The state of the state New York
has shown itself to be far
from strong recently. Residents
have grown tired of political
scandal.
Political strategist Joseph
Mercurio, who has worked for
both Republicans and Democrats,
summed up the situation well
when he said: “Everywhere you
look, there’s an arrogance about
New York politics. Like the rest of
the country, most elected officials
here are honorable and hardworking
and loved by their electorate.
But New York has also bred a lot
of bad apples.”
They include now-former U.S.
Rep. Eric Massa, D-N.Y., who has
made a fool of himself and his
state with his continued attempts
to explain his bizarre actions and
comments.
What began as allegations of
sexual harassment against Massa
by male staff members became
the politician’s rants claiming a
Democratic conspiracy forced him
to resign because he didn’t agree
with the health care bill circulating
in Congress.
He has become a prime target
of partisan pundits, politicians
and late-night comedy shows and
added another black mark on the
Empire State’s political record.
Gov. David Paterson recently has
endured perhaps a certain level of
unwarranted criticism from many
sides, including from within his
own party.
While his policy choices have
drawn criticism for some time, the
most recent allegations concern
his alleged actions related to domestic
abuse charges made against
a top aide in his administration.
Since his first days in office,
when he admitted sexual dalliances
and drug use, Paterson has
attempted to speak honestly with
liberal doses of reality.
While a large majority of residents
see Paterson as a weak
governor — a recent Quinnipiac
University survey shows 61 percent
disapproving his performance
compared to 21 percent approval
— they also want him to finish his
term. The same poll showed, by 50
percent to 39 percent, that voters
believe he should stay in office.
Until credible evidence substantiates
claims of guilt in his actions,
Paterson should be able given an
opportunity to fulfill his duties as
governor.
Questioning political officials is
a necessary and important role for
all to play within society, but the
continued attacks on Paterson’s
suspected personal actions deter
him from getting to work on finding
ways to improve the state.
With the governor not seeking
election in the fall, residents will
have a chance to decide on a new
leader. Rather than increasing
the already high level of political
fatigue facing New Yorkers, critics
should let the voters choose their
leader in November and let Paterson
do his job.
Editorials
New Yorkers getting tired of political scandals
- Editorials
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Cheers
To new school lunch standards, the All County Band Festival, and welcoming home Army Spec. Michael Dow.
Continued ... -
Have a heartfelt Valentine's Day
"I love you." "Be mine." "You're cute when you're spending money."
Continued ... -
Embargo no longer serves a purpose
Fifty years ago this week, President John F. Kennedy signed executive order 3447, banning trade with Cuba "in light of the subversive offensive of Sino-Soviet Communism." As this anniversary passes, it's worth asking whether this policy has had its desired effects and how much longer it should remain in place.
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Women must win fight for opportunity
The Pentagon announced Thursday that it will recommend that Congress officially allow women to serve in more jobs closer to the front lines.
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Center helps victims of child abuse and neglect
We learned some good news about some terrible news in a story by reporter Joe Mahoney in Tuesday's Daily Star.
Continued ... - Wednesday, February 8, 2012
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Chamber made excellent choices on service awards
A special committee selected by the Otsego County Chamber has made two excellent decisions regarding the organization's annual awards for service to our communities.
Continued ... - Tuesday, February 7, 2012
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Cheers
To Michael Shea, Terry Bliss, and the passage of the bill to allow Otsego's exit from MOSA.
Continued ... - Monday, February 6, 2012
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A sad tale may come to an end with arrests
People are almost always sad, and sometimes outraged, whenever something awful happens to a fellow human being.
Continued ... - Saturday, February 4, 2012
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Pill abuse should be a priority for police, pols
Sens. Charles Schumer of New York and Mark Pryor of Arkansas proposed a bill this week to help police combat a disturbing trend of increasing prescription drug abuse.
Continued ... - Friday, February 3, 2012
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More needs to be done to aid vets with PTSD
The recent story of Stamford grandmother Melody DiGregorio grieving the loss of her grandson, Air Force veteran Edward "Drew" Snyder, brings home the debilitating and often-unreported effects of post-traumatic stress disorder on our service men and women.
Continued ... - Thursday, February 2, 2012
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Area 'shocked' at underage drinking? That's shocking
It has been referenced so often that it has become a cliché.
Continued ... - Wednesday, February 1, 2012
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School's new lease on life a welcome development
It is a big place designed to echo with the sounds of young people in a healthy learning environment.
Continued ... - Tuesday, January 31, 2012
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Cheers
To the Central American Youth Ambassadors Program, to Ray Preston and to the NCOC building trades class and the Prattsville Fire Department.
Continued ... - Monday, January 30, 2012
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Mitt's not at fault for loopholes in tax code
As the longtime frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination, Mitt Romney has faced withering attacks from rivals seeking to upset him.
Continued ... - Saturday, January 28, 2012
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Rest in peace, Naples and Stalter
Our area recently lost two important and influential members of our community: Oneonta surgeon Dr. Kenneth D. Stalter and newly elected Sixth Ward Council Member Mike Naples.
Continued ... - Friday, January 27, 2012
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Case closed on 2 years of turmoil
"Case closed."
Continued ...
Oneonta Mayor Dick Miller was referring to possible criminal charges against fired police officer Michael Breen on Wednesday, but Miller just as easily could have been talking about the more than two years of turmoil the city has endured with its police department. - Thursday, January 26, 2012
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Obama played his cards right Tuesday
Despite a daunting economy and a challenging re-election campaign, on Tuesday night President Barack Obama displayed what Mark Twain called "the calm confidence of a Christian holding four aces" in his State of the Union address.
Continued ... - Wednesday, January 25, 2012
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Searching for votes instead of honor
Say what you will about John McCain, the Republican nominee for president in 2008 who inflicted an ignorant Sarah Palin upon an unsuspecting nation.
Continued ... - Tuesday, January 24, 2012
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Cheers
To MLK Jr. Day events, Diana Nicols, and Jordan Beers and Mariah Ruff.
Continued ... - Monday, January 23, 2012
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Dignity not enough to show in speech
After weeks of watching the often unseemly, if not downright humorous, antics of the Republican candidates for his job, President Barack Obama should have little trouble providing at least one thing Tuesday night in his State of the Union address. Dignity.
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Cheers
