America

Supports Ukraine

Looks like the Russian military invaded and attack the Ukraine for what reason we ask. Ukraine is a free and peaceful country with its own Government and President and no longer part of Russia since the fall of USSR. Did Mr. Putin make a mistake by doing this? Those Ukrainians knew this was coming and are ready to protect their country. America, NATO, and European countries responded by supplying Ukraine with military weapons. The outstanding part is the Ukraine’s President stayed put to defend his country – a true leader. Plus, many ordinary Ukrainians are “Armed and Ready” to fight back. So, lets support those Ukrainians and tell Mr. Putin “Get Out” of Ukraine.

Orlando “Wildman” Perez 

Concern Over Buckeye Project

To: Sergio Diaz Chairperson Perth Amboy Planning Board

Re: Buckeye Terminal — Docket#3121/ 1175-1281 State Street

Dear Mr. Diaz:

Kindly express this letter of concern to board members regarding the project proposed by representatives of the Buckeye Perth Amboy Terminal at the February 2, 2022 meeting.

I am a resident of Perth Amboy with questions on the city’s ability to respond to fire situations at Buckeye in the event of an emergency. The article attached describes the difficulties of community Fire Departments responding to such potentially huge explosive events. Providing more fire hydrants may not safely answer questions and certainly doesn’t lesson my concern.

I appreciate a further review of the application as it affects the public and the community living in Perth Amboy. These comments are further documentation of concerns made at the February 2, 2022 board meeting.

Respectfully,

Vincent Mackiel

Statement

Calling to

Denounce the Proud Boys in Woodbridge NAACP 

Perth Amboy Area Branch

We, the undersigned organizations, unequivocally denounce the Proud Boys, and condemn their hateful public comments made at the December 14, 2021 Woodbridge Township, NJ Council Meeting. We call for the elected and appointed officials of Woodbridge Township to join us in standing against this designated terrorist hate group.  

While it was encouraging to learn that two members of the Woodbridge Human Rights Commission had the conscience and courage to publicly denounce the Proud Boys on the record at their February 7, 2022 HRC Meeting, it was discouraging to learn that the Proud Boys showed up in even larger numbers to the February 15th Woodbridge Council Meeting, and that they were yet again welcomed by certain residents in attendance. One self-identified member of the Proud Boys again spoke anonymously during public comments, wearing a Proud Boys “POW J6 2021 You Are Not Forgotten” shirt, disgracefully comparing those rightfully arrested for the deadly January 6th Capitol Insurrection to our nation’s military prisoners of war missing in action.  

As expressed by the Chair of the Woodbridge Human Rights Commission, the Proud Boys’ involvement in the January 6th Insurrection alone should be enough to denounce them. Combined with the fact that the Proud Boys have been designated a hate group by both the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and also classified as a terrorist entity by the Canadian government, a refusal by community leaders to denounce them would be immoral, irresponsible, and inexcusable.  

And as the students of the Woodbridge Township School District recite in their Anti-Racism Pledge: “I pledge to honor and embrace diversity and to stand against racism wherever it appears.” Our elected and appointed officials must be held to the same standard that we hold our children, and stand against this hateful attack on Woodbridge.

We call on Woodbridge leaders to follow the example of other communities targeted by the Proud Boys (such as Rockville Centre, NY and the Orange County Schools district, NC) that had the conscience and courage to denounce this defined terrorist hate group, and make it clear that they are not welcome- that hate has no home in Woodbridge Township.  

Sincerely,

NAACP Perth Amboy Area Branch

Woodbridge Youth for Liberation and Equity (WYLE)

Positive Change Woodbridge 

NAACP Rahway Branch

NAACP of Southern Burlington County

NAACP – New Brunswick Area Branch

NAACP Metuchen Edison Area Branch

Black Community Watchline

NJ21United

I’ll Gladly Pay You Tuesday for a Hamburger Today

Democratic Senators Mark Kelly of Arizona and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire introduced a bill that would temporarily suspend the federal gas tax until the end of 2022. They remind me of J. Wellington Wimpy, who famously said “I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.” In this case, it would be a discount for the cost of filling up your gas tank. Tuesday may never come for motorists who have to pay for these proposed goodies.  What neither Senator addressed is the result which would be billions less going into the Highway Trust Fund.  This is a critical source of funding for highway and transit projects.

A federal gas tax holiday would result in Uncle Sam not collecting $0.18 for every gallon of gas purchased.  

The Highway Trust Fund already faced financial difficulties. The loss of billions would have to be made up at a later date.  This kicks the can down the road for members of the 2023 Congress session. They will have to decide how to make up the lost billions. They will either raise taxes, transfer revenue from another source or reduce the scope or number of transportation funded projects. Motorists and transit riders will be the losers.

Sincerely,

Larry Penner