“Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it”-Ronald Reagan
Today is a good day to read Jim Geraghty article “A Pep Talk for America” published online yesterday in National Review. It reminds us that we will get through this scary coronavirus crisis as we have gotten through everything else America has faced.
This article was published almost two years ago and every person who is a Bernie supporter should read it, perhaps even Bernie himself — for he also, does not appreciate all the good that capitalism truly does here in America and throughout the world. Here is another one for the Bernie Bro’s.
According to this, the Criminal Justice Reform Law is wreaking havoc on code enforcement as well is criminal justice.
Statement by New York Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on “Total Victory for Political Freedom in New York; Reason Has Won out Over Machiavellianism”
March 12, 2020
“Today’s court decision confirms what the State Conservative Party has maintained since day one: Governor Cuomo’s Public Finance Commission had no Constitutional right to make or amend state law. This was a total overreach by an overzealous governor, and we are grateful that the Court acted to protect the political and First Amendment rights of New Yorkers and the parties with which they choose to affiliate. This is a total victory for political freedom in New York, and a reminder to Governor Cuomo that he is an executive and not an emperor. Reason has won out over Machiavellianism, and New York is better for it.”
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.
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?
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.
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.
For Immediate Release
March 5, 2020
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org @cpnys
Schumer the Hypocrite
“Senator Chuck Schumer crossed a dangerous line yesterday, and he has to address it head-on. His response so far has been entirely inadequate, if not downright mealy-mouthed.
“Threatening Supreme Court justices in an attempt to score political points with an advocacy group is well beneath the dignity of a United States Senator. It puts the independence of the Court at risk by seeking to intimidate its justices.
“This is no small matter: Mr. Schumer has introduced an egregious precedent at the highest levels of government, and he must not be allowed to skirt accountability for it. A full retraction and apology are urgently required. Anything less will demean Mr. Schumer’s legacy as a senator.”
For Immediate Release
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org @cpnys
STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR ON SUPER TUESDAY PRIMARIES
March 4, 2020
Brooklyn, NY — “Tuesday was a super day for President Donald Trump who’s watching the American political left devour itself.
“The latest narrative Democrats have been trying to sell — a socialist vs. moderate primary — couldn’t be more false or desperate: There are no more moderates in today’s Democratic Party leadership; Joe Biden’s radical plans are just as reckless as Bernie Sanders’. Either of the candidates would drive the American economy off a cliff, and each of them would raise taxes, reduce our individual liberties, and massively expand the size of the federal government.
“The clear winner on Tuesday was President Donald Trump. The Democratic Party is spinning out of control.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
2020 Democratic challengers left much to the imagination Tuesday night in an often hard to follow, contentious debate that once again put the party’s socialist agenda in the forefront.
As Bernie Sanders oversees the downfall of the Democratic party as we know it, the remainder of the field has had little luck in shifting momentum away from the Democratic Socialist frontrunner. At a time where the party is desperately looking for a leader and an identity, stalwarts such as Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, and Amy Klobuchar have failed to deliver for the party which continues to spiral down a path of extinction, making way for the new Democratic Socialist Party led by Senator Sanders.
Senator Sanders has confessed that taxes will be raised drastically on not only the rich, but the middle class who drives the American economy, in order to pay for his healthcare, college tuition and climate plans. However, Sanders conveniently pivots when pressed on the fact that a massive deficit still exists that would cripple the economy as we know it.
Perhaps the most concerning issue at hand is the amount of support Sanders has across the country for his socialist agenda. Dismissing his candidacy in a general election thinking socialism would never be a reality in America, would be a mistake for Conservatives all over the country. Sanders base is energized, organized, loyal and growing. We must take this threat on our democracy serious and prepare to support the President and down ballot Conservative/Republican candidates with enthusiasm.
Panasonic Ends Partnership with Tesla
Panasonic confirmed the end of their solar partnership with Tesla on Wednesday in a move that will deliver a blow to the Buffalo economy.
Panasonic will end all operations in New York and have their pullout complete by September effectively ending the employment of just over 400 New Yorker’s. The state has informed the Panasonic employees in RiverBend, Buffalo that they will be offering their assistance in acquiring new jobs, but could make no assurances or promises. While the state attempts to put on a good face, it is evident Governor Cuomo’s administration continues to deal with a level of unprecedented corruption within this economic development project.
The facts are this, Tesla promised more jobs than they delivered in Buffalo. Gone are the promises of over 1,400 manufacturing jobs, and more than 2,000 additional jobs all over New York State to provide solar energy.
Transparency has never been the Governors forte, but this latest debacle stinks. It stinks for the State and it stinks for hundreds of people losing good paying jobs and the thousands of others who never got an opportunity due to failures on the part of Tesla and the Governor.
Governor Cuomo’s Approval Rating Falling
A new Siena Research poll has Governor Cuomo falling out of favor in New York State with a 36% positive job performance review and a 63% negative rating, down from a 41% favorability a month ago.
The decline comes on the heels of abysmal statewide support for bail reform laws passed last year as a part of the state budget. In April of 2019, New Yorker’s thought the reforms would be a step in the right direction by 17 points, but one month after the implementation, voters believed the changes to be bad for New York by a 12-point margin. Now, those numbers have torpedoed even further as voters believe the law is bad by a margin of 26 points.
Senate and Assembly Republicans have called for the immediate repeal of the law, but state Democrats continue to refuse revisiting the reforms.
With the November elections on the horizon and public opinion souring, Democrats are under immense pressure to work with Republicans regarding the law.
Bail reform laws were passed as a part of the state budget and bail reform was never discussed on either the Senate or Assembly floor. I, along with many Conservative/Republican legislators have called on the state to no longer pass legislation within the state budget. Laws should be discussed and argued on the floor, not tucked away within a budget. With the Governors numbers falling at a rapid pace, I believe he would be wise to remember the people who elected him, not act as a king.
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.
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.
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?