Some points to ponder this summer...

July 2007

I am acutely aware of the fact that most of you reading this are fully engaged in the activities of summer on some level or another. Maybe you're a fisherman or woman, and summer is your season.

Perhaps a boater, or a player, or a night owl slayer. Could be you're a reader, a greeter, or a front porch seater.

Awalker, a runner, or a son- of- a- gunner. No matter what you like to do during mother earth's gift of summer, take a moment and think about who you are, or even more important, how lucky. If you track the history line of mankind you couldn't have asked to be born at a better time than now. Even with all of the turmoil that still persists throughout the world, we Americans have never lived better. I bring it up because it all could change very quickly, and not as a result of a terrorist act.

Well, let me pull that one back and say, not the kind of terrorist act you might be thinking about. No, you see, the acts of terror I'm talking about are the ones being perpetrated on the American and New Jersey public by those we have elected to protect such things. Namely, the security of this nation and whatever state you may be from. In the case of this publisher that happens to be here in New Jersey. Once the envy of the land in terms of prosperity (our motto is even Liberty &Prosperity), New Jersey has plummeted in just eight years, and the really sad part is, we haven't hit bottom yet.The politicians we elected to manage the affairs of the people, Republican and Democrat, went on a hiring spree in 2001, adding 54,000 government jobs to the people's (state) payroll.

What the heck? It's not their money.

Meanwhile the people's (state) budget has risen to over thirty billion dollars when it was just fifteen billion in 1999.And these folks don't want to cut a dime. Instead, all they are focused on is how to raise more money in the future to pay for it all. Now, I don't know about you, but I've always believed that the simple goal of life, beyond one's religious duties, should be to leave the place a little bit better than you found it. Up to now, every generation before has pretty much followed that credo, giving their children a better life situation than they had. This will be the first generation in New Jersey that will bestow upon their children and grandchildren a potentially disastrous economic environment.

Not only will our kids be subjected to the financial burden our irresponsible legislators have created, but they will also have the responsibility of making sure all of the fat and happy baby boomers are taken care of in their old age via social security. I am not trying to bum you out here at the start of summer. In fact, there's very good news amid all this negativity, the situation is fixable now, and the solution as simple as dropping a line to catch a fish...it's time to move away from the party lines of both political parties and start voting for people who recognize the urgency, and are committed to righting this ship called America and the state of New Jersey. Let's face it, being a legislator isn't exactly brain surgery as evidenced by the job done heretofore. These ladies and gentlemen have really pulled the wool over our eyes for a while now. It's time we pull the plug on them before they are able to inflict further pain, and the problems are too far down the road to correct without radical surgery. I would say to our current elected body, who still has a small window of opportunity upon which to act on behalf of the people, as they search for guidance as to the right course of action...do your job with the fervor of knowing, that when your time comes to "step on through to the other side..." you'll have to face all those who gave their lives (freely) in the founding, and subsequent many defenses, of this great nation. Picture all of their faces gazing upon you with a look of complete bewilderment at the disregard to the sacrifices made by so many...and all you had to do was carry the torch. Hold the line. Stand tall in the shadow of their sacrifice. All, so you could be here free today, living the life of Riley, watching everything that's been built and accomplished dissipate before your very eyes.. Hold that picture in your wild imagination.

Something tells me it's an image you're gonna see again.

This summer take a wild ride...

Check out the action happening in Atlantic and Cape May Counties for the whole month of July, beginning on page 24. There is so much going on the publisher is going to have a tough time talking about everything there is to do right here. But, I have to try. Up at Gardner's Basin in Atlantic City, New Jersey, there are so many outstanding things to do, you could literally spend the whole day and really have fun. You can start your day off at 10:45am at the Atlantic City Aquarium. This is one of Atlantic City's gems outside the casinos that you don't hear a lot about, but the product they deliver is world class and jaw-dropping exciting. After about an hour and change, it's time for lunch. The Flying Cloud just happens to be a few steps away right on the water. Cool cocktails, terrific seashore food.

You might feel like just hanging out there and believe me, you'd be happy, but there's much more to do. At 1pm Atlantic City Cruises Dolphin Watch takes place and that's always a great time. Captain Jeff George has been operating out of the basin since 1998 and boasts a 98% Dolphin spotting success rate. The Captain knows where they like to hang. Of course, Cruisn' 1 also features a full bar with all of your favorite adult tropical drinks to go along with the wonderful cruising experience. AC Cruises also operates Atlantic City's only Parasailing operation. If we have to describe the feeling of floating over the Atlantic high atop the skyline, then you need to get out more. Call (609) 347-7600 to reserve your seat, or for more information.

If you prefer speed then the Wild Cat Thrill Boat ride is the way to go. This puppy is comfortable and fast, and there's nothing like skimming across the tops of the Ocean Waves. Yeeeeehaw! Captain Rick Richetti is US Coast Guard licensed, and with his wife Christie, make a great team and terrific hosts. Call (609) 404-5723 to reserve your seat, or for more information and schedule.

Back on shore, you can check out the Crafter's Village, Basin Antiques, Clauson Art Gallery, orWeb Feet Water Sports. These are a great collection of unique shops with terrific products. For more information on Gardner's Basin call (609) 348-2880.

Ocean City Feature's Extreme Water Sports and Parasailing...

Ocean City, America's Greatest Family Resort has its own water sports operations and the options are huge. Not only is there Parasailing at Ocean City Parasailing, there's also The Blaster Speed Boat which will have you begging for more. To reserve a seat or to get more information call (609) 399-3559 for Parasailing or 399-4100 for the Blaster. Wet 'N Wild Waverunner Rentals provide the latest models and the widest area to ride (very important). The publisher prefers Waverunners. You can't beat 'em for having fun. Call (609) 399- 6527 to reserve your Waverunner. Demand is high. After you've done all that, you'll still have to go for the Extreme. Extreme Water Sports provides wakeboarding, tubing and water skiing. Plenty of action to go around. Call (609) 399-7588 to book your flight or to get more information. If you like your Water Sports a bit more relaxing, then the NorthStar Fishing and Cruising Fleet is the way to go. Call 398-7588 to book a trip or to get more information.

Dan Klein is publisher of the South Jersey Insider Magazine, as well as host of the weekly radio show by the same name, heard Saturdays from 1PM to 4PM on LifeRadio 1020 AM - WIBG.