Social media helped elect candidates, especially in last November’s elections. Now successful candidates who have become legislators are using platforms such as Facebook to gauge how to vote, how to govern — and also as a means of maintaining their base of support. On one hand, it seems innovative and appropriate to me, especially among members of the House of Representatives, which is, after all, the people’s chamber. On the other hand, it strikes me as just a tad scary: for instance, no one should ever take my advice on budgeting or economics. Sure, I have opinions on the social economy, …

Sadly, we accept -- maybe even expect -- incivility despite the predictable call for more civility in the wake of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords’ Jan. 8 shooting. How else to explain the inexplicable: Just three members of Congress signed a bi-partisan pledge of civility last year. Not one governor signed. Fuhgettaboutit, none of the pledge’s signers are from New Jersey -- not the governor, neither senator and none of our representatives. Seems that should change, but more about that later. Here’s the background: R. Mark DeMoss, a right-leaning Christian evangelical, together with his friend, …

Heading toward New Jersey’s State of the State address Tuesday and the parsing that follows, it is wise for readers and the media alike to remember that jumping to conclusions are part of what now passes for news and analysis in the supercharged atmosphere of instant information Ushered in by cable TV news 30 years ago and adrenalized by Internet news sites during the last decade, the fierce competition for audience means guessing has taken the place of knowing. Just look at the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, a Democrat from Arizona.  The shooting that targeted the congresswoman also …