Joe Spector posted the following story on the D&C "Political Scene" Blog:
"Tom Golisano, the billionaire founder of Paychex Inc., is unveiling his new political action committee tomorrow in Albany, called Responsible New York.
Golisano, the three-time gubernatorial candidate, is expected to announce that he will put $1 million into races where he thinks the incumbent hasn't been doing a good job. He is already set to put his money into backing three Senate Democratic candidates; "Baby" Joe Mesi, who is running for a seat being vacated by Sen. Mary Lou Rath, R-Amherst, Erie County; Kathy Konst, who is expected to run against Sen. Dale Volker, R-Depew, Erie County; and Richard Dollinger, who is running against Sen. Joseph Robach, R-Greece.
He is also said to be considering backing Democrat David Nachbar, a millionaire in his own right, in Nachbar's quest to unseat Republican Sen. James Alesi, R-Perinton."
What is most apparent to me about Tom Golisano is his ego.
He has apparently decided to use his money to deliver the NY State Senate (and thus, complete control in Albany) to the Democrats. Maybe the Senate will be called the "Golisano State Senate", since he usually needs to have his name attached to the things he supports financially.
Meanwhile, where is the criticism of abuse of wealth by a "fat-cat"? I have read many rants in the D&C against rich power brokers when those benefited by such largess were Republicans. There was a feeble effort at criticism of money in politics in this editorial, in yesterday's D&C, but it only mentioned Golisano in passing.
It appears that the criticism from Mr. Tobin and the D&C is muted if the money goes to pols they support.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Make Mine Rare
Based upon the details in this editorial from the Democrat & Chronicle, I'd say that Denver steakhouse owners should be prepared for some booming business during the Democrat convention in August.
The D&C reported that the Dems efforts to have a "green" convention include stipulations that food for 40,000 be "locally grown and organic" and another that "each plate must be 50 percent fruits and vegetables". In addition, "caterers must provide food in at least three of the following colors: red, green, yellow, blue/purple and white".
When those Democrat delegates get out of the Convention Hall, they are going to be hungry. I'm betting the color they'll be looking for is "pink"..... in the center of their porterhouse.
The D&C reported that the Dems efforts to have a "green" convention include stipulations that food for 40,000 be "locally grown and organic" and another that "each plate must be 50 percent fruits and vegetables". In addition, "caterers must provide food in at least three of the following colors: red, green, yellow, blue/purple and white".
When those Democrat delegates get out of the Convention Hall, they are going to be hungry. I'm betting the color they'll be looking for is "pink"..... in the center of their porterhouse.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
More From Hanson
OK, OK, I know I'm always pushing Victor Davis Hanson on you. But you have to read this essay by VDH from the National Review Online (courtesy of Real Clear Politics).
This piece is basically his Fourth of July reminder that we live in America, not simply the greatest country on Earth, but the greatest country in the entire history of the planet!
Not only do I agree with Hanson, but he backs up his opinions with factual, historical arguments. I only wish some of the whiners out there would read stuff like this and be embarrassed for themselves. Maybe if they stopped looking for someone to solve all of their problems, they might realize that we have it pretty good in America.
Moreover, I wish we had a couple of members of Congress who would stop playing partisan politics and take the steps Hanson writes about, which could correct the problems we do have. It might be nice, for example, if we had fewer Congressional hearings on steroid use in baseball and more work on real issues.
This piece is basically his Fourth of July reminder that we live in America, not simply the greatest country on Earth, but the greatest country in the entire history of the planet!
Not only do I agree with Hanson, but he backs up his opinions with factual, historical arguments. I only wish some of the whiners out there would read stuff like this and be embarrassed for themselves. Maybe if they stopped looking for someone to solve all of their problems, they might realize that we have it pretty good in America.
Moreover, I wish we had a couple of members of Congress who would stop playing partisan politics and take the steps Hanson writes about, which could correct the problems we do have. It might be nice, for example, if we had fewer Congressional hearings on steroid use in baseball and more work on real issues.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Proud to be an American
Today is the 232nd anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
When I think about the Founding Fathers, I always end up focused on the last line of the Declaration which states:
"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor".
Many of them gave their lives and fortunes to the cause. I thank them for it. I often wonder where the likes of the Founders are today. Maybe some of them are in Iraq. Please look at this PowerLine post, which describes the largest single re-enlistment ceremony in the history of the US military.
PowerLine quotes General David Petraeus on the event: “ [It is] impossible to calculate the value of what you are giving to our country . . . For no bonus, no matter the size, can adequately compensate you for the contribution each of you makes as a custodian of our nation’s defenses.”
Thank God for those brave men and women. Apparently God still does bless America.
I wonder if this kind of event makes Michele Obama proud of America? I know it makes be proud and thankful to live here.
When I think about the Founding Fathers, I always end up focused on the last line of the Declaration which states:
"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor".
Many of them gave their lives and fortunes to the cause. I thank them for it. I often wonder where the likes of the Founders are today. Maybe some of them are in Iraq. Please look at this PowerLine post, which describes the largest single re-enlistment ceremony in the history of the US military.
PowerLine quotes General David Petraeus on the event: “ [It is] impossible to calculate the value of what you are giving to our country . . . For no bonus, no matter the size, can adequately compensate you for the contribution each of you makes as a custodian of our nation’s defenses.”
Thank God for those brave men and women. Apparently God still does bless America.
I wonder if this kind of event makes Michele Obama proud of America? I know it makes be proud and thankful to live here.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Obama: A "Different Kind of Politician"?
Barak Obama and his supporters have tried very hard to portray him as a different (read: better) kind of politician.
I have seen little evidence to support such a view. He seems to do the things every other politician does, like speak in vague terms, tell people what they want to hear, allow surrogates to attack political opponents, etc. The only real difference seems to be the degree to which the liberal media protects him. For example, after Wesley Clark attacked John McCain's military experience, Obama gave a speech on patriotism. The media reported that Obama had rejected Clark's criticism. In fact, he never mentioned Clark or McCain. But the media felt the need to shield Obama from any fallout from Clark's nasty remarks.
If you want to know more about the real Obama, you have to read other sources, like V. D. Hanson, Micle Malkin, or PowerLine. There is some very interesting commentary in this PowerLine post.
It could just be me but I think Obama is old school.
I have seen little evidence to support such a view. He seems to do the things every other politician does, like speak in vague terms, tell people what they want to hear, allow surrogates to attack political opponents, etc. The only real difference seems to be the degree to which the liberal media protects him. For example, after Wesley Clark attacked John McCain's military experience, Obama gave a speech on patriotism. The media reported that Obama had rejected Clark's criticism. In fact, he never mentioned Clark or McCain. But the media felt the need to shield Obama from any fallout from Clark's nasty remarks.
If you want to know more about the real Obama, you have to read other sources, like V. D. Hanson, Micle Malkin, or PowerLine. There is some very interesting commentary in this PowerLine post.
It could just be me but I think Obama is old school.
Brooks Recommends Reilich
County Executive Maggie Brooks made a smart choice with her recommendation to have Assemblyman William Reilich replace Steve Minarik as Monroe County GOP Chairman.
Reilich has the skills, experience and personality to carry off what will be a difficult job. As I previously noted, there could have been a perception that Minarik's replacement would be a Brooks' surrogate. By choosing Reilich, Maggie has picked someone who is an ally, but who has had an independent political base and who can credibly claim independence from manipulation.
Bill Reilich is a great guy and is one of those rare politicians who have virtually no enemies. I have heard very few negative comments about Bill over the years. Bill represented part of Gates when he was first elected to the Monroe County Legislature and he always worked very hard for us. His personality and style are clearly suited for the current political atmosphere.
My personal regrets and concerns about Minarik's departure still remain. Steve left very big shoes to fill. But kudos to Maggie Brooks for nominating a person who could quell most of those concerns. This choice is sure to be met with widespread support in the county GOP. I am sure that virtually all GOP party leaders will look forward to working with Bill, as do I.
Reilich has the skills, experience and personality to carry off what will be a difficult job. As I previously noted, there could have been a perception that Minarik's replacement would be a Brooks' surrogate. By choosing Reilich, Maggie has picked someone who is an ally, but who has had an independent political base and who can credibly claim independence from manipulation.
Bill Reilich is a great guy and is one of those rare politicians who have virtually no enemies. I have heard very few negative comments about Bill over the years. Bill represented part of Gates when he was first elected to the Monroe County Legislature and he always worked very hard for us. His personality and style are clearly suited for the current political atmosphere.
My personal regrets and concerns about Minarik's departure still remain. Steve left very big shoes to fill. But kudos to Maggie Brooks for nominating a person who could quell most of those concerns. This choice is sure to be met with widespread support in the county GOP. I am sure that virtually all GOP party leaders will look forward to working with Bill, as do I.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Oil And Politics
Its beginning to look like the Republican Party may have latched onto a winning argument with the "Drill Here, Drill Now" campaign. A front page story in today's Democrat & Chronicle reported on a poll showing that growing numbers of Americans now perceive increasing domestic oil production as being more important than environmental concerns.
So the GOP has the right message, but do they have the right messenger? John McCain is a global warming supporter who still thinks ANWR should be off limits to drilling. He has recently softened his views on off-shore drilling and, I suppose, an abrupt about-face on ANWR would be met with charges of "flip-flopping" by the Democrats.
Still, McCain needs to come up with a plausible domestic production agenda. The GOP is clearly on the right side of this issue (and has been for 25 years). This is the one issue that could "stanch the bleeding" with respect to Republican losses of seats in Congress. McCain is, for good or ill, the GOP standard bearer. His take on "Drill Here, Drill Now" will be the one that the GOP will have to live with.
My next post will deal with the incomprehensible failure of Congress to enact a serious energy program which combines conservation, increased production and development of new energy resources.
So the GOP has the right message, but do they have the right messenger? John McCain is a global warming supporter who still thinks ANWR should be off limits to drilling. He has recently softened his views on off-shore drilling and, I suppose, an abrupt about-face on ANWR would be met with charges of "flip-flopping" by the Democrats.
Still, McCain needs to come up with a plausible domestic production agenda. The GOP is clearly on the right side of this issue (and has been for 25 years). This is the one issue that could "stanch the bleeding" with respect to Republican losses of seats in Congress. McCain is, for good or ill, the GOP standard bearer. His take on "Drill Here, Drill Now" will be the one that the GOP will have to live with.
My next post will deal with the incomprehensible failure of Congress to enact a serious energy program which combines conservation, increased production and development of new energy resources.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
