Last evening Chairman Mike Long was one of the “Wise Guys” on Inside City Hall with Errol Lewis.  If you missed it, you can watch it here.

Also, on NY1’s Inside City Hall was Jonathan Trichter, the potential candidate for NYS Comptroller.  You can watch him here.  

Today’s Daily Signal podcast is about a former Obama supporter, Antonia Okafor, becoming a conservative.  After 8 years of the Obama Administration, many, many people find that they truly are conservatives and we will only learn of their existence at the polls as we did in 2016.

Tammy Bruce opines on how Hillary Clinton and Kirsten Gillibrand undercut their progress by mouthing female stereotypes. 

The NY Post opines that Trump and the GOP are asking tough questions like reporters once did.  

Here is another article about all the ways marihuana can hurt your health.   There are a few parts of the article that I would question, but for the most part, the facts are undisputable, especially this “The long-term effects of legalization are unknown — and potentially dangerous.”

The Manhattan Institute takes a look at “Pot City”

Poughkeepsie Council backs state bill offering undocumented immigrants driver’s licenses.  The Poughkeepsie Council is completely wrong in asking that undocumented immigrants be granted driver’s licenses.  UNDOCUMENTED…they are here illegally.  Why would any elected official reward people who are breaking the law? When did the Council’s purpose become passing local laws – recommendations — that undermine the US Constitution?   Driving is not a constitutional right, it is a privilege, and yet the Poughkeepsie Council seeks to reward people who thumb their nose to our laws.  Maybe every resident in Poughkeepsie should start ignoring all the local laws passed by the Council…drop your litter, don’t pick up after walking your dog, don’t use the meters, and most importantly, don’t pay the local taxes that pay the elected officials.  If only I lived in Poughkeepsie…. 

Jonathan S. Tobin opines in the NY Post that maybe The Obamas’ Netflix deal proves it’s time to stop paying ex-presidents.  Maybe he is right.  Think of the money that taxpayers would not be forced to pay out. 

Don’t Tell Anyone, But We Just Had Two Years Of Record-Breaking Global Cooling.

The NFL has new rules.

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams.

Photo Credit:  AllenAllen 1910 via Flicker

Chairman Mike Long will appear with the “Wise Guys” tonight on NY 1 to discuss politics, specifically the upcoming democratic convention.  Watch NY 1’s Inside City Hall tonight *Check your local listings for the channel) at 7:00 PM and repeated at 11:00 PM.

This headline really shows how far down the rabbit hole the Boy Scouts have fallen.  Obviously, they have forgotten, or worse, choose to ignore the Boy Scout oath.    It is only a matter of time before this once honorable, respected, goal driven organization that taught boys the important things in life, will be unrecognizable and will no longer exist.  Shame on the Left!

As we noted yesterday, until we can change the law,  this man will not be charged with killing his girlfriend’s baby.  Again, shame on the Progressive Left.

Errol Lewis, who is not opposed to the legalization of marihuana, has a column in today’s NY Daily News, that asks some very legitimate questions about the problems associated with making pot “legal.”  We would also strongly suggest that people truly interested in public policy and public health should look beyond the cash infusion states will have for their pet projects – trust us, your taxes will never be reduced – and study the problems that Colorado has incurred since they changed the law.  Mr. Lewis notes that over 60% of people want it made legal, is anyone really surprised by that number.  We elect leaders to be leaders, not to cave to the unwise wants of the general public who don’t really understand the problems associated with marihuana.  How many laws have we passed to try and stop DWI and DUI?  People still drink and drive and fatal accidents are not uncommon unfortunately.  But the Progressive Left – and some on the right – still encourage making marihuana legal in New York State.  Shame on them.

In case you missed this, New York spent $22,366 per pupil on education in 2016. And school budgets continue to go up.  We spend 90% more than the national average.  Everyone should make a mental note to vote NO on school budgets in the future and to not be bullied by the NYS Teacher’s Union — union leadership; not the teachers — who are so vocal about how little we spend on education. 

The Daily Signal explains why China represents such a global threat. 

Only in America’s Schools Could ‘Partying Like It’s 1776’ Be Offensive. 

How do you work more hours in the year than there are in the year?  The article really makes you shake your head in disbelief.  No wonder California’s pension system is even worse than New York’s. 

One has to admit that it is rather unusual for the NY City Council to be complaining about the Mayor’s spending.  Manhattan Institute explains here. 

Matt Vespa writes in Townhall.com that the FBI front office discussed Trump dossier with CNN

Those of you who attend CPPAC are familiar with Kathleen Gallagher and her knowledge and insight regarding the Pro-Life movement.  Here is her touching article on Death for Alzheimer’s Directive Is Dead Wrong. 

Today’s NY Post editorial board also points out the heartbreaking loophole in criminal law that does not allow one to be charged with a homicide when a wanted, loved, unborn child is wantonly killed. 

The good news is that President Donald J. Trump understands the importance of all lives.  Last week, he announced that his administration is bringing back a Reagan-era rule that would pull federal birth control funds from clinics that sell abortion.  Frank Cannon explains more on the Reagan-era rule that was upheld by the US Supreme Court.  The Federalist gives him kudos for doing so and advises what else must be done.   Speaking of President Trump, here is an article that gives you a better insight into what really makes him the person he is. 

You won’t see this article in the mainstream media:  This California Mayor, an Immigrant Himself, Explains Why He’s ‘Very Proud’ to Deport Illegal Immigrants From His City.    Here in New York, activists want to change a law that says, an immigrant convicted of a crime that carries a sentence of a year or more faces automatic deportation.  We do not think that law should be changed.   When we keep making it easier on the criminal, we are sending a message that says, committing crimes has no real consequence and relatively minor crimes like shoplifting and jumping turnstiles diminish the quality of life and increase the cost of business on all residents.   

Mr. Mayor, read the above paragraph!  Marihuana is a Schedule 1 drug and when people use marihuana walking down the streets of New York City THEY ARE BREAKING THE LAW!  This has to be the dumbest statement ever, “With marijuana legalization likely to occur in our state in the near future, it is critical our city plans for the public safety, health and financial consequences involved,” de Blasio said in a statement.   In 2014, de Blasio and then-Police Commissioner Bill Bratton announced a new policy under which city cops would no longer arrest most people caught with up to 25 grams of pot. Bratton famously held up a plastic bag bulging with oregano to illustrate how much of the drug was covered under the directive.  The current law does however, state that marijuana open to public view or being burnt in public is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $250 with a maximum sentence of 90 days.  If the day comes that marihuana is legal in NYC and State, how much preparation is really needed to not arrest or ticket the person who possesses it?  Yet, you want to stop making arrests now in anticipation. 

Another really bad idea:  Municipal shooting galleries. 

In case you missed this Saturday:  Cuomo’s bogus fix for the Buffalo Billion scandals.

Charles Hurt’s opinion:  What Obama and his political Choom Gang did is far worse than Watergate. 

John Fund writes how the media see only one collusion story. 

File this under “Unions and far-left Democrats look for ways to undermine the United States Supreme Court.”

Larry Horist opines on the gospel of love for MS-13 according to Rev. O’Donnell.

“Animals” – that one word set off one of the most despicable, most deliberate instances of media bias perhaps in all of recent U.S. history. 

The media’s Trump hatred is so intense, journalists are casting aside ethics, twisting the President’s words and even showing sympathy to the violent MS-13 gang, with Nancy Pelosi putting the Democrats right alongside the biased media. Unbelievable – especially considering the atrocities MS-13 has committed. 

It’s hard not to agree with President Trump that the press “purposefully lied” about his comment. 

How would you describe this latest instance of the media’s fake-news reporting? That’s the first question in our new Weekly Poll.

This has been a bad week for the media, after journalists did Hamas’ dirty work by calling violent terrorists “protesters” – again, all part of an effort to undermine President Trump and his success.

That success this week was illustrated by the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem – a “controversial” step promised by numerous past presidents. President Trump made history by actually keeping the promise, and more countries are following America’s leadership (while Democrats are following the party line by ignoring any progress made by our President).

What do you think is the biggest takeaway from this development? Do you think it says more about Trump’s leadership, Israel’s importance, the Democrats’ partisanship or the media’s bias? That’s the second question in our new Weekly Poll.

With Gina Haspel’s confirmation this week as head of the CIA – the first woman to hold that position – we are reminded once again of the many powerful women who make the Trump Administration great. 

Melania Trump is putting her stamp on the role of First Lady. 

Nikki Haley keeps showing the world what a strong woman – and a strong America – looks like, as Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen works to keep the country safe.

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos made history this week, right here in New York.

And the President has two extraordinary defenders in the media thanks to Kellyanne Conway and Sarah Huckabee Sanders. 

Out of all these extraordinary choices, which of the many accomplished women in the Trump Administration do you admire most?  That’s the third and final question in our new Weekly Poll.

Quick news you need to know from here in New York: There’s a fiscal crisis on the horizon if our state isn’t careful – and the rule of law is in jeopardy too.  As the New York Post asks, will every cop killer in New York now go free? 

Let’s hope not – and here’s hoping you have a great weekend!

CityLimits.Org interviews Chairman Michael Long on three “hot” topics; the AG scramble, the Staten Island primary and the Gov’s GOP rival.  You can watch the video here.  (Chairman Long begins at about the 8:10 mark and ends at the 20:13 mark.)

Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis makes a very strong case against drug injection sites. 

Mr. Vance, why do you get to decide you will no longer prosecute pot-smoking cases?   Doing so, sends the wrong message; marijuana is still a Schedule 1 drug according to the DEA. 

The Daily Signal writes that our approach to severe mental illness endangers everyone. 

In NY prison workers explain how inmates scam the system by feigning mental illness to be eligible for SSI disability upon release. 

The Daily Caller writes about the other Schneiderman scandal.  (One that was swept under the rug by many in the main stream media.)  In this election year – do your homework – know who you are voting for. 

Really, Debbie?  With your history of hiring and protecting your IT employee  [and his family] , you have the audacity to say this? 

Mueller Investigation One Year Old, Still No Collusion.

Mollie Hemmingway gives us 10 key takeaways from the New York Times’ error-ridden defense of FBI spying on Trump campaign in her column. 

Former Speaker Pelosi lashed out at President Trump (AGAIN) because she thought he was calling all immigrants “animals” but as the AP noted he was speaking after a comment on gang members (MS-13).  Ms. Pelosi said this “”Does he not believe in the spark of divinity, the dignity and worth of every person?”  Strange statement for Ms. Pelosi to make considering her staunch pro-abortion record.

Kudos to Erie County Clerk  as he takes preemptive stance on licenses for undocumented immigrants. 

Chirlane McCray ducks questions at her own press conference. 

E. J. McMahon examines another SALT work-around and how NY’s regional job divide continues. 

Lee Edwards explains why Reagan remains highly relevant almost 30 years later. 

Harry S. Truman was fond of saying “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”  Imagine for a moment what his reaction to this would be.

Investor’s Business Daily has an excellent editorial on how government prevents private industry from doing what is right, then government swoops in and hits successful businesses with substantial new taxes to do what private business was doing when government prevented them from doing what was right. 

In case you missed Fox News @ Night with Shannon Bream last night, you missed a very troubling exposé on a daycare center in Minnesota.  Please watch it here, and note that it is believed this is not limited to Minnesota.

National Review writes about Trump, North Korea, and the Reagan Doctrine.    No one knows if a meeting will take place, but rest assured, President Trump is prepared to do what is best for the US. 

Unlike our governor, President Trump is unafraid of the “little rocket man” and will show up where ever necessary to pressure North Korea’s denuclearization.

America is averaging a loss of 115 LIVES DAILY due to opioid abuse. Marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug.  Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.  Many experts in drug abuse call marijuana a gateway drug that leads to other drug abuse.  Yet, even knowing this, NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer released a report that New York government would hit the jackpot if the state legalizes marijuana.  Seriously?  Is the value of life so meaningless to the “leaders” in New York, that New York has become only fixated on hitting the financial jackpot?  Are they so worried that other states will get money New York wants to spend?  Far too many localities are filing lawsuits against drug companies – blaming them for the abuse of opioids – and now New York leaders say making marijuana legal is okay as long as the state budget gets its share.  New York is inviting, no, it is asking for, trouble.  As long as New York believes that marijuana is the golden goose and should be available, it will never be able to prevent people from becoming addicted to drugs.  One cannot prevent drug abuse while one promotes the use of drugs. 

What could possibly go wrong with this idea; Assemblyman wants to revive scandal-ridden gambling unit.

This has to be the most ridiculous statement ever from an elected official.  Gillibrand: If Lehman Brothers Were Lehman Sisters, We Would Have Avoided Financial Collapse.   Not only is it ridiculous, it was plagiarized.   Christine Lagarde said it in 2010, then said, of course, it was a joke, repeated it in 2012, again saying it was a joke.  However, when Gillibrand plagiarized the statement, there was no indication that it was a joke.  How pathetic it is that she is the junior senator from New York State, but we can change that in November.  Chele Chiavacci Farley’s website is here. 

Surprise: Hamas Admits Vast Majority of ‘Peaceful Protesters’ Killed by Israel Were Actually Terrorists.

Larry Horist  has two new columns for us:  Moving U.S. embassy to Jerusalem latest move in larger Middle East strategy and  It is called ‘perjury trap’ for a reason.  

File this under:  Ask a dumb question, get a serious answer. 

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams.

“Let’s get this party started,” states the latest CUNY Forum.  Bob Liff is the moderator for a CUNY Forum on elections, reforms, and political participation in New York.  The panel members include, Keith Wright, Director, Government Relations Group, Davidoff Hutcher and Citron, LLP;  L. Joy Williams, Principal and Founder, LJW Community Strategies, LLC; Michael A. Benjamin, associate editorial page editor, New York Post and Chairman Michael R. Long.  The CUNY Forum will be broadcast tonight at 8:30 pm on digital Ch. 25.3 and cablecast in the 5 boroughs of NYC on Ch. 75 (Time Warner), Ch. 77 (RCN Cable) and Ch. 30 (Verizon/FIOS).  It will be repeated on May 17 at 2:00 pm and May 19 at 4:00 pm. (It was recorded on May 9.)

Chairman Long is quoted in Kenneth Lovett’s article on State Democrats to push for pot legalization at convention.   

John Fund has a very interesting article in National Review on a powerful legal group that changes the law while nobody’s looking.

NRA Sues New York for Punishing Financial Institutions Doing Business With Group. 

This article in the The Western Journal  shows how out of touch with reality NY Dems are. 

Guy Benson critiques the James Comey interview by Bret Baier. 

NYT Op-Ed: Liberals, You’re Not As Smart As You Think, And You’re Helping Trump Win A Second Term. 

The Washington Times has an excellent article on New York’s Subway Scam.  While you may not be a rider of the NYC, this article will explain why you should be concerned. 

Governor Andrew Cuomo will never clean up corruption; this helps explain why he won’t.    The NY Post has more on Crystal Run Healthcare.

Know who you are voting for.  CPNYS certainly believes that people can be redeemed and should be considered for a second chance (depending on the crime and circumstances), however, the NY Post editorial makes some strong points in knowing who is running and if they have earned your vote. 

History will be made tomorrow when Gina Haspel is confirmed as the Director of the CIA.  The LA Times is reporting Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) will vote for her. 

We fought a war for our independence, why would we want to go backwards now?

Experts say Seattle’s “Amazon Tax” will hurt wages and hiring. 

Mr. Hyde is showing his ugly side again.  

It is official.  US Embassy is open in Jerusalem.  Here is the official White House statement on how President Trump continues to keep his promises, despite the fact that HAMAS continues to undermine the commitment to the Israeli-Palestinian peace plan. 

Charles Hurt writes in the Washington Times how a novice politician astounds the world by keeping his campaign promises. 

How Obama loyalists conspired to undermine the Trump transition. 

Meanwhile, US Senate Kirstan Gillibrand continues to undermine the Trump Administration.  The Daily Caller reports that she and ultra-progressive Sen. Elizabeth Warren have opposed over 90% of Trump nominees.   

Fortunately, the dismantling of Obama’s legacy proves our government still works.  The unfortunate truth also means that if America elects another president who thinks like Obama does, the good work of undoing his mistakes can also be undone.  Especially when some elected officials are complete hypocrites. 

Stephen Moore asks and answers the question “Who turned off the lights?”

Bill Hammond on why New York should revisit its restrictive hospital ownership laws.

David Keene opines on the lessons from West Virginia’s primary.   

Tom Steyer, the heavyweight anti-Trump activist, founder of NextGen America, released an ad this week comparing Republicans to white nationalists.  Shameful oratory designed to activate the angry democratic base who cannot get over the fact that Donald J. Trump is president.   Rep. Al Green appears to stand with Tom Steyer as he blasts Speaker Pelosi for saying that calls for impeachment are a distraction. 

Heather MacDonald writes in the City Journal how identity politics is harming the sciences. 

Misfire.  David Hogg isn’t familiar enough with gun laws to have his suggestions taken seriously. 

Mark Levin spends time with Gary Sinise on Life, Liberty and Levin examining all he does to help our veterans. 

Sen. Rich Funke was the featured speaker at the Monroe County Conservative Party’s annual dinner on Friday evening.  His wisdom should be shared; thus, we have included them here. 

As Donald Trump continues to follow through on his campaign promises, can we all finally agree that he is doing a good job as President? 

Of course the liberals refuse to give him any credit, but this may have been his best week ever. 

The Trump Administration’s foreign policy accomplishments alone are extraordinary – from winning the release of Americans held hostage in North Korea to setting the stage for peace talks between North and South Korea to capturing the top five ISIS officials to ending the Iran deal (and making a fool of The New York Times in the process).

What do you think is the Trump Administration’s greatest foreign policy accomplishment from the past week? That’s the first question in our new Weekly Poll.

And now for the polar opposite of greatness – liberal hero Eric Schneiderman, whose sleaziness and hypocrisy were exposed this week (a turn of events President Trump seemed to predict).

What did Andrew Cuomo know, and when did he know it? Of course he’s pleading ignorance, but how likely is it to you that Andrew Cuomo had heard about allegations of Eric Schneiderman’s disgusting behavior? That’s the second question in our new Weekly Poll. 

There’s no question that the culture of corruption is alive and well in Albany – and that the national media will for the most part ignore this scandal so as not to tarnish the Democrats. Plus, the liberal elites’ “Me Too” movement looks more like politics than principle. 

What do you think is the most important takeaway from the Schneiderman scandal? That’s the third and final question for our new Weekly Poll. 

Have a great weekend! And to all our readers who are moms, Happy Mother’s Day!
 

The good news is that 3 Americans are coming home!  In a gesture of good will, North Korea has released the men who appear to be in fairly good health and able to walk on their own.   Kudos to President Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

In their haste to criticize the Trump Administration, the NY Times slammed Secretary of State Pompeo for not being with President Trump as he withdrew of the Iran Nuclear Deal.  As President Trump said: ‘America Will Not Be Held Hostage to Nuclear Blackmail.‘  It is good to know that this administration is in control and able to keep the press at bay. 

Ben Shapiro opines on the day the Iran deal died.

This headline must really drive the main stream media off the rails;  Media get trumped: President’s polls improve despite 90% negative coverage.

Regarding the Iran Nuclear Deal, President Obama is still out of touch with what is best for AMERICA!

Trying to remain in the headlines, former FBI Director James Comey blasts anti-Trump FBI agents over extramarital affair and anti-Trump texts.  Really, now you blast them?  I think James Comey has plenty to explain about his own lack of being true to the Bureau’s values.  Care to explain these digressions, Mr. Comey?

Guy Benson’s analysis:   Why Tuesday’s Primary Results Are Good News for Republicans.

Great article by Bob McManus;  Spitzer, Weiner, Schneiderman: a bunch of power-hungry perverts.  Part of what Mr. McManus writes is “there is no natural check on those who do violence to the spirit of democratic self-government. To the rule of law.”  However, we believe that one natural check is TERM LIMITS! 

The NY Post editorial points out how everyone looked the other way to protect Schneiderman saying “he was too valuable a politician for the Democrats to lose.”  If you can’t run for multiple terms, you don’t become too valuable a politician – in any party – to lose. 

Schneiderman’s fall tears hole in anti-Trump coalition.    Unfortunately, there are far too many seeking to fill the void.

According to the New Republic, New York is finally number 1.  However, who wants to be the most politically toxic place in America.  Thanks Governor Cuomo and AG Eric Schneiderman: another slap at what used to be the Empire State.

BOOM: Trump Tax Cuts Lead to Largest Ever Monthly Budget Surplus.

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams

The political world was rocked last evening by an article in the New Yorker, possibly one of the most succinct and believable exposé written recently.  It was so believable that New York’s Attorney General tendered his resignation within 4 hours of its release.  Mr. Schneiderman’s resignation is another in a long line of elected (and some appointed) officials in New York that succumbed to greed or personal gratification at the expense of others.   (The irony in the Schneiderman case is his hypocrisy of being a staunch supporter of the #MeToo movement.)  Ethic proposals have been made to curb the abuses; however, they have had little or no effect in ending the disgraceful and reprehensible actions of those who believe they are above the law.  New York must enact term limits.  When candidates ask for your vote, ask them if they are committed to passing term limits.  Their answer will speak volumes. 

Just for the record, Schneiderman’s record as AG was not what the liberal press is telling you.  His lawsuits were more about his political ambitions than what was right for New York State.

NY Attorney General Eric Schneiderman resigns: What they’re saying

State AG candidate wants full investigation of Schneiderman.  Manny Alicandro, making his announcement as a candidate for AG prior to the bombshell Schneiderman allegations, vowed to crackdown on corruption.  

How to not to change the system:  Who Replaces Schneiderman? And How?

Corruption, unfortunately, is not limited to elected officials, as noted some are appointed by elected officials.  When term limits are enacted it will also be a tool to prevent corruption when individuals are appointed by elected officials who are subjected to term limits.

Cuomo allies sit on boards of utilities regulated by the state. 

Walking Away From Iran Deal Could Be Trump Card for Success in North Korea Talks, Experts Say.    

President Trump withdraws from Iran nuclear deal.  

Guy Benson writes:  Bold Leadership: Why Trump is Right to Withdraw from Obama’s Terrible Iran Deal

Wesley Pruden opines on John Kerry’s 57 varieties of mischief in today’s Washington Times.

Trump Asks Congress to Cancel $15 Billion in Spending. Conservatives See It as ‘First Step.’

Nikolas Cruz revelation turns up heat on Obama-era soft discipline guidance. 

Obamacare is back in the news again.

GOP state senator under fire after proposing voter ID laws.  Democrats are determined to make voting easier for people – early voting, same day registration – both increasing the possibility of voter fraud – however, requiring a voter ID would assure that the possibility of voter fraud would be dramatically reduced.  The general public needs a photo ID to enter federal building, travel throughout America on public transportation and as Sen. Murphy states even to obtain a fishing license.  Democrats that oppose a photo ID to vote are insincere in their objections when they state it would “discriminate against minorities and lead to voter suppression,” by creating scare tactics.    If the democratic opposing justification were true, a photo ID would have the same effect when minorities go to purchase travel tickets, enter a federal building, and go fishing legally. Do you see that producing a photo ID in these circumstances has that effect?  Neither do I.   

The Post-Star ran this editorial on Friday. It talks about SAM and how it effects your wallets, especially in an election year.

Isn’t this interesting?  The children of Cynthia Nixon, Samantha Bee, and Louis C.K. got into this popular public middle school, while hundreds of others are shut out every year.  Can’t help but wonder if Ms. Nixon’s wife and anything to do with getting her children in. 

File this under “Qualifications to be a Governor – directing one film” 

LOVETT: State Senate Republicans slam ‘Cuomo corruption’ with reform package

File this under “Hypocrite, Again!”

The Beat looks at Nixon and Cuomo and gives us the facts we need to know.

Sen. Felder gets credit for standing up to a bully!

Charles Hurt writes in the Washington Times:  Throw John Kerry in Jail. 

It is about time the right started to use the lefts tactics. 

Joe Mantegna says Second Amendment ‘makes perfect sense today.’

Robert Knight opines on giving President Trump’s accomplishments their due.

A professor’s prayer.