“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
First, the free spending democratic controlled Assembly spends money lavishly and helps creates a $6B budget deficit, then Speaker Heastie wants to raise your taxes to close what they created. Now Speaker Heastie says there’s no appetite to delay NY criminal justice laws amid cost concerns. So the democrats in the Legislature spend our money without concern, will raise our taxes to pay for their spending, and then say our safety, which is in jeopardy, doesn’t matter despite the fact that the majority of law enforcement and the courts don’t have enough revenues to hire the people needed to comply with the new demands made by criminal justice reforms. How much longer will NYS voters put up with this nonsense? You have 333 days until November 3, 2020.
I really think Speaker Pelosi has lost her mind: Pelosi lashes out at reporter: ‘Don’t mess with me’. “I don’t hate anybody. I was raised in a Catholic house; we don’t hate anybody — not anybody in the world.” Being a self-proclaimed catholic, you may not “hate” anybody, Ms. Pelosi, but you certainly do not show any love or compassion for unborn children. #retireNancyPelosi
As we noted in yesterday’s blog, the criminal justice reformers want more. Today’s NY Post editorial, Why New York needs to pause criminal-justice reform, also believes that “… New Yorkers should get to see the impact of the changes already baked into the cake before lawmakers drop yet more wholesale ‘reform.’”
Zack Fink reports that NY lawmakers face calls to reject vote on system of publicly-financed campaigns. We staunchly believe that your tax dollars should not be used for the campaigns of candidates you do not necessarily support. As Chairman Kassar noted in his statement issued yesterday; “Of all the insults heaped upon New York taxpayers, this one may be the cruelest. Governor Cuomo is forcing New Yorkers to pay for other people’s careers, with money they need themselves. And he did it without the required consent of our duly-elected state legislature.”
9 of the 10 Richest People in the World Are Self-Made Entrepreneurs; and 7 of the 9 are Americans that have created an untold number of jobs that make it possible for families to live a better life. Yet they are vilified by those who believe government should take the majority of their profits in taxes.
Blinded by extreme dislike of what President Trump is accomplishing, Democrats release Trump impeachment report, blast scheme to ‘solicit foreign interference’ in 2020 race.
Here is Katie Pavlich’s take on the Adam Schiff submission regarding impeachment.
We hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and enjoyed the company of family and friends while keeping the economy going when shopping on Black Friday. Today is a catch-up day on our blog; short notations for some of the items you have may have missed over the Thanksgiving long weekend.
Kudos to President Trump (and every preceding president) who visits our deployed troops on holidays. Trump surprises U.S. troops in Afghanistan on Thanksgiving, announces new talks with Taliban.
The progressive arm of the democratic party pushing for a “wealth tax” is promoting an agenda that will ultimately harm all Americans.
From Bloomberg News: Give Thanks, Americans. You’re Back to Work. Perhaps the former NYC Mayor and current presidential candidate should note the headline from the news organization he formed and still plays a major role in how it operates. (Alas, true to form, it takes an un-necessary poke at President Trump, Mr. Bloomberg’s current nemesis.)
The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) in their editorial Bloomberg No News; His reporters won’t investigate Democrats—but Trump is fair game points out the problems that could/will probably occur with Bloomberg’s news organization and Mike Bloomberg’s run for president.
Governor Cuomo, reading some out of state editorials may help you get back on the right track for all New Yorkers.
Trump’s impeachment hinges on ‘national interest,’ legal scholars say, writes S.A. Miller in the Washington Times. The ‘national interest’, as far as most people believe, is that our tax dollars should not be going to a corrupt government, which Ukraine was when Hunter Biden was employed. Most people, if questioned directly, would believe that President Trump had a moral obligation to protect the tax payers and establish that he knew about the corruption, and wanted them to know he knew, and to be certain it would never happen under his watch.
I don’t remember seeing this in any New York papers. Obviously, this is part of the reason we have a huge budget deficit. I think New Mexico has the right idea when it comes to pay for legislators; New York should take their lead, but, alas, they followed California’s lead.
Justice Reform Coalition Launching ‘Seven Figure’ Educational Campaign About Cash Bail, Discovery Laws. “The group plans to spend more than a million dollars to get its message directly to citizens. It’s launching a public education campaign that will include video, digital advertisements, direct mail and phone efforts.” In other words, citizens are too dumb and callous to understand that criminals belong behind bars. If you don’t want to be in prison, don’t do the crimes that put you there. Their money would be better spent in helping to prevent the crimes that put people in prison. As, The Beat notes, the dangers are real! Even state attorney general Letitia James, a noted progressive, has expressed concerns.
Cuomo’s Silence is Deafening for Binghamton University and Conservatives Throughout New York.
It wasn’t long ago that Governor Cuomo told conservative minded residents they “have no place in the state of New York,” with that said, it should come as no surprise that the Governor has conveniently remained silent regarding the disgraceful behavior shown on campus at SUNY Binghamton earlier this week.
Arthur Laffer, a renowned economist, was quite literally chased off campus Monday night as bullhorn touting protestors stormed the room and interrupted the speech hosted by the Binghamton University Republican Club.
The Governors silence is especially deafening since he had no problem condemning Syracuse University, a private institute, and its Chancellor Kent Syverud even after the Chancellor and University ordered a full investigation into a white supremacist manifesto that was airdropped to students.
The incidents “have not been handled in a manner that reflects this state’s aggressive opposition to such odious, reckless, and reprehensible behavior,” Cuomo said. Failing to mention that Chancellor Syverud has ordered a full investigation to be carried out by campus safety, Syracuse police and nine officers from the student senate.
I can only imagine Governor Cuomo would be just as interested in the safety of the students at SUNY Binghamton, a state funded University, as he is of the Syracuse University student body. Unfortunately, imagining is the best I can do as the Governor has not mentioned SUNY Binghamton once, sending the same message loud and clear conservatives have “no place in the state of New York.”
Stefanik Shines as Democrats attempt to buy New York’s 21 Congressional District.
Rep. Elise Stefanik continued to take on her Democratic colleagues this week on Capitol Hill saying the entire impeachment process “reeks of political desperation.”
Rep. Stefanik has received high praise from Conservatives around the country, including President Trump who tweeted “A new Republican star is born,” on Sunday. Her cool and calm demeanor on the Hill, along with her effective questioning and cross examination.
While a guest on the Sean Hannity Show Thursday night, Hannity told Stefanik Republicans were “at their best this week.” That is true and it is true because of the incredible leadership role Rep. Stefanik has taken.
While Stefanik carried out her duties on behalf of the people in NY21, a democratic challenger, Tedra Cobb, officially launched her campaign. Cobb, backed by the liberal Hollywood elite and former Hillary Clinton Senior campaign advisors, have been working overtime to pump cash to Cobbs campaign in an attempt to buy the 21st Congressional seat.
It is clear Tedra Cobb is out of touch with the North Country if she believes Hollywood donors and coastal elite are the keys to winning an election in upstate New York. Stefanik defeated Cobb by 14% just a year ago, I expect an even stronger performance from Rep. Stefanik in 2020.
Conservative Party Holds Press Conference on Hydrofracking
I was pleased to be joined by members of the Conservative Party Executive Committee, Binghamton’s Mayor Richard C. David, Windsor Town Supervisor, Carolyn Price, and Vice President of the Joint Landowner’s Coalition, Julie Lewis, this past Saturday in Binghamton where we held a press conference to call for the immediate lifting of the statewide ban on hydrofracking.
Recently, the Empire Center for Public Policy reported “newly released federal data on personal income growth last year point to the continued economic weakness of upstate New York.”
In December, 2017 Strata.Org issued a report on A Tale of Two States: The Economic impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing in New York and Pennsylvania. Under the Economic Impacts in New York, the report states “The Hastings paper found that ‘New York’s fracking moratorium is associated with a statistically significant increase in unemployment.’ ” They conclude that their findings are consistent with claims that fracking increases employment opportunities. New York residents are missing out on these opportunities because of the state’s ban on hydraulic fracturing.”
It is incomprehensible that we allow upstate New York’s economy to die because the progressive, left-wing movement has convinced Governor Cuomo that banning hydrofracking is in the best interest of New Yorkers. But it is not just upstate feeling the effects. Long Island, who is experiencing a severe gas shortage, would greatly benefit from lifting the ban.
It is in the best interest of New Yorker’s to lift the ban and allow residents all over the state to prosper. I, along with the Conservative Party, will continue to fight until the Governor does the right thing.
JCOPE is NOT an independent government agency. Simple fact of life; anytime elected officials name who will be on a commission, a temporary commission or the controlling body of an agency, that entity will not be independent. Heastie’s counsel contacted ethics commissioner after Percoco vote.
The NY Sun editorial board takes Mr. Bloomberg to task over his apology for the “stop & frisk” policy that worked so well to combat crime in NYC. Happy to see that the NY Sun is steadfast in their support of Mr. Bloomberg’s “signature political achievement” but disagree with many aspects of his 12 years in office. Mike Bloomberg is about Mike Bloomberg and his excessive need to control what people do in their personal lives because he thinks he knows what is best for every individual, so excuse me, while I go drink my extra-large soda and put some salt on my potato salad.
The Daily Signal informs us of Rep. Ilhan Omar’s chilling ignorance of history. Honestly, every member of the Squad is either ignorant of history, chooses to ignore history or just changes it to further their cause.
The Conservative Party held a meeting in Binghamton, NY on Saturday, to emphasize the need to end the ban on hydrofracking, a proven economic boom everywhere it takes place. It seems that what Governor Cuomo, who is directly responsible for the fracking ban, would rather waste our tax dollars in economic development that continues to fail, or worse, has little oversight that allows CEO’s to take liberties with grant money (according to a lawsuit recently filed), than have true economic growth that benefits New Yorkers.
It isn’t only in economic development where Governor Cuomo makes major mistakes: Pulling JCOPE’s strings.
Bill de Blasio’s ‘churro’ problem shows how terrified NYC leaders are of their own laws. Just wondering, if anyone were to become ill from eating churros purchased underground, would the Transit Authority be responsible?
We thank President Donald J. Trump for having the backs of our military who put give their all to protect our rights; they need to know their Commander-in-Chief will have there back, and this weekend he proved that he does. This is how Fox News broke the news on Saturday morning. Chief Petty Officer Eddie Gallagher shares his message for the president. Clint Lorance gives first interview since pardon by Trump this morning on Fox and Friends.
Long time New York Representative and friend of the Conservative Party, Congressman Peter King, announced he will not seek re-election to New York’s 2nd Congressional District in 2020.
Rep. King’s illustrious career includes holding the title of Ranking Member and Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee. He took a leadership role in helping keep New York and America safe following the horrific September, 11th 2001 terrorist attacks.
Most recently, he led a ferocious bipartisan effort that allowed for full funding of the 9/11 Compensation Fund to care for first responders who have developed major illnesses from their time working at Ground Zero.
Rep. King worked tirelessly for his constituents and I wish him the best of luck. Long Island, New York and America will surely miss Peter King. I am proud to call him a friend.
Kangaroo Court Convenes for Impeachment Hearing, Stefanik wins the day.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH 4th District), who was appointed to the House Intelligence Committee last week, led the charge, asking tough questions to Ukraine Ambassador William Taylor and laying into him over his claims that he knew President Trump to be withholding aid as he sought an investigation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, and Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian energy company in which Hunter Biden was a board member.
Ambassador Taylor had stated that he had a “clear” understanding that aid would only be released to the Ukraine if President Zelensky requested an investigation into Hunter Biden. Rep. Jordan referred to three meetings that took place between President Zelensky and Ambassador Taylor in which Taylor confirmed “there was not discussion of linkage” between aid and an investigation at any point in those meetings.
“Now, with all due respect, Ambassador, your clear understanding was obviously wrong, because it didn’t happen” Jordan said while Taylor grinned in his direction.
“Ambassador Taylor recalls that Mr. Morrison told Ambassador Taylor that I told Mr. Morrison that I conveyed this message to Mr. Yermak on September 1, 2019, in connection with Vice President Pence’s visit to Warsaw and a meeting with President Zelensky,” Jordan twice read out loud from Ambassador Sondland’s statement.
“We got six people having four conversations in one sentence, and you just told me this is where you got your clear understanding,” Jordan said before confirming with Taylor that he was not on the call between President Trump and President Zelensky.
“Number one, Ukraine received the aid,” and “number two, there was in fact no investigation into Biden,” Stefanik said in her opening.
She did not stop there. She then took on U.S. Diplomat George Kent regarding the corruption at Burisma Holdings, the aforementioned gas company that paid Hunter Biden in excess of $50,000 a month to simply be a member of their board.
Kent, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs at the State Department, continued to receive a grilling from Stefanik, “You testified that the issue of corruption in Burisma was in the U.S. interest because, and this is from your deposition, that we had made a commitment to Ukrainian Government in 2014 to try to recover an estimated tens of billions of dollars of stolen assets out of the country.”
“That is, the stolen assets there were in the name of the owner of Burisma,” Kent responded. “He was the one who we believed had stolen the money.”
Stefanik, staying with the no quid pro quo hardline, and subsequent questions asked of Kent, proved to be more productive than any of her colleagues on Capitol Hill Wednesday.
Stefanik’s intelligence and preparation was on full display. I have come to expect nothing less from our Congresswoman from the North Country.
Governor Cuomo, JCOPE in joint effort to protect Cuomo Advisor Joseph Percoco
While I have come to expect these types of antics from Governor Cuomo, I am surprised the NYC Joint Commission on Public Ethics would stoop to these levels.
The Times Union reported Wednesday that insiders at JCOPE provided the Governor with information regarding the potential investigation into Joseph Percoco, Cuomo’s top aide. Strong evidence previously showed Percoco to have improperly conducted work out of the governor’s office while not a public employee.
These allegations of a leak come after either a member of Cuomo’s staff, or Cuomo himself, was provided with information regarding a private vote into the decision to investigate Percoco.
JCOPE board member, Julie Garcia, said she was contacted after the board’s vote by a member of State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s staff.
“I was alarmed when I was contacted so quickly after that meeting,” Julie Garcia said
“I was being told the governor knew how I voted in executive session, even though I was unable to confirm whether or not the information was accurate.”
One thing we know for certain, Governor Cuomo believes himself to be above the law as evident by his continuous disregard and attitude towards the rules. Yet more reason for Conservatives to rally around our statewide candidates and take back the New York State Senate in 2020.
It is time for you, Governor Cuomo, to face reality: You’ve lost your “Mo-Jo” and it is time for you to face the reality that New York is in deep financial trouble due to your unsustainable need to please progressives and your inability to continue to pull the wool of the eyes of New Yorker’s.
John Tierney writes in City Journal about Journalists Against Free Speech; Once unswerving defenders of the First Amendment, members of the press increasingly support restricting expression.
Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees…makes a huge difference, outside of New York.
We are not a party that supports more government; however, we certainly understand why the District Attorney’s in New York State need more money to comply with the extremes the democrats included in the criminal justice bill. DAs say they need more funding to carry out criminal justice law changes. (see additional articles in the weekend round up.)
