Monday, March 5, 2007

Gasoline

ummmm...so I was reading around the internet and I stumbled on this hilarious news story from last year. I was not aware of this until just now, but apparently in New Jersey (and Oregon) it is illegal to pump your own gas. Yes, that's right...against the law. You can read the story here.

So as I started to read this I was thinking, "This is just another example of stupid paternalism in the government". Then I read further. Apparently the awesome citizens of New Jersey VOTED for this. The Governor brought up switching to self service and the fine people of New Jersey inundated his office with calls and letters of complaints. It seems these people like the higher gasoline prices that go along with full service.

So as I kept reading I laughed more and more. Here is one of my favorite quotes:

Then there's the issue of safety. About 8.7 million residents live in the state and many of them, including more than one million senior citizens, have little experience in pumping gas. Assemblyman Francis L. Bodine (R) said this is one reason he's opposed to the idea. Plus, "If I'm dressed up, I don’t want to get out and smell like a gas pump," said Bodine, who represents the Mount Laurel area near Philadelphia.

WHAT?!?!? Issue of safety? Are there a lot of safety incidents at gas stations? Have you ever been worried about controlling the pump? Also, he doesn't want to smell like a gas pump. My advice would be not to rub up against the gas pump. Gas stations are pretty well ventilated, I've never been concerned about smelling like gas after I fill up. I bet this idiot doesn't even open his window when he pulls into the station. He probably just holds a piece of paper up and presses it against the window with his demands on it. New Jersey has some sweet Assemblymen!

I am amazed at this story. It certainly doesn't help the stereotype of people from Jersey. I don't even know what to say about it...it is so implausible, that I am surprised it is real.

I guess Oregon has the same laws, but they are a bunch of hippies. Plus they are on the West Coast and no one realy cares what happens out there anyway.

Labels: Government, Humor, New Jersey, News

Posted by Adam Wilson :: 5:26 PM :: 0 comments

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