Albany-No chips for you!

During my commute home, a few days ago, I saw a parent getting frustrated with her screaming and crying child. The child didn't get the snack that he wanted. His mother first tried to explain to him why he couldn't have his bag of chips. He doesn't need more junk food and they were on the way home for dinner anyway. There was no need to spoil his appetite. Then the kid just screamed louder. Oh, boy.

His mother finally pulled him to the middle of the platform and told him, "You see all these people around you? Everyone is looking at you. And it isn't because you are doing something good right now." Then our ride arrived.

It has been 3 weeks since the Republicans staged a coup within the New York Senate. The Democrats and Republicans have been fighting for the majority with tactics such as turning off the lights, locking doors to the Chambers, pulling the power cord to the mic when someone is speaking, etc. Next up, a food fight in the Capitol's cafeteria. The whole state of New York is looking at its elected Senators and watching them duke it out in the spotlight of every major and local media outlet. And it isn't because they are doing a good job right now.

Later, King of Pop. RIP

Today was one of the rare days this June that NYC had a sunny one. I went out to happy hour(my specialty) with a friend and talked about life, work, love, friends and family over a Stella. Then a fellow happy hour lad said "Michael Jackson is dead." "I'm sorry. What? Have you been drinking a little too much?" Nope. Farrah Fawcett left us this morning and before the day's end MJ, too. I know this has nothing to do with politics, but hey, they were some part of everyone's life(people my age at least). It's all about Thriller and Smooth Criminal, yo. No denying Michael Jackson was special and a national treasure. Even though I thought he went nuts the last few years, he has accomplished so much and, no doubt, his art has contributed to our culture and our lives in many ways. It's shocking to see him go so young (at age 50), so sudden and so fast. It's still so surreal. His music (and moonwalk) will never die. RIP, Michael. Thoughts to his family, friends and fans.

(picture:istockphoto)

S.C. Governor Found

Well. It turns out that Gov. Sanford was really up to no good. Sanford apparently went to Argentina to meet up with his mistress there. Where did the Appalachians come from then? His staff wasn't too sure but they gave the best answer, I suppose.
It started out as something suspicious and then it blew the doors wide open. Sanford should have mentioned that he was leaving the state and country, for one thing. Who knew he was also having an affair? Actually, probably a lot of people... just not the whole country. These things or getaways are personal, but as a head of state he should have informed his staff and Lieutenant Governor. As for his wife, that's between them. Now he joins the ranks of Gov. Spitzer, Jim McGreevy and Sen. John Edwards. The exposed ones at least.

Wow. What job do you have to have to pull this off? SC Governor, of course!

So, for the last few days we seemed to have been missing a Governor. The South Carolina one, to be specific. Apparently he jetted off without telling anyone where! Not the Lieutenant Governor or even his wife. This situation set off a storm and frenzy in the news media of wondering where Gov. Mark Sanford was. His staff and family assumed he wasn't missing but knew instead that he just left. Like a bad break-up.

Well, it's one thing to want to get away and relax from work for a while. Trust me, I'm sure every working person knows that feeling. But as Governor, I think there's more responsibilities to leaving for vacation such as leaving a contact number or mention the area (don't have to be specific) that you will be going to and to actually tell people that you will be gone for a few days. Any normal person would do that. And you're the Governor for goodness sakes. As an elected official Sanford should've been more responsible because he is a leader of a state. His well being doesn't just belong to him anymore, but also to his constituents. After all this news hoopla, Governor Sanford called in to say he was hiking in the Appalachians(or up to no good). Next time he decides to go take a hike and find himself, he should tell his second in command, Lt. Gov. Andrew Bauer, and not let him find out from CNN.

NY Senate's Problems and Al Sharpton

Why? Where did Al Sharpton pop out from? Oy. Anyways, so today Rev. Sharpton invited a few Democrat NYS Senators into a closed door meeting. Probably to give them a pep talk into how to gain the majority back from this madness and get working already. But I think this should be discussed amongst the elected officials(even though some are acting like children!) themselves and others within the NYS Democratic Party. Senator Espada (Dem), who will be President of the Senate and Lieutenant Governor if the Republicans have majority, is in no way backing down from this tug of power. Why should he? He gets the top spot if the Republicans win. Ai. It is expected that by Monday a deal will be offered from both sides. In the meantime, New Yorkers will continue going about their lives, and have another reason to not bother with politics.

Iran's Emergence

We are watching an uprising of the people of Iran who are saying that they have had enough and are not going to take it anymore. They will not go down without a fight or go quietly into the night.

Right up until the day of the Presidential election between the incumbent, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and Mir Hossein Moussavi, voters came out to show their hope and support. Ahmedinejad came out the winner. But many (enough to cause an actual uprising) demanded a recount and claimed fraud. It was not surprising that Ahmadinejad "won" the election. What was surprising to many onlookers from outside Iran was the reaction that came after. I didn't expect much ruffling of feathers because Iran's Supreme Leader(Commander-In-Chief of Iran's armed forces) supported Ahmadinejad's re-election. And the Supreme Leader's word is usually final. Moussavi's stance on key issues are pretty much the same of Ahmadinejad's, such as nuclear power and the non-recognition of Israel's existance (but does not exactly deny the Holocasut). Moussavi is more open in communications with the West and other powers and also supports having more rights for women.

Right now, there are millions of Iranians who are out on the streets protesting the election and demanding more accountability from the government. We might never know if whether the election was ever rigged or not. But Iranians are demanding more from their government and it seems they are getting it. The Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, stated that all who protest the election should go through the legal system and not cause any more violence. Also, there will be a recount of certain ballot boxes. It only seems like this on the surface. In the end this is still politics and a cat and mouse game. Many news and online sources have been banned or kicked out of Iran. We are relying on leaks from within the country but these reports cannot be verified. The number of casualties have also had fluctuating numbers from 7 to 30. Hopefully the violence and actual number of casualties have decreased. Violence is no answer to getting anything done or moving along. But, unfortunately, that is not the type of world we live in.

Flippin and Floppin - Monserrate

Well, no one sure did see this coming (rolls eyes sarcastically). Mmm hm. This morning, exactly a week after he helped a coup of the NY State Senate, Senator Monserrate decided to go back and help the Democrats. This now puts the Senate at a 31-31 split. Well, my first reaction was "What the heck? Make up your mind! Either you're leaving or you're not!" I think the Democrats just made a better offer, than the Republicans, to Monserrate. Or an offer he can't refuse. He's stuck now. Monserrate lost a lot, if not all, credibility of being loyal to his party, to his district, to the Senate, etc. BUT, right now the Democrats need him to win back the Senate, and Monserrate needs them, too (for whatever reason). Tomorrow is another day in this craziness.

Where are the keys now??

It's been 3 days since the madness and upheaval occurred in the NYS Senate, in Albany. This morning, the Democrats has taken this Republican coup before a judge in Rensselear County. I think everyone is still baffled. Initially, the Democrats refused to hand over the keys to the Senate chambers to the Republicans. But yesterday, Democrat Pedro Espada (the one who switched sides to become President of the Senate) claimed to have the keys to the chambers anyway and will resume session today with the Republican majority. How did he get the keys? Espada said he had his ways. O.o WOW. Really? I can only imagine. Either way NYS politics is in chaos, and its about time something gets resolved because right now when we need them the most the light seems like it is at the end of a very, very long tunnel.

NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson on AMNY, Today

I picked up the AMNY paper this morning with a nice surprise on the front page! Bill Thompson, introducing himself to New Yorkers! Well, he has been doing so for years while he was working for the people of NYC. Thompson has been the Comptroller since 2002. He was reelected again in 2006. The Comptroller's office ensures and advises the Mayor's Office on the financial health of the City. If you have time, take a look at the paper to read about this potential candidate for NYC Mayor or any other candidates. Thompson has a very big mountain to climb in November's election for NYC Mayor against the current multi-gazillionaire Mayor Michael Bloomberg. You can decide if you need more information or not and probably form a basis if you agree with the candidate or not. Knowing more about the candidates who are running are a definite plus for you. It's better than gonig "eenie-meenie-miny-moe" when you walk into an election booth. You get to make this decision. Don't waste it!

Mutiny in New York State Senate

What is going on? Now who's running the show in Albany? Last November, the New York State Democrats won the majority of the Senate. For the first time in a VERY long time (50 so years?). Last night (Monday, June 8, 2009), the Republicans attempted to take back power, with the help of 2 Democrats, Pedro Espada (Bronx) and Hiram Monserrate (Queens). There was a "roll-call" or vote on who was the majority. Both Espada and Monserrate voted for the Republicans and gave them 32 to 30 votes. The roll call vote started when the Democrats attempted to adjourn the session. Before the roll call ended, the Democrats turned off all the lights, computers, cameras, everything to show that the session has already ended, if the Republicans haven't gotten the message before. And you thought this tactic was only used in high school. But the Republicans continued to vote in the dark and declared Long Island Republican, Dean Skelos as current Majority Senate leader.

Former/current/something Majority Leader Malcolm Smith quickly released a statement that this is illegal. How did this happen? Without the people of New York voting? This is sending surprises and shock waves throughout the political field. This is mutiny of the Senate. Can this/will this dispute be taken to court? Yes. Does this need to be taken to court? Is this technically illegal? It's certainly madness. Some major bills at stake right now in the Senate, are same-sex marriage, tax increases, State budget, etc. Legalization of same sex marriage will almost certainly die within this Senate.

Why did Espada and Monserrate switch sides? They are still Democrats but are trying to help the Republicans gain control. I don't mind who takes control as long as the Senate is working for the people of New York. And stop playing games already.

What makes this even more curious is that Espada and Monserrate are under investigation. A non-profit agency, once ran by Mr. Espada, is being investigated. Money related. Espada was also being accused of not even living in the district he represented. Monserrate is being investigated for domestic assault that occurred last fall on his girlfriend. Something smells. If the Republicans take over, Mr. Espada will be the next in line for Governor because he will be assigned as temporary President of the Senate. All selfish reasons for power and money, not to mention getting off of investigations. Governor Paterson is rightfully furious at how this "coup" happened. It is "dysfunctional" indeed. One can't work without the other. The Governor, the Senate, the Democrats and Republicans need each other! Well, I think Espada and Monserrate should be thrown out already. First opinion is that they've switched sides and were at the front of the coup for their own personal agenda, not the state's. What makes the Republicans think they can't turn on them either? Seriously.

Senator Schneiderman's New Location!

For those who live in Washington Heights, Riverdale and the Upper West Side, New York State Senator, Eric Schneiderman has moved! New location is at 5030 Broadway(between 213th and 214th Street), Suite 704. The phone # is (212) 544-0173. Senator Schneiderman was elected into office in 1998. Don't hesitate to contact his office! I interned there for a a few months and they get things done or try to give you the best they can. I think people don't use this resource, their elected officials, enough. People with actual issues and concerns, that is. And those who do contact legislative offices all the time with "issues", well, has too much time. But definitely give them a call if you are not sure who to contact, either. They work for you!

Update - Thompson v.NYC Water Board

On Sunday, June 7,2009, NYC Comptroller, Bill Thompson, issued a statement calling the possible 12 to 14% water rate hike "outrageous." Either way, there's going to be a hike. It is a matter of how much. The average amount paid by NYC homeowners is around $600 annually already. The Comptroller said this hike will increase that amount at least double. This is coming at a time when everyone is being taken 15 different directions more then before with the economic crisis looking over everyone. Although the Comptroller has issued a statement of opinion, we are waiting to see what actions/plans he has. Though, he has given suggestions to the Board already. We'll find out with our next bill.

U.S. Journalists Sentenced in North Korea

Euna Lee and Laura Ling, both American journalists, were found guilty this morning (6/8/09)by the highest court in North Korea of a "grave crime" towards the North Korean people. The highest court does not take appeals. Now it is going to become a humanitarian/political issue. Lee and Ling were by the China-North Korean border reporting on human trafficking when both were arrested in March. The only thing "grave" about this was that they had a camera on facing North Korea in an attempt to show what crimes of humanity were being done. It wasn't clear if they accidentally roamed onto North Korean territory or were grabbed by the border. Either way, today's sentence for both Americans was heartaching for their families and an obvious show of power to the U.S. for meddling in its nuclear business and its random missle firings over Asia, and journalists from around the world. The sentence is 12 years of hard labor where they are expected to "reform." That is if they make it out. This is supposedly the highest sentence that can be given. North Korean camps, "kyo-hwa-so," are rumored (since the country is isolated we can only hear stories of those who've escaped) to be under the harshest conditions of hard construction labor, beatings, starvation, and about half of the prisoners who go in never come out alive. I think for North Korea it wasn't as important that Euna and Laura were reporters comparatively to the fact that they were also Americans and were there at the time of higher tensions than before between the U.S. and North Korea. Both journalists will certainly be used as bait, a bargaining strategy, chips on the poker table being dangled in front of the Obama Administration. Pyongyang has made its bet. Now it is our turn.

Media Advisory - Thompson and NYC Water Board

On June 7th, NYC Comptroller, Bill Thompson,along with Assembly and Council members, will present a new plan to restructure the New York City Water Board. They will be presenting at 11 A.M. at City Hall Park, near the fountain. If you are in the area, please pass by to listen and see what is offered. This is a very important issue for all homeowners especially. Hopefully the Comptroller will have a plan that actually implement ideas and changes that we can see and feel in our wallets.