The Problem of New Jersey Evil

The Argument:

1. New Jersey exists.

2. New Jersey is governed by corrupt politicians.

3. The people of New Jersey have the power to remove those politicians through voting.

4. The people of New Jersey persist in reelecting the corrupt politicians.

Therefore: the people of New Jersey are either-

a. stupid

b. corrupt

c. given no real choices, since all candidates running in New Jersey are, by nature, equally corrupt.

d. about to act to try to improve their state.

I think it implausible the majority of voters in the Garden State are stupid, though the majority of Jets fans likely are. I also find it difficult to believe that the voters are corrupt, though the majority of Giants fans certainly are corruptible with free beer. Some thoughtful observers have suggested that the willingness to endure New Jersey weather and roads argues for a problem with the average Jersey voters, but this seems obviously false.

First, New Jersey is beautiful at this time of year. West Coast snobs who have only seen the Newark airport should visit more of the state. Second, Jersey roads are the product of the corrupt government.

Are there no choices better than any other?

This too seems unlikely.

Since New Jersey has been a one party state, it seems unlikely that the Republican could be as corrupt as the present regime. Given time, perhaps this will be true, but seems a dubious proposition now.

We wait to see if New Jersey, home of some of the world’s most underrated beaches, can solve this problem or complicates my Jerseydicy.