“Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it”-Ronald Reagan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
August 17, 2023
Statement on Possible Biden Plea Deal for 9/11 Terrorists by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, Principal Architect, 9/11 Attacks
Brooklyn-NY…“President Joe Biden is now considering plea deals to spare the lives of 9/11 terrorists who murdered almost 3,000 Americans on that terrible September morning.
“It’s hard to even fathom what this President is thinking. What happened to justice? What happened to never forgetting the victims of the deadliest terrorist attack in U.S. history? What happened to the promises we made to their surviving family members?
“Those of us who were involved in 9/11 support efforts in the days and weeks following the attacks can never forget what happened there. The images are seared in our minds to this day. For us, and millions of other Americans, anything less than full justice under the law is unacceptable.
“Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and his murderous cohorts deserve nothing short of the death penalty. That is the appropriate moral response to one of the most immoral acts in human history. President Biden must reverse course or suffer the ignominy of forgetting the victims of the most heinous attack ever conducted against U.S. civilians.”
Make no mistake about it, President Biden and his administration created the current migrant crisis facing New York City and State, but it was made significantly worse by Mayor Adams and the New York City Council.
Mayor Adams and the Council prepped the ground for this disaster by declaring New York a sanctuary city years ago, Governor Hochul manages New York as if it was a sanctuary state, and Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have been less than useless. Our local and state government have simply failed at every turn.
Over 100,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in New York City with thousands upon thousands more expected with a price tag that’s estimated to be at least $12 billion but will surely balloon. Adding insult to injury, park space is being used to build tent cities and now school space is in question.
This is an unmitigated disaster and the blame lies at the feet of Democrats and woke activists. Can you name a single Republican or Conservative in this state who supported sanctuary status? I can’t.
Read my full op-ed on the migrant crisis here. Please share it as it is imperative this situation be brought to the forefront as this crisis continues to worsen.
Riot in the Heart of New York City
Today’s New York City cascades out of control often. The recent riot of teenagers in the thousands at Union Square Park by those in hope of obtaining free PlayStation 5’s is a timely example with a difference.
This riot involved older teenagers still in theory within the control of their parents and the rioters showed complete disregard for the NYPD, and private property. The NYPD used extreme restraint, something that our current radical political leadership demands. That usually involves the police backing off out of concern that they do not have the support of civilian management.
When the police cannot protect themselves, it goes without saying that they cannot protect us. This story needs a different ending. One in which parents take responsibility for their teenage children. It involves New Yorkers at all levels respecting the police, and frankly, themselves.
As an aside, and I suppose it shows my age, I worked every summer from the time I was 14 years old. If I went into the “City” it was on a day off with friends. A rare happening for sure. I did not need free things because I made a few bucks to buy what I wanted (albeit Play Stations are a lot more expensive than clothing and baseball cards).
Jennifer Harrison on Patriots Podium
On Patriots Podium Episode #7, I had the pleasure of having a powerful conversation with Jennifer Harrison. Jennifer is the Executive Director of The Victims Rights Reform Council, and the Founder of the political action committee Victims Rights NY. She is incredibly brave, and given the current state of New York, her advocacy is extremely important. The podcast will premiere on all of our social media accounts Monday, 8/14. However, you can view early on any of the platforms below, feel free to give us a like and share!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
Aug. 7, 2023
New York’s Migrant Crisis Is a Self-Inflicted Disaster – New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
Brooklyn-NY…“We did it to ourselves. I stand corrected, they did it to us — they being Democratic politicians and left-wing activists who think the word asylum means open borders and who view national sovereignty as an old-fashioned concept.
The catastrophic migrant crisis on the border, in the states, and now in New York City is dangerous and intolerable, and still the American left refuses to act.
What are they thinking?!
Fault lies directly with President Joe Biden, New York City Hall and the Governor’s office. Biden doesn’t want anything or anyone standing in the way of his open borders policy, especially not county and local leaders who see what’s happening clearly.
Mayor Adams and New York City Council prepped the ground for this disaster by declaring New York a sanctuary city years ago, and Governor Hochul manages New York as if it was a sanctuary state. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have been less than useless. They have consistently made a terrible situation worse.
The results are everywhere — in our parks, shelters, motels, armories, churches, community centers, even at our ship terminals, as the migrants continue to flow in. And how about the historic Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan. Have you seen what’s going on there? It’s unimaginable.
When I say the fault for New York’s crisis lies at the feet of Democrats and woke activists I mean it. Can you name a single Republican or Conservative in this state who supported sanctuary status? I can’t.
Indeed, the lines between Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives couldn’t be clearer on border security, sanctuary status, and undocumented aliens.
Democrats support what’s going on, crying only for more federal dollars, as always. Republicans and Conservatives want asylum decisions made on the other side of the border. Call us crazy…
The American Left, led by President Biden, stood on the tracks waving a welcome flag as this freight train approached. Anyone with clear eyesight could see what was coming. But not Biden, Hochul, Schumer, Gillibrand, Adams and the Democratic City Council. They rolled out a red carpet and here’s where we are.
Another avoidable crisis inflicted on us by the Democratic Party at every level.
Assemblyman Slater Introduces Bill for No Parole For Cop Killers
State Assemblyman Matt Slater’s (R/Yorktown) legislation to deny parole for convicted killers of police officers is a crucial step towards upholding justice and protecting our communities. The recent decision by the New York State Parole Board to release Scott Cobb, involved in the brutal assassination of Officer Edward Byrne, is a glaring example of a flawed system that fails to respect the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers. It sends the wrong message to law-abiding citizens who rely on brave officers like Byrne to protect and serve them in times of need. You can read our full press release here.
As conservatives, we believe in upholding law and order and holding criminals accountable for their actions. Cop killers have committed heinous crimes that forever change the lives of their victims’ families and the communities they serve. Denying them parole is not about revenge but about ensuring public safety and preventing such violent offenders from endangering society once more.
The support from law enforcement leaders like Yorktown Police Chief Robert Noble and Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville underscores the urgent need for reform in the parole system. We cannot let criminals who have taken the lives of our brave officers walk free while their victims never see justice. It is our moral duty to stand with law enforcement and ensure that our criminal justice system supports those who risk their lives to protect our families and communities.
“If you kill a police officer, you should never see the light of day again. It’s really that simple and it’s clear that the Parole Board cannot be trusted to act in the best interests of all New Yorkers,” Slater stated. “Democratic majorities in both the State Assembly and the State Senate have a moral obligation to act on this vital legislation immediately.”
Feds Hired NY Health Czar Who Defended Deadly Nursing-Home Order
Three years ago, the state of New York witnessed a grave failure of leadership and accountability in the handling of the nursing home policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Howard Zucker’s handling of the nursing home crisis was a clear demonstration of incompetence and disregard for the lives of vulnerable seniors. Thousands of nursing home residents tragically lost their lives due to the policy that ordered COVID-positive patients back into these facilities. Instead of taking responsibility and providing accurate information, Zucker attempted to downplay the severity of the situation with a deceptive report and excuses.
To add the cherry on top, the favoritism displayed by Zucker and his Department of Health towards friends and family of the Cuomo-Hochul administration was a shameful misuse of power and resources. While nursing homes struggled to get enough COVID tests for their residents and staff, privileged individuals associated with the administration received preferential treatment and access to testing. This gross misappropriation further exposed the lack of integrity and fairness in Zucker’s leadership.
Despite his glaring failures and controversies, Zucker faced no real consequences for his actions. Instead, he was rewarded with a senior position at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This promotion only adds insult to injury for the families who lost loved ones due to the mishandling of the nursing home policy.
New Yorkers, especially the families of deceased seniors, have not forgotten this betrayal of trust. We demand answers and accountability from Zucker and the entire administration responsible for this tragedy.
Patriots Podium Episode #7
On our 7th episode of Patriots Podium, I will be interviewing Jennifer Harrison, founder of VictimsRightsNY. We will cover an array of relevant topics such as bad criminal laws, causes of crime, and hear from her firsthand about her organization/experience.
A little background: Jennifer is dedicated to ensuring that victims of crimes have a voice, receive fair treatment within the criminal justice system, and are supported throughout the legal process. VictimRightsNY works to raise awareness about victim rights and to bring attention to the challenges faced by crime victims, striving to create a more just and compassionate system for those who have suffered from criminal acts. We are excited to have her on, and we hope you give it a listen.
“For too long, the victims of crime have been the forgotten persons of our criminal justice system”. -Ronald Reagan
It is truly sad when the NYS Parole Board becomes one of the greatest impediments to public safety. Unfortunately, this has been the reality since Andrew Cuomo replaced George Pataki appointments during his tenure with left wing, criminal advocates that now dominate every parole board hearing. A policy that continues under Governor Hochul.
Many violent criminals have been returned to the streets with recidivism being a very serious problem. Worse yet, cop killers have been given parole with growing frequency.
Cop killers should be subject to Capital Punishment. Since that cannot happen in NYS with our present government leadership; A guaranteed life without parole should be the standard. That too is being subjected to a reworking by the NY Legislature and Governor.
With this release, the Parole Board in the past six years has released 36 cop killers.
I knew Eddie Byrnes’s brother, Larry, who served as the NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Legal Affairs. I worked with him during my years working in State government. He told me that the direction of his life was completely changed by the death of his brother. It was a big part of the reason why he chose the NYPD to focus his legal career eventually becoming the Deputy Commissioner.
Larry passed away a few years ago, but the memory of both Eddie and Larry lives on. The release of any person who takes a life in the commission of a crime hits me hard. The parole of Scott Cobb has hit me a little bit harder.
You did not need to be conservative to know that the Biden family influence was working overtime at the Justice Department to cut Hunter Biden a deal in which he believed all his problems would go away.
The Republican House Majority said not so fast. They brought to the attention of the American people, through a formal hearing process, the many potential criminal issues that the Justice Department deal could not cover.
A Judge agreed. Immediately knowing that the Justice Department clarification (albeit under the illumination of the House hearings) had collapsed what he and his attorney’s thought was blanket coverage, he withdrew from the agreement.
Hunter Biden has not yet been brought to justice. Nevertheless, this is an important step.
Now there is increased hope that the role of the President in protecting Hunter will become fully public and the American people can get a true understanding of this father/son relationship as it involves all sorts of sordid business activities by his degenerate son.
Brianna Lyman Headlines State Party Mixer & EJ McMahon as our Podcast Guest
Brianna Lyman part of a new, young generation of conservative leaders headlined a well -attended mixer the NYS Conservative Party held this past week in Goshen.
Brianna, a journalist with the Daily Caller and a regular guest on Newsmax, received a standing ovation. The Fordham University graduated who hails from Dutchess County covered a wide range of conservative issues including the role a 25 year old female journalist can play in growing the movement. You can view her speech here.
Follow her on the Daily Caller and if you see her name coming up on a Newsmax show, it is worth taking the time to hear what she has to say.
This week, we had EJ McMahon, a Senior Fellow and founder of the Empire Center, as a guest on our podcast. EJ, as always, was amazing as he has a depth of knowledge in history, politics, finance, and economics that is unrivaled in New York. Our podcast was an informative discussion that covered many areas.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
July 27, 2023
Statement on Release of Scott Cobb Who Participated in the Assassination of Police Officer Eddie Byrne by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
Brooklyn-NY…“It seems like only yesterday that New Yorkers were awakened to the shocking news that 22-year-old New York City Police Officer Eddie Byrnes had been brutally assassinated the night before in a contract killing ordered by a notorious New York City drug kingpin. Officer Byrne’s cold-blooded murder became an instant national symbol of the brazen lawlessness that had enveloped New York, and elected leaders of all political persuasions at the time demanded justice for the young officer, who had only been on the job for a month.
“Now we learn that one of Officer Byrne’s killers, Scott Cobb, is being released by New York’s infamously ‘woke’ parole board, an entity that has paroled up to 36 cop killers over the past six years alone. How quickly New York’s Democratic political leaders, who appointed this board, have forgotten Officer Byrnes and the outrage his assassination caused.
“The political left’s extraordinary disregard for law enforcement officers is now plain to see, and officers on the job today feel it. They deserve better, and so does Eddie Byrnes and his family. Mr. Cobb’s release is an abomination of justice. This parole board has to go.”
It is possible that President Trump is not your first choice for President. Even so, the new revelation coming from Mr. Trump that he is a target for a likely criminal indictment over the January 6th events further makes the case that the Federal government is conducting a witch hunt.
Numerous legal experts, including many that lean left, have commented that charging the former President for texts and public statements surrounding the invasion of the United States Capitol is a stretch. The communications in question and under review do not make the case for what the prosecutors are claiming. In fact, Mr. Trump was public in using the same media calling for protestors to stand down and remain peaceful. Prosecutors do bend the truth for their own benefit. Charging a leading Presidential candidate who was President at the time in question with a form of insurrection is not going to sit well with most Americans – some of whom are not supporting Trump this time around.
Special Prosecutor Jack Smith needs to be reminded that even former Presidents have their rights.
NYC Absurd Shelter Laws
A New York Post story about a new sixty-day shelter limit for single undocumented migrants seeking asylum shows the complete absurdity of the city’s longstanding sanctuary policy as well as Biden/Hochul immigration policies.
The obvious first question is where do those who have met their time limit of sixty days go? The city’s answer is to have them reapply. That is a true head scratcher of an answer providing no solution but very appropriate for a large bureaucracy.
According to published reports, Adams having met enormous resistance around the state to his efforts to move the migrants to other locations, is spending taxpayer dollars at the border with flyers and advertisements urging border crossers to go anywhere but NYC since we have run out of available shelter with no jobs being available. Border patrol has thus far refused to distribute those flyers.
The answer lies with the failed Biden policies that have taken a porous border and turned it into an open border. The United States ,as shown by President Trump, can successfully close borders and mitigate the illegal migrant crisis. Democrats like Adams intuitively know that is what needs to be done.
Biden needs to think “America First” read my full statement for more information here.
Join us in Orange County
The State Conservative Party will be holding a young professionals mixer Wednesday, July 26th, from 6-8 pm at Delancy’s Restaurant in Goshen NY (40 Park PL, Goshen NY, 10924). We will have an array of legislators in attendance, as well as media personality Brianna Lyman, who will join me to speak about her path to being a national conservative commentator. I also expect a lively discussion on many topics of the day as we enjoy a cocktail or two and some food.
A little background on Brianna: Brianna Lyman is a brilliant young political commentator and breaking news reporter for the Daily Caller making regular appearances on Newsmax. She will talk to us about the media and their role in politics. We are thrilled she made herself available to us and look forward to having her. The event is free (although the bar is not). Please RSVP to Andrew Davis (Andrew@cpnys.org, or call/text 845-522-1915 if you have any questions). We hope to see you there!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
July 19, 2023
New Shelter Rules in NYC Show Absolute Absurdity of Biden/Hochul/Adams Immigration Policy: New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
Brooklyn-NY…“Today’s New York Post storyabout new shelter limits just imposed by the City of New York demonstrates the absolute absurdity of the Biden-Hochul-Adams immigration policies. More than 90,000 foreigners have been shipped to the five boroughs in recent months — that’s what happens when you declare a ‘sanctuary city’ — and nearly 55,000 are now seeking shelter in City facilities, prompting Mayor Adams to limit stays for single adults to 60 days, after which they’ll be able to reapply for shelter that probably won’t exist. Additional non-citizens arrive each week by the thousands, despite the Mayor’s warnings that New York can’t take any more.
“New York City has its own problems; we can’t fix the troubles of the world. New Yorkers have crises, too, and many need shelter, but now they’re being forced to wait in line for people who just got off a bus, and who will keep arriving until Washington finally does something about this. While New Yorkers stumble over trash piles and broken city sidewalks, almost a billion of their tax dollars are going to non citizen services. When will this insanity end?’’
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
July 13, 2023
Politicized New York Appellate Court Creating Havoc on State and Nation: New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
Brooklyn-NY…“The New York State Appellate Court, Third Department, is making a mockery of our Congressional districts, undermining public confidence in our judiciary and the electoral process itself. This highly politicized court, which is clearly doing the bidding of the Democrat-controlled State Legislature and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, has unnecessarily created chaos to hurt conservative officeholders and help Mr. Jeffries retake the House majority for progressive Democrats next year. It’s wrong — indeed, mid-decade redistricting is prohibited by our State Constitution.
“Conservatives won New York House seats in 2022 fairly and squarely. This is a politically contrived move by Democratic leaders to undo the will of the voters and to deny them the leaders they chose under fair district lines.
“The Conservative Party is confident that the Court of Appeals will reverse this ill-conceived ruling by upholding the fair congressional lines established in 2022 by the District Court. One must remember that the courts were forced to step in that year to stop an outrageous gerrymandering attempt by the Democrat-controlled State Legislature and then Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. We are hopeful that the Court of Appeals will protect voters by reaffirming New York’s established congressional lines, but, ultimately, it’s the voters themselves who have the power to right obvious wrongs. The more they learn about what’s happening in New York, the more firmly they will act to stop these cynical political shenanigans.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
July 12, 2023
STATEMENT ON SIENA CRIME SURVEY FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR
Brooklyn-NY…”When nearly two thirds of New Yorkers (61%) are afraid of being a crime victim and more than half (51%) fear for their safety in public, something is going seriously wrong. (Please see Siena Poll here.)
“But that’s not news to the 20 million New Yorkers who have watched their ‘progressive’ elected officials undermine law enforcement professionals at every turn. Disastrous bail reform laws, new disclosure requirements that benefit criminal defense attorneys, the effective ban of undercover policing in New York City, and the new clean-slate initiative are just some of the items that have tied the hands of law enforcement officials across the state in favor of criminals. It’s no wonder that New York police officers are retiring in droves, and that recruitment efforts are coming up short.
“A decade ago, law enforcement agencies across the globe looked to New York as a model for crime fighting. Not any more. A single generation of one-party Democratic rule has destroyed actual progress made under Republican administrations. What an avoidable shame.”
New York City is officially moving a $107 billion dollar budget. Although there was initially an attempt by the Mayor to rein in some spending, the final budget negotiated by the City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Finance Committee Chairman Justin Brannan managed to restore and increase spending in areas such as illegal migrant services, free legal services, and a variety of programs that can best be described as poorly managed giveaways.
Several progressives voted against it because it did not go far enough. One Republican, Ari Kagan, voted against it because it went too far, except in the area of public safety where it fell miserably short in supporting corrections, EMS, and other first responders but gave billions to illegal migrants, anti-NYPD, and anti-Asian organizations.
The NYPD did receive an increase in funding by way of higher salaries and a new contract with the PBA, but offender services benefited greatly from this bloated budget.
There was also a separate vote that will increase property taxes, which all Democrats voted for and all Republicans against. Although many NYC homeowners had been fortunate to have relatively moderate property taxes – that will no longer be the case.
New York City is money hungry. Every year its appetite will cost the State and Federal governments billions of dollars that effect all New Yorkers.
The right vote on the City Budget was a NO.
Malliotakis, Steel Move to Amend Tax Code
As part of a $237 billion House Republican Tax Cut Package, House Ways and Means GOP members Nicole Malliotakis (R/C, New York) and Michelle Steel (R-California) have introduced legislation to increase the Federal Standard Deduction by $4,000 for joint filers and $2,000 for single filers above the cost of living adjustment for 2024 and 2025 returns.
This increase is for households with under $500,000 in income and is estimated to benefit almost 90% of those who claim the current standard deduction.
Malliotakis, together with her NYS GOP/Conservative colleagues continue to advocate for a return of the SALT deduction.
The uniqueness of their legislation to establish a “bonus” standard deduction is that it has the support of Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith and should eventually be part of a final package negotiated with the US Senate.
U.S Supreme Court gets it Right Again
Whatever your feelings might be about Donald Trump running for re-election one thing is certain. President Trump gave us today’s Supreme Court.
They are doing an amazing job. Last year’s Dobbs decision reversing Roe vs Wade and the protection of basic 2nd amendment rights was a prelude to several major victories we saw over the past few weeks.
Affirmative Action has gone down, the practice of one’s religious beliefs upheld, and the ability to appeal partisan gerrymandering to a State Court enshrined. Additionally, the ability of the Executive Branch to make budgetary law overruled with the cancelation of the student loan forgiveness program.
The decisions, often 6 to 3, came with detailed, rational arguments that were countered with stale liberal rhetoric.
I am very much looking forward to the next US Supreme Court session!
The New York State Conservative Party takes immense pride in honoring the significance of this remarkable day in our nation’s history. On behalf of our dedicated members and supporters, we extend our warmest greetings and best wishes for a patriotic Fourth of July.
Independence Day serves as a powerful reminder of the American spirit that united our Founding Fathers and ignited the flame of freedom in the hearts of every American. It was on this historic day, 247 years ago, that our forefathers boldly declared their independence, paving the way for the birth of the greatest nation on Earth. The values of liberty, justice, and equality, enshrined in our Declaration of Independence, continue to guide and inspire us.
The United States of America is more than just a country; it is a beacon of hope and freedom that reflects worldwide. The American Dream has become an aspiration for millions, a testament to the possibilities that exist when individuals are empowered to pursue their ambitions. The principles upon which our nation was founded – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – continue to resonate with Americans today. We are a nation that cherishes individual freedoms, personal responsibility, and limited government. It is these core values that have propelled our nation to new heights of prosperity. As conservatives, we remain committed to the principles that have made our nation prosperous and free.
This 4th of July, as fireworks light up the night sky, let us renew our commitment to preserving the American legacy for generations to come. Let us strive to uphold the principles that have made our nation a shining example to the world, demonstrating that freedom, opportunity, and justice are not mere ideals but attainable realities. As we honor the birth of our great nation, the New York State Conservative Party wishes every American a joyous and meaningful Independence Day. May God bless you, your families, and the United States of America.
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” -Ronald Reagan
