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.
