Leave it to former NYPD Commissioner, Ray Kelly, to tell it like it really is.  In case you missed this from Sunday’s  NY Post: Former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly blasted state bail reform Sunday, saying the legislature “shoved” the reform law “down the public’s throat.”   Listen to Mr. Kelly on the Cats Roundtable here.

Governor Cuomo had the Criminal Justice Reform Bill in last year’s budget; and the consequences when implemented have been far reaching and well publicized in this blog.  Not learning from his major political mistake, Governor Cuomo is pushing the legalization of marijuana in this year’s budget.   Despite efforts to change the classification of marijuana, it is still classified as a Schedule I drug and to only perceive it as an revenue enhancer is disingenuous and dangerous.  At the very least, it should be a stand alone bill, and freely debated on the floor with minimal time limits so all the information regarding the dangers of smoking, inhaling, or eating, growing and dispensing marijuana is available.  In Massachusetts, Resistance to Marijuana Dispensaries.  Legislators must know all of the issues and concerns that have surfaced in states that passed recreational marijuana, if they do, we are certain they will not allow it in New York.  And, If they foolishly insist on allowing recreational marijuana to go forward; the backlash will be just as strong as it is on the Criminal Justice Reform.

Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel was fond of saying “You never want a serious crisis go to waste.” It is very apparent that Governor Andrew Cuomo has taken that advice to heart.  First, with very little opposition, he had the legislature provide $40 million to protect New Yorkers from the coronavirus (remember the state budget is already facing a $6 billion deficit) but more egregiously they passed changes to the emergency powers granted to the Governor.  Three unlikely political allies have grave concerns, as we all should, with these newly created powers that seemingly innocuous language changes in the legislation could give unprecedented authority to Cuomo for as long as the governor wants it.

The  Governor is using Coronavirus – which admittedly is spreading; but with roughly 19 million inhabits and roughly 200 known cases and measures in place to help prevent a pandemic like spread in NYS, Governor Andrew Cuomo is pushing paid sick leave to the fore.   We all have empathy for those who do not have paid sick leave, but relying on fear to get legislation passed is not a responsible long-term response.  Coronavirus Shows Government Paid Leave a Bad Fit for Employees’ Needs.

Will the Coronavirus change the petitioning season?  Coronavirus fears could imperil New York’s democracy, lawmakers warn.

I wonder if this will come up in the next Biden/Bernie debate?

Oh Boy, even when ahead in the race, former VP Biden has thin skin.

California Throws the Books at Undercover Reporter Who Exposed Baby Body Trafficking.  The voters in California have blindly given carte blanche to California’s government; thereby proving this quote:  “A government big enough to give you everything you want, is a government big enough to take away everything that you have,” including the right to life and freedom of the press.  What will be next?

We were not the only ones who saw the hypocrisy in the NY lawmakers last week.  

A Not Very Super Tuesday for Socialism

 Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders entered Super Tuesday as the presumed favorite to capture the Democratic nomination in this November’s general election. On Wednesday morning, he found himself preparing to dig out of a hole.

The 18-29-year-old base that came out in record numbers in 2016 left much to the imagination Tuesday as each of the 14 states saw a decline within that demographic.

Heading into Super Tuesday, polling showed Sanders ahead in both Massachusetts and Texas, but due to the poor turnout amongst the 18-29 crowd, Vice President Biden prevailed in both states and has positioned himself well heading into next week’s round of primaries and caucuses.

Something the mainstream media has conveniently left out of the news is the massive amount of votes  President Trump has received in the 2020 primary season.

For example, President Trump won in Texas with 94.1% or 1,889.006 votes. The last time an incumbent ran for reelection was George Bush in 2004. He received 92.5% of the vote in Texas, a state where he also served as Governor.  The Democratic primary had a total of 2,075,862 votes case. Solid showing for President Trump who is essentially running unopposed compared to the Democratic party who is in the midst of a competitive primary battle.

Schumer Threatens Two Supreme Court Judges

 Perhaps feeling the heat of an Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez challenge for his U.S. Senate seat, Chuck Schumer continues taking a sharp left turn in Washington D.C., and now has a new target; Supreme Court Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh.

Schumer’s comments came as U.S. Supreme Court Justices deliberated on a Louisiana abortion decision. “I want to tell you, Gorsuch. I want to tell you, Kavanaugh. You have released the whirlwind and you will pay the price!” Schumer emphatically yelled into the microphone. “You won’t know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions.”

These appalling threats coming from Senator Schumer are a clear indication he feels left out of the spotlight and the only way he knows how to make himself relevant is to issue threats to member of the highest court in the land.

Senator Schumer owes Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh an apology for the threats he personally made against him and an apology for the subsequent response the threat received from those in the crowd.

Crime Continues to Rise

 Thursday, the NYPD announced 482 were rearrested after being released due to the new bail reform laws.

Albany Republicans continue to call on bail reform to be revisited. While Governor Cuomo has tip toed around the situation, his office has said they are open to reform, but as a part of the state budget, which is exactly how we got into this mess in the first place.

The state budget is no place for legislation to be slipped in and passed. New laws should be debated on the floor of the State Senate and Assembly. Not hidden within the wording of a state budget.

While there has been talk about giving judges back the discretion to decide which criminal offenders should be held on bail, there has been no talk regarding discovery rules.

Previously, state law required the defense to request discovery information. Now, prosecutors must automatically hand over information to the defense within 15 days.

These new laws endanger the witnesses and prevent those who have witnessed a crime to come forward in fear of retaliation. Democrats must uphold their duty to, first and foremost, protect the citizens of New York and our visitors. If they don’t, we must elect new representatives that will.

Economy defied early coronavirus fears in February with 273,000 new jobs, unemployment ticked down to 3.5%

Brian Williams, NY Times editor ridiculed for getting Bloomberg math breakdown very, very wrong

Trump signs $8.3B coronavirus spending bill: ‘It’s an unforeseen problem’

Record GOP voting enthusiasm breaks pattern, topping Democrats

Bail reform a ‘significant reason’ for crime spike, NYPD says

Sen. Charles Schumer absolutely crossed the line yesterday with his personal attack on Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh.  His remarks were meant for them, despite the attempt to clarify them.  Sen. Schumer is a hypocrite who does all he can to create havoc while he claims it is the conservatives that create havoc.  Senator Mitch McConnell finally called Sen. Schumer out on the Senate floor earlier today.  As of this writing, Sen. Schumer, has only doubled down and refuses to fully apologize.   Curt Levey thinks the best way to teach Sen. Schumer a lesson is to re-elect Trump.  Our earlier press release — Schumer the Hypocrite – sums up the Conservative Party’s reaction to his remarks in front of the US Supreme Court yesterday.

Despite what Bernie and his buddies tell you, Government-Controlled Health Care Won’t Help Us Live Longer.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren drops out, as of now, has not endorsed either of the two front runners.

You haven’t heard the last from rejected presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg’s quest to oust President Donald J. Trump.

Here is Tucker Carlson’s take on former VP Joe Biden’s Super Tuesday win and surge to the front of the pack.

New York State Association of Counties: Cuomo’s budget would hurt counties.

Perhaps one of the best editorials written by the NY Post in the last several years:  The Legislature’s lunatic surrender to Gov. Cuomo.

Speaking of the legislature would somebody please explain to me why the members are allowing liquor in ice cream while banning flavored cigarettes because children are attracted to flavored cigarettes.  Aren’t children attracted to ice cream?  In fact, I would think children are more attracted to ice cream than cigarettes.  I personally believe it is the parents’ responsibility to keep cigarettes and liquor away from their children and I really do not understand why anyone would smoke knowing what we know about the health risks associated with cigarettes.  (Yes, I am a former smoker.)  As an adult, if I want liquor in my ice cream, I can pour it on a bowl of ice cream.  I’m not opposed to liquor in ice cream, but I do find it amusing that the legislators think flavored cigarettes should be banned while liquor in ice cream is okay.

Wilfred Reilly is an associate professor of political science at Kentucky State University and the latest person to pan the NY Times 1619 project.

City-Journal asks the question: Is Trump’s Budget an Attack on the Poor?

The Progressive movement has lost all sense of reality in its total lack respect for endangering lives of those who would be exposed to this ill-conceived idea.  Coming Soon Near You: Government-Approved Places to Shoot Drugs.

Anyone the least bit familiar with the criminal justice reform bill passed by the democratic controlled legislature and signed by democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, is not surprised by this headline: NYPD stats show notable jump in crime so far this year.  Governor, the criminal justice you stuck in the budget bill must be fixed NOW.  If you haven’s signed our petition, please do so here.

Bernie Sanders Is Wrong About American Health Care.  The U.S. system remains the best equipped to handle challenges like the coronavirus.

Donald Trump vs corona hysteria.  His critics are desperate for him to mishandle a crisis. So far, he hasn’t

Supreme Court to Hear First Major Abortion Case Since Kavanaugh’s Confirmation. Here’s What to Know.

Trans Indoctrination in the Schools?

How low can an elected official go?  This is pretty low if you ask me.  Leftist Denver councilwoman cheers idea of infecting Trump rallies with coronavirus.

White House budget chief nails it:  Budget Chief Prescribes Less Government Spending as Key to Draining Swamp.

Finally, it is Super Tuesday.   4 Keys to Understanding History of Super Tuesday.

Inside History looks at what happens in a contested convention.

His money is buying him name recognition, but the more he speaks, the more we learn that his political agenda doesn’t necessarily agree with the U. S. Constitution.  It’s okay for him to “hire guns” but not okay for US citizens to bear arms?  Keep the Town Halls coming and be certain to watch any debate the former Mayor of New York City is invited to.  Michael Bloomberg is brilliant when it comes to business and trying to sell himself, but when it comes to live interviews/debates for the job of President of the US, he is certainly lacking in the ability to connect with the people.

Tucker Carlson skewered Joe Biden last evening and well worth listening to or reading here.

Chuck DeVore: Super Tuesday’s biggest prizes are CA and TX – here’s what to watch for in those states

Current front runner for the democratic nomination for president, Bernie Sanders, has some explaining to do regarding the costs of his socialistic programs, but even if he did reveal projected costs, those who have not studied or lived through the demeaning ideals of socialism, would still support him because of the false promises that government largess from cradle to grave is possible…and America would continue to raise the standard of living in the world.  Mr. Sanders, stop selling snake oil; stop selling socialism to those who do not understand that government largess suppresses the liberty that made American the greatest nation in the world.  Charlie Kirk, appearing on Life, Liberty and Levin, warns against conservatives rooting for Sanders to be the nominee.

Since former VP Joe Biden won in South Carolina on Saturday, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Tom Steyer and Sen. Amy Klobuchar have dropped out of the 2020 presidential race.  Senator Sanders you are not dreaming — it really is déjà vu — 2016 was real and so is this.  Doesn’t that tell you socialism is your dream, not America’s.  Mayor Pete is endorsing former VP Biden. Who will be the next to go?  Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Congresswoman Tulis Gabbard.  After Super Tuesday there may only be the 3 B’s running, Bernie (78), Biden (77) and Bloomberg (78).  Do you remember when Ronald Reagan ran in 1980 and the press was in an uproar because he was 69?  My how times have changed.

The City-Journal exposes the perverse view of Bernie’s stand against new housing.

How to Talk to Millennials About Capitalism.

How our culture gives a free pass to socialism’s hideous downsides.

Thank You, Judicial Watch: Hillary Clinton Must Be Deposed Over Her Private Email Server Antics

Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Case on Whether Obamacare Is Unconstitutional.

Assembly Leader: No Deal on Marijuana Without Revenue Stream for Impacted Communities. (When has a dedicated fund worked?)

JCOPE is back in the news; not an article you would frame on put on the wall.

Mayor de Blasio:  what do you have to say about this?  Insiders say Carranza’s secret ‘Academic Response Team’ squandered millions.

As long as we can’t curb elected officials’ belief that they are the only ones who know what is right for all of us, can we please institute TERM LIMITS to limit the damage elected officials force on us.    Andrew Cuomo’s latest power grab will let him ram through wind farms.

Spectrum news rightfully asks this question:  State Revoked This Limo Company’s Operating Authority. So Why Are They Still Picking Up Passengers?  I would certainly not let my family hire a company that doesn’t meet the standards set for safety.  Protecting citizens and residents, is the primary duty of government agencies, but lately, government agencies are ignoring and arbitrarily  changing the rules and laws that have served this country well throughout the years.  Government officials created sanctuary cities, blatantly ignoring federal laws; have granted licenses to illegal immigrants, again changing laws set in place to protect all residents; eliminated cash bail to serve those who demand social justice and also tucked into the criminal justice reform an almost impossible deadline to provide discovery to defendants and their attorneys.  Most every day, newspapers report how perpetrators continue their crime sprees – and no longer face consequences – and Spectrum questions why a company in upstate New York ignores the fact that their operating authority has been revoked.  Government has sanctioned their actions by setting the example of choosing which laws and rules government choses to follow.

Trump on pace for record Hispanic vote.

The NY Post is reporting that Gov.  Cuomo and Senate Democratic leader Stewart-Cousins are eyeing a closed-door fix for bail reform.  Again, we ask, why behind closed doors and why in the budget?  As the opening sentence of the article reads:  What could possibly go wrong this time?

The Politics of a ‘Fear Pandemic’.

Pence on Coronavirus at CPAC: ‘Trump Has No Higher Priority’ Than Health of Americans.

US GDP is one economic indicator coronavirus hasn’t hit.

These Black Scholars and Leaders Rebuke 1619 Project’s Narrative of Victimhood.

The Anti-Capitalists Are (Still) Wrong about History—and Much More.

Guy Benson writes in today’s Townhall.com:  Here’s a Devastating, Little-Known Story About Bernie Sanders. Why Haven’t His Rivals Exploited It?

Forget Castro, Dem Candidates Are the Authoritarians to Worry About.

The Far Left’s Strategy to Control Your Community.

How the 1960s and the ‘Great Society’ Are Still Shaping America Today.

AOC’s Green New Deal would cost $75K per household in first year: Study.

Words of wisdom from Walter E. Williams.

John Steele Gordon writes in today’s NY Post why the coronavirus will only be a bump in the road for the world economy.  After yesterday’s market plunge (and today’s), it is good to know that for the most part it is only a bump in the road.

The City-Journal:  Childish Logic

Why an April 1 deadline Governor? Are you stating that if no agreement is made by April 1, there will be no changes in this law that leaves the safety of New York’s residents in danger?  As we have noted many times, government’s primary responsibility is to keep all people safe.  The NY Post is reporting that Cuomo could make bail reform changes in state budget.   So, possible changes buried in the budget, with little or no discussion with law enforcement.  Does anyone really think this is a good idea – besides the Governor and his leftwing allies?

If this ruling stands, New York housing construction will grind to a halt.

Bernie Sanders: I Will Only Nominate Supreme Court Judges Who Support Abortions Up to Birth.  What a reprehensible statement.  Tonight’s debate will put Bernie in the hot seat:  Democrats warm up for big debate, unloading on Sanders, but, sadly no one on that stage will take him to task for having an extreme litmus test for Supreme Court Justices.  I wonder if anyone will take him to task on this:  Bernie Sanders Promoted Article Saying American Dream ‘More Apt To Be Realized’ In Venezuela.   Rich Lowry writes that Bernie Sanders just loves America’s enemies.  Why Bernie Sanders’s Populism Is a Threat to Economic Freedom.

The Left’s Appalling Whitewashing of Castro’s Legacy.

Liberal Ninth Circuit Upholds Trump Admin’s Rules on Abortion Funding.

Coming To America: Then And Now.

To Whose Good? Our Schools and the Sexualization of the Young.

From the Empire Center:  NYSUT’s “millionaires.”

A Hero of Black History in America: 9 Powerful Quotes from Frederick Douglass.

Why is it that criminals are getting every benefit of the doubt while victims are being victimized again by the current changes promoted by social justice warriors?  Without doubt, there have been innocent people convicted and were forced to spend years in prison, but does that mean we now have to do all that is possible to prevent conviction?  We have made strides to be certain that the person on trial and facing conviction is the true perpetrator and no doubt there is more that can be done, but, lately it seems that the efforts being made to prevent making mistakes are not considering the safety of the community.    Pro-crime lobby looking to take yet another policing tool away from NYPD.

This is from today’s Siena College Research Institute:  Support for New Bail Law Continues to Erode; Majority Now Thinks New Bail Law is Bad for NY

“Support for the new bail law – which took effect in January after passage as part of the budget last year – continues to plummet. In April, New Yorkers thought the new law would be good for the state by 17 points. Last month, voters said the new law is bad for the state by a margin of 12 points. Today, that margin for thinking the law is bad for New York has bulged to 26 points,” Greenberg said.  Sign our petition here. 

Jimmy Vielkind writes in the Wall Street Journal (subscription required) that Democratic Leaders Split on Taxes, New Bail Law.

According to The Hill, Congress is set for clash over surveillance reforms.

The City-Journal asks the question How Do You Price a Pandemic?

Guy Benson writes in Townhall.com  So, It Looks Increasingly Likely That Democrats Are Actually Going to Nominate This Man.

James Carville sees things in a different light.  Or maybe James Carville, the man who coined “It’s the economy, stupid,” and helped Bill Clinton win, is just wishing that Sanders was a democrat and not a socialist.

What Americans Must Know About Socialism.

If anyone doubts we are in a global economy, the stock market proved it today as it reacted to the coronavirus crisis.

Mike Bloomberg flip-flops again.

State Democrats open door to fixing awful ‘no-bail’ reforms — but will they do enough?  The bigger question is will they bring Speaker Heastie on board?  We cannot emphasize enough, cashless bail is only part of the problem with this law; the changes to “discovery” are by far a bigger problem, in that it is an almost impossible hurdle to overcome.  Most of the coverage is on cashless bail, which may be resolved by giving judges all their discretion back, however, if the new “discovery” rules are not adjusted, it is only a matter of time before tragedy strikes.  Manhattan DA might not prosecute cases because of criminal justice reforms.  Sign our petition here.

Rafael A. Mangual, writes in City-Journal that increasingly lenient treatment of career criminals is putting more police in danger.

Another New Yorker is no longer running for president. (Now will we never get our $1000 per month universal basic income …I was really curious how he would make that “pie-in-the-sky” promise a reality with an additional value added tax.)

Liberal Groups and High-Powered Lawyers Swarm Detroit to Keep Dead Voters on Rolls.  Guess what state the lawyers are from.  Anyone surprised?

Parents, are your children on Tic-Toc?  Did you know this about Tic-Toc?

A court case to watch closely.

Hey Bernie:  Read this.

Bill Hammond writes about a Medicaid benefit that doubles in 4 years.

Words of wisdom from Walter E. Williams.  “The most important audience for “A More or Less Perfect Union” is high school and college students. For it is they who stand a good chance of losing the liberties that made our nation the greatest and freest on earth.” (emphasis added.)

This headline gets your attention:  Buttigieg: Heroin Possession Won’t Be Illegal Under My Administration.  While we all understand the horrors of addiction, does the Mayor believe that the drug dealers shouldn’t be prosecuted?  Shame on him, if he does.  The article does not make it clear if that is his intent; but it does state that there were 67,000 drug overdose deaths in 2018, and those pushing and selling the drugs that caused those deaths, should be incarcerated.

What took our Attorney General so long?  Barr announces sweeping new sanctions, ‘significant escalation’ against left-wing sanctuary cities.

The Daily Signal writes that the Trump budget cuts size of federal government, but bolder reforms needed.  Fred Lucas, also writing in the Daily Signal,  projects deficits until 2035.

Good news.    Gallup poll: Majority of Americans would not vote for a socialist for president

Kudos to Justice Michael Mackey for issuing  a common-sense  temporary restraining order halting the Empire State’s new lightning-rod rule that renters can no longer be charged broker’s fees.  Let’s hope that the temporary restraining order becomes permanent.

Governor Cuomo, this is just wrong.  An issue as volatile is making marijuana a legal, recreational drug, should not be included in a budget bill.  It should stand alone, and be openly debated on the floor of the legislature, with all the facts exposed.  Stop looking at the legalization of marijuana as a financial resource; the costs associated with legalization of marijuana will drive New York’s debt deeper in the budget hole.

As noted in the NY Post editorial, No, Speaker Heastie, massive flaws in no-bail law are not ‘fake news’, the criminal justice reforms passed in last years’ budget is proving to be the biggest misguided mistake made in any legislature in recent times.

Hoping Dermot Shea keeps fighting anti-cop extremists, including ones in office is another excellent column by Bob McManus.

Members of the NYS Legislature should note the problems California is facing since they passed AB5.