Let Absecon help all of its students
The acting state commissioner of education has decided to deny the students of Absecon, particularly those deemed underprivileged, access to greater levels of educational attainment.
The Absecon Board of Education, unsatisfied with education, opportunities and outcomes provided by Pleasantville High School, had sought a new sending agreement with Absegami High School. This was done with low-income and at-risk students in mind. Absegami, which is a minority majority school, provides greater opportunities in terms of both education and experience through its early college program and wider array of electives, athletics, and extracurricular activities — while maintaining diversity in its student body and school culture. It has higher rates of student attendance, achievement and graduation for its low-income and minority students, who make up the majority of Absecon students currently attending Pleasantville.
This year, Absecon sent 40 students to Pleasantville High School, a tiny fraction of the school’s 800 students. Of those 40 students, five of them are white. The commissioner stated that these five students make up 50-80% of Pleasantville High’s white population. That’s disturbing and symptomatic of greater societal issues and structural racism. However, to focus on those five students is to erase the other 35 students of color, as if their educations and futures matter less. Prioritizing the presence of the white children over the education of 35 children of color is unacceptable.
What concrete steps are opponents of Absecon’s change going to take to help improve Pleasantville’s school and offer them the success Absegami would have provided them? Pleasantville’s own students deserve far more than their school system is offering. Unfortunately, Absecon residents have no representation on the Pleasantville school board, which is notorious for its dysfunction. How might the residents of Absecon partner with those in Pleasantville to create positive changes for the school?
The small number of Absecon students has had no impact on Pleasantville High School – for good or ill – and to continue maintaining a failing status quo is not an answer. It should not be acceptable to the residents of Pleasantville, and it is certainly not for the residents of Absecon.
Nancy Wessler
Absecon
Inflation outpaces rise in Social Security
The last administration was feared as dividing the people into a state of haves and have nots.
May 2020 recorded an inflation rate of 0.1% The recorded inflation rate for May 2022 was 8.6% and for June 9.1%.
That feared divide is here, thanks to the current administration.
My grocery bill is only one proof from a list of many. The Social Security cost of living adjustment of 5.9% just doesn’t cover.
Frances Cavallaro
Ventnor
Politicians aren’t getting things done
Politicians continue to take the easy way when attempting to show the voters that they are doing something to solve a particular problem. But in fact, nothing ever changes — they just talk.
I beg to disagree with President Biden. I have never held a gun but the right to bear arms is absolute: The Second Amendment reads: “A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” There are no conditional words in this sentence.
The Democratic Party always seems to want to limit a citizen’s right to bear arms and villainize the GOP and the NRA instead of trying to do something to minimize the root cause — mental illness. It’s not the gun — obviously it’s the mentally ill person pulling the trigger. Why blame the guns?
This is not the only topic that politicians continue to use against their opposition without any resolution; i.e., immigration reform, energy independence, etc. Overdose deaths reached a record 107,000 deaths in 2021 fueled by fentanyl coming across the porous southern border.
During the Trump administration we were energy independent but now this green energy obsession has resulted in the administration having to go hat in hand to beg OPEC to produce more oil. In this supply/demand economy — when supply goes down and demand doesn’t change, the price goes up — that’s why gasoline is at the highest price ever.
Annamarie Donley
Egg Harbor Township
“Oh snap, I was planning on delivering there.”
Linda C. Bermes
via Facebook
‘Come September, maternity services will no longer be offered at Cape Regional Medical Center’
“What you plant in your yard can ensure this remains a sculpture and not a grave marker.”
Peter Haberstroh
via PressofAC.com
‘Nature Conservancy debuts monarch butterfly sculpture in Cape May’
“A lot of them with the signs just want drugs. Please don't be fooled by them.”
Melissa L. Jones
via Facebook
‘Atlantic City's homeless seek more than advocates say they're providing’
“A culture and sport rewarding doping that eventually had this as its fall guy.”
Mark Cowin
via Facebook
‘Today in 2005, Lance Armstrong wins his seventh consecutive Tour de France’
“Lift the ban. Others have done much worse. He was perhaps the most intensely competitive player ever.”
Art Ferrante
via Facebook
‘Pete Rose to appear on field in Philadelphia for first time since 1989’
“There never was a right to an abortion in the U.S. Constitution. There are also no limits on abortion. It is treated in the same way that capital punishment is -- left to the states.”
Irv Cohen
via PressofAC.com
‘Court's end of right to abort completes its failure,’ by Christian F. Nunes
“Expiration dates are recommendations. In previous decades, only perishables were marked with dates.”
Karen L. MacLeod
via Facebook
‘Food expiration dates don't have much science behind them’
“Paula, this is what was going on yesterday.”
Christine Karnauk
via Facebook
‘Local players get taste of professional beach volleyball at AVP's Atlantic City Open’
“If they want to watch, go ahead. Be bored. Lol”
Jenn Williams
via Facebook
‘Surveillance is pervasive: Yes, you are being watched, even if no one is looking for you’
“You can say that again. Nuts isn't the word!”
Henry Burger
via PressofAC.com
‘Democrats are scapegoating Biden for their own misjudgments,’ by Ramesh Ponnuru
“I gave up on Springsteen after he went woke. Besides, no Clarence Clemons.”
Thomas Pope
via Facebook
‘Ticket prices for Bruce Springsteen's shows are angering some fans’
“Thanks but I will depend on my immune system to do the job for me.”
Tammy Tozer
via Facebook
‘Is it time to rethink what we know about COVID-19 reinfection?’
Hold plebiscite on gun rights
Many of us have been hoping for some time that Congress would enact sensible rules around guns, particularly the deadly semi-automatic assault weapon. People petition legislators, write letters to the editors of newspapers, participate in rallies and marches, do opinion polling and of course, especially of late, they do a lot of thinking and praying for the precious lives lost and their destroyed families and friends.
But alas, as we have become accustomed, nothing of substance happens; except the inevitable, more wild and unimaginable attacks. The hew and cry from some is that nothing can be done because restriction of ownership of semi-automatic weapons would abrogate rights under the 2nd Amendment. I’ve often wondered how we would see the impact of the feared abrogation? What would the impact look like?
Well enough. It is apparent that the majority of people feel the need to change things up. Congress refuses to act as our brothers and sisters die. Our representatives will not answer our call. We cannot rely on them to act on our behalf. Why? Who knows? Who cares? We need to act to end this madness. If anything is going to change, it has become abundantly clear that change lies in the hands of all of us. We need to do a work around. We need to put this life and death issue before the people in the form of a popular vote. Sooner than later. Before more innocent lives are lost.
Jim McManus
Ocean City
O.C. wrong, pushing
teens hard works
Regarding the recent story, “After controversy, Ocean City school board declines to reappoint girls basketball coach”:
The Ocean City school board that did not approve the girls basketball coach rehiring hasn't the foresight to see what is going on in this country. We love very soft spoken folks but that generally doesn't get results when dealing with teenagers.
My almost 40 years experience dealing with teen and pre-teen students tells me that you can be loud and yet also, at the very same time, be kind. Often kids simply don't respond to soft spoken teachers. Sometimes you simply have to have the ability and courage to push the limits in order to gain results. After that happens, the kids usually respond with a completely different attitude.
The end result is winning a game or position on a team or gaining entrance to the college of your choice. It's a shame that the school system will likely lose great teaching talent. What coach or teacher will want to work in a system that does not encourage pushing its students hard in an effort to teach them that sometimes you have to strain to get the result you want and need, to get ahead.
I urge the board to revisit this decision. Speak with the students involved and reconsider the choice. Great coaches are almost impossible to come by today.
If people believe that this decision not to rehire the basketball coach will not have a resounding effect on the other educators in the system, I have to say that they are very wrong. If I were a new college grad with a degree in education, I wouldn't go near this school system seeking a position. In college I learned to push myself very hard in order to gain two degrees plus. As a result I've had the experience to push my students hard when necessary, toward success. Sometimes success is painful to achieve.
James Aumack
Cape May
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