I accept the fact that Democratic candidates in socially conservative constituencies might take some socially conservative positions, but I rarely can bring myself to be very happy about it.
Accordingly, anti-same sex marriage Assemblyman Steve Cymbrowitz has never been my glass of tea.
Still, even while taking such votes, Cymbrowitz never pandered on such issues, or tried to stir up hatred based upon them to advance himself politically.
By contrast, his primary opponent, Ben Akselrod, is not only against same sex marriage, but against tolerance itself:
“[Students are] being taught alternative lifestyles…I strongly object to the subjects being taught in school. We deserve to raise our children with the values that we cherish. We should be able to do what is right for us.”
Akselrod is stirring up hysteria about the 2010 “Dignity For All Students Act,” which protects students from harassment and discrimination by establishing mechanisms for schools to report and address discrimination and harassment based on race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, disability, gender and sexual orientation. The legislation also mandates the Regents to develop instruction in “civility, citizenship and character education.”
The law actually exempts private and religious schools, and was so lacking in controversy that only four Assembly members bothered to vote against it.
But that’s not good enough for Ben Akselrod.
G-d forbid someone should be spared from being beaten up.
Akselrod is also shamelessly pandering against the Sheepshead Bay mosque.
Frankly, I think if Cymbrowitz is re-nominated, the odds are pretty good he will lose re-election, especially if the GOP nominates David Storobin.
By contrast, Akselrod would probably be a far stronger candidate.
Nonetheless, there are limits to what I will support to hold an Assembly majority of better than two to one.
While Akselrod has apparently never endorsed Serbian genocide, there is otherwise little difference between him and Storobin, and under the circumstances, I think I'd rather lose with Cymbrowitz than win with Akselrod, who also seems to have some other issues which raise concerns. Video: Akselrod Announces Campaign To Unseat Cymbrowitz | Sheepshead Bay News Blog www.sheepsheadbites.com
I finally decided I could not let the Monserrate guilty plea go by without noting that, in 2009, Monserrate actually tried to make a political opponent's alleged misuse of member items a campaign issue, and that I immediately called bullshit by raising the very subject matter of what later became the guilty plea. Los Gusanos | Room Eight www.r8ny.com
Lincoln Restler speaks eloquently for the Nydia/Aroni side of the Satmar Camp Runamok controversy:
"Vito made multiple trips to Ulster County to pressure the county executive to give all of the camps to the Zalis. The Congresswoman has said that her priority is for as many kids as possible to be able to enjoy the camps and that both Satmar factions should have access to them."
Of course, at least part of the statement is nonsense; no matter which faction controls which camp or camps, they will be filled to capacity–and "as many kids as possible will be able to enjoy them" (if "enjoy" is indeed the proper word for the sensation one experiences when attending a Satmar summer camp).
But my concern about why politicians should stay out of putting their thumbs on the scales in what is an internal matter for Ulster County's Health Department is best summed up by how all this is viewed in the Haredi world, as summed up in this article:
"Some people familiar with the camp dispute saga believe that the larger bribe will ultimately win the day. Whichever side can palm or pledge more money to their elected officials and/or Ulster county officials will take the spoils." Satmar Brothers Dueling Over Summer Camps — 3,500 Zalmanite Kids Hang in the Balance | HasidicNews.c hasidicnews.com
As I've said before, Charlie Rangel has served his country well, and we should give him a gold watch and a nice retirement party.
But, Charlie Rangel has become a national embarrassment, who's squandered his effectiveness and become an albatross around his Party's neck.
Barack Obama, who owes Charlie nothing, cannot be blamed for his nod and wink to Clyde Williams, who is clearly one of his crew.
The same cannot be said of the Clinton's.
Hilary Clinton would never have been a Senator if not for Charlie Rangel's five hundred pound gorilla efforts on her behalf.
Perhaps the Clinton's do not owe Rangel their support, but one would think they at least owe him their silence.
Right now, I'm inclined to think Williams would make the best member of Congress of anyone in the field, but I'm also inclined to think that decency dictates that the Clintons should stop winking so loudly in Williams' direction. Sorry, Charlie! Dems like rival www.nypost.com
Unlikely as it seems, Tony Kushner actually says something that makes sense. Playwright Tony Kushner, talking about his 'Lincoln' screenplay, says the left has become 'comfortab www.capitalnewyork.com
It is immoral and despicable to call Israel an apartheid state (do you here that, Jimmy Carter?), but if Congressman Joe Walsh had his way, it would largely be accurate.
The biggest difference would be that it would be the majority denying political rights to the minority—
–for the time being. There is no such thing as a two-state solution www.jpost.com