My Home isn't a Money Making Machine.

I should start this post off with something sweet and kind, Maybe a nice greeting- Maybe something that makes you feel at home as you sip your tea and read this article. However I’ve decided to go another route with my writing tonight because in truth I’m utterly appalled, So I’ll be writing this like a fifth grade teacher angrily scolding her students after they had all misbehaved at recess.

So..Let's get to the point shall we?

When Hurricane Sandy hit New Jersey, it was massive, Horrible, and terrifying. I was just a kid and when I heard that there would be a big storm, I was just excited at the chance of getting out of school and being able to lounge around the house. I lived on the top of a hill at the time and all we had to worry about were power outages and giant trees falling on my home.

For others it was much worse, Homes and businesses were flooded and destroyed- So many people were injured and killed. My own elementary school was used as a homeless shelter, And so were my sisters highschool and middle school. Our town was not okay, That includes the people in it.

I can recall being on the couch, Next to my big sister when we saw on the news that our log flume, A ride I had been on and had seen my whole life- Had just fallen into the ocean. We’re talking a huge rollercoaster, In the very ocean I swim in today.

I bring up such a painful time in our town’s history because its not over, it may never be over. When you walk the seaside heights boardwalk, Up and down the planks you’ll see names of those who lost their lives and those who have donated to help revive our community.

My largest question is at what cost?

As I’ve said people have donated, and Seaside Heights is recovering- However its no longer the place I associate with home. You must understand, Things are different now- Not because I’ve aged, Not because I’ve learned-But simply by opportunity.

Growing up, Seaside Heights was one of those places I had always felt safe. People were friendly and kind- And I know the whole world isn’t like that, I’m not an idiot. There was obviously outlandish types and illegal activities were bound to happen. Old Seaside wasn’t perfect by any means.

However, I never expected somewhere I once considered home to become a money making machine. The Pier that was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy now holds private cabanas and a private pool- Along with a bathroom you have to pay to use.

In some spots you aren’t even allowed to sit down without being a paying customer. The prices of clothing have been driven so high I won't even touch the article. It's so much worse by the fact that they’re the same exact company recycling the same clothes at the opposite end of the boardwalk using a different name.

Those very “Companies” use musicians and bands on their clothes without understanding the meaning or what they ever stood for. If Jimi Hendrix saw a beach side “boho” store charging someone eighty dollars for a flimsy shirt that said “Voodoo Child” on it- He’d roll over in his grave.

I’d like someone to tell me how you can sell a ninety five dollar jean jacket that has an embroidered “Rock n Roll” but then they play a pop remix of a Nirvana song.

Sincerity is lost, People on the boardwalk aren’t actually Bohemian, They're what killed Bohemia and I for one will never be a part of that. I understand the need to rebuild and to keep our economy alive. However when you’re a blatant liar about what you stand for and stare at every potential customer like they'll steal you out of house and home- You aren’t Rock and Roll, You aren’t a beach bum or any part of Bohemia- You are a Poser.