Congressman Lee Zeldin was #oneluckyguy when he appeared on Fox News’ Outnumbered.  Here is a clip from the show and a Newsday article.  Congressman Lee Zeldin will be our featured speaker when we celebrate 56 years of being the voice of the taxpayers on May 31, 2018.  Click here for more details on our annual dinner.   

The NY Post, the NY Sun and the Wall Street Journal will miss Speaker Paul Ryan for all the right reasons.  The race is on for the new Speaker. 

Certainly, this is not what you want to learn if you have someone you love in a hospital. 

Steve Levy takes the legislature to task in a City Journal article, the sub-title of which is quite accurate:  Albany legislators waste another opportunity to make New York more affordable. 

The NY Post says CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s apologies didn’t cut it, while Charles Hurt uses humor in his column on the Big Dork.  The bottom line is simple, if people are truly concerned about their privacy rights, Facebook will fade away as people stop using it.  Mr. Zuckerberg won’t have to have Artificial Intelligence monitoring the content to block “hate” speech before it is posted and Congress certainly will not need to regulate, or even worse, collect the data, being collected now.  Charles Hurt said in his column, “if you post on your Facebook page all about your insatiable passion for fluffy pink unicorns, then you are very likely to become a target of the fluffy pink unicorn industry.”  There is something wrong if you haven’t figured that out.  I just hope that Mr. Zuckerberg drops the pretense of being unbiased and lets conservatives have their say. 

Meet the New Censors: Facebook’s Zuckerberg, Twitter’s Dorsey And YouTube’s Wojcicki. 

Michelle Malkin, meanwhile, shines a light on what Congress and tech giants are collecting from school children.  Parents and Grandparents beware. 

Political divorces can be just as messy as marital ones. 

New York prepares to roll out tax code overhaul. 

Good news for taxpayers:  Trump orders top-to-bottom review of welfare programs.

This, however, is not good news for taxpayers:  Teamsters Launch Effort to Push Pension Reform, in other words, the teamsters are seeking a bailout from taxpayers.

Mr. Zuckerberg had a rough day on Capitol Hill, but for the most part, seemed to be honestly contrite for the problems that brought him to the “hot” seat.   Congress seems reluctant to regulate his very successful business and they might not have to, if Facebook follows its own rules or if users decide they want their privacy more than they want artificial intelligence deciding if they operate a safe site.  Maybe, as Mr. Zuckerberg studies the last two days, he will realize that targeting conservatives is an error as it would be if liberals are targeted also. 

Governor Andrew Cuomo has appointed the majority of the Parole Board Members.  Obviously, this members’ resume leads us to believe she would lean towards parole at each hearing.  (Are any of the Parole Board Members married to a victim?)  Governor Cuomo’s progressive record makes one think more prisoners like Herman Bell and Judith Clark will be walking the streets freely while their actions prevented their victims to be able to live their lives they way planned. 

Yet more evidence of de Blasio’s corruption. 

New York spends $5336 per second!

Guy Benson’s take on Congressman Paul Ryan’s announcement that he is retiring. 

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams.

There is an exciting new candidate running for NYS Comptroller:  Jonathan Trichter!  Check out his Facebook announcement here.  Read his press release announcing his candidacy here and check out his website here.  Some may say a comptroller’s race isn’t a political race to get excited about, but, trust me, this one will be!  Get on board early, follow him on Facebook and help him win. 

This is good news for the people living in NYCHA:  Beleaguered NYCHA chair Shola Olatoye is resigning.

There is no denying the fact that New York has the highest tax burden in America.  Wallet Hub is the latest to give New York that unwanted distinction.  

Today’s NY Post editorial helps explain why New York is consistently the highest taxed state in the nation: even when facing fiscal deficits – spending is never cut.   Bill Hammond explains in this Wall Street Journal article:  Cuomo loots a Catholic Charity.  Gov. Andrew Cuomo has a disturbing new way to raise revenue: using government muscle to squeeze private organizations into “voluntarily” writing billion-dollar checks. That’s what he did to Fidelis Care, a nonprofit health plan affiliated with the Catholic Church, and its would-be buyer, Centene Corp.

Bill Hammond also explains while Governor Cuomo blames the higher cost of drugs through Medicaid on “abusive” manufacturers, the reality is his expansion of Medicaid is the real reason for increasing drug costs.

Oh Mr. Mayor, how could you “forget” such an important meeting?  Maybe he just thinks it is an important part of his job.

Stephen Moore and James Carter write about the president’s trump card for spending restraint.  An excellent article and every person who reads it should send it to their Congressman.  It would certainly take the air out of Sen. Schumer’s inflated sails. 

Daniel Oliver opines in the Federalist — Let the Word Go Forth: Chappaquiddick Invented the Cover-up. 

Guy Benson opines on democrats liking the “I” word…impeachment. 

Trump appointee at center of fight over religious freedom — fortunately for all of us. 

Zuckerberg Defends His Company at Crowded Hearing.  Did anyone expect he wouldn’t defend his billion-dollar baby?  Don’t worry about your privacy – only the bots will know…if they don’t communicate with a Kik. 

Buffalo makes the case for less government; more private investments.  It is absurd that a government rehab costs $523,600 for a house and then puts it on the market for $137,750, 

Tom Precious wrote in the Buffalo News on Saturday how a state budget deficit just goes away.

Wasting tax dollars is typical of government, unfortunately, so is this.  The total owed by state taxpayers is $169.5 million.  That is money that would go a long way in fixing the transit system.

De Blasio aide busted with gun in car.  This is one article that really needs some serious follow-up…too many questions after reading it. 

Really Governor, haven’t you learned to always have a tie with you?  I would think that a person who is considered a micro-manager would have thought of that already. Maybe you were distracted by all the though you put into bringing the democrats back together again.  And then urging the Dems to defeat “Bully” Republicans.  Chairman Mike Long responds to the IDC decision. 

The Investor’s Business Daily opines on the new EPA and why the radical left is losing it.  The Conservative Action Project (an organization that Chairman Long is a member of) is also standing with Scott Pruitt.  They also agree with President Donald J. Trump on “never again” should Congress pass an omnibus boondoggle, and “Never Again” should he sign one. 

The Washington Times is reporting that the Justice Dept. taps a federal prosecutor to oversee handover of Hillary documents to Congress. 

Guy Benson writes on: Obama’s ‘Smart Power’ Syria Policy Was a Catastrophe, and Trump is Trying to Clean Up the Mess.  Mattis on Launching Airstrikes on Syria: ‘I Don’t Rule Out Anything’

Robert J. Knight opines on how the anti-Trump media caravan roles on.

No notes but a viral lecture on government. 

The Empire Center has taken a more comprehensive look at this year’s New York State budget and while E. J. McMahon does have some positive things to say about it – most of Gov. Cuomo’s tax and fee hikes were avoided, overall the budget – even more borrowed cash was shoveled into the capital pork barrel — is a typical election year ploy to use your money to buy your votes. 

The Washington Times points out the hypocrisy of Governor Cuomo’s remarks on President Trump’s tax overhaul last year when he said the tax cuts were for wealthy people who didn’t need them and his budget this year that included loopholes for the same wealthy people has not been lost on some left-leaning institutes.  The state’s solution — turning some taxes into charitable contributions to make them once again deductible — is heating up debates in tax law circles. Some analysts say it won’t hold up, while others say there is precedent for it.  Watch for this to land in the Courts for them to decide.

New York’s greatest governor in modern history had decided, for purely political reasons, to bring the Independent Democratic Conference back into the democratic fold.  Cynthia Nixon is needling the greatest governor in modern history and all that he does now is a desperate attempt to win the democratic primary with big numbers.  Our first question in this week’s poll is what else will he do to prove he is the most progressive and greatest governor in modern times. 

NY’s Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, leading a coalition of left-leaning states, sued the Trump Administration Tuesday, claiming the addition of a citizenship question in the decennial census survey violates federal law and the Constitution.  Investors Business Daily looks at the 5 leading arguments against including the question and explains how they are all bogus.  Our second poll question this week asks why the left is so anxious about the citizenship question.

Mayor de Blasio’s “carbon divestment” means huge bills for taxpayers. 

The NY Sun gives our friend Larry Kudlow high marks in his position with the Trump Administration. 

I don’t know about you, but I am so tired of the main stream media’s obsession with Hillary Clinton. Tuesday night in Manhattan, Hillary took credit for the #MeToo movement.  The Daily Mail has a list of all the things and people Hillary has blamed for her loss – the current number is 43 and she has yet to take personal responsibility for losing.  Our third question in our poll this week deals with Hillary’s never-ending need for publicity. 

Peggy Noonan has some good insight as to why there are so many scandals and problems in today’s world.

Today’s NY Post editorial makes it clear we were not the only ones taken aback by Governor Andrew Cuomo’s self-adulation. 

This is good news for the time being:  Release of cop-killer blocked after he got parole.  A hearing is set for April 13 in Albany Supreme Court.  We will keep you informed.

Trump praises Mexico for stopping caravan, avoiding ‘giant scene’ at border. 

President Trump’s tough stand certainly helped Mexico decided to stop the caravan.

Bullying at the border: Americans won’t stand for it.

Here is Michelle Malkin’s take on Illegal-Immigrant Caravans, Churches, and Criminal Sanctuaries. 

Tammy Bruce opines on the absurdity of welcoming criminals in California and warning about coffee risks. 

Immigrants who came to America years ago and went through the process of becoming Americans are speaking out AGAINST the sanctuary laws in California…rightfully so.  “I came to this country 45 years ago with me and my mother, OK?” one supporter of the vote said.  Forty-five years ago, we were not offered sanctuary. We were not offered an easier, softer way, OK? We were told ‘You have to be an American citizen and here’s what you have to do. And we did it.”  You can rest assured they didn’t get these then either.  

As a party we certainly support term limits, however, sometimes when they are in office for a long time, they tend to let the cat out of the bag.  For example:  Pelosi: If We Win, We’re Going to Turn Back the Clock By Repealing the New Law and Massively Increasing Taxes.   If you listen closely, you can hear the fund-raising letters being drafted.   Every person with more money in their paycheck will be so willing to give it back to the federal government to waste. 

Cal Thomas on Free Speech. 

Planned Parenthood Fined for Failing to Disclose Democratic-Campaign Donations.  You can bet most of the money paying for the fine is your tax-dollars and most of the donation also.  Tell me why we continue to fund them. 

New Yorkers are fortunate to have the greatest governor in modern history…who happens to be  a narcissist  also.  Humility is not a personality trait embodied in Governor Cuomo.  He disparages anyone who does not agree with him and when provoked he tells them there is no place for them in HIS state.  Governor Andrew Cuomo was on NY1 last night explaining how the people’s frustration is due to inaction.  “A lot of talk, and nothing happens. That’s the common denominator between NYCHA and Rikers and MTA and Hudson Park and Penn Station and Moynihan Station and air train to LaGuardia and a new LaGuardia Airport. You’ve been talking about it for 20 years. You’ve done nothing.”  Question to you Governor:  If you are so great at getting things done, why has it taken you 7 years to acknowledge that the MTA and NYCHA have such serious problems?   Only a narcissist blows their own horn, Governor, true leaders who accomplish great things leave it to others to sing their praises.  

Perhaps, our greatest governor in modern history should read this.  Just a few reminders that he really isn’t that great.   

And then there is this, a typical reaction of our greatest governor in modern history…cast aside what you no longer need to pretend you are a peacemaker, when all you really are is a person who lusts power, prestige, and the presidency. 

Our greatest governor in modern history is not above using coercion to get what he wants.

Another narcissist continues her “it really wasn’t my fault” tour lashing out at Fox News this time.

De Blasio’s top donors were awarded VIP event tickets.  

The Hill gives us a rundown of Justice Gorsuch’s first year in office.  The fact that long time NY Times Supreme Court reporter, Linda Greenhouse had a scathing characterization of him proves he is doing his job well and enjoying every minute of it. 

Americans Grapple With Evil Amid Decline in Religious Faith.  

Jason L. Riley’s tribute to Martin Luther King:  Fifty years after his death, many pay lip service to his ideals, but far too few are following his example.

Ben Shapiro on the grisly history of Chappaquiddick. 

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams.

The NY Post editorial is as disappointed – for all the right reasons – as we are with the new NYS budget. 

The Buffalo News explains how promises for high-paying jobs – part of the state’s Buffalo Billion economic development initiative – is a work in progress — promises yet to be filled, but optimistic they will be in a few months.  Time will tell. 

Bill Hammond writes in the NY Torch on the Healthcare Budget Roundup.  

All of the tax dollars that are poured into economic development help make New York State the number one state for high taxes, yet again.  24/7 explains its reasoning here.

National Review examines Tucker Carlson’s Men in America segment.

Narrowly written, but still, California Supreme Court lets stand controversial law allowing DNA collection upon arrest.  And to sweeten the decision, it was written by one of Governor Moonbeam’s appointees. 

Baltimore is the latest to lose population due to progressive leadership.

Matt Vespa has a reality check for Mrs. McCabe. 

It’s good to be king of New York City.

Larry Horist opines on unspinning the bad news.  

Conrad Black is optimistic; let’s hope he is not overly optimistic!

DACA program grows after judges ordered restart. 

Rand Paul on the migrant caravan: ‘They should be stopped at the border’.

Trump’s Idea of Using Military Resources for Border Wall Isn’t Unprecedented

It is perfectly clear that Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Members of the Legislature were more interested in passing a budget on time instead of actually working out the fiscal problems that face New Yorkers.  It is no wonder that experts claim Cuomo’s tax plan is a ‘stretch of imagination’.  Karen Dewitt writes about the  ‘Fixes’ to federal tax overhaul part of new state budget.  The short version of what the plan is:  the state will create two state run “charitable funds” for health and education.  New Yorkers would be able to pay the equivalent of their property taxes to the funds, and then deduct the donation from their federal taxes.

Who ever concocted this solution is in the wrong business; writing fiction books pays better than government work – and people are forewarned that it is fiction.     

Unfortunately, this is not the only bad news for taxpayers in the budget.  Members and the Governor distribute many positive spins – the reality is: this budget is a disaster.  The spin misters claim no new taxes…okay, there is some truth to that.  But what about the fees?  (Uber and taxis – for the MTA)  And the new word for tax —  assessment.  The state will evaluate annual opioid sales in the state by manufacturer/distributor, then set an assessment rate intended to generate around $100 million per year.  Some may hail this, however, only about $20 million will go for treatment – the rest to the general fund.  Am I wrong in saying 20% to those who need it; 80% for those who running for re-election?

As bad as the spending is in this budget, the Senate Majority deserves some praise.  They stopped some of the more egregious progressive plans (across the board tax increase stands out and Gov. Cuomo’s push to move away from cash bail) and they did not expand the right to abort almost born babies.  Without the Republicans in the Senate, it will be far worse than it is now; that doesn’t mean give them a pass – it means keep their feet to the fire. 

Christopher Thomas is a free man – the cold-blooded killer of 8 children and two moms – was released from prison about 3 months ago and is currently living in Queens near  two day-care centers.  As Assemblyman Kieran Lalor said, “This is criminal justice reform in 2018.”

Why isn’t the main stream media reporting this?  

National Review explains why the left is so upset about the proposed question about citizenship on the 2020 census.  Liberals’ Reaction to the Census Citizenship Question Is Why We Should Push For It At All Costs.  

Elections have consequences, this judge proves it.   Where in the US Constitution does it say anyone, let alone an illegal immigrant, is entitled to an abortion? 

More on elections have consequences:  The Democrats’ Plan to Transform America.  

News on the political front from County Executive Mark Molinaro and Senator John DeFrancisco.

Robert Knight opines on wonders that never cease.  

There’s a ridiculous snit erupting over plans for a citizenship question on the upcoming Census. President Trump is for it, so of course Nancy Pelosi and the liberals are against it – guilty, once again, of ignorant fearmongering – and naturally a frivolous lawsuit has been filed. 

Tucker Carlson is on hand to school the left, as is Michelle Malkin.

There are plenty of good reasons for asking about citizenship in the Census – which do you think is the best? That’s the first question in our new Weekly Poll. 

Speaking of Tucker Carlson, we’ve been highlighting his “Men in America” series for the past several weeks, and last night was the final chapter. You can watch it here.

Is Andrew Cuomo in for the fight of his life thanks to Cynthia Nixon? Kudos to her for taking on “Andrew the Bully,” but it’s going to cost taxpayers. And once again, the liberals’ hypocrisy is showing. 

What do you think is the most interesting aspect of Ms. Nixon’s gubernatorial campaign? That’s the second question in our new Weekly Poll.

The revival of the sitcom “Roseanne” earned huge ratings, and is seen by as progress by Rush Limbaugh and as a wake-up call for Hollywood – though Ben Shapiro is not convinced (and some of the shows stars are parroting liberal talking points). At any rate, why is a show enjoyed by conservatives automatically portrayed as a new battle in the culture war? 

Whether you’ve watched “Roseanne” or not, it’s clear that there’s a divide between America and Hollywood. What do you think is the biggest problem with America’s entertainment culture right now? That’s the third and final question in our new Weekly Poll.

As this week draws to a close, let us not forget the true meaning of Good Friday and the powerful message of Easter.

Have a wonderful weekend!
 

The current leaders of the Democratic Party has gone so far to the left that they have forgotten that America’s US Constitution is the law of the land.  Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi actually thinks it violates the Constitution.  Here is a Pod Cast that on breaking down the 2020 hysteria (along with some other news of the day.)  Michele Malkin calls the hysteria a power grab.  In true ultra-progressive style, New York’s AG joins the fray on the wrong side. 

Here is the latest news from the two candidates running for Governor on the NYS Conservative Party line.  Here is Sen. DeFrancisco’s Press Release and here is Marc Molinaro’s latest announcement.

The Daily Signal lays out 4 Steps to Better School Security. 

Governor Cuomo adds a “breathtaking” proposal for Penn Station into budget negotiations.   Tom Precious writes in the Buffalo News on what is in and out — for now.

Sometimes loyalty goes too far, Mr. Mayor.

The city doesn’t care how many kids get robbed of an education.

Beware: Hospitals think ‘do not resuscitate’ means you don’t want to live.

Guy Benson has a must read on the aftermath of the February 14 tragedy in Florida.

BREAKING: DOJ Inspector General Will Investigate Obama Administration FISA Abuse.  

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams  

Governor Cuomo, would you please explain this:  Del Lago casino, struggling with revenue, seeks state bailout.  Governor Cuomo did a good job of “pulling the wool over voters’ eyes” when he presented them with a heaping plate of malarkey in order to bring more casino gambling to New York.  Voter beware … his budget offers the same plate of malarkey this time around.

Why is this (and many other non-fiscal items) in the NYS Budget? 

First it was Christopher Columbus, now it is Thomas Jefferson. 

Trump administration to add citizenship question to 2020 census – almost immediately California sues.

Gun Benson has more on the March for our Lives rally. 

Edwin Messe, III opines on the solemn duty of government and the military. 

The left is so ecstatic with headlines that say John Paul Stevens, ex-SCOTUS justice, shocks with call to repeal 2nd Amendment.   They can hardly contain their “coup” of a Republican Justice saying this.  Republican or RINO?  Yes, President Ford appointed him, however, Justice Stevens is not known for his republican decisions, rather he is described as “maverick” and liberal.  His Op-Ed appeared in the New York Times.  At age 97, I’m impressed that he would be submitting his thoughts to the NY Times, but I am not surprised that the Justice that broadened the core holding of Roe v. Wade, upheld affirmative action and  dissented in Bush v. Gore, took the position that the 2nd Amendment should be repealed.  All I will say is that I’m just as happy as the left is –only my happiness is because that he resigned from the US Supreme Court and no longer has the power to restrict my 2nd Amendment rights. (Justice Stevens may think of himself as a conservative, so do some Members of Congress.  Just because one describes themselves as a conservative – doesn’t make them one – a true conservative would never find the right to an abortion in the US Constitution.)

George J. Marlin opines on the Mangano trial: Scenes from the death of a GOP machine.   

Then there is this:  Star witness: I funneled illegal campaign cash to de Blasio.

Cynthia:  Corruption is Corruption no matter what office you are running for.  One should not single out just the person they are running against — and be blind to what their friends do.  When someone does that, it tells me, the corruption isn’t the problem, the person is. 

Charles Hurt writes in the Washington Times Next up (The Swamp hopes): The really truly final end of Trump.  

They Didn’t Get Reagan Then and Washington GOPers Don’t Get Trump Now.