20/20 Camden (Newark, Long Branch, Asbury Park: appointed, daycare, motels)

[royceb]

Originally Posted by ScrantonWilkesBarre

Camden can really rebound if kind, middle-class suburbanites such as you and your friends did find a way to "spread the wealth", so to speak

Socialism won't save Camden. Have you ever been there? In NJ big dumps like Newark and Camden only pay 10% for the social services they receive. The rest of it is pulled out of taxpayers from other cities wallets. We spread the wealth enough already.

[doc1]

Originally Posted by royceb

Socialism won't save Camden. Have you ever been there? In NJ big dumps like Newark and Camden only pay 10% for the social services they receive. The rest of it is pulled out of taxpayers from other cities wallets. We spread the wealth enough already.

You hit the nail on the head. Anyone who believes that if by giving the politicians in this corrupt state more money to change Camden, Trenton etc. will bring about good things is either brain dead, naive or lives in another state. The questions no one seems to ask, for example, is:

What are they doing with the untold millions of dollars they get now?

Are the citizens of Camden electing, reelecting and reelecting again the same old machine politicians? Why?

Are they as outraged as we were when their school administration was found to be as corrupt as a third world nation? Then, in typical third world fashion, they punshed the whistleblower, his wife and child.

What are the citizens themselves willing to do to change their lives other than demand that the govt do something, anything. Are they willing to do the unpleasant tasks of maybe working harder, taking control of their children, schools and streets?

ScrantonWilkesBarre, trust me, NJ's political machines have set things up to where the suburbanites do spread the wealth - with no accountability attached. Like it was stated before, some of our cities only pay 10% of their operating costs. The other 90% comes from the suburbs (no, we're not all rich) and rural farmers (no, they're not rich either - I've known several farmers).
What you're advocating is how it's done today and it's a miserable failure (according to those that watched 20/20).

[Adream]

I can't help but think that the Federal Gov't should be spending tax dollars on fixing our problems at home i.e. Camden and similar, than worrying about bring "democracy to Iraq."

Let the tussle begin...

[momix5]

Adream you are sooooooooooooo right! These poor children need some sort of help! I don't know where to start but maybe if we donated items directly to this community, like maybe I live a sheltered life but why can't some fat cat big business like home depot donate materials to this area and let the citizens and other people volunteering help to physically rebulild the community? Why can't Walmart or Kohls or Target donate surplus clothing to the families? Why can't the Prez worry about these people a little more?Why don't Hillary take a trip and try to fund something for these people?

[jetsjoe]

I watched the show from start to finish and it was very upsetting. Following that show I watched an episode of Dr. 90210 on E- all about the wealthy and privleaged in Southern California who are most concerned with bigger breasts, bigger houses, bigger jags... and bigger egos. Many use the words "bubble"and "plastic" to describe So Cal.

I don't live in SoCal but have spent time and have friends there. I know some are great contributors to various charitys and issues, but we all know many who are in the position are not. Just think the difference it would make if even 10% of "wealthy" SoCal residents gave... I'll just pick a number... $30 a week in groceries to some of these children in areas like Camden.

I believe most of us that saw that show were deaply sadened and left wanting to just feed these poor children. Ivan touched my heart. Everytime he spoke about wanting a house, I had tears in my eyes. And there are people out there who don't appreciate there million dollar mansion.

[berryjuice4life]

I wonder if Oprah saw that episode, she is so wonderful when it comes to children or families in need...It broke my heart I have to tell you that these kids have no hope....

[doc1]

To those of you that imply that the problem will be "fixed" if only the govt stepped in and shoveled in more dollars. Do you realize that

1. NJ has a debt of over 2 billion dollars?

2. NJ has some of the most oppressively taxed citizens?

3. The states surrounding us actually had SURPLUSES?

Throwing money at social problems, without attaching resposibilities to them, only succeeds in making people feel good. Like they're really doing something.

This type of thinking and voting is why people are leaving this state in droves.

[JBrown]

DOC1... very well said

Good God folks....how many years do the bleeding heart types have to shell out millions upon ,millions of other peoples money before it's concluded that throwing money at the problem is a huge waste of resources.

The big city money sinkholes already get 90% of their operating funds from the rest of us in the state. Property taxes have gone up 6 to 7 % every year for the past 5+ years !!.. That's more than double the national inflation rate. Most folks I know don't get a 6 to 7% salary increase EVERY year. How long do you do-gooders think that kinda of unaccountability can go on.

Will Rodgers..
" If stupidity got us into this mess how come stupidity can't get us out? "

[royceb]

Originally Posted by momix5

Adream you are sooooooooooooo right! These poor children need some sort of help! I don't know where to start but maybe if we donated items directly to this community, like maybe I live a sheltered life but why can't some fat cat big business like home depot donate materials to this area and let the citizens and other people volunteering help to physically rebulild the community? Why can't Walmart or Kohls or Target donate surplus clothing to the families? Why can't the Prez worry about these people a little more?Why don't Hillary take a trip and try to fund something for these people?

You do realize that NJ has one of the highest yax rates and is about the worst state in combating poverty, correct??? Socialism justs reinforces the status quo and makes the people overly dependent on the government. That is why no one in Camden will improve their lives because they know there is a gov't paycheck waiting for them. Stores like WalMart and Target do a lot of good for communities, but you will never hear it because of the talking head puppets like Brian Williams only care about telling you how evil these corporations are.

Why can't the Prez worry about these people a little more? He does and that is why we had the largest increase in the size of the federal government since he has taken office. What do you expect him to do? Ride in on a horse and throw out cash to the poor?

[NewHomeHappy]

all the low income "gift" house built for families that couldn't afford one on their own. Go back and pay a visit to them today- just one year later. I am not saying they are ALL like that !! But the ones I did see are in horrible condition.

I don't understand why the adults were home in the middle of the day on a work day ?? I took the day off work to bring them food I walked by the dry cleaners & McD's & car wash that all had Help Wanted signs out The nice family I visited had a new SUV, super cool cell phones with songs on it, and very nice gold jewerly ?
Now I'm not judging these nice folks but it sure seems strange to me. They really appreciated my act of kindness and it made me feel good too. I sure hope my frozen turkey, ham, canned goods and baby clothes helped them thru the winter. I did it for the kids.