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.
June 1, 2000
Kind, Gentle Rick Lazio
A day after NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani bowed out of the race for U.S. Senator from New York because of health problems, Congressman Rick Lazio made a speech in which he announced that he would run against the Democratic candidate, Hillary Rodham Clinton. In the speech, he blamed the Democrats for ruining the State during the 80's and he derided the Democrats record countrywide during the 20th century.
Hugh Carey was Governor of New York from 1980-1982 and Mario Cuomo was Governor the rest of the decade. Ronald Reagan and George Bush were Presidents during 1981-1993. During this period, the Republicans had more control over the Senate and House since the 50's. Additionally, they had crucial support from 30-40 Southern Democrats (the Boll Weevils) that enabled the Republicans to enact more and more conservative legislation. During the eighties Republicans in Congress made sure that job shifts countrywide favored the South and West at the expense of the Northeast… especially New York. Thus Rick Lazio is dead wrong in criticizing the great record of Democrats Carey and especially Mario Cuomo.
As for the Democratic record, it is ludicrous to ignore the fact that in the first third of the 20th century, the Republicans were in complete control of the government. During that period, the Republicans were responsible for the world's worst depression. Additionally, their isolationist philosophy killed the League of Nations, an idea sponsored by Woodrow Wilson the lone Democratic President from 1897 to 1933. The Republican economy and isolationist policy helped facilitate the rise to power of the Nazi Adolph Hitler in 1933.
The liberal Democratic record the rest of the century (1933-2000) is so good that Rick Lazio's party constantly says they want to preserve Social Security and Medicare, both of which are outstanding examples of liberal Democratic achievements put into effect over conservative Republican opposition.
I call upon the leaders of the Democratic Party in New York and the country to aggressively repute the charges of Rick Lazio, the Republican candidate hoping to succeed the great Democratic Liberal Senator from New York these past 24 years - Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
Hugh Carey was Governor of New York from 1980-1982 and Mario Cuomo was Governor the rest of the decade. Ronald Reagan and George Bush were Presidents during 1981-1993. During this period, the Republicans had more control over the Senate and House since the 50's. Additionally, they had crucial support from 30-40 Southern Democrats (the Boll Weevils) that enabled the Republicans to enact more and more conservative legislation. During the eighties Republicans in Congress made sure that job shifts countrywide favored the South and West at the expense of the Northeast… especially New York. Thus Rick Lazio is dead wrong in criticizing the great record of Democrats Carey and especially Mario Cuomo.
As for the Democratic record, it is ludicrous to ignore the fact that in the first third of the 20th century, the Republicans were in complete control of the government. During that period, the Republicans were responsible for the world's worst depression. Additionally, their isolationist philosophy killed the League of Nations, an idea sponsored by Woodrow Wilson the lone Democratic President from 1897 to 1933. The Republican economy and isolationist policy helped facilitate the rise to power of the Nazi Adolph Hitler in 1933.
The liberal Democratic record the rest of the century (1933-2000) is so good that Rick Lazio's party constantly says they want to preserve Social Security and Medicare, both of which are outstanding examples of liberal Democratic achievements put into effect over conservative Republican opposition.
I call upon the leaders of the Democratic Party in New York and the country to aggressively repute the charges of Rick Lazio, the Republican candidate hoping to succeed the great Democratic Liberal Senator from New York these past 24 years - Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
May 1, 2000
Torne Valley Petition
Two power plants are seeking the state's permission to operate in Torne Valley in the Town of Ramapo. The Town Board rejected these proposals. Previously, the same town board rejected a proposal to operate a stone quarry in that valley. Now, the quarry owner is seeking a mine permit from New York State.
These facts should alert all those who believe that the quality of air, water and life in that area are at stake. I call upon all who are concerned with the future of the immediate area surrounding Torne to work hard to convince New York State that it is in the public interest to acquire the valley and make it part of Harriman State Park. Thus, we can preserve the quality of life we now enjoy.
Attached is a sample petition. You may use it to make photostatic copies. Please circulate it to gain signatures. I am setting a goal to secure 2000 signatures. To discuss, call or write me.
The following petition garnered 780 signatures as of June 2000. Ed.
We, the undersigned residents and neighbors of Rockland County urge the State of New York to acquire the land known as Torne Valley to be added to Harriman State Park. This will protect the Ramapo River and aquifer (a major public water supply), preserve regional air quality, protecting Harriman State Park and preserve the scenic view.
These facts should alert all those who believe that the quality of air, water and life in that area are at stake. I call upon all who are concerned with the future of the immediate area surrounding Torne to work hard to convince New York State that it is in the public interest to acquire the valley and make it part of Harriman State Park. Thus, we can preserve the quality of life we now enjoy.
Attached is a sample petition. You may use it to make photostatic copies. Please circulate it to gain signatures. I am setting a goal to secure 2000 signatures. To discuss, call or write me.
The following petition garnered 780 signatures as of June 2000. Ed.
We, the undersigned residents and neighbors of Rockland County urge the State of New York to acquire the land known as Torne Valley to be added to Harriman State Park. This will protect the Ramapo River and aquifer (a major public water supply), preserve regional air quality, protecting Harriman State Park and preserve the scenic view.
April 1, 2000
Our Moynihan Legacy
A letter from Rudy Giuliani, Republican candidate for the New York Senate seat, was received by me on April 7. He asked for my support. In the very beginning of the letter, instead of discussing his record or his vision of the future course of the Senate, he wrote: “Dear Friend, if you don't want to see Hillary Clinton in the Senate, I need your immediate support Don't you think its time you and I put an end to the Clinton episode in American politics?”
It is, thus, very clear that the Republicans intend using negative attacks upon Hillary and her husband Bill as their prime strategy in convincing Democrats to abandon her candidacy and Support Republican candidates. The Republicans know full well how important this Senate race is. Governor George Pataki is doing everything possible to elect Rudy Giuliani, despite the fact that Giuliani supported Democratic Governor Mario Cuomo (against Pataki) in 1994. Pataki shows that personalities aside, his party must prevail.
Make no mistake, the Republicans are determined to win New York and make their party more conservative than it has been since 1932. My answer to Mayor Giuliani is: I do want Hillary Clinton to be a senator from New York and I do not want to end the positive record established by the Clinton/Gore administration since 1993. This is in marked contrast to the 12 Reagan/Bush years.
It is, thus, very clear that the Republicans intend using negative attacks upon Hillary and her husband Bill as their prime strategy in convincing Democrats to abandon her candidacy and Support Republican candidates. The Republicans know full well how important this Senate race is. Governor George Pataki is doing everything possible to elect Rudy Giuliani, despite the fact that Giuliani supported Democratic Governor Mario Cuomo (against Pataki) in 1994. Pataki shows that personalities aside, his party must prevail.
We Democrats must unite behind our standard bearer, Hillary Rodham Clinton, to Insure that the strong liberal record established by Daniel Patrick Moynihan these past 24 years continues for the next six years.
Make no mistake, the Republicans are determined to win New York and make their party more conservative than it has been since 1932. My answer to Mayor Giuliani is: I do want Hillary Clinton to be a senator from New York and I do not want to end the positive record established by the Clinton/Gore administration since 1993. This is in marked contrast to the 12 Reagan/Bush years.
March 1, 2000
Spell Waterloo Without Dubya
It is very clear how the presidential election will be conducted. In 1988, Lee Atwater masterminded Republican George Bush's successful run against Democrat Michael Dukakis. Atwater formulated the series of attack ads that year. Willie Horton, Boston Harbor and ACLU convinced most voters to vote for George Bush.
This year, after Senator John McCain won the New Hampshire primary by such a convincing majority over George W. Bush, the son of the former President, there was a series of attacks by Bush and his supporters against Senator McCain. These attacks pictured McCain as a man who did not support veterans, who was not a true reformer and was not a true conservative with right to life views. George W. Bush made use of the head of a veteran's group and Rev. Pat Robertson, the head of the right wing Christian coalition. Maureen Dowd, a columnist with the New York Times, revealed that George W. made a $500,000 donation to the Lee Atwater Chair at Bob Jones University which has strong anti-Catholic positions.
Gov. Bush used all of these groups because South Carolina was his most important primary election. If he lost it, after the defeat in New Hampshire and the subsequent loss of Michigan, South Carolina could have been his Waterloo. Thus, this attack against John McCain's credibility was all important. The attacks worked and Gov. Bush blunted McCain's victory streak which ultimately led to Bush's successful campaign for the Republican nomination for president this year.
George W, a true chip off the old block, used the same tactics used by the late Lee Atwater which won the presidency for his father in 1988. Now, George W is going to do to Vice President Al Gore as he did to Senator McCain and his father did to Gov. Dukakis, to wit: falsify records so that no one can recognize the credible record of service rendered by political opponents of the Bush family.
Remember, the credible impartial media pointed out the low tactics used by George W to achieve victory in South Carolina. The Democratic Party, its Senators and Representatives in the House must all come out and counteract the false attacks on Vice President Al Gore, before he, too, becomes a victim of the Bush family.
This year, after Senator John McCain won the New Hampshire primary by such a convincing majority over George W. Bush, the son of the former President, there was a series of attacks by Bush and his supporters against Senator McCain. These attacks pictured McCain as a man who did not support veterans, who was not a true reformer and was not a true conservative with right to life views. George W. Bush made use of the head of a veteran's group and Rev. Pat Robertson, the head of the right wing Christian coalition. Maureen Dowd, a columnist with the New York Times, revealed that George W. made a $500,000 donation to the Lee Atwater Chair at Bob Jones University which has strong anti-Catholic positions.
Gov. Bush used all of these groups because South Carolina was his most important primary election. If he lost it, after the defeat in New Hampshire and the subsequent loss of Michigan, South Carolina could have been his Waterloo. Thus, this attack against John McCain's credibility was all important. The attacks worked and Gov. Bush blunted McCain's victory streak which ultimately led to Bush's successful campaign for the Republican nomination for president this year.
George W, a true chip off the old block, used the same tactics used by the late Lee Atwater which won the presidency for his father in 1988. Now, George W is going to do to Vice President Al Gore as he did to Senator McCain and his father did to Gov. Dukakis, to wit: falsify records so that no one can recognize the credible record of service rendered by political opponents of the Bush family.
Remember, the credible impartial media pointed out the low tactics used by George W to achieve victory in South Carolina. The Democratic Party, its Senators and Representatives in the House must all come out and counteract the false attacks on Vice President Al Gore, before he, too, becomes a victim of the Bush family.
February 21, 2000
Heads Up Darwin
Recently, the newspaper headlines reveal that religion has become an issue in the race for the U.S. Senator from New York. The issue is whether or not the ten commandments should be posted in the public schools of the country. The Republican candidate, NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, says yes and the Democratic candidate, Hillary Rodham Clinton, says no. Thus, there is a clear and decisive difference in the positions of the two major political parties.
I have been arguing for sometime that the 2000 elections should be based on the different positions of the two parties. Republican Mayor Giuliani proves that he is a Conservative. In addition to this issue he has embraced vouchers for the public school system. His dispute with the Brooklyn Museum is also indicative of the Conservative Agenda.
Hillary Rodham Clinton has been on the other side of all three issues. The people elected Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan to the Senate for four terms. The voters now have to decide if they want to continue his progressive stance on important issues or elect Mayor Giuliani who has switched from a liberal Republican to a Conservative.
The Ten Commandments should not be posted in Public Schools because this would be a clear violation of the establishment clause of the constitution. The Catholic, Jewish and Protestant versions of the commandments differ from each religion. Which version would be used? How would the needs of all religions be served? The increase of Asian and Mid Eastern immigrants has brought more religion into the U.S.A. How would these religions be served?
No one should be obligated to observe any religion other than his own. It is imperative that the Public Schools adhere to the principles of separation of church and state as promulgated by our founding fathers, Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Madison.
I have been arguing for sometime that the 2000 elections should be based on the different positions of the two parties. Republican Mayor Giuliani proves that he is a Conservative. In addition to this issue he has embraced vouchers for the public school system. His dispute with the Brooklyn Museum is also indicative of the Conservative Agenda.
Hillary Rodham Clinton has been on the other side of all three issues. The people elected Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan to the Senate for four terms. The voters now have to decide if they want to continue his progressive stance on important issues or elect Mayor Giuliani who has switched from a liberal Republican to a Conservative.
The Ten Commandments should not be posted in Public Schools because this would be a clear violation of the establishment clause of the constitution. The Catholic, Jewish and Protestant versions of the commandments differ from each religion. Which version would be used? How would the needs of all religions be served? The increase of Asian and Mid Eastern immigrants has brought more religion into the U.S.A. How would these religions be served?
No one should be obligated to observe any religion other than his own. It is imperative that the Public Schools adhere to the principles of separation of church and state as promulgated by our founding fathers, Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Madison.
February 14, 2000
Alpine Slope Remains Slippery
Joerg Haider is the leader of the Ultra Right Wing Patriot Party in Austria. His family were ardent Nazi's during Adolf Hitler's 12 year rule in Germany. He praised the Waffen S.S.., who were responsible for the massacre of the Jews of the Warsaw ghetto. He praised Nazi Germany's employment policies that saw the death of so many Jews in the slave labor camps of the Nazi's.
Haider's party secured 27% of the 1999 Austrian vote. On that basis, his party, with its strong anti-immigration stance, is now part and parcel of the Austrian government. Shades of the past. Hitler came to power the same way. Von asked him to form a government.
The rest is history. The fact that the century ended on such a low note is proof positive that Nazi philosophy still has its adherents.
Haider's party secured 27% of the 1999 Austrian vote. On that basis, his party, with its strong anti-immigration stance, is now part and parcel of the Austrian government. Shades of the past. Hitler came to power the same way. Von asked him to form a government.
The rest is history. The fact that the century ended on such a low note is proof positive that Nazi philosophy still has its adherents.
February 7, 2000
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The New York State election law should be amended so that each presidential candidate in a primary who secures 15,000 signatures statewide will be entitled to have his delegates on the ballot in each of the 31 Congressional Districts in the state.
As it now stands, the law requires candidates to secure signatures in all 31 Congressional Districts. This calls for party organization or well-heeled candidates like Steve Forbes.
I believe that the system should be changed so that the sole consideration should be the number of signatures, not the address of the signer.
Just look at the Republican primary where Senator John McCain, the principal challenge to party favorite Governor George W. Bush, cannot be on the ballot statewide because the present rules favor party favorites and discourage challengers. Legitimate candidates, such as Gary Bauer and Alan Keyes, are being shut out as well.
Ballot access is the democratic way. Anything less deprives voters of the right to pick their candidates.
As it now stands, the law requires candidates to secure signatures in all 31 Congressional Districts. This calls for party organization or well-heeled candidates like Steve Forbes.
I believe that the system should be changed so that the sole consideration should be the number of signatures, not the address of the signer.
Just look at the Republican primary where Senator John McCain, the principal challenge to party favorite Governor George W. Bush, cannot be on the ballot statewide because the present rules favor party favorites and discourage challengers. Legitimate candidates, such as Gary Bauer and Alan Keyes, are being shut out as well.
Ballot access is the democratic way. Anything less deprives voters of the right to pick their candidates.
February 1, 2000
Crew Cut for All Schoolboys
If New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is elected in November, 2000 to the U.S. Senate from New York, he will take office in January, 2001. He will then go from being the CEO and Chairman of the Board of the world's premier city to one of 100, and low man on the totem pole.
How would he handle this situation? A clue to the answer was revealed in the events surrounding the recent dismissal of Rudy Crew, the Chancellor of the New York City public school system by the Board of Education and vote for a temporary replacement by the same Board of Education on January 10, 2000.
For years, the Mayor has always emphasized his desire to have greater control over education as Mayor. He has the right to appoint three of the seven members of the Board of Education or 43%. Thus all that he needs at any time is one out of the other four members of the Board to have control.
When Crew was appointed, this Mayor had his choice ratified by the Board. They worked well together until the Mayor decided to have vouchers in the public schools. This would divert taxpayer money to be used for parochial school education, which to many people is clear violation of the constitutional principle of separation of church and state under the First Amendment to the constitution.
Crew broke with the Mayor and from that point on the relationship between the two men foundered until the three Mayoral appointees and one of the other four members refused to renew Crew's contract which expires in June, 2000. The Mayor applauded that decision by the Board of Education. Now the same Board hired a man who was opposed by the Mayor. The Board rejected the choice favored by the Mayor.
The Mayor immediately reacted by saying the same thing he has been saying for six years. He should have greater control over the public school system. The voters of New York State should consider his penchant for approving actions when he wins and disapproving actions when he loses. The Senate does not work that way. Will Giuliani's temper be so evident as Senator as it is as Mayor?
How would he handle this situation? A clue to the answer was revealed in the events surrounding the recent dismissal of Rudy Crew, the Chancellor of the New York City public school system by the Board of Education and vote for a temporary replacement by the same Board of Education on January 10, 2000.
For years, the Mayor has always emphasized his desire to have greater control over education as Mayor. He has the right to appoint three of the seven members of the Board of Education or 43%. Thus all that he needs at any time is one out of the other four members of the Board to have control.
When Crew was appointed, this Mayor had his choice ratified by the Board. They worked well together until the Mayor decided to have vouchers in the public schools. This would divert taxpayer money to be used for parochial school education, which to many people is clear violation of the constitutional principle of separation of church and state under the First Amendment to the constitution.
Crew broke with the Mayor and from that point on the relationship between the two men foundered until the three Mayoral appointees and one of the other four members refused to renew Crew's contract which expires in June, 2000. The Mayor applauded that decision by the Board of Education. Now the same Board hired a man who was opposed by the Mayor. The Board rejected the choice favored by the Mayor.
The Mayor immediately reacted by saying the same thing he has been saying for six years. He should have greater control over the public school system. The voters of New York State should consider his penchant for approving actions when he wins and disapproving actions when he loses. The Senate does not work that way. Will Giuliani's temper be so evident as Senator as it is as Mayor?
January 29, 2000
Guns and Bartok
The U.S. Senate is currently controlled by the Republican Party, 55-45. One of the key races in 2000 is who is going to replace a liberal Democrat, Daniel Patrick Moynihan? The Republican candidate is NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani and the Democratic candidate is Hillary Rodham Clinton. New York is considered as one of the most liberal states In the country, largely because of the huge Democratic vote in New York City. Rudy Giuliani could not have been elected without a large number of Democrats voting for him.
The voters have to decide whether the Democratic Senate seat being vacated is to remain Democratic or be an extra Republican seat? New York City is a truly great city. One of the reasons why is the culture of the city (theatre, museums, architecture, Central Park, Empire State Building, World Trade Towers, Rockefeller Center—including the Tree, Radio City, the Skyline, etc.).
When Mayor Giuliani first became Mayor, he announced that each department head would have to cut his or her budget by 10%. He made this announcement on NY City's cultural landmark radio station WNYC. When a woman listener protested the cut, he said that everybody had to be prepared to accept the 10% cut Shortly thereafter, he announced that he would eliminate WNYC as a municipally owned radio station. Here, he joined ultra conservative Newt Gingrich, as both men believe that government should not finance radio or television stations.
Thus, Giuliani singled out WNYC for a 100% cut, not a 10% cut. Today, WNYC is finding it harder and harder to remain as a public radio station. Giuliani’s action is aligned with the Republican Party's agenda, in the control of men like North Carolina's Jesse Helms, to cut funds to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
If control of the Senate should come to the Democrats, one of the most significant results would be to fund the great public museums more adequately than has been done under Republican control of the House and Senate. The history of the 20th century shows that Republicans controlled the presidency 52%-48%. But in the last 20 years, they have controlled it 60%-40% (12-8). During these 20 years, the Republican Party has become more and more conservative and have had more control of the House and Senate than at any time since FDR was first elected 68 years ago.
During the recent decades, the size of the federal budget has increased dramatically,. Yet, at the same time, the actual dollars for culture has been decreased. The Democratic Party and its candidates must stand on the side of the cultural life of our country. They can start by reversing the tide of reactionary Republicans like Helms and Gingrich. The election of Hillary Rodham Clinton as Senator from New York is a must.
The voters have to decide whether the Democratic Senate seat being vacated is to remain Democratic or be an extra Republican seat? New York City is a truly great city. One of the reasons why is the culture of the city (theatre, museums, architecture, Central Park, Empire State Building, World Trade Towers, Rockefeller Center—including the Tree, Radio City, the Skyline, etc.).
When Mayor Giuliani first became Mayor, he announced that each department head would have to cut his or her budget by 10%. He made this announcement on NY City's cultural landmark radio station WNYC. When a woman listener protested the cut, he said that everybody had to be prepared to accept the 10% cut Shortly thereafter, he announced that he would eliminate WNYC as a municipally owned radio station. Here, he joined ultra conservative Newt Gingrich, as both men believe that government should not finance radio or television stations.
Thus, Giuliani singled out WNYC for a 100% cut, not a 10% cut. Today, WNYC is finding it harder and harder to remain as a public radio station. Giuliani’s action is aligned with the Republican Party's agenda, in the control of men like North Carolina's Jesse Helms, to cut funds to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
If control of the Senate should come to the Democrats, one of the most significant results would be to fund the great public museums more adequately than has been done under Republican control of the House and Senate. The history of the 20th century shows that Republicans controlled the presidency 52%-48%. But in the last 20 years, they have controlled it 60%-40% (12-8). During these 20 years, the Republican Party has become more and more conservative and have had more control of the House and Senate than at any time since FDR was first elected 68 years ago.
During the recent decades, the size of the federal budget has increased dramatically,. Yet, at the same time, the actual dollars for culture has been decreased. The Democratic Party and its candidates must stand on the side of the cultural life of our country. They can start by reversing the tide of reactionary Republicans like Helms and Gingrich. The election of Hillary Rodham Clinton as Senator from New York is a must.
January 21, 2000
blahblahblahgate
The six Republican candidates for President debated each other on January 6. During the course of the debate they described the Democratic administration under President Clinton as the most corrupt presidency in this country's history; they attacked the time honored constitutional principle of separation of church & state embodied in the first amendment to the Constitution (the Bill of Rights); attacked Roe v. Wade and urged that a conservative Republican be elected in 2000 so as to guarantee the appointment of conservatives to the Supreme Court who will make sure that abortions will be abolished.
Thus, it is clear that the Republican Party is in the control of a right wing conservative group in their party. Ironically, chronologically, the three most corrupt Presidents were Republican Ulysses S. Grant, Republican Warren G. Harding ("Teapot Dome") and Republican Richard M. Nixon ("Watergate"). So much for corrupt presidencies.
Insofar as separation of church & state and abortion are concerned, the issues are joined: the Democratic Party as a 'Liberal' party is on one side and the conservative Republican Party (by their own admission) is on the other side.
The campaign for the next President should emphasize these issues, especially since the next President may appoint five new Supreme Court justices.
Thus, it is clear that the Republican Party is in the control of a right wing conservative group in their party. Ironically, chronologically, the three most corrupt Presidents were Republican Ulysses S. Grant, Republican Warren G. Harding ("Teapot Dome") and Republican Richard M. Nixon ("Watergate"). So much for corrupt presidencies.
Insofar as separation of church & state and abortion are concerned, the issues are joined: the Democratic Party as a 'Liberal' party is on one side and the conservative Republican Party (by their own admission) is on the other side.
The campaign for the next President should emphasize these issues, especially since the next President may appoint five new Supreme Court justices.
January 15, 2000
House Judiciary Runs Amok
In the history of our country only two presidents have been impeached. In the aftermath of the Civil War President Andrew Johnson was impeached by the House of Representatives. However, he was not removed from office when the Senate failed, by one vote, to achieve the requisite 2/3 majority.
This year, a prosecutor, with ties to a right wing group, came forth with four counts for the impeachment of President William Jefferson Clinton. The House Judiciary Committee, controlled by a conservative 21 Republican majority, voted to impeach the Democratic President on all four counts. These 21 each had four votes to cast. At the end, their total vote was 83-1 to impeach.
The entire House then voted along party lines to impeach the President providing a razor thin margin but only on two counts. Immediately after, four moderate Republicans tried to recant their votes. Had they done so earlier, the House would not have impeached the President. In the Senate, with the President having his say for the first time, not only couldn't the Republicans achieve a 2/3 vote, but they also could not achieve a majority on either count.
The factual record above leads me to the following conclusions:
The most significant vote was the vote in the House Judiciary Committee as there never was any opinion anywhere else that two of the four counts amounted to an impeachable offense. Thus, it is clear that the 83-1 vote by the 21 member majority was an abuse of political power. As for the other two counts, virtually all of the country's constitutional experts concluded that none of the four counts were impeachable offenses. By the vote in the Judiciary Committee and in the entire House, the Republican Party showed how irresponsible a political party can be.
It is clear then, that the Democrats should retake the House of Representatives if for no other reason than the disgraceful act of impeaching the President.
This year, a prosecutor, with ties to a right wing group, came forth with four counts for the impeachment of President William Jefferson Clinton. The House Judiciary Committee, controlled by a conservative 21 Republican majority, voted to impeach the Democratic President on all four counts. These 21 each had four votes to cast. At the end, their total vote was 83-1 to impeach.
The entire House then voted along party lines to impeach the President providing a razor thin margin but only on two counts. Immediately after, four moderate Republicans tried to recant their votes. Had they done so earlier, the House would not have impeached the President. In the Senate, with the President having his say for the first time, not only couldn't the Republicans achieve a 2/3 vote, but they also could not achieve a majority on either count.
The factual record above leads me to the following conclusions:
The most significant vote was the vote in the House Judiciary Committee as there never was any opinion anywhere else that two of the four counts amounted to an impeachable offense. Thus, it is clear that the 83-1 vote by the 21 member majority was an abuse of political power. As for the other two counts, virtually all of the country's constitutional experts concluded that none of the four counts were impeachable offenses. By the vote in the Judiciary Committee and in the entire House, the Republican Party showed how irresponsible a political party can be.
It is clear then, that the Democrats should retake the House of Representatives if for no other reason than the disgraceful act of impeaching the President.
January 1, 2000
It's the Constitution, Stupid
Senator Orrin Hatch, one of six conservative Republicans seeking his party's nomination for President was recently interviewed on Public Television (Channel 13 in the New York area). In it he said that he is worried about the possibility that Liberal Democrats, such as Vice-President Al Gore or former Senator Bill Bradley would make the Supreme Court more liberal than it is now. He said that the next President would appoint three new Supreme Court justices, or possibly five. Senator Hatch emphasized that this should be a major issue in the 2000 presidential campaign.
I believe that control of the Supreme Court is a major issue. But, unlike Senator Hatch, my fear is that a conservative Republican elected in 2000, with a Republican Senate (that is now controlled by the Republicans, 55-45) insures that the Supreme Court would become more conservative than it is now. There would be no doubt that other judges like Rehnquist, Scalia and Thomas will be appointed and approved in the Senate.
The Democratic presidential candidates and the Democratic Party must emphasize the crucial difference between the philosophies of the two parties. Too much is at stake to avoid citing this as a major issue in the national elections in 2000. Can you imagine how many longstanding cases will be overturned by such a conservative court?
I believe that control of the Supreme Court is a major issue. But, unlike Senator Hatch, my fear is that a conservative Republican elected in 2000, with a Republican Senate (that is now controlled by the Republicans, 55-45) insures that the Supreme Court would become more conservative than it is now. There would be no doubt that other judges like Rehnquist, Scalia and Thomas will be appointed and approved in the Senate.
The Democratic presidential candidates and the Democratic Party must emphasize the crucial difference between the philosophies of the two parties. Too much is at stake to avoid citing this as a major issue in the national elections in 2000. Can you imagine how many longstanding cases will be overturned by such a conservative court?
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