This column is ironic in some ways, given that my last “Vines” column dealt with Brooklyn political activist/operative Taharka Robinson, in quite a positive way; here I am dealing with his mother (New York State Assemblywoman: Annette Robinson of Brooklyn’s 56th AD) but it isn’t positive at all. After I wrote that she was going to resign- which would then create an opportunity for her son to become the next assembly member of that district- I got a few calls on the matter. It appears that I had it partially wrong.
Last week, I was informed by very reliable sources from the New York State Legislature, that it was true that Annette Robinson would soon be leaving that body; but I was also informed that she intends to run for Brooklyn’s 36th city council district in 2009. Now many of you readers will ask: so what? Well let me tell you what: she will be cynically trying to get around the term limits laws and violate the spirit of the term limits referendum (again).
You see Ms. Robinson held that seat prior to the term limits law coming into being. She was elected to the council in 1991. Ten years later, she did a deliberate switch with then assembly member Al Vann, whereby he took her council seat and she took his assembly seat in a special election- running on the Democrat’s line. After all, as district leaders also (egad), they both controlled the county committees; and it’s the county committee members who decide on which person gets the party line in a special election; and in Brooklyn, this makes that person the automatic favorite to win at an almost 100% clip; look this up if you don’t believe me.
If you are wondering why I am calling her a cynic, it’s because her possible future political plans are just that: cynical. You see, cynics are people who believe that all human actions are insincere and motivated by self-interest, thus they act accordingly. Funny enough, the term “cynic” came from the name of an ancient Greek philosopher, who was a member of a group of philosophers who believed that virtue was the only good, and that the only means of achieving it was in self-control. This sect was founded around the 4th century B.C. by Antisthenes.
I want to believe that prior to the two term limits referendums, anyone who experienced the many passionate debates on the issue, know full well what the spirit of the decision was. This has already been violated by Tom White (Queens), and now we have to wonder how many more are going to do this. Will Senator John Sabini try to do the same if Hiram Monserratte defeats him next year? We hear Tracey Boyland is coming back in 2009; is Una Clarke next?
A few years ago, a local television station did a news feature on Annette Robinson that was surely a glimpse into her personality and character; it was quite revealing. You see, Ms. Robinson had illegally carved out two parking spaces on her street and was using them for her private and personal proclivities. Many on the block were too intimidated by her stature and office to complain; others found it embarrassing. You see, even when her vehicles weren’t parked in these spots, she had them blocked off for her private use only. The sense of entitlement that she exhibited was in itself rather instructive. Now here she comes again, exhibiting the same flaws that only attain contempt from certain voters. There are over one hundred and sixty thousand residents of that district; I hope one of them steps up the plate and put an end to this tyrannical reign.
Stay tuned-in folks; politics isn’t a spectator sport, nor is it a game for wimps.