Drug-using moms
cost all taxpayers
The N.J. Supreme Court recently exonerated a Cape May County woman of child-abuse charges, reversing a lower-court decision that found her guilty when her newborn tested positive for cocaine. The court came to this conclusion since state child-abuse laws do not cover a fetus, and the child did not exhibit any obvious complications at birth.
I find it interesting that this woman does not face any punishment for her irresponsible behavior. Studies have shown that children who have been exposed to cocaine before birth will likely perform lower on IQ tests and are more likely to exhibit behavioral issues, resulting in the need for taxpayer-funded special-education programs.
Drug-addicted women will always find the means to supply themselves with illegal drugs and keep having babies, while taxpayers will be forced to support them and their children through free medical care and various welfare programs. The taxpayers were already nice enough to provide a public defender to get this mother of the year off the hook.
Since the Supreme Court doesn't seem to care about these vulnerable children, I am quite sure it does not care about those of us who will have to foot the bill for their special needs. And to even suggest that these degenerate moms be forced to choose between sterilization and welfare would certainly be met with liberals crying foul over reproductive rights. As the moral fabric of our society continues to erode under an out-of-control government that can't even protect innocent children, you have to wonder how much lower this nation can sink.
JOSEPH J. PICARDI
Galloway Township
Liberal letter writer
resorts to name-calling
I read the Feb. 9 letter, "Republicans hold country hostage," with great disdain.
I am a registered independent so I have no Republican affiliation. But the letter writer uses the age-old tactic of just attacking those he disagrees with. Calling for the "tar and feathering" of all Republicans is childish and accomplishes nothing. The writer calls for bipartisanship, but nowhere in the letter does he show any bipartisanship, only complete partisanship.
He also calls Fox News "Faux News," but my inkling is that he has never watched Fox News. I suspect he prefers that self-righteous MSNBC, where commentators cannot even mutter the word "bipartisanship" lest they lose their jobs. He continues the name-calling by calling all the people on Fox News "buffoons."
Individuals like this will not listen to both sides of any issue. The only side they feel is right is their side. This is very narrow-minded. My suggestion to the letter writer is to read the book "Rules for Radicals" by Saul Alinsky. This is the playbook that the far left is going by, and unfortunately they seem to be winning.
Bipartisanship can be accomplished if both parties stop the petty, childish behavior. Name-calling, not taking responsibility for your actions and blaming the other person only widen the gap. This is not what American citizens deserve. We can do better.
ED CELLA
Little Egg Harbor Township
Lack of respect
marks today's world
Comedian Rodney Dangerfield was known for the catch phrase "I don't get no respect." Singer Aretha Franklin asked for a little "Respect" in her song of the same name. Respect has great value in everyday life. Unfortunately, it seems that over the years, the word respect has disappeared and has been replaced by disrespect.
This disrespect is visibly evident in many ways.
There is a law to keep drivers from using their cell phones while driving. It's obvious the law is almost totally ignored.
Whatever happened to our scenic rivers, lakes and forests? Today, they are the recipients of trash that is either thrown out of moving vehicles or purposely dumped.
Teachers are now scapegoats. When little Johnny has a tantrum in the classroom, his parents refuse to believe their precious gem would behave in such a disrespectful manner. More often than not, the parents blame the teacher for little Johnny's behavior.
Our society has been heading in the wrong direction. We need to return to a time when teachers, laws and the environment are respected.
DAVID M. LEVIN
Vineland
Christie was right
on FEMA flood maps
Hurricane Sandy left not only a path of utter destruction and devastation, but a laundry list of critical choices to be made in the rebuilding process. I'm glad that Gov. Chris Christie did not lose his composure during these troubling times and that he made the right decision to restore the Jersey shore without waiting for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to finalize its new flood maps.
I have seen the damage left behind by Hurricane Sandy. After the hurricane, many had no place to stay because they were not able to return to their homes. People had to stay in shelters, live with relatives or rent temporary housing. I was delighted that Christie wouldn't wait 18-24 months to restore the shore. These residents needed to return to their homes and rebuild their shattered lives.
Not waiting for FEMA to re-evaluate the flood maps also helped many return to their places of business. The Jersey shore only makes its money three months out of the year. If Christie waited a year and a half or two years, people would likely have had to miss out on a fun-filled summer vacation. I thank Christie for his decision.
CURTIS LaMOTTE
Manahawkin
'Do Not Call List'
doesn't seem to work
I am not sure why the "Do Not Call List" exists anymore. I continue to get phone calls at all hours of the day and night wanting me to change electric companies, lower my credit card interest or invest in alternative-energy programs. In fact, "Rachel from credit card services" has been threatening me that her call will be my final call if I do not respond immediately. I have been getting that threat for more than three years now, at least once a month.
I am on the "Do Not Call List," but you have to jump through hoops to file a complaint. You have to know what number you were called from, but "Rachel" keeps changing her number. I've received calls from her from Florida, Seattle, Boston and San Diego.
When my phone rings now I simply ignore the unknown numbers. If any of my friends, colleagues or relatives ever change their phone numbers without warning me somehow, I will not answer their calls. Maybe they can send me an email to let me know. But wait, that may end up in the spam folder with the emails asking if I want a mail-order bride from some Eastern European nation.
ROB COYNE
Absecon
