Dear Readers:
I recently had a customer and reader of my NCN column "In My Opinion" tell me one of my problems is that I adhere too much to principal. That in these changing times one has to be more flexible. The issue involved my recent column in the NCN (Oct. 15) "Issues of Liberty" regarding the commuter tax. My principal objection "taxation without representation" was deemed antiquated. His point being that N.Y.C. is such a great place, probably the greatest Mecca since ancient Rome (which I agree totally), so what if it costs those who work there another couple of hundred dollars a year out of their pay check. It is a small price to pay. My antiquated principal is irrelevant to the present need. This probably explains why the local political parties would never let me run under their banner. I believe a person has to stand for something, as a general rule a politician stands for expediency.
I believe in the capitalist system that encourages and rewards success. I do not believe in the use of taxation as a way to encourage or discourage what any governing body deems proper choices. I believe in the equal opportunity to achieve success. I do not believe the government can and should guarantee outcome as that can only happen by limiting achievement except to those who the ruling class deems worthy of it. I believe in a compassionate government that helps those who through no fault of their own, life dumps on. I do not believe it is the responsibility of government to encourage an entitlement mentality whereby a person thinks someone else owes them a living.
Most of all I believe that our founding fathers were right when in the Declaration of Independence the first unalienable right guaranteed by our creator was life. Then followed by liberty and the pursuit of happiness. One of the reason Roe vs. Wade is tolerable to a significant number of people is that it deals with the theoretical argument of when life begins. It is because of this that I do not believe you will ever see Roe vs. Wade overturned, in spite of the scare tactics used during election cycles. A woman's right to choose under those circumstances must be protected in the country as a whole. How ever that right to choose is not infinite. In the recent "NIxmary" trial, even a mother cannot chose to end the life of a child deemed inconvenient. A jury convicted her and she will be sent to jail. The same goes for "partial birth abortion", the reason it was opposed by over 80% percent of the population is because people realized this was a viable not theoretical life being killed. The Supreme Court rightly ruled that the right to life must be protected and cannot be destroyed because the mother deems it inconvenient.
When Presidential candidate Obama was asked when a baby was entitled to constitutional protection, he answered it was above his pay grade to decide that. He answered that way because as an Illinois State Senator in March 2003 he was the only senator to speak out against the "Baby Born Alive Act", (house resolution 1082) This resolution would provide health care to a baby that survived a botched abortion and was born alive. He believed a mother should not be inconvenienced with a baby she chose to abort. This resolution passed, congress enacted a nation wide ban and the courts have upheld the ban. To believe the first unalienable right can be discarded either out of political expediency or conviction is not one I believe a President should hold.
The re-election of Bill Clinton taught me that for some people facts do not matter. Only party and the quest and retention of power without a principaled postion is more important. For me facts do matter, I wrote a while back that because a President Obama would nominate to the Supreme Court judges that felt they could by judicial fiat re-write the constitution, and on principal I do not believe in judicial oligarchy, I could not vote for him. I now add to the list that principal of life begins and constitutional protection starts when a baby is able to draw its first breath. So again I cannot vote for a President who believes that life can be discarded because it is deemed inconvenient. To open that door is something I am not willing to do.
*************************************************************************************
BREAKING NEWS UPDATE:
Monday October 20 7-8PM live debate between Congressman John Hall and his challenger Kierian Lalor on cable news RNN. It will be hosted by the NCN (managing editor Kathleen Fitzpatrick asking questions) and the Poughkepsie Journal. I urge you to tune in.
a.b.
THE VOLPE REPORT CABLE SHOW SCHEDULE OF UPCOMMING SHOWS:
Andy--here is the info
Domenic Volpe, your host for The Volpe Report is once again inviting all to view our next two shows. For the next 3 weeks Candidate for the 90th Assembly William Gouldman is the guest and answers many questions pertaining to issues affecting the area and his race. Airtimes and dates are as follows- Peekskill/Cortlandt area -Channel 15 -Thursdays October 16, 23 and 30 at 8:00pm. Yorktown/Putnam Valley area- Channel 74 Wednesdays October 15, 22 and 29 at 6:00pm.
The Volpe Report is pleased to announce the that the next guest for Domenic's upcoming show is none other than this blog's and political commentator for the North County News- Anthony Bazzo. Come watch and listen to some back and forth commentary on many topics and get an insight into Anthony's political thinking. Airtimes and dates are as follows: Peekskill/Cortlandt area- November 6, 13 and 20 Thursdays at 8:00pm. Yorktown/Putnam Valley area- November 5, 12 and 19 Wednesdays at 6:00pm.
Domenic Volpe
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM PEEKSKILL DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN DARREN RIGGER:
For Comments:
Darren Rigger, 845-598-3971
Chairman, Peekskill Democratic City Committee
Results of Peekskill Voter Registration Efforts
1,883 New Registered Voters in Peekskill -
1,107 Democrats and only 209 Republicans -
The Peekskill Democratic City Committee is officially announcing the results of massive voter registration efforts. Since January 1, 2008, there are now 1,883 newly registered voters in the city of Peekskill. 1,107 registered as Democrats and only 209 choose to be members of the Republican Party. (the rest are either no-affiliation or other Parties)
“I am thrilled by these numbers”, said Peekskill Democratic City Committee Chairman Darren Rigger, “we all worked very hard and it’s good to see that the majority of voters recognize that our Democratic Candidates are the ones who can bring about the change we need right now in America.”
People had until October 11 to register to vote in the upcoming General election on November 4.
*********************************
This is the Year we can defeat Greg Ball!
Radical conservative Assemblyman Greg Ball is almost out of money and on the ropes. People have grown tired of his bullying tactics. He attacks Democrats, gays, immigrants, pro-choice groups, moderate Republicans and anyone else who disagrees with him. Well, as Barack Obama says - Enough is enough!
Congressman John Hall will appear at a fundraiser for the Southeast Democratic Committee.
http://www.actblue.com/page/southeastandhall
The event will be Saturday, October 25 at 4:00 PM at the home of Lynne Eckardt and Paul Hondorf
55 Maple Rd., Brewster, NY near Drewville Rd. Please join us!
The Southeast Democratic Committee is leading the charge against Greg Ball and 100% of it's effort will go towards stopping his re-election. The Democratic Candidate is John Degnan, a Republican former elected official who has announced that he will caucus with the Democrats in Albany if elected. Degnan, who is supported by influential Republicans including Hon. Will Stevens and Hon. Vinnie Leibell, in order to win, has to hold onto a small percentage of Republican vote and ride the Obama led Democratic wave to victory.
We can do this - but we need your help!
Both John Hall and John Degnan will be at the event - so please join us. To RSVP and make a secure online contribution please visit: http://www.actblue.com/page/southeastandhall
If you cannot attend - Please make a contribution to help this important effort.
If you have any questions please email Darren Rigger at djrigg@aol.com or call 845-598-3971.
************************************************************************************ A MESSAGE FROM JOHN TESTA:
RE: LATEST CABLE T.V. SHOW:
YOU CAN STREAM ON YOUR COMPUTER AT: http://www.ontopicwithjt.com/
Latest Show: Kieran Michael Lalor, Candidate for Congress
Kieran Lalor is a lifelong resident of the Hudson Valley and presently lives in Peekskill. He is a Marine Veteran who seved in Iraq and is running for US Congress in the 19 District. Learn about the man, his ideas, and his passion for the area he hopes to represent.
A reminder that my show times for Yorktown is Tuesday's at 9:30 on channel 74. Don't forget to indicate that the show can be watched at any time via the website.
Below is link to a video I think you will find interesting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RZVw3no2A4
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE FOR STATE ASSEMBLY WILLIAM GOULDMAN:
Join Bill Gouldman,
the Hudson Valley’s most exciting political phenomenon,
and watch him shake up Albany!
The pleasure of your company is requested at our latest fundraising event.
Enjoy cigars, politics, and fine conversation at an exclusive Bronx location.
Seats are limited.
Please RSVP by October 20
to ensure your participation
in this special event!
Who: Bill Gouldman for Assembly
When: October 23, 7 p.m.
Where: Country Club Cigars
3838 E Tremont Ave.,
Bronx, NY
Contact - 914-582-7290 for more information
PO Box 164 • Putnam Valley, New York 10579
www.GouldmanAssemby.com
************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN SANDRA GALEF:
SENATOR SCHUMER ENDORSES ASSEMBLYWOMAN SANDY GALEF FOR RE-ELECTION/ SENATOR CAMPAIGNS WITH GALEF AT CROTON-HARMON RAILROAD STATION
Today, United States Senator Charles Schumer endorsed Assemblywoman Sandy Galef for re-election to the New York State Assembly in the 90th AD. Senator Schumer joined Galef at the Croton-Harmon Railroad Station to announce his endorsement of her candidacy. The senator also campaigned with Galef as they greeted commuters coming home from work.
Senator Chuck Schumer in his endorsement said, “ Sandy Galef has shown real leadership in Albany. She was there to advocate for reform of the state budget process, to pressure for changes in helping taxpayers pay their bills, to provide essential healthcare coverage, to change criminal justice laws to protect seniors and children, and to fight for growth of alternative energy sources. Sandy demonstrates everyday that she can make things happen to better the lives of New Yorkers. It is crucial that we return Sandy to Albany to continue her important work for change.”
In accepting the endorsement from Senator Schumer, Galef commented, “It is certainly an honor to be endorsed by Senator Chuck Schumer in my re-election campaign. Senator Schumer is an elected official that garners respect for his exceptional representation on our behalf in Washington and in New York.”
“I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Schumer on all the important and difficult issues facing us nationally and in our state. These hard times call for even greater cooperation and understanding between all levels of government. Together, I have confidence that we will resolve problems stemming from the weakened economy, job losses, taxes and their impacts on the millions of people of our state”, concluded Galef.
*************************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
BLUE RIBBON PANEL FORMS TO
INVESTIGATE VOTER FRAUD, VISA OVERSTAYS,
FROM SPITZER LICENSES
Are 23,000 New York State licenses a ‘National Security Nightmare’?
An expert panel of immigration, homeland security and motor vehicle policy experts and officials assembled today to provide testimony on 23,000 driver’s licenses issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles last year to an ad hoc Task Force consisting of State Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson), Rensselaer County Clerk Frank Merola (R – North Greenbush) and Ed Kowalski, Director of 9/11 Families for a Secure America.
The permanent licenses were issued to foreign visitors present in the United States legally, but a temporary basis, which is a normal practice in New York State. However, these particular licenses were issued as part of ‘Phase 1’ of former Governor Eliot Spitzer’s plan to issue driver’s licenses to all residents of New York—regardless of immigration status—and in contravention to normal DMV policy, did not contain a “Temporary Visitor” stamp. This practice was later abolished, although the licenses were never recalled.
In April 2008, DMV Commissioner David Swarts proposed that the state had no legal authority to revoke the licenses, although William Film, a Deputy County Clerk in charge of a DMV Office, disagreed at today's hearing at the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan.
Jim Staudenraus, a concerned citizen who testified at the hearing and had previously taken legal action in STAUDENRAUS V. SPITZER against Spitzer’s original driver’s license plan, maintained that even if the DMV were to flag the license holders in question and require them to update their immigration status when renewing their licenses, significant voter fraud had already occurred due to the licenses and is likely to continue.
Due to the Federal Motor Voter Law, New York is required to provide individuals with the opportunity to register to vote at the same time that they apply for a driver's license or seek to renew a driver’s license.
“The right to vote is the most sacred in any Democracy. When you consider how many Americans have fought and died for that right, it is an outrage that New York State has provided non-citizens with a laminated invitation to vote fraud,” Staudenraus said.
Dr. Stephen Steinlight of the Center for Immigration Studies, felt that these licenses pose a serious threat to national security.
“The driver’s license is the mother of all validating documents, possessing one opens a myriad of doors,” Steinlight said. “It did for the 9/11 mass murderers. I'm sure we all share the nightmare it has already enabled terrorists to transport dirty bombs in suitcases in the trunks of cars all across America. It has fueled the financial meltdown. It also represents the potential for massive voter fraud in the upcoming Presidential and Congressional elections. All one needs is a driver's license.”
The panel listened to expert testimony on potential solutions to avert voter fraud and a national security nightmare caused by this administrative action taken by Governor Spitzer and the DMV which was never vetted through the legislature. Ball and Merola plan to deliver a written report on or about January 1, 2009.
“With all of the recent allegations leveled against ACORN, it makes me uneasy to hear that this kind of voter fraud potential exists here in New York because of Spitzer licenses,” Ball said. “What genuinely frightens me though, is that the DMV really has no idea if terrorists looking for 'breeder documents' knew about these Spitzer licenses and may already be embedded here to stay because of them. From this day forward, my mission is to ensure that these 23,000 licenses are scrutinized against the FBI National Database, scrubbed against the voter registration rolls, and brought into compliance with the Real ID act so that the expiration of the license will not postdate the expiration of its visa holder.”
***********************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEGISLATOR GEORGE OROS:
A message from George Oros
Republican leader Westchester County Board of Legislators
(914) 734-2660 email: geooros@aol.com
October 15, 2008
Boss Ryan Makes Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
By George Oros
Like something ripped right from Ripley’s ”Believe It or Not”, I was amazed by the column penned by Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman William Ryan, published last week in The Journal News. It is encouraging to know Mr. Ryan recognizes the difficult financial conditions affecting the state. The gist of his column is that the state government should not resolve its’ budget issues by making things more difficult for the counties. That’s good as far as it goes, but one must wonder when the Boss Ryan reverts to business as usual when he calls for “responsible budgeting” and cannot find one item to cut or eliminate.
It brought back a familiar phrase my mother often used: charity begins at home. In this instance, responsible budgeting should start at our County government. Last year the Republican County Legislators proposed substantial budget cuts that would have reduced the 2008 property tax hike to one percent. Believe it or not, Ryan and the Democratic majority rejected those proposals. Believe it or not, they would not even allow proposed spending cuts to be put to a floor vote, least they be on record as against reducing County expenditures.
Last month, I applauded Governor Paterson’s plan to study potential private/public partnerships that might make state government more efficient. Since 2004, we Republicans have called on Westchester to do the same. Believe it or not, the Democratic majority has never even discussed the proposal.
The Democratic majority on the Board of Legislators spends hours debating whether restaurants should post the number of calories in a cheese burrito; hours debating whether and for how long it should be legal to let your car engine idle; and hours debating the proper way to fertilizer one’s lawn. The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board write op ed pieces calling for “reform” and for “responsible budgeting” all the while the majority leader Marty Rogowsky sojourns in Scotland; but they each refuse to spend any time to discuss dismantling unnecessary bits of county government. Among the items exempt from Democratic “reform” and from “responsible budgeting” are the Tax Commission, the Consumer Protection Board and the Human Rights Commission. These agencies are either unnecessary (the Tax Commission) or duplicate a function done at other levels of government (Consumer Protection, Human Rights Commission). The Tax Commission is really a doozy (another on of my mother’s phases). In Westchester, municipal governments assess, bill and collect all real property taxes, including the County property tax. The County sends one big bill to each municipality annually and the municipalities collect the money and the County spends (and boy does it - nearly two billion a year). For years, Republican legislators have attempted to eliminate this unnecessary office, but it is dangerous to stand between the County Executive and his ability to make a patronage appointment. Why should County taxpayers fund a Tax Commission when the office has no function other than to send 43 bills to each municipality once a year?
Westchester has achieved the dubious distinction of paying the highest property taxes in the nation, yet the democrats on the Board of Legislators and the Board Chairman they all unanimously selected and still support, focuses on telling the state government to get its’ house in order. Meanwhile, the wasteful spending at the County level remains ignored, including some recent revelations about runaway cell phone and travel expenses among some democrat legislators and staff. (NOTE: No Republican legislator or staff member has a taxpayer funded cell phone or blackberry). Instead of wasting time on matters over which the County Legislature has no control, why not take a step to eliminate legislative travel, eliminate cell phones, eliminate the County cars for non essential staff starting with Boss Ryan and his gas guzzling Buick and ending with the 24/7 security detail for the County Executive. Not to mention (but I will) the $50,000 of paid vacation Gary Kriss (Ryan’s aide de camp) has received all while under a criminal investigation and after making unwarranted purchases with your tax dollars.
.County government leaders owe it to our constituents to take a hard look in the mirror. Let’s cut the County budget five percent. Economic times this difficult make it essential that government leaders in Westchester, regardless of their political labels, work together and eliminate needless expenditures, grandiose projects and personal perks. Let’s start right here in Westchester and let’s start today.
George Oros,
Minority Leader on the Westchester County Board of Legislators
and former board chairman
*************************************************************************************
THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss private property rights and the proposed commuter tax. You can read my column on this topic exclusively on line(see link below)or in this weeks NORTH COUNTY NEWS on sale now. I am worth the seventy-five cents. Look for my column IN MY OPINION(page 10) in the editorial section. Better yet as this column is exclusive to the North County News on a regular basis and will be covering the local political scene, take out a subscription. Click on the North County News link below and go to Subscribe. Between this blog and The North County News you will have all the information to make a vote based on substance.
************************************************************************
FYI:ATOM TAXI INC. AIRPORT SERVICE:
Dear Readers:
This gives me a chance to plug my business ATOM TAXI INC. As you are planning your holiday or business or vacation travel? Instead of the headache of trying to find Airport parking, we do Airport Service to The Westchester County Airport(and ALL other airports) 24/7. Just call 1(914)879-6121 and my partner Tommy, will be glad to take you in our Airport Taxi. You will also be provided with a free copy of your local paper of record The North County News. If this is a business trip we also provide a professional receipt, just tell Tommy at the time of booking. The cost of a one-way trip to LaGuardia Airport the cost is Ninety dollars plus tolls. The cost to JFK and Newark Airports is one hundred-twenty-five dollars plus tolls. The tolls are $10.00 Westchester County Airport and Stewart cost $75.00. We do not take credit cards, sorry.
************************************************************************************
E-MAIL ME WITH YOUR COMMENTS:
Dear Readers:
It has come to my attention the difficulty in posting a comment on this blog. If you wish to comment, e-mail me at the link posted below, putting "Manifesto Reader" in the subject matter, and I will "cut and Paste" your comments myself. If you DO NOT wish your comments posted, but just wish to communicate with me, please make your wishes known in the e-mail.
LINKS: atom_taxi@yahoo.com(as this a yahoo address make sure you put an underscore (-) between atom and taxi)
For immediate reply: atomtaxi@aol.com
***********************************************************************************
SITES TO LINK TO:
JOHN G. TESTA: www.johngtesta.com
ON TOPIC W/ JOHN TESTA: www.ontopicwithjt.com
CARS & US: www.doverracing.com
THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE: http://www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
PLAN PUTNAM: planputnam@googlegroups.com/
PEEKSKILL GUARDIAN: "http://peekskillguardian.blogspot.com/
NORTH COUNTY NEWS:"http://northcountynews.com/
THE JOURNAL NEWS:http://thejournalnews.com/
PEEKSKILL DEMOCRATS:http://www.peekskilldems.com/"
PEEKSKILLREPUBLICANS:http://peekskillgop.com/
YORKTOWN SUPERVISOR DON PETERS: http://www.donpetersforyorktown.com/
PUTNAM VALLEY SUPERVISOR BOB TENDY:http://www.bobtendyforsupervisor.com/
THE PEEKSILL NEWS:http://thepeekskillnews.blogspot.com/
***********************************************************************************
CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR DON PETERS
YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: Every Friday at 9:30 PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CHIFFON
LEGISLATORS REPORT: Saturday and Sunday at various times on chanel 20
Hosted By: COUNCILMEN NICK BIANCO AND LOU CAMPISI
THE VOLPE REPORT: Thursadys at 8PM chanel 15 (Peek. and Cort.) chanel 74 at 6pm (York.& Put. Valley)
Hosted By: Dominec Volpe
THE ISSUES: Thursdays at 9:PM chanel 74 Peekskill Mondays at 8PM chanel 15
Hosted by; Sam Davis
ON TOPIC WITH JOHN TESTA: Thursdays at 9:30PM chanel 15 (Peekskill & Cortlant)
Tuesdays in Yorktown & Putnam Valley 9:30 chanel 74
Hosted by: John Testa
CARS & US: Fridays 10 PM chanel 15(Peek. & Cortlant) 74(York. & Put. Valley)
Hosted By: Dennis Tate
**********************************************************************************
EDITOR'S NOTE:
All articles re-printed in this blog from the North County News are with the permission of Bruce Apar Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
10/18/08
No comments:
Post a Comment