History will prove that President Obama did more for his left-wing agenda than he did for America’s citizens.  How sad, that a extremely charismatic, well-spoken, smart manput his own ego before the good of our nation.  Read this, this , this and this if you don’t agree, and these articlesare just some of what he has done in the last few days.   Add to this the unconscionable pardon of Oscar Lopez-Rivera, the almost-closed GITMO and one understands that the safety of our Nation has been on the back burner.  Noon Friday cannot come soon enough. 

Today’s NY Post editorial by Michael Rubin reflects, I believe, what most Americans think of Obama’s misguided commutation of Manning.  Here is Obama’s weak defense of his action to commute Manning’s sentence. 

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s budget is HUGE at $152.3 billion.  He proposes another increase in school aid.    Free college tuition, and while this headline says “tax relief” extending the millionaires tax is not tax relief.  But there is one iota of good news:  RIP Start-Up NY and reigning in some pork.

Maybe Gov. Cuomo should have his campaign pay for a few of the smaller items he is wishing for.  (Ethics requirements not with standing.)

The Conservative Party petition to rename the Tappan Zee Bridge the BROWN PAIGE O’GRADY Bridge is off to a good start with some good coverage in the New York Post and New York Daily News.  Please be sure to sign or petition and have others sign as well; New Yorkers understand how important it is to honor heroes.  Together we can get this done.

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams

The blog will be back on Friday.

John Fund opines online for National Review about Sen. Cory Booker in this article.   Vik Khanna, also writing for National Review writes about the phony “public-health crisis” of gun violence. 

Lawmakers have questions ahead of Gov. Cuomo’s budget reveal, as they should.  The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) points out that Governor’s move toward liberal leadership position clashes with push for fiscal restraint and tax cuts especially with the coming expiration of the millionaire’s tax.  He renewed it once already (in 2011) after initially saying he would let it die.  Pete DeMola writes that the Governor’s green visions score high marks from local environmental groups and points out that Governor Cuomo has an ambitious wish list even when the state is projected to have $3.5 billion spending gap declining personal income and sales tax receipts alongside the possible repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

The Daily Signal lets us know what will happen to consumers after Obamacare is repealed and gives us one example as to why repeal is so necessary.  The Daily Signal also shows how Obamacare’s 20 million number is so fake. 

Nicole Gelinas opines in today’s NY Post on how the poor pay the price for subway-worker benefits. 

Pew Poll shows that the ‘Ferguson effect’ is all too real. 

Dave Boyer writes in the Washington Times that under Obama, U.S. lost influence on world stage as relations with allies frayed.

Robert Knight opines on restoring justice.

With all due respect to Congressman Lewis, his memory seems to be failing…or did he just want to raise funds? 

Thank you, Dennis Prager….A Guide to Basic Differences Between Left and Right.

Former Lt. Gov., Betsy McCaughey, opines on the ‘gag rule’ that keeps you in the dark on credit-card costs, in today’s NY Post.  We are pleased to let you know that Ms. McCaughey will be one of the speakers at our 50th Annual CPPAC on January 29 and 30 in the Radisson Hotel in Albany, NY.  Click here for more information. 

Professor Frank H. Buckley in the NY Post and on Fox News on how Trump can end brainwashing on US campuses. 

Michael Goodwin states in today’s column that it’s open war between the media and Donald Trump.

Republican-led Senate takes first steps to repeal Obamacare. 

Good News:  Mattis Waiver Confirmed by Senate. 

Larry Elder writes in Townhall.com that a living wage Is as wrongheaded as the minimum wage. 

Senator Michael Gianaris; you are so misguided on this proposal.  Discrimination is wrong, however, to protect those – under the guise of not discriminating against them –   who are in our country Illegally and are undocumented people who have broken our laws thereby showingno respect for our system of laws, must not become a protected class. 

Governor Cuomo, there you go again, pandering for more votes. 

Kudos to Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino:   Astorino has not raised the tax levy in Westchester County.  County Executive Astorino will also be a speaker at our upcoming CPPAC.  Be sure you register, space is limited.

John Fund writes in National Review that Obama Is Using the Russians as an Excuse to Expand Federal Power over Elections.

Gary Palmer makes the case for Sen. Jeff Sessions in theWashington Times.   The Hill states that Law enforcement sees Sessions as “police first” AG.  Sessions a racist?  No Way, say Pastors.

Dennis Prager opines on the Disturbing Lessons from the Chicago Beating. 

George J. Marlin opines on France to Experience the Next Populist Revolt?

Salena Zito introduces the nation to Kellyanne Conway, the first female campaign manager to win a presidential election and who will become “counselor to the president” on January 20th, in this Washington Examiner article.

Today’s NY Post editorial opines on the boom times for the teachers union, even as more schools fail. 

We posted this Politico article by Jimmy Vielkind earlier this morning on our mobile App.  If you don’t have our APP, you can download our free App at your smartphone’s App Store. 

E. J. McMahon’s Empire Center released a report on Albany’s secret healthcare taxes.   If you have attended CPPAC in the past, you know that he is a regular that attendees depend on to understand the New York State budget.  E. J. will be with us again this year — we hope you are also and that you bring a friend.  Use this form to register. 

Rest in Peace, NYPD Det. Steven McDonald.   Photo credit:  pix11.com

Reuters’ headline says it all, “New York Governor Andrew Cuomo stakes out progressive agenda.”   Stung by Zypher Teachout in the 2014 democratic primary, Governor Cuomo has shed the wolf’s clothing he wore to appeal to hard working taxpayers in New York State in 2010 when he promised to cap state spending, have a smaller government and bring jobs to New York State.  The only portions of Andrew Cuomo’s promises in 2010 are the ones made on social issues.  The proposals Gov. Cuomo is calling for in his 6 meet the people (that he wants) state of the state events increase state spending while increasing the size of government (one small example) and pushing jobs out of New York.  Free college is on his list of giveaways and so is this,  Governor Cuomo’s ill-conceived — progressive must have — proposals is early voting, automatic and same-day voter registration. .  Don’t you really want a person who has not taken the time to examine the issues and where the candidates stand to be casting a last minute vote?   Progressives/Liberals have their agenda, we, the taxpayers must be vigil to not let them achieve it. 

ICYMI:  Why Medicare isn’t actually going bankrupt appeared in the NY Post last week.  Another great article by former Lt. Governor Betsy McCaughey who will also be speaking at our 50th Annual CPPAC on Sunday, January 29 and Monday, January 30.  We hope you are planning on joining us at the Radisson Hotel in Albany, NY so you are prepared for the upcoming year.  Today is the last day for our special rate of $119 at the Radisson, be sure to make your reservations before you forget.  Then fill out our registration form for CPPAC and get it back to us as soon as possible. 

Walter A. McDougall writes about the Art of the Doge.  And Daniel Oliver opines on Donald J. Trump in this article: For Conservatives, Donald Trump Shifts The Window Of What’s Possible.

The Democrats’ new war. 

A gentleman and true American hero will be retiring from Congress in 2018.  Congressman Sam Johnson spoke a few years back at the Party’s annual dinner and touched every person who was privileged to hear him.  

Sen. Schumer and VP Biden have a difference of opinion. 

Sen. Schumer just cannot help himself; he changes his opinion as often as the wind changes direction.  Today, Sen. Schumer plans to block SCOTUS nominees if he doesn’t think they are main stream (BTW, mainstream to Sen. Schumer is far left of center).

De Blasio’s Soviet-style propaganda machine hits a new low.  Mayor de Blasio’s administration is so filled with turmoil that some in the democratic party are urging an even bigger failure to challenge him for Mayor. 

John McLaughlin and Jim McLaughlin opine in the National Review how Trump can solidify a new majority coalition. 

The Daily Signal has some pointers on how to curb the UN’s power and what Obamacare Exectutive Orders Donald J. Trump can issue on day one.   The Daily Signal also reminds us that Obamacare is a policy failure. 

Heather R. Higgins and Phil Kerpen write in USA Today that the GOP needs to act fast on Obamacare. 

There he goes again, Gov. Andrew Cuomo warns of impact of Obamacare repeal.  Bill Hammond puts the Governor’s warning into context and Congressman Lee Zeldin also speaks out on the Governor’s warning and health care in New York.

Did you know that Congressman Lee Zeldin — often seen on Fox News — will be a presenter at our 50th Annual Conservative Party Political Action Conference (CPPAC)?  Don’t miss out on our exciting line up that also includes Congresswoman Elise Stefanik as a presenter, newly elected Congressional Members John Faso and Claudia Tenney as presenters also.  The first Congressman in the nation to endorse then candidate Donald J. Trump, Congressman Chris Collins, will be taking time from his very busy schedule in Congress and on the Trump Transition Team, to be our very special featured luncheon speaker. 

Register today with this form. 

Mayor de Blasio continues to push the IDNYC cards but with changes, he will no longer retain any personal or background information from ID applicants.  Shame on him!  His first obligation is to keep the people living in New York City SAFE! 

Governor Andrew Cuomo vetoed a bill (on December 31) that would give counties much needed relief citing the costs of the legislation.  He said the state simply does not have the money to pay for the defense of people who cannot afford a lawyer…keeping the cost at the county level.  Governor, the county only source of income is taxpayers also, so your logic is illogical.  Yesterday, you proposed free college tuition for students in state run colleges under certain circumstances.  If the state cannot provide for the defense of indigent criminals — mandated by the courts — where do you suppose the money for college tuition will come from.  We have many questions on your latest “let’s pander for votes” scheme, for example, are they prepared for college.  Today’s NY Post editorial is right on target. 

Gov. Cuomo, you visited Judith Clark in prison, did you ever think of talking to the son of Peter Paige killed in the robbery.  You grew up with your father, Michael didn’t.  Perhaps your priorities are reversed. 

This will make your blood pressure go through the roof.  

More wasted taxpayer’s money.  Everyone should be able to have a vacation, a vacation that runs approximately $12 million a year falls in to a special category and is more than extravagant. 

Monday is the last day to be eligible for the reduced rate (the reduced rate is $119) at the Radisson Hotel, 205 Wolf Road, Albany for our 50th CPPAC.  Call 1-518-458-7264 or 1-800-333-3333 24 hours a day.  Click here for CPPAC’s registration form.  

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams. 

2017 is here and legislative challenges will begin as a new administration gets ready to “make America great again” in Washington, DC and here in New York the Legislature appears to be at odds with Governor Cuomo, so much so that Governor Cuomo will not be addressing the Members in Albany, rather he will deliver the State of the State on the road.  As you can note in this Kenneth Lovett article, there may be some real dissension between the two branches of government.  Both branches will have to deal with this important fact:  New York is losing its citizens and the policies that are driving them out must end!  Senator Jeffrey Klein, this is NOT how you keep New York’s working citizens here.  Governor Andrew Cuomo joined Sen. Klein in the call for free tuition which just burdens taxpayer’s while trying to buy votes.  Does anyone wonder why New Yorker’s that pay taxes are leaving in droves?

Soon to be former President Obama has been deaf to Americans these last few weeks as he was during his administration:  Obama bars future oil leases;  Obama throws Israel to the wolves;  Obama leaves a devastated democratic party; and most of all believing he could have won a third term.   Charles Krauthammer points out that Aleppo is Obama’s foreign policy legacy, certainly not one to be proud of.  Matt Mackowiak, writing in the Washington Times sees a delusional and defensive Obama that can’t accept his legacy.  On a positive note, the Heritage Foundation lets us know that his regulatory legacy can be curtailed by Congress and gives them the tool to do just that.  Another positive note is that the UN vote to throw Israel to the wolves spurs talk of defunding the world body. 

Kudos to US District Judge Reed O’Connor! 

David Keene opines on confusing Putin with the old soviet threat. 

The hypocrisy of the left is exposed, again!

With blue lives under fire, Governor Cuomo sends a message that defies logic and is outrageous, even if blue lives were not under fire.

Heather MacDonald opines on the violence in the halls, disorder in the malls. 

In case you missed it, Facebook is going to end “Fake News”, but who will control the Facebook “fact checkers?“

Nicole Gelinas has some pointers for those who want to challenge Mayor de Blasio.  Have you heard how taxpayers funds were used for glitzy ad touting de Blasio? 

Over the holiday, Thomas Sowell wrote his Farewll column,  We will sorely miss his words of wisdom, but know that they will live forever on the internet and in people’s minds.  We wish you well, Dr. Sowell.  Enjoy every minute of your retirement! 

In case you missed Congressman Peter King last night on Fox News, here is what he said:   Canceled intel briefing on alleged Russian interference in US election is ‘disgraceful’. 

Nearly half of de Blasio’s Renewal schools did even worse this year...but,  as usual,  Mayor de Blasio is in denial. 

The National Review sounds off on Mayor de Blasio’s lawless data-destruction plan. 

Teen made up story about anti-Muslim attack on subway.  And her sister is making things worse…this case illustrates how the media exploits its agenda as it did in 1987 in the Tawana Brawley case.  Is case you doubt the left’s media agenda, read this.

Hillary’s “people” are now blaming Huma. 

This one article makes the case for changing the tax code.

Hmmmm, how could this happen?  Of course, the elections commissioner is surprised about too many votes in 37% of precincts!

Obama, just cannot let go!   ‘11th hour power grab’: Obama mandates state funding for Planned Parenthood.  

File this under “good news”:   Wheeler to step down as FCC chairman. 

And file this under “good news” also:  Loretta Lynch Admits Blanket Pardon For Dreamers Is Impossible.

Dennis Prager:  Just say Merry Christmas!

Thursday’s with GipperTen.com.