Thursday, January 29, 2009
Who's circus?
Today, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was unanimously impeached and ousted from office. Finally. Ever since the former Governor became under investigation in December for abuse of power, he has turned the political world into, what some may call, a circus. Blagojevich continued to appoint a replacement to fill in Obama's vacated Senate seat while he was under investigation. He also decided to attend a few talk shows in New York while his impeachment trial was going on in Illinois. Blagojevich finally decided to make an appearance and a statement saying he has been innocent all along and that he does not deserve to be removed from office. The Senate voted 59-0 to remove Governor Blagojevich. This vote included the newly appointed Illinois Senator, Roland Burris, who was appointed by Blagojevich. Overall, I do not think there was any politician in history that has shown such disregard for his own investigation or impeachment trial. But I think he did have more fun on The View than in front of the Illinois House.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Kennedy, Out!
Word has spread like wildfire that Caroline Kennedy has pulled out her bid to fill in Hillary Clinton's Senate seat due to personal issues. Many has questioned her experience compared to other potential candidates. Kennedy says her personal issues include the health and well being of her uncle, Massachusetts Senator, Edward Kennedy. Senator Kennedy had a seizure during the inauguration luncheon of President Obama. This news comes just days before Governor Paterson has to appoint someone to sit out Senator Clinton's seat. NY Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's camp has not made any comment since the speculations of his candidacy for this spot. He will be the front-runner to fill this Senate seat, but again, no speculations should be made. There are a few wild cards that the media has not considered. Governor Paterson has only mention some candidates but never mentioned who was a favorite or not. The way Governor Paterson has performed his job since he has taken over from Eliot Spitzer, I trust he will chose what is best for all New Yorkers. Either way, we will find out this coming Saturday.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Quick Update...
Hello! First, apologies for not updating especially when there has been so much happening within the first 2 weeks of the month of the new year! This post is going to be just a quick rundown of what has happened, thoughts, and updates. I will be back updating regularly soon!
Oakland, CA
A BART (San Francisco area public transportation) officer, Johannes Mehserle, fatally shot an unarmed young man, Oscar Grant, in the back, on New Year's Day. This incident was caught on video by many passengers waiting on the train. Protests ensued to end police brutality. Mehserle showed up in Nevada to avoid aggression to him and his family. He surrendered to the police and is currently charged with murder. Protests are on the rise and Oakland has hired private security guards to help quell the violence. Oscar Grant's mother has pleaded with the Oakland community to stay peaceful and stop the violence because it will only harm the community even more, which is something Oscar will not want.
NYC Firehouses
After a last minute City Council meeting regarding the firehouse night closures throughout NYC, its still closing. Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scopetta stands by these closures that will save the Fire Department roughly $9 million a year. Staten Island Councilman Oddo mentioned that if there were going to be any changes, then a City Council meeting would have happened earlier and not the day right before the closures are planned to happen.
NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson
Comptroller Bill Thompson(Dem) officially announced his candidacy for NYC Mayor on January 14, 2009. This will be a hard race to win with the popular incumbent NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg running for re-election for a third term. U.S. House Representative, Anthony Weiner is also a candidate for mayor for the Democratic ticket. It is too early to tell who will run on the Republican ticket, but Mayor Bloomberg might fill that position. The election will be held on November 3, 2009.
Hillary's Empty Seat
Now that Senator Hillary Clinton has become the Secretary of State, her position will have to be filled by appointment by New York Governor Paterson. There are at least two possible contenders. Caroline Kennedy (daughter of President John F. Kennedy) and Andrew Cuomo (son of NY Governor Mario Cuomo). With these political dynasties vying for one seat, it will be an interesting appointment for Governor Paterson to make. Hopefully, all New Yorkers will be in good hands. Caroline Kennedy is an attorney, and also acts on the boards of many non-profits, schools, and commissions. Andrew Cuomo is the current Attorney General of New York, who was elected in 2006. Cuomo has also served in President Clinton's cabinet as a member of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Also on a side note, Caroline Kennedy is the cousin of Andrew Cuomo's ex-wife. So this practically makes it a family affair.
Inauguration Day is Jan. 20th!
Parties and get-togethers are happening everywhere. Check out the local political groups (such as NY Young Democrats/Republicans). Also the local listings in your local papers. Many bars/lounges will also be celebrating.
Oakland, CA
A BART (San Francisco area public transportation) officer, Johannes Mehserle, fatally shot an unarmed young man, Oscar Grant, in the back, on New Year's Day. This incident was caught on video by many passengers waiting on the train. Protests ensued to end police brutality. Mehserle showed up in Nevada to avoid aggression to him and his family. He surrendered to the police and is currently charged with murder. Protests are on the rise and Oakland has hired private security guards to help quell the violence. Oscar Grant's mother has pleaded with the Oakland community to stay peaceful and stop the violence because it will only harm the community even more, which is something Oscar will not want.
NYC Firehouses
After a last minute City Council meeting regarding the firehouse night closures throughout NYC, its still closing. Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scopetta stands by these closures that will save the Fire Department roughly $9 million a year. Staten Island Councilman Oddo mentioned that if there were going to be any changes, then a City Council meeting would have happened earlier and not the day right before the closures are planned to happen.
NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson
Comptroller Bill Thompson(Dem) officially announced his candidacy for NYC Mayor on January 14, 2009. This will be a hard race to win with the popular incumbent NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg running for re-election for a third term. U.S. House Representative, Anthony Weiner is also a candidate for mayor for the Democratic ticket. It is too early to tell who will run on the Republican ticket, but Mayor Bloomberg might fill that position. The election will be held on November 3, 2009.
Hillary's Empty Seat
Now that Senator Hillary Clinton has become the Secretary of State, her position will have to be filled by appointment by New York Governor Paterson. There are at least two possible contenders. Caroline Kennedy (daughter of President John F. Kennedy) and Andrew Cuomo (son of NY Governor Mario Cuomo). With these political dynasties vying for one seat, it will be an interesting appointment for Governor Paterson to make. Hopefully, all New Yorkers will be in good hands. Caroline Kennedy is an attorney, and also acts on the boards of many non-profits, schools, and commissions. Andrew Cuomo is the current Attorney General of New York, who was elected in 2006. Cuomo has also served in President Clinton's cabinet as a member of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Also on a side note, Caroline Kennedy is the cousin of Andrew Cuomo's ex-wife. So this practically makes it a family affair.
Inauguration Day is Jan. 20th!
Parties and get-togethers are happening everywhere. Check out the local political groups (such as NY Young Democrats/Republicans). Also the local listings in your local papers. Many bars/lounges will also be celebrating.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Bowing Out
On a balmy Sunday afternoon, New Mexico Governor, Bill Richardson announced his withdrawal as candidate for the Secretary of Commerce in the upcoming Obama Administration. This is quite surprising. Governor Richardson states that the ongoing FBI investigation surrounding his administration will not end in time for the confirmation process required in order to take on the position of Secretary of Commerce. There is an investigation going on of a California company which have won municipal bond business in New Mexico. Bill Richardson had the background that made a good candidate to fill this position. The Secretary of Commerce is the head of domestic and foreign business industry. Richardson had an extensive background as Governor, energy secretary in the Clinton administration, and served as an U.N. ambassador. This will put a fire under the Obama administration to search for another candidate as well as halting the current New Mexico Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish from planning to take over. Bill Richardson has decided to stay on as Governor of New Mexico.
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