Armpit of the Nation

While traveling back to Pennsylvania today, I had occasion to reflect on a recurrent observation of New Jersey that I have every time I go through the state. While I've long referred to Jersey as "The Armpit of Our Nation", it occurs to me that it's not only a polluted, run-down collection of traffic circles and strip malls, it boasts another unique distinction:

New Jersey is the only state so bad, neighboring states can actually charge admission.

Need Proof? Take the George Washington Bridge, from Jersey to Manhattan. Toll to travel to New York: $4.00. Toll to travel from New York to Jersey: $0.00.

Need another example? Interstate 78. Traveling across the Delaware River from Pennsylvania to New Jersey: No toll. From Jersey to Pennsylvania? You guessed it, a toll: fifty cents.

Garden State, my ass...

I'm Anil Dash, and I've been blogging here since 1999, writing about how culture is made. Contact me at anil@dashes.com, at +1 646 833 8659, or at anildash on Twitter or IM. Find out more »

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