Despite the left’s continued hysteria regarding President Trump’s temporary banning of people from 7 countries, Rasmussen is reporting that most likely voters still favor the refugee freeze.   Obviously, those who remain hysterical are not students of history and have no recollection of Winston Churchill’s “iron curtain” speech, that was received much the same as Trump’s ban originally, yet became a turning point in the 20th Century.   

Seth McLaughlin opines in the Washington Times that mob rules drive Democrats: Leaderless party revolves around fight against Trump. 

Donald Devine, senior scholar at the Fund for American Studies, opines in the Imaginative Conservative on How Should Conservatives Respond to President Trump’s Nationalism?  He also speculates in the American Spectator on if there will be an effect due to the 90 day hiring freeze. 

The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) writes about voter fraud in this article.  Hans von Spakovsky now manages the Election Law Reform Initiative at the Heritage Foundation and he  told WND and Radio America a thorough federal investigation into voting laws is clearly warranted.

Neil Gorsuch Could Rule on These 3 Big Cases If He Joins Supreme Court Soon. 

Bill Hammond, writes in the NY Torch, that Governor Cuomo’s executive budget calls for aggressive action to slow rising drug prices; while it may “sound” good, it relies on heavy-handed state regulation of drug prices – raises doubts as to its fairness, effectiveness, workability, and even legality.  Read more here. 

Tim Hoefer, also writing in the NY Torch, says this, “Taxpayers beware: the annual push to water down New York’s property tax cap is underway in the state Legislature.”  Read the rest of his article here. 

Need a check list for change:  The Empire Center provides it here.  Why not send your state legislator a copy of what the Empire Center recommends.  If your state legislator gets enough copies, maybe, just maybe they will read it and implement some solutions.

Of course, our Legislative Program is another good read for your legislators.  Send them a copy of our program also to let them know there are numerous ways to stop the hemorrhaging of people and jobs as they escape from the high taxes and numerous regulations stifling economic growth. 

Your Assembly Member’s email is here.  Your Senate Member’s email is here. 

Ed Whelan, president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, is a former law clerk to Justice Scalia opines in National Review on President Trump’s nomination of Neil Gorsuch.   “Neil Gorsuch an ideal Antonin Scalia replacement, conservative legal scholars say” is the Washington Times headline.  Bob Fredricks opines in the NY Post on what makes Gorsuch so appealing to conservatives.  Politico also has an article on Judge Gorsuch that included this tidbit, On Tuesday, Obama’s former ethics czar, Norm Eisen, another classmate, tweeted: “Hearing rumors Trump’s likely Supreme Court pick is Neil Gorsuch, my (and President Obama’s!) 1991 Harvard Law classmate.If so, a great guy!”  Read the rest of the article here. 

Of course, the confirmation will not be smooth sailing as the democrats, led by Senator Schumer,  have already announced plans to filibuster his nomination.   Sen. Schumer should remember that in 2017 we have the ability to remind him and voters of his past words.  Watch Schumer v Schumer here.   Today’s NY Post editorial also reminds Sen. Schumer that he is a man who has no moral compass; his only compass is to say what he thinks his constituents want to hear at any given moment and more than willing to change his beliefs at any given moment. 

Perhaps some of the democrats who do not want to confirm Judge Gorsuch should read how his liberal colleagues and students love him. 

Guy Benson writes that there are cracks in the Senate Blue Wall.

For those who still think President Trump was wrong to fire Sally Yates, read this dissent by US Supreme Court Justice Scalia. 

Possible mayoral candidate Paul Massey agrees with Mayor de Blasio when he says NYC should stay a sanctuary city…really Mr. Massey.  You really think it is okay for NYC to disregard the United States Constitution and defy federal law…what other laws do you think it would be okay to defy?

New York’s high tobacco taxes cost the state billions.  Read why here.  

De Blasio again dodges the truth on Charters.

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams. 

The Daily Signal notes that President Trump’s refugee order balances security and compassion and is well within his authority to do so according to Laura Ingraham.  You can read the section of law for yourself; here is 8 US Code, Section 1182 F that Ms. Ingraham cited the morning on Fox and Friends.  The left is apoplectic about President Trump’s firing of Sally Yates, meanwhile,  Sebastian Gorka tries to set the record straight reminding everyone that President Trump is doing what he promised to do as a candidate. 

Congressman Chris Collins, made the news when he addressed the 50th Annual CPPAC as the featured luncheon speaker, where his remarks were warmly received by those in the audience. 

Senator Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) introduces legislation that puts New Yorkers safety at risk. 

There are Muslims who support President Trump’s initiative. 

Watch this, then remind your liberal friends where the left wing was just a few years ago. 

Is Governor Cuomo trying to ease his conscience by doing this?   This is the true Governor, donning a pink scarf and kissing the rings of Family Planning Advocates.  Governor Cuomo, over the weekend posted this on Twitter “As New Yorkers we have no tolerance for intolerance and that’s what we’re going to stand up and say.”  The same man that said this 3 years ago, “… they’re the extreme conservatives, they have no place in the state of New York, because that’s not who New Yorkers are.”  We have no place, but possible terrorists do.  Governor Cuomo is having an identity crisis and doesn’t appear to know who he is and what he stands for lately.  He proposes “free college” then he proposes a budget with increased SUNY Fees. 

Mayor de Blasio really takes care of his friends while ignoring the really important problems that are occurring right under his nose.

Wow:  Charity takes care of itself first. 

The Trump Administration is off to a stunningly conservative start, and one issue that stands out is border security. President Trump is keeping his promises and cracking down on illegal immigration, through “radical” ideas like securing the borders, enforcing the law and putting “sanctuary cities” on notice that they can no longer harbor criminal illegal immigrants.

President Trump’s actions this week mark the return of U.S. sovereignty and start the process of ending the Obama Era of open borders. (Unfortunately, the crusade by liberals like Andrew Cuomo to make fools of themselves is stronger than ever.)

What do you think will be the biggest benefit of putting a stop to illegal immigration? That’s the first question in our new Weekly Poll.

And don’t let the national media dismiss your concerns – illegals did vote for Hillary in November, and President Trump is right to investigate.

The March for Life is taking place today in Washington, and this year’s event is defined by a new spirit of optimism with conservative leadership in both the White House and Congress.

The White House is making a strong show of support. President Trump will call in to the gathering, while Vice-President Mike Pence and top White House strategist Kellyanne Conway will speak.

What’s the main reason that you are pro-life? That’s the second question in our new Weekly Poll.

The crowd at the March for Life will be very youthful – which shouldn’t be surprising, as young people are witnessing technological advances which show that abortion isn’t about just a choice but rather a living human being.

The Daily Signal reminds us that while the 2016 elections were a pro-life victory, the fight isn’t over and pro-life legislation still needs to be passed. And new reports show us that Mayor de Blasio is showing a stunning indifference to the suffering of at-risk children in New York City.

We have two very serious poll questions this week, so let’s end with something a bit lighter: Who do you think will win the Super Bowl – the Falcons or the Patriots? Shaun Marie will post the results next Friday, just in time for the big game.

It was 26 years ago today that we had an all-New York Super Bowl with a photo finish – remembered now as one of the best Super Bowls ever. Do you remember watching that one? I certainly do.

This year there’s a brewing (literally!) rivalry between these two teams, and the media is consumed with Tom Brady’s friendship with Donald Trump. Of course, the ads are as anticipated as the game.

Have a great weekend!

“We must think big and dream even bigger” says Larry Kudlow in his National Review article, quoting President Trump’s inaugural speech.  Kudlow focuses on President Trump’s optimism, as do the people who voted for Donald J. Trump.

Heather R. Higgins opines in the Wall Street Journal(subscription required) on the Promise of President Trump. 

President Trump keeping his promises on Day 6. More on President Trump’s actions here.

House passes bill banning taxpayer funding for abortion!  Click here for the Roll Call vote.  Now, we must get the Senate to pass the same bill.  There is no doubt that Sen. Schumer, the new champion to the left, will do all in his power to stop the bill from being passed, but he doesn’t understand that our voices are stronger than ever.  And he (Schumer) has meet his match in Sen. Tom Cotton.  More and more individuals are becoming pro-life; here is one outstanding article by Ann McElhinney. 

HHS Nominee Tom Price Urges Medicaid Changes to Improve Health Care. 

Governor Andrew Cuomo proposes another power grab!  This is a very dangerous precedent and must be stricken from the proposed budget. 

Bob Lonsberry has another item to cut from the Govenor’s budget…and we think he is right on target. 

Cuomo defends REDCs amid criticisms and START-UP NY.  Wow, Gov. Cuomo says this in the first linked article:  “The governor went on to say that ceding control of that money would turn the REDCs into local pork barrel spending. And “a pork barrel machine” is “how local politicians get into trouble.”  I have one word for the Governor:  Percocco.  Your arrogance is blinding, Governor. 

E. J. McMahon points out the business index is faltering and has been for four months.  Register for CPPAC and learn more from E. J. McMahon as he explains the NYS Budget in terms we can all understand. 

Mayor de Blasio releases his inflated budget. 

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams. 

Former President Obama promised to continue to oppose Voter-ID laws in private life insisting that the US was the only country that makes it difficult to vote.  WRONG!  Read John Fund’s article in National Review on-line here.  Even in Obama’s last hours as President, he chose to defy Congress by quietly sending $221M to the Palestinians. 

Fortunately, Senator Schumer was prevented from stopping the confirmation of Mike Pompeo as CIA Chief.  Senator Schumer is showing his very thin skin…too bad he doesn’t realize that it wasn’t the words in his speech that was being booed, it was the words prior to the speech — the obstruction he was calling for to slow down President Trump’s nominees.  BIG mistake made by Sen. Schumer; bet he wishes he didn’t ask Sen. Cotton where he was 8 years ago…

Demonstrators showed a disgusting display of who they truly are: violent anarchists who are enemies of America.  Two Gold Star family members were accosted by these anarchists while attempting to attend the Military Inaugural Ball to honor our military and best friends, Brendan Looney and Travis Manion who both made the ultimate sacrifice.   Rest in Peace Brendan and Travis, we will be forever in your debt.   Some despicable demonstrators actually have the gall to ask for bail money. 

Should “spontaneous” be spelled “Soros”?  When it comes to women marching, perhaps that is the only way to spell it. 

More good news from the new administration here. 

Wow, it really does not look as if the democrats have learned why they lost the 2016 elections. More importantly, with these people running for DNC Chair, they are guaranteeing they will continue to lose elections. 

Will we have a Supreme Court Justice nominee this week?  Possibly, according to President Trump. 

Little known facts about Roe v. Wade.  Bill Hammond writes how Gov. Cuomo overreaches on reproductive health. 

Governor Cuomo’s budget is filled with taxes and fees he isn’t telling you about.  Does Governor Cuomo have the ability to print money now,,,or does he not care about driving more people out of New York State.

Dennis Vacco appeared on the Fred Dicker show this morning, you can listen here, however, if you attend our 50th Annual CPPAC beginning on Sunday, you will be able to hear him in person and ask questions.  Register now….click here for the rest of the agenda. 

Is Dennis Prager right, are we currently in a 2nd Civil War? 

The Trump Administration began with keeping a promise made to his supporters.  On Friday, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to begin the repeal and replacement of Obamacare and create a system to help Americans have reasonably priced health insurance.  He will need his nominees to head federal agencies and so far, the Democrats who bitterly complained about republican obstruction, appear to be obstructing without just cause. 

The Daily Signal provides the full transcript of President Trump’s Inaugural address here.   And Gary North writes that Trump’s Inaugural address was like no other in history. 

Here is the link to the new White House website.   The Hill writes about what President Trump has done today.  Happy to report that one of his first actions included cutting off federal funding for foreign organizations that provide abortions.

President Trump is focused on cutting spending and Governor Andrew Cuomo is focused on spending more; including expanding abortion coverage.  Governor Cuomo is obviously unaware of United Van Lines latest release on annual movers.  His budget proposals practically push New Yorkers’ out of New York State, it extends the film and TV tax credit for three years,  maintains the wasteful Start-UP NY with a new name, free college hailed by the Socialist Alternative,  extends the millionaires tax, but Speaker Heastie says an even higher rate is needed.    Apparently, United Van Lines will be busy in New York next year, if Governor Cuomo’s spending spree is passed by the legislature.

Former AG Dennis Vacco is on a crusade we strongly agree with.  We sincerely hope that you will attending our 50th Annual Conference, to learn how you can help end the medical aid in dying proposal. 

File this under:  So much for tolerance. 

Monday’s with Robert J. Knight. 

Today is Inauguration Day, and all Americans have reason to celebrate. The peaceful transfer of power is a time-honored American tradition, and “the inauguration is a picture of our Constitution, proof that we are a nation based on representation, not royalty.”

For me, it’s worth celebrating that our nation is no longer represented by Barack Obama – and that it’s not Hillary Clinton taking the oath of office.

What are you celebrating as we inaugurate a new President? That’s the first question in our new Weekly Poll.  

Inauguration Day is a time for unity, but the press has declared war on President Trump and continues to level low blows against the Trump Administration. Investor’s Business Daily calls it “media malpractice,” and I agree.

President Trump’s inauguration is being boycotted by about a third of congressional Democrats (including a shameful seven from New York) are boycotting President Trump’s inauguration – but what they’re really mad about is their own party’s collapse.

Obama ended his reign by letting a terrorist walk free – and shades of what happened here in New York with Andrew Cuomo’s commutation of Judith Clark’s sentence for her role in the deadly Brink’s robbery of 1981 that took the lives of two police officers and a guard.

What word do you think best describes Cuomo’s commutation decision? That’s the second question of the new Weekly Poll.  I can think of plenty – including a few words I won’t list here – so you have a lot to choose from.

Law-enforcement officials are outraged, as they should be, and as are many right-minded New Yorkers. 

The Conservative Party refuses to let the Cuomo commutation be the last word, which is why we’re leading a petition drive to rename the new Tappan Zee Bridge the “Brown Paige O’Grady” Bridge after Judith Clark’s victims. 

What do you think is the BEST reason to name the bridge after these three men? That’s the third and final question in our new Weekly Poll – and if you haven’t already, make sure you sign the petition here.

I’m happy to say our campaign is drawing extensive media coverage. Thank you for being part of the Conservative Party and making efforts like this possible. 

Have a great weekend!

History will prove that President Obama did more for his left-wing agenda than he did for America’s citizens.  How sad, that a extremely charismatic, well-spoken, smart manput his own ego before the good of our nation.  Read this, this , this and this if you don’t agree, and these articlesare just some of what he has done in the last few days.   Add to this the unconscionable pardon of Oscar Lopez-Rivera, the almost-closed GITMO and one understands that the safety of our Nation has been on the back burner.  Noon Friday cannot come soon enough. 

Today’s NY Post editorial by Michael Rubin reflects, I believe, what most Americans think of Obama’s misguided commutation of Manning.  Here is Obama’s weak defense of his action to commute Manning’s sentence. 

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s budget is HUGE at $152.3 billion.  He proposes another increase in school aid.    Free college tuition, and while this headline says “tax relief” extending the millionaires tax is not tax relief.  But there is one iota of good news:  RIP Start-Up NY and reigning in some pork.

Maybe Gov. Cuomo should have his campaign pay for a few of the smaller items he is wishing for.  (Ethics requirements not with standing.)

The Conservative Party petition to rename the Tappan Zee Bridge the BROWN PAIGE O’GRADY Bridge is off to a good start with some good coverage in the New York Post and New York Daily News.  Please be sure to sign or petition and have others sign as well; New Yorkers understand how important it is to honor heroes.  Together we can get this done.

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams

The blog will be back on Friday.

John Fund opines online for National Review about Sen. Cory Booker in this article.   Vik Khanna, also writing for National Review writes about the phony “public-health crisis” of gun violence. 

Lawmakers have questions ahead of Gov. Cuomo’s budget reveal, as they should.  The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) points out that Governor’s move toward liberal leadership position clashes with push for fiscal restraint and tax cuts especially with the coming expiration of the millionaire’s tax.  He renewed it once already (in 2011) after initially saying he would let it die.  Pete DeMola writes that the Governor’s green visions score high marks from local environmental groups and points out that Governor Cuomo has an ambitious wish list even when the state is projected to have $3.5 billion spending gap declining personal income and sales tax receipts alongside the possible repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

The Daily Signal lets us know what will happen to consumers after Obamacare is repealed and gives us one example as to why repeal is so necessary.  The Daily Signal also shows how Obamacare’s 20 million number is so fake. 

Nicole Gelinas opines in today’s NY Post on how the poor pay the price for subway-worker benefits. 

Pew Poll shows that the ‘Ferguson effect’ is all too real. 

Dave Boyer writes in the Washington Times that under Obama, U.S. lost influence on world stage as relations with allies frayed.

Robert Knight opines on restoring justice.

With all due respect to Congressman Lewis, his memory seems to be failing…or did he just want to raise funds? 

Thank you, Dennis Prager….A Guide to Basic Differences Between Left and Right.

President Obama gave his farewell address this week, and fittingly it was defined by dishonesty and “inconvenient truths,” as the Daily Signal puts it – from false claims that Obama revived the U.S. economy and created jobs to dishonest talking points about Obamacare to boasts about uniting the country after eight divisive years.

What do you think is the most outrageous falsehood being pushed by President Obama and his allies as he leaves the White House? That’s the first question in our new Weekly Poll.  It’s unfortunate that there are so many choices.

Confirmation hearings for President-Elect Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees are now underway, and this has made it an interesting week, to put it mildly. 

Defense pick James Mattis is telling it like it is. Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson is winning support. Ben Carson was impressive during his testimony about how he will make HUD work better. Education Secretary nominee Betsy DeVos is being praised by those who know her and have worked with her. And Trump’s Health and Human Services pick Tom Price is already facing bizarre attacks from the (government-funded) left.

Which of President-Elect Trump’s cabinet nominees has you most excited? That’s the second question in our new Weekly Poll – and for this question, we are fortunate to have so many outstanding leaders to choose from!

“Let’s Be Honest” – a refreshing theme from Rob Astorino, as he takes on Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his “fake news” style of leadership.  

Rob is one of our highly-anticipated special guests at the upcoming Conservative Party Political Action Conference that begins on January 29.  I hope you can join us – you can get more information and registration materials here.

We’re also excited that Kathleen Gallagher, an invaluable pro-life voice, will be joining us for CPPAC. This is one of her latest commentaries – it’s a powerful read. 

Also highly-anticipated is a strong conservative challenge to Andrew Cuomo in 2018. When Cuomo is up for reelection next year, what do you think will be the best issue for a conservative candidate to highlight? That’s the third and final question in our new Weekly Poll – I’m very interested to see what you think. 

Have a great weekend!

Former Lt. Gov., Betsy McCaughey, opines on the ‘gag rule’ that keeps you in the dark on credit-card costs, in today’s NY Post.  We are pleased to let you know that Ms. McCaughey will be one of the speakers at our 50th Annual CPPAC on January 29 and 30 in the Radisson Hotel in Albany, NY.  Click here for more information. 

Professor Frank H. Buckley in the NY Post and on Fox News on how Trump can end brainwashing on US campuses. 

Michael Goodwin states in today’s column that it’s open war between the media and Donald Trump.

Republican-led Senate takes first steps to repeal Obamacare. 

Good News:  Mattis Waiver Confirmed by Senate. 

Larry Elder writes in Townhall.com that a living wage Is as wrongheaded as the minimum wage. 

Senator Michael Gianaris; you are so misguided on this proposal.  Discrimination is wrong, however, to protect those – under the guise of not discriminating against them –   who are in our country Illegally and are undocumented people who have broken our laws thereby showingno respect for our system of laws, must not become a protected class. 

Governor Cuomo, there you go again, pandering for more votes. 

Kudos to Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino:   Astorino has not raised the tax levy in Westchester County.  County Executive Astorino will also be a speaker at our upcoming CPPAC.  Be sure you register, space is limited.