If you live in (New) Jersey after you're 30 you are a hopeless idiot

That's my latest, reddest karma.

I think it's worthy of discussion.

The oldest ancestor of mine I can find in New Jersey was an Irish protestant born in Ireland in 1665. He was buried at the Old Stone Church in Fairton, Cumberland County, a national historic site, in 1734. 13 generations of my family are laid there, with three more in a newer cemetery close by. Only some Swedes have been down here ... Delaware Bay area ... longer.

Other branches of my tree have my Dutch and English ancestors born in Massachusetts and New York even earlier, but ultimately, those branches married the New Jersey ancestors in the 18th century.

My mom's side of the family were 19th century famine Irish ladies and Germans (there was no Germany when they came - they came from Prussia and the Holy Roman Empire). They were Catholic. Every single male, according to steerage records, was a glass blower. Whether from Ireland, Bavaria or Alsace ... all glass blowers ... destined for Millville, NJ, through Philadelphia, recruited to make glass ...

from our sand. Sugar Sand.

So, this post is coming from a place of deep-rootedness.

What is the beef with New Jersey, besides the fact it is expensive to live here?

Are the haters NJ expats? That's possible, but if they are, they weren't here for generations. They must be more like transients who couldn't afford to live here comfortably.

The people who live here love it. Statistically, we are not idiots by the regular measures. We have the highest concentration of scientists and engineers, the best school, consistently highest test score on national scales, etc.

I love living in rural Salem Co, and being able to get to Philly, AC, NYC or DC no problem. We have and do all the things. Everyone I see is having a great time.

The variety of people doesn't bother me or most peopel I know ... it must be property taxes. What else could it possible be?

I'm not bragging. I'd never brag. I'm from NJ and don't give a fuck - no need to inflate our importance - we already pay more than our share of the country's bills ...

but really, what is the root of the hate?

What makes you all hate New Jersey? Whether an expat or a visitor or a never been ... what exactly is the problem with this place where you don't live (anymore)?

Is it stereotypes, having never been here or having visited some inner city once? The media?

Is it some chip on your shoulder about not being able afford property taxes, or some beef about employment?

We reminded you not to let the door hit you in the ass on the way out, after all. You can't say we're not polite.

STFU about NJ and especially the Sugar Sand in the Pine Barrens. Horrible place to ride your dirtbike or e-mtn bike from your backyard to hundreds of miles of trails, fishing ponds, streams and general horrible fun in the sand.

Horrible NJ Pines Fast and Flowing Pine Barrens Single Track - stay away from this crap

[link to www.youtube.com (secure)]