Red Room Where the Writers Are

November 2. Day of the Dead in Mexico. While that sounds creepy and may invoke images of restless spirits, vengeful poltergeists, animated skeletons and lumbering zombies, the reality is that all that occurs on the Day of the Dead is that dead people are entitled to a free dessert at Applebees.

Kind of anti-climactic, I know. Those Mexicans just don't know how to do a holiday. At least we would add a fireworks display.

Now, granted, I'm not Mexican, so maybe I have this all wrong, but I'm pretty sure the Applebees thing is accurate.

So, while today is the Day of the Dead in Mexico, tomorrow could be the Dawn of the Better Off Dead in NJ if Corzine is re-elected. Recent polls are encouraging, but the race is so tight it's really going to fall down to how many people get their backsides to the polls. If you want 4 more years of higher property taxes, higher sales taxes, loss of property tax relief, pandering to union bosses, theft of our money, broken promises, lies, and an 800% increase in tolls, go out and vote for Corzine. Can I promise that none of these things will happen under Christie? No, but Corzine already proved they WILL happen under him.

We've got to wake up, NJ. If we keep accepting the same corruption, fraud, waste, and abuse that we've been getting, then we DESERVE to be buried in taxes and to be run out of the state because we can't afford to live here. But, if you love living here, then now's the chance to make a statement. The entire Assembly is up for election. Let's boot all the incumbents out and make them understand that we're not going to take their crap any longer. Let's make it clear to the next group that if they come in and try more of the same, then they'll be gone too. Doing that will also let the Senators know that their days in office are numbered if they don't start representing us the way we deserve to be represented. We've had our state torn from us and, if you don't believe it, ask any of the hundreds of thousands who have been forced to leave the state in the past couple of years. Ask any of the businesses who have been forced to close their doors because they can't afford to operate in NJ's oppressive business environment (losing tons of jobs in the process).

We need to make our politicians understand that this is OUR state, not their plaything with which they can do what they please. Our personal income is not an endless pool of wealth that they get to siphon from anytime they have a self-serving whim. Enough is enough.

Get out there tomorrow and vote. Your ONE vote MAKES A DIFFERENCE, don't ever believe it doesn't. This race is practically a dead-heat. Polls open at 6am and are open until 8pm. Don't wait until the last minute, because a long line can make you miss your chance.

So, if you're going to Mexico tonight to get your free dessert at Applebees, just make sure you get back in time for the election. The dead will understand if you have to cut the night short a little.

J.E. Braun is the author of Paranoia, a 9/11 survivor's tale. Jim survived 9/11, but his life did not. Follow one man's journey through post traumatic stress as he attempts to rediscover what once made life worth living. 10% of profits will be donated to the Twin Towers Orphan Fund (www.ttof.org). For more information, visit, www.jebraun.com.