The Letter to the Editor of Edward J. Peskie (8/22) and your editorial of 8/23 emphasize the need to change the New York State Election Laws, Rules of Political Parties and Judicial Rulings. The Letter to the Editor had the headline "Make GOP Pay for Excluding McCain" and the editorial headline read "Sleep Where You Serve? and "State Must Tighten Residency Rules for Public Officials."
When the GOP established the rules for their Presidential primary in New York they did it in a way that favored the party's favorite and discouraged challengers. The role mandated a certain number of signatures which favors nobody. They then mandated that each candidate had to secure a certain number of signatures in each of the 31 Congressional districts in the State. That requirement favored the party structures choice. Orrin Hatch, Gary Bauer and Alan Keyes were so discouraged they made no effort to be on the ballot at all Steve Forbes, with his great wealth, was able to hire people throughout the State and he made the ballot throughout the State, but John McCain, the only candidate who had a chance against the party's favorites, could not qualify to be on the ballot throughout the State because he did not have the great wealth that Steve Forbes has.
The reform that is needed is the elimination of the requirement that signatures have to be secured in a particular area of the State. The number of signatures is sufficient, not the address of the signer. Insofar as the editorial is concerned, you are right on target. The focus of residency should be the address he or she shares with his or her spouse and family. Recently, Court decisions have allowed people to run where the candidate does not live or reside. The ruling by the Court thus allows people to run when they are not eligible to vote, to sign a petition or carry a petition. How ludicrous can you get!
I remember a case, years ago, where the candidate was disqualified even though a sufficient number of qualified voters signed the petition even though the candidate was eligible to run on the basis of residency; eligible to sign the petition and eligible to vote. He was ruled ineligible to carry a petition because he did not live in the municipality on the first day that signatures could be obtained on the petition. The 40 signatures he obtained were thrown out, thus leaving him short of the required number. He thus was not allowed on the primary ballot and the incumbents won without a challenge.
Over the course of many years, I have been involved in liability cases based on the election law of N.Y. State and I believe that there are many inequities and vagaries in the law and that it is time for a comprehensive review of the law so that a more democratic and fair way be established for the election of public officials.
September 1, 2000
August 20, 2000
Manchild Workin' the Roots
The 37th Republican Presidential Convention was, by all odds, well-planned and executed. Senator John McCain, after losing to Governor Bush in a very bitter primary, swallowed his pride and never mentioned the issue of campaign finance reform that brought him to prominence. He also praised George Bush in glowing terms but his delivery of these words was not up to his standard.
General Colin Powell played his part when he said that he was supporting George W. Bush because he didn't reinvent himself. The candidate also said he didn't reinvent himself. Powell and Bush thus were "subtly" attacking Mr. Gore, the Democratic Presidential candidate as the Republicans and their media have been labeling Al Gore with that term for some time now.
On the issue of "reinventing himself" it should be noted that President George H. W. Bush changed his opinion on "Reaganomics" which he described as voodoo economics when he became Ronald Reagan's Vice Presidential choice.
When John McCain praised George W. Bush and when he did not mention campaign finance reform, he "reinvented" himself as it would have been embarrassing to the candidate who has different views on McCain-Feingold's bipartisan bill.
Bush himself "reinvented himself" when he denied that he went knowingly to a Catholic bashing South Carolina College (Bob Jones University). Bob Jones, the founder, is recognized as having racist views. After he was there and was severely criticized, Bush tried to squirm out of the mess he created for himself that led to an editorial in The Journal News; "Bush Backtracks on Bob Jones".
George W. Bush is following in his father's footsteps in winning the 1988 presidential election over Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis when he successfully blackened his reputation.
The issues in this campaign should be which candidate is better qualified; whose record is superior; what party can best preserve the peace and prosperity that we have had these past 8 years; and which candidate's platform is superior? The Democratic Party and Al Gore must let the American voters know that George W. Bush's tactic is not going to work in 2000 the way his father's tactic worked in 1988 against Mike Dukakis.
General Colin Powell played his part when he said that he was supporting George W. Bush because he didn't reinvent himself. The candidate also said he didn't reinvent himself. Powell and Bush thus were "subtly" attacking Mr. Gore, the Democratic Presidential candidate as the Republicans and their media have been labeling Al Gore with that term for some time now.
On the issue of "reinventing himself" it should be noted that President George H. W. Bush changed his opinion on "Reaganomics" which he described as voodoo economics when he became Ronald Reagan's Vice Presidential choice.
When John McCain praised George W. Bush and when he did not mention campaign finance reform, he "reinvented" himself as it would have been embarrassing to the candidate who has different views on McCain-Feingold's bipartisan bill.
Bush himself "reinvented himself" when he denied that he went knowingly to a Catholic bashing South Carolina College (Bob Jones University). Bob Jones, the founder, is recognized as having racist views. After he was there and was severely criticized, Bush tried to squirm out of the mess he created for himself that led to an editorial in The Journal News; "Bush Backtracks on Bob Jones".
George W. Bush is following in his father's footsteps in winning the 1988 presidential election over Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis when he successfully blackened his reputation.
The issues in this campaign should be which candidate is better qualified; whose record is superior; what party can best preserve the peace and prosperity that we have had these past 8 years; and which candidate's platform is superior? The Democratic Party and Al Gore must let the American voters know that George W. Bush's tactic is not going to work in 2000 the way his father's tactic worked in 1988 against Mike Dukakis.
August 1, 2000
Drive a Truck Through It
Dick Cheney, George W. Bush's choice for Vice President, was elected six times to the House of Representatives. During the decade that he was a Congressman he established a record which shows that he was one of the most conservative Republicans in the House, especially on major issues such as gun legislation and on abortion.
In making this important decision George W. Bush showed conclusively that he is a true conservative. He could have picked people like Ridge, Whitman, Pataki, Hagel, or Powell. None of them were identified with the Religious Right or the more conservative wing of the Republican Party.
Cheney, when he was selected, made it plain that he was proud of his legislative record. He also predicted victory in November and re-election in four years.
Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, one of six conservative candidates for President, emphasizes the importance of electing a conservative President who will ultimately make three appointments to the Supreme Court.
In making his choice for Vice President Bush selected someone who is loyal to the conservative base of the Republican Party which is the right wing of that party.
The issues are becoming clearer and clearer. The differences between the Democrats and Republican Parties are widening. The ticket of Bush-Cheney shows that the Republican Party is in the control of its most conservative wing. The Democrats under Al Gore are a viable alternative to the conservative Republican Party. Al Gore is a worthy successor to Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, Johnson, Carter and Clinton.
In making this important decision George W. Bush showed conclusively that he is a true conservative. He could have picked people like Ridge, Whitman, Pataki, Hagel, or Powell. None of them were identified with the Religious Right or the more conservative wing of the Republican Party.
Cheney, when he was selected, made it plain that he was proud of his legislative record. He also predicted victory in November and re-election in four years.
Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, one of six conservative candidates for President, emphasizes the importance of electing a conservative President who will ultimately make three appointments to the Supreme Court.
In making his choice for Vice President Bush selected someone who is loyal to the conservative base of the Republican Party which is the right wing of that party.
The issues are becoming clearer and clearer. The differences between the Democrats and Republican Parties are widening. The ticket of Bush-Cheney shows that the Republican Party is in the control of its most conservative wing. The Democrats under Al Gore are a viable alternative to the conservative Republican Party. Al Gore is a worthy successor to Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, Johnson, Carter and Clinton.
July 1, 2000
Roe in the Crosshairs
New appointments to the Supreme Court should be of prime importance in the upcoming Presidential election in light of the recent decisions made by the Court. The decision on partial birth abortion was most significant. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, a member of the conservative majority, cast the deciding vote. The abortion issue has been in the forefront of Supreme Court decisions since the historic Roe v. Wade ruling in 1973.
Most analysts agree that three Justices are likely to retire within the next four years. The names mentioned are the oldest - Justices Rhenquist and Stevens and Justice O'Connor. Justice O'Connor is usually linked with the conservatives on the bench, however, she has been the swing vote. Should George W. Bush be elected in November, the issue of whom he will appoint to the Supreme Court is a critical one.
George W. Bush unequivocally denounced the partial birth abortion decision of June 28, 2000. It is clear that he would appoint Justices who reflect his views on the reversal of Roe v. Wade and a woman's right to choose. Under the Constitution, only the Senate may approve Presidential appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court. At the present time, the Republican Party controls the Senate by a 55-45 margin. It will be difficult indeed for the Democratic Party to regain control of the Senate even if Al Gore is elected President. I predict that the Republican Party will retain control over the Senate if George W Bush is elected President.
The electorate should take heed of this crucial issue before casting a vote for George W. Bush and Republican Senatorial candidates. A vote for Al Gore is a vote to preserve a woman's right to choose. A vote for George W. Bush is a vote to end this right.
Most analysts agree that three Justices are likely to retire within the next four years. The names mentioned are the oldest - Justices Rhenquist and Stevens and Justice O'Connor. Justice O'Connor is usually linked with the conservatives on the bench, however, she has been the swing vote. Should George W. Bush be elected in November, the issue of whom he will appoint to the Supreme Court is a critical one.
George W. Bush unequivocally denounced the partial birth abortion decision of June 28, 2000. It is clear that he would appoint Justices who reflect his views on the reversal of Roe v. Wade and a woman's right to choose. Under the Constitution, only the Senate may approve Presidential appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court. At the present time, the Republican Party controls the Senate by a 55-45 margin. It will be difficult indeed for the Democratic Party to regain control of the Senate even if Al Gore is elected President. I predict that the Republican Party will retain control over the Senate if George W Bush is elected President.
The electorate should take heed of this crucial issue before casting a vote for George W. Bush and Republican Senatorial candidates. A vote for Al Gore is a vote to preserve a woman's right to choose. A vote for George W. Bush is a vote to end this right.
June 28, 2000
Grafting Green Shoots
Theodore Roosevelt, Henry Wallace, George Wallace, John Anderson and Ross Perot were the major third party presidential candidates during the twentieth century. With the possible exception of Ross Perot the third parties died when the candidates left the scene. In ninety-two Perot secured one out of each five votes. Four years later he secured one out of ten votes. Now his probable successor, Pat Buchanan, is not expected to garner one out of ten votes, possibly as few as one out of twenty votes. As a former conservative Republican presidential candidate Buchanan is most likely to garner his votes from his former party.
Four years ago Ralph Nader formed the Green Party and became its presidential candidate. He did not wage an active campaign. This year he has pledged to wage an active campaign. He is most likely to draw his votes from the more liberal party (the Democratic Party). He is not expected to garner more than one out of twenty votes.
As an activist Democrat I am concerned that in a close race between Al Gore and George Bush the Ralph Nader campaign could possibly give the election to the most conservative Republican Party since 1932. The Nader adherents should recognize that the Democratic Party, unlike the Republican Party, is a true big tent party that welcomes their ideas. We ought to listen to the ideas of the Green Party and support those which are in the best traditions of the Democrats.
It is still possible to prevent the Nader candidacy from endangering the Gore Candidacy.
Four years ago Ralph Nader formed the Green Party and became its presidential candidate. He did not wage an active campaign. This year he has pledged to wage an active campaign. He is most likely to draw his votes from the more liberal party (the Democratic Party). He is not expected to garner more than one out of twenty votes.
As an activist Democrat I am concerned that in a close race between Al Gore and George Bush the Ralph Nader campaign could possibly give the election to the most conservative Republican Party since 1932. The Nader adherents should recognize that the Democratic Party, unlike the Republican Party, is a true big tent party that welcomes their ideas. We ought to listen to the ideas of the Green Party and support those which are in the best traditions of the Democrats.
It is still possible to prevent the Nader candidacy from endangering the Gore Candidacy.
June 23, 2000
Standoff in Torne Valley
Issue 17 was a reprint of a Journal News article entitled, "Acquiring Torne Valley", dateline Ramapo, 10/16/00 and scanned as follows:
Jack Rosenberg, trustee of the Village of Suffern and an environmental advocate seeking to save Ramapo's Torne Valley, reports that about 780 signatures have been gathered so far by him and his supporters on a petition seeking the state's acquisition of the area. That may be a long shot, given the recent state expense incurred in acquiring nearby Sterling Forest, but the idea makes great sense.
Presently, two power plans are proposed for the valley, which contains the Ramapo River and its vital well field, and many species of birds and animals. The Ramapo Town Board has rejected the proposals, as well as a quarry operation, but these votes could be overridden by Albany. Rosenberg is seeking to add the site to the nearby Harriman State Park and to protect the watershed, preserve regional air quality and the scenic view in this historic area.
This is a fight worth pursuing.
Jack Rosenberg, trustee of the Village of Suffern and an environmental advocate seeking to save Ramapo's Torne Valley, reports that about 780 signatures have been gathered so far by him and his supporters on a petition seeking the state's acquisition of the area. That may be a long shot, given the recent state expense incurred in acquiring nearby Sterling Forest, but the idea makes great sense.
Presently, two power plans are proposed for the valley, which contains the Ramapo River and its vital well field, and many species of birds and animals. The Ramapo Town Board has rejected the proposals, as well as a quarry operation, but these votes could be overridden by Albany. Rosenberg is seeking to add the site to the nearby Harriman State Park and to protect the watershed, preserve regional air quality and the scenic view in this historic area.
This is a fight worth pursuing.
High Torne Mountain
Jasper Francis Cropsey
June 8, 2000
Slick Rick's Limbo Schtick
Rick Lazio, the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, complains that it is not fair to point to his voting record in the House of Representatives these past eight years which contradicts his assertion that he is "Pro Choice" on a woman's right to choose. Obviously, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat, Hillary Rodham Clinton, is a genuine supporter of a woman's right to choose on this issue.
It has been generally accepted that the next President will appoint three new Supreme Court Justices during the next 4 years. The candidates of the Democratic party and the Republican party are on opposite sides of the volatile issue of a woman's right to choose as mandated by the landmark decision of Roe vs. Wade (1973). The Supreme Court today is considered to be a 5-4 conservative board on most issues, but on a woman's right to choose, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor broke with the conservatives on the bench and sided with the more liberal Justices. Her vote prevented the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
George W. Bush, the Republican candidate for President, is surrounded by the acknowledged leaders of the Religious Right - Ralph Reed, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and Bob Jones University. Bush himself is viewed as opposing Roe v. Wade. Al Gore, the Democratic candidate for President, is on the record "I support Roe v. Wade and will appoint Supreme Court Justices who will protect a woman's right to choose."
If George W. Bush becomes President, he will most certainly appoint conservatives to the Supreme Court who will agree with Rehnquist, Scalia and Thomas. Al Gore will not do so as he is clearly and forthrightly on the record on the issue.
When the next President makes his appointment(s) to the Supreme Court, the Senate will vote yes or no on each appointment. In the past, the vast majority of Republican Senators voted to confirm Rehnquist, Scalia, Thomas, and Kennedy and the Right to Life minority on the Supreme Court. Where will Rick Lazio be if he wins a U.S. Senate seat? I predict that Rick Lazio will vote the same way the Republican party has voted these past 27 years. Hillary Clinton, in contrast, will not vote to confirm Supreme Court Justices who are opposed to Roe v. Wade.
It has been generally accepted that the next President will appoint three new Supreme Court Justices during the next 4 years. The candidates of the Democratic party and the Republican party are on opposite sides of the volatile issue of a woman's right to choose as mandated by the landmark decision of Roe vs. Wade (1973). The Supreme Court today is considered to be a 5-4 conservative board on most issues, but on a woman's right to choose, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor broke with the conservatives on the bench and sided with the more liberal Justices. Her vote prevented the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
George W. Bush, the Republican candidate for President, is surrounded by the acknowledged leaders of the Religious Right - Ralph Reed, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and Bob Jones University. Bush himself is viewed as opposing Roe v. Wade. Al Gore, the Democratic candidate for President, is on the record "I support Roe v. Wade and will appoint Supreme Court Justices who will protect a woman's right to choose."
If George W. Bush becomes President, he will most certainly appoint conservatives to the Supreme Court who will agree with Rehnquist, Scalia and Thomas. Al Gore will not do so as he is clearly and forthrightly on the record on the issue.
When the next President makes his appointment(s) to the Supreme Court, the Senate will vote yes or no on each appointment. In the past, the vast majority of Republican Senators voted to confirm Rehnquist, Scalia, Thomas, and Kennedy and the Right to Life minority on the Supreme Court. Where will Rick Lazio be if he wins a U.S. Senate seat? I predict that Rick Lazio will vote the same way the Republican party has voted these past 27 years. Hillary Clinton, in contrast, will not vote to confirm Supreme Court Justices who are opposed to Roe v. Wade.
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