BREAKING NEWS:  President Donald J. Trump cancels Speaker Nancy Pelosi ‘s planned international travel over the partial government shutdown on Thursday.  Read the developing account here. 

Lately, reading the newspapers, is not a pleasant experience between the anger in politics and the senseless murders of parents and strangers.  However, in today’s Times Union, Chris Churchill has a great piece about the missing page of Governor Cuomo’s speech.  Great column Chris.

Now, back to reality.  Here is how to increase the cost of doing business in New York:  Cuomo pushes to require union wages for construction projects. 

And here is Governor Cuomo’s plan to disparage religious communities. 

The Daily Signal  writes about the 25th anniversary of the Religious Freedom Law (a law, Gov. Cuomo should be aware of).  Part of what the article says is: “Under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, “religious freedom is not absolute, but is protected by the highest standards under constitutional law,” (acting AG) Whitaker said at the Heritage Foundation.  “Government is still able to fulfill its purposes, just without infringing on other people’s rights. It is a remarkable thing for a government to impose such a restraint on itself, and it is unique to the American system.”  The Religious Freedom Law was signed by President Bill Clinton who presided over a Democrat House and Senate.  In case you didn’t know, then Congressman Charles E. Schumer was the prime sponsor in the House where it passed unanimously.   It passed the Senate 97-3.  Does anyone think the Minority Leader of the Senate would carry that Bill today? 

Today’s NY Post editorial writes how Cuomo is showing New York why he shouldn’t control the MTA. 

This is priceless.  Governor Cuomo, often described as the most prodigious political fundraisers, is now calling for lower contribution limits. 

Perhaps, Mr. Churchill’s column isn’t so tongue-in-cheek after all. Governor Cuomo may need that wall since he is doing his best to encourage people to leave New York.

Speaking of walls, Conservatives stand with President Trump:  Build the Wall. 

Star Parker  opines that we will look back and view abrtion as we view slavery today.  We should all work for that day to come sooner rather than later. 

Governor Cuomo has made it perfectly clear for the last month or so that he believes abortion must be expanded in New York State and that he will not sign the 2019-2020 budget without the Reproductive Health Act and the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act. The Reproductive Health Act would allow for abortions up to the moment of birth.  Shame on him.  But the man knows no shame; his lack of respect for life is disheartening to say the least.  He is so wedded to pandering to the progressive propaganda, that I doubt he knows that 75% of Americans support restrictions on abortion.  also doubt that he knows that almost 42 million abortions took place around the world in 2018 ending the lives of more people than cancer, malaria, HIV/Aids, smoking, alcohol, and traffic deaths put together.   In the United States, the abortion rate has declined due to education and state laws, however, our Governor, Andrew Cuomo, continues promoting abortions in New York State even up to the moment of birth. 

Bob McCarthy has an analysis of Gov. Cuomo’s address in today’s Buffalo News. 

Bob McManus opines on Andrew Cuomo’s avalanche of platitudes. 

The NY Post editorial board advises New Yorkers that Cuomo’s agenda is going to cost New Yorkers big time. campaign promise. 

Flip-Flop Gillie breaks campaign promise.

The Beat exposes Mayor de Blasio’s “in the wrong hands” comment.

Michael Goodwin opines on the fact that congestion pricing is just the city’s next big scam.

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams. 

More reports of no heat in New York City’s public housing.  Government wants more control over our lives and cannot handle the things it should be controlling now.  It is disgraceful that Mayor de Blasio and NYCHA are unable to keep their tenants warm during this bitter cold wave.  Despite this, you still have calls for government control by the socialists who have been gaining ground as elected officials.   

De Blasio calls off police raid on Bronx park littered with syringes  and will most likely break a promise to complete his full term. 

From National Review:  The Supreme Court Should Make Politics Local Again. 

Tantrums: Democrats Are Refusing to End the Shutdown by Boycotting Meetings at the White House. 

Dennis Prager: The Left, the Wall, the Truth.

Governor Cuomo is releasing his proposed 2019-2020 budget today and it is expected to be approximately $170 Billion.  It should be available here later today. For your information, New York’s population in 2017 was 19.85 million.  Gov. Gavin Newsom (not know as a fiscal conservative), Governor of California,  also released California’s budget for 2019-2020 and it is $144 billion.  California’s population in 2017 was 39.51 million.  New York has approximately 20 million less people and spends about $25 billion more. Am I the only one who sees a problem with this?

Nanny state government is back with a vengeance, and we all will be paying the price.  We understand the harm that plastic is doing to our environment and believe it is morally wrong.  Proper disposal is essential for plastic garbage bags and all items made of plastic — including syringes happily handed out by government agencies and strewn all over parks and subway stations.  If government insists on banning plastic bags shouldn’t we insist on banning our tax dollars being used to provide syringes? 

If you are 18, you can give your life for your country, you can vote in elections, you can get married, but if government has its way, you won’t be able to buy a product that is legal.  Cigarettes, last time anyone checked, are still legal and will remain so even with restrictions, because government is addicted to the taxes they bring in.  

Governor Cuomo supports giving illegal immigrants drivers licenses.  Chairman Long responds in this article. 

De Blasio’s double standard on workers’ benefits.  

If the government is a good as democrats portray it to be by passing Bills that give them more control over our lives, why are the residents that can only afford to live in the NYC Housing Authority living without heat on these bitter cold days. Do a google search on the living conditions for NYCHA, then ask yourself why do you want government running every aspect of our lives.  Someone should ask Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that question.  She would most likely agree with Mayor de Blasio who believes there is plenty of money in the world, it is just in the wrong hands.  Oh, and if you think it is only NYCHA that has a serious problem, you certainly do not use the MTA facilities. 

President Trump delivered a powerful speech Tuesday night on the border crisis facing our country. In the speech, the President said: “We simply cannot allow people to pour into the U.S., undetected, undocumented, unchecked…”

Oh, wait – President Obama actually said that.

What President Trump said Tuesday night is this: “Illegal Immigration is wrong, plain and simple.”

Hold on… my apologies, that’s actually a quote from Chuck Schumer.

Here is the full transcript of President Trump’s speech – it was watched by 43 million people, and the President hit a homerun, if you ask me.

For the first question of our new Weekly Poll, I’ve pulled together what I think are some of the best quotes from the President’s speech – from his important distinction between legal and illegal immigration, to his calling out of the Democrats’ self-righteous claims that walls are “immoral.”

What do you think is the most powerful quote from President Trump’s Oval Office speech? Vote today!

The Democrats’ response, delivered by Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, was “stiff and robotic,” as Rush Limbaugh put it – and their performance was literally laughable, as are their ideas. Even many Democrats are not impressed.

What do you think was the WORST aspect of Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer’s response to the President’s speech? That’s the second question in our new Weekly Poll.

The fact is, Pelosi and Schumer are just wrong when they say there’s no crisis at our border. Investor’s Business Daily lays out the numbers here, and the Daily Wire gives an inside account of border chaos.

Which factor of America’s border situation do you think makes it a true crisis? That’s the third and final question in our new Weekly Poll.

Border issues dominated the week, but we can’t lose track of other important topics – especially the Democrats’ increasing hostility to religious faith.

Catholics are in the liberal crosshairs this week, with Sen. Kamala Harris of California launching an outrageous assault on the Knights of Columbus, which (Sen. Harris is shocked to discover) is a Catholic organization with “extreme” (according to Sen. Harris and the left) Catholic beliefs.

Fortunately, at least a handful of Democrats are standing up to their party’s anti-Christian bigotry.

The Conservative Party is speaking out against Mayor Bill de Blasio (Gotham’s “Man of Steal”) and his paid time off proposal, which is little more than a new tax hike. As I said in this interview, the Mayor’s plan will hurt those businesses that are on the edge of trying to make it – and for those businesses that can handle it, it only is going to drive up the cost for consumers.

Have a great weekend!

Mayor “you earn it -I take it” De Blasio is at it again.  From WABC News in NYC: “Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday that New York City is rolling out a $100-million-per-year program to provide health care to all residents, including undocumented immigrants.”  Hear Chairman Mike Long’s response here. 

The NY Post reports the Mayor’s money grab this way:  Inside de Blasio’s $100M health care-for-all plan. 

Bill Hammond of the Empire Center takes a first look at de Blasio care.

And, as if forcing taxpayers to pay for a new $100-million-per year program to provide health care to all residents and undocumented immigrants, today, Mayor “you earn it – I take it” de Blasio is actually finding a way for people to lose their job with his new proposal to mandate paid time off. 

Don’t give de Blasio a sleazy way to pay his legal bills. 

David Bossie: Trump’s speech vs Schumer and Pelosi – Will America choose determination or denial? 

The Daily Signal fact check’s President Trump’s claims in border speech. 

Michael Goodwin writes how refusal to budge on border wall shows Dems still hung up on 2016. 

Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis opines on Immigration Deal or No Deal; America’s watching. 

Betsy McCaughey writes that democrats are campaigning to end prosperity. 

Did you know this? 

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams 

With Hillary – the twice failed presidential democratic nominee – at his side, Governor Andrew Cuomo, called for a constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights in New York State.  Chairman Mike Long’s response was swift and accurate: “He must have his head screwed on backwards.”  Read more about the proposal and Chairman Long’s response here. 

New York needs a serious debate before legalizing marijuana. 

City’s top cop worries about kids smoking weed, grow house fires.

Former Assemblyman Richard Brodsky is not someone who the Conservative Party agrees with on most of his policy beliefs; however, in this article, he is absolutely right in stating that in all of government’s flaw, this is the most dangerous..    We firmly believe that the members of the legislature have to propose and pass with a veto proof majority, legislation that will override the Court of Appeals decision that denies the Legislature the power to change or reject gubernatorial policies, if they are put in budget bills.  The Court of Appeals neutered the legislature; it is long past time they regain their rightful place in the governmental process.

The State of Politics writes: Cuomo’s DMV Nominee Says He Backs Driver’s Licenses For Undocumented Immigrants.    Well, of course, he does; does anyone think Gov. Cuomo would nominate someone who does not agree with his position. 

File this under:  Why was it ever filed in the first place? 

It’s a three-ring circus this week in Washington as Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats take control of the U.S. House – with hypocrisy, profanity, and dishonesty on full display. It’s easy to see why Americans now see “government” as the top problem facing our country.

Democrats are already pushing everything from impeaching President Trump and poisoning America’s elections to overturning the Second Amendment, erasing America’s borders and mandating taxpayer-funded abortions.

I agree with Rep. Liz Cheney – let’s hope the Democrats keep talking so Americans will know just how radical they really are. Even many liberals are worried about the Democrats’ extremist bent, as well they should be. The Left’s hunger for abortion here in New York is positively bloodcurdling.

What do you think, right now, is the Democrats MOST extreme idea? That’s the first question in our new Weekly Poll, and alas there are many options for you to choose from.

Speaker Pelosi, of course, perfectly represents the Democrats’ extremism. And under her new rule, we’ve already seen that she has no respect for the Constitution; she thinks taxpayers are her personal piggy bank; and she is on board with the Democrats’ impeachment obsession.

What do you think is the WORST thing about the new reign of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi? That’s the second question in our new Weekly Poll, and again – the choices are seemingly endless.

And talk about impeachment obsession – the Democrats got the ball rolling as one of their top priorities for the new Congress… seemingly above border security, national defense, economic growth, or anything else.

President Trump is of course fighting back, and calling out the Democrats’ petty politics.  What do you think the Democrats’ obsession with impeachment says about their party? I’ve made that the third and final question of our new Weekly Poll.

Hope 2019 is treating you well so far, and that you will have a great weekend!

We hope all our readers had a Joyful Christmas and that the New Year brings you prosperity.

 Governor Cuomo may deny it a thousand times, but after yesterday’s inaugural speech, there is no doubt that he will run for President in 2020.  Just the day before, Gov. Cuomo granted clemency to 29 convicts stating that “These actions will help keep immigrant families together and take a critical step toward a more just, more fair and more compassionate New York.” Governor, New Yorkers love and welcome immigrants; we just want them to follow the laws of our Nation and come here legally.  Here is how Fox News reported Governor Cuomo’s clemency.

 Perhaps, Gov. Cuomo, should examine one of the “catch phrases” he said: “America’s only threat is from within. It is the growing division amongst us.”  Governor, Americans and New Yorkers welcome people who will follow our laws, the first one being that one must enter our country legally.  It is people, like yourself, that twist what is happening.  Would you open your home to an angry crowd demanding what you have? Don’t you want people coming to your village, town, city or country to have the same values that built our nation?  You, Governor Cuomo, are among those responsible for the division amongst us and it is shameful that you continue to blame those of us who expect, and welcome, law abiding people to emigrate to America. 

 The Beat writes that Cuomo’s in charge …and it isn’t a complimentary article. 

 Nicole Gelinas opines on New York Democrats finally wise up to transit system’s costs. 

DeVos pushes for safer schools — even if New York won’t. 

 Dennis Prager opines that the Left will make 2019 a dark year.  

 Set aside time to watch Sir Roger Scruton: How to Be a Conservative… You won’t be disappointed.   

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a Schumer and a Pelosi.

I’d rather have lumps of coal in my stocking, but right now we’re stuck with these two feckless politicians who come across as weak compared to President Trump’s strong leadership.

Who do you find MORE embarrassing as the Democrats’ so-called “leaders” in Congress – Schumer or Pelosi? That’s the first question in our new Weekly Poll, and both of them are excellent contenders.

“Nations that don’t control their borders cease to be nations” – strong words this week from Investor’s Business Daily, and an idea that the Schumer/Pelosi liberals refuse to acknowledge.

As we learn more about the crime associated with illegal immigration – and the terrorist leanings of the leaders of the current “caravan” – it is more important than ever to secure our borders. Democrats used to at least say the right things on this critical issue – this week President Trump highlighted the liberals’ hypocrisy by sharing quotes from Schumer, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama pledging their opposition to illegal immigration.

In doing so, the President gave us a great question for our new Weekly Poll – as the debate over illegal immigration continues into 2019, which of the Democrats’ quotes reflecting sanity on this issue is your favorite? It’s a rare opportunity to agree with something sensible from the liberals, even if they were entirely insincere, so enjoy!

Fake news continues to proliferate, from stories attacking Border Patrol agents for the sins of the parents to deliberate misquotes of GOP lawmakers in an effort to undermine President Trump. The media is obsessed with the President, so much so that they’re furious he cancelled a Christmas party the press claimed to have no interest in attending. (And good riddance to another inside-the-Beltway spectacle, thanks to the Trump Administration.)

Meanwhile, even the most extreme Democrats (the departing governor of California, no less!) think their party is moving too far to the left, and it is likely that the liberals will ruin their 2020 chances by nominating a candidate who is too far left for this country – whether it’s a novice like Beto O’Rourke, an old-school Socialist like Bernie Sanders, or a divisive figure like Elizabeth Warren (among many others, including questionable characters from New York like Kirsten Gillibrand, Andrew Cuomo and Michael Bloomberg).

This would be a blessing, frankly – and I’ll make this the third and final question of our new Weekly Poll: Which of the Democrats’ current 2020 contenders do you think would be the biggest “Christmas gift” to President Trump and the GOP?

Have a great weekend – Christmas is almost here!