Chairman Jerry Kassar continues his travels in New York State; yesterday he spent time in Chemung and Broome Counties.  Channel 34, the ABC affiliate in Binghamton, NY filed this interview in which Chairman Kassar outlined his priorities for the NYS Conservative Party. 

The GOP Senate blasted the democrats far left swing in criminal justice “reform” yesterday  and introduced a series of bills  to be passed to help restore justice to the victims and the victims’ families.  If you click on the link, read about the bills, then scroll down and you can let the Senate Minority know where you stand on these proposals.  Click Aye or Nay on What is your position.

Cuomo must take the blame for numerous MTA failures: watchdog. 

Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, what is your tweet on this:  Private payrolls surge by 275,000 in April, blowing past estimates in biggest gain since July. 

Victor Davis Hanson wrote a very insightful op-ed in today’s NY Post that Congresses three newest out-spoken women – Occasion-Cortez, Omar and Tlaib – really should read. This is one of those must read and send to your liberal friends’ articles that we haven’t seen in a long time. 

Sen. Bernie Sanders sounding a little desperate:  Sanders: GOP Wants to Stop Felons From Voting to Keep Minority Turnout Down 

To all the people and organizations, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who want to dilute the strength of the 2nd Amendment, this is a must read:  MSNBC Report on Venezuela Makes Case for Second Amendment. 

Sometimes when you read a headline, you just have to laugh.  For example:  The Hill’s headline states, Barr defends handling of Mueller report  Seriously, what did they expect?  Did they think AG Barr would go before the US Senate and say, Gee, I made a mistake, on second thought, the Muller Report encourages impeachment proceedings.  Katie Pavitch writes that AG Barr clarifies Trump’s reaction to being falsely accused of something he didn’t do. 

The Beat writes about the first-rate high schools in NYC that do not require specialized testing. 

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams. 

If you live in Ulster County make your voice heard in today’s special election for County Executive.  Our very own County Chairman, Jack Hayes, is running.   Polls are open until 9:00 PM.  Read more about the race here. 

Today’s Washington Examiner editorial makes a very valid point:  With Exxon, NRA probes, New York’s Democrats are trying to rule people who never got to vote against them. 

Gov. Cuomo is jumping on the new green deal craze.   Does anyone still think he isn’t going to run for president or that he is just “Biden” his time?  The Wall Street Journal (Subscription required) writes that Cuomo Ready to Assist Pal Joe Biden in White House Run And what happens if former VP Biden drops out? 

Will the last person to leave, please turn out the lights? 

Spectrum News takes a look at what they think will happen in Albany before they go home:  5 Post-Budget Session Issues to Watch

E. J. McMahon writes about Embracing the OPEB iceberg.

The Daily Signal writes about the 4 Keys to the Immigration Reform We Need. 

Pompeo: U.S. ‘Fully Supports’ Venezuelan Opposition’s Move to Topple Maduro. 

Oh My, Did Pelosi and Schumer Just Say a Bunch of Nice Things About President Trump?

The Beat explains the perils of the state budget’s cash bail requirement 

Did you see this over the weekend?    Innocent victims murdered in cold blood, now the bleeding-heart liberals controlling the NYS Legislature feel they should be released from prison? It is becoming so absurd, why have any laws or prisons at all?  After letting Judith Clark out of prison and the likelihood of having this pass, the families who had the lives shattered, the children who grew up with out parents, the spouses who lost their loved ones and can only stand by their graves instead of having then stand next to them at important events, how do you explain to them, that these cold heartless people will be able to live and enjoy the benefits of  freedom?  Any legislator that votes for this proposed bill should be voted out of office at the next election.

Newsday is reporting that while NY lawmakers move left, top court moves more to the right , good news for those of us who believe that justice for victims is also justified.

News Flash for Sen. Bernie Sanders:  75% of Americans disagree with Bernie Sanders’ plan to let every US prisoner vote. 

City Hall’s ‘shut up’ argument against charter schools. 

De Blasio is still selling City Hall, with not an ounce of shame. 

The Daily Signal reports on The Inside Story of Trump’s First 2 Years in Washington. 

Robert Knight opines on rubbing salt in the nation’s wounds. 

Welcome to my Weekly Wrap-Up for April 16, 2019!

20 FOR 2020

Joe Biden has launched his 2020 campaign with the rather cumbersome theme, “America is coming back like we used to be.” I wonder if there’s a simpler way to put that – perhaps “Make America Great Again” or something along those lines. I suppose the former Senator and Vice-President must be extra careful about plagiarism.

Biden’s announcement was marred by problematic staffing, exploitation, suspicious claims, and pushback from the left, and it’s only going to get worse for him.

And “Sleepy Joe” (as President Trump has nicknamed him) is now the twentieth Democrat running for the White House – the largest field of candidates in the country’s history. There’s Gillibrand and Harris, Bernie, Beto, Buttigieg and Booker – and some you’ve probably barely heard of.

Here’s my question for you in our new Weekly Poll: Of the 20 Democrats vying to be the party’s 2020 presidential candidate, who do you think has the BEST chance of actually winning the nomination? (I’m including all 20 contenders, just in case you want to put your money on a long-shot candidate!)

THE DE BLASIO BAN-WAGON

Will there be anything left in New York worth having once Mayor Bill de Blasio is done banning things? Having gone after conveniences such as straws and plastic utensils, he’s now aiming higher – literally – by suggesting that skyscrapers should be outlawed (and hot dogs, too!). Why not just ban New York City?

Of course, all this politically-correct posturing is a great distraction from the city’s budget woes and corruption under de Blasio’s rule – rest assured, the Mayor will never seek to ban liberal political spin!

QUICK HITS

President Trump: “It’s a coup.”

The economy continues to roar.

Big Labor dropped $2 billion on midterm elections, in New York and nationwide.

Chris Churchill has a terrific sense of humor and he shows it in today’s Times Union column:  35 questions inspired by Andrew Cuomo. 

Politico is reporting this:  New York, New Jersey governors cut deal on congestion pricing while Politico is also reporting this:  Cuomo’s MTA chief denies two-state agreement on Manhattan tolling Time will tell which article is accurate.  (My money would be on Pat Foye.)

We won this battle once before, let’s win it again! 

If there is a Legislative Hearing in your area, please make every effort to attend and hopefully to make a presentation You and I both know the other side will be stacked, our voices must be heard, if you can’t attend, send letters to your local papers, do all you can to stop New York State government from taking over your health care. 

How Pelosi’s Equality Act Would Ruin Women’s Sports.

Do you think Alexandria Ocasio-Cortiz even acknowledges that this will happen  if her “brilliant New Green Deal” is adopted?

Another case of priorities up-side-down.  Do we really want a person who is willing to reward felons for selling drugs as our next president?  ”… they were ahead of the curve…” what next?  Having bank robbers becoming bank tellers?  Oh wait, JC Morgan Chase wants to hire more ex-felons despite the fact that since 1950 banks are barred from hiring anyone convicted of a crime of dishonesty or breach of trust.  Almost everyone deserves a second chance; but that second chance has to be the right fit. 

 American schools produce 100,000 illegal immigrant ‘Dreamers’ a year. This huge number must end.  Build the Wall. 

 When you read this article you really have to ask yourselves, do Legislative Hearings really matter? 

 Michele Malkin:  Beware Soros-Funded Hijacking of US Census

Did you know that New York State will no Longer suspend driver’s licenses over drug crimes? Forbes explains why NY did and how it has come about that they no longer will.  The drug crimes were not necessarily related to driving, and about 90% of the suspensions fell into the “nothing to do with driving” category.   Did you also know there is currently a bill in the Legislature that seeks to make NYS a Sanctuary State , that Governor Cuomo’s Parole Board released Judith Clark one of the principles involved with the Brinks Robbery,  and in NYC jumping the MTA turnstile is no longer an arrestable crime (but the MTA is hemorrhaging money, looking for ways to have you pay more even if you do not use the MTA facilities.)   Unfortunately, New York State is on the path to becoming a remake of the 1981 movie Escape from New York; wait, that won’t happen, in Escape from New York, Manhattan was a prison, currently New York is doing all it can to empty their prisons and letting the inmates run the city because all of the hard working people are escaping.

New York can stop the madness that is slowly eroding the city that never sleeps.  However, if the breaks are not applied NOW, New York will become the East Coast’s San Francisco.  Lawrence Jones, the Editor-in-Chief of Campus Reform, traveled to San Francisco to expose just how devastated this once iconic city has become. Mr. Jones, notes in his report that the city has the money to deal with the dangerous conditions on its streets, but are funneling time and energy into sanctuary city policies. (emphasis added.)  May we remind you that Speaker Nancy Pelosi represents San Francisco.  Nice legacy, Nancy!!!

NRA: Supreme Court Should Move Forward on Gun Case Despite NYC Attempt to Undercut Suit. 

Michael Goodwin nails it in today’s column:  Bill de Blasio is the worst mayor of all time after Green New Deal talk

Betsy McCaughey opines on Elizabeth Warren’s loony college-giveaway plan.  Here is the Daily Signal’s take on Sen. Warren’s plan that they say will make college’s cost more. 

What Social Security’s Shortfall Means for You. 

Liberals Are Using Rep. Ilhan Omar as an Excuse to Chill Speech

U.S. Veteran: This Is Why We Take Ilhan Omar’s ‘Disgusting’ Black Hawk Down Tweet Personally. 

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams

Nicole Gelinas explains the problems when government passes laws that make no sense whatsoever. 

The NY Post editorial board is justifiably critical of the political influence currently controlling the Parole Board.

Cosmetics tycoon Ron Lauder sets the right example when he fights for gifted students:  Billionaire joins push to stop de Blasio’s high school admissions test plan. 

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar sparks more controversy with her assessment of the number of Somalis killed during the 1993 military operation that inspired the film “Black Hawk Down.”   Why is the Congresswoman still on the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs? 

Oh my, what will the mainstream media do when they read this:  Latino vote expected to be major factor for Trump. 

Another organization that once had a stellar reputation; our morals and values have been cast aside by a nonreligious need to gratify ones wants immediately without regard for the consequences.   Then again, in today’s secular society, there are little or no consequences for taking the innocence of a child.  And there is no shame either; in fact, far too often it is celebrated.  We are abandoning God, is it any wonder that He is abandoning us?

Mayor de Blasio is trying to outdo Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez with his vision of no more glittering glass skyline  and slashing beef consumption and phasing out processed meats.    Why do these controlling politicians think they are the only ones who have solutions to various problems? 

Here is a man who understood our problems and came up with reasonable solutions to America’s problems.  A man comfortable in who he was, where he came from and who he leaned on, a man who quietly sanctioned the morals and values of our Founding Fathers who relied on Judeo-Christian values. 

Some Possible Good News:   After Supreme Court Arguments, Odds of Keeping the Citizenship Question on the Census are Good For the Trump Administration.

Welcome to my Weekly Wrap-Up for April 18, 2019!

The Mueller Report

Finally, the long-awaited Mueller Report has been released. Spoiler alert: There was no collusion or obstruction of justice by President Trump. None. And it’s become clear that Democrats abused their power, with the help of some nefarious players. Is now the time to go after the real conspirators?

There is some insightful initial analysis of the report here, here, and here – and plenty more to come I’m sure.

The so-called mainstream media’s collusion fantasy has been utterly debunked, and they’re not handing it well – and as you know, this is just one issue of many where journalists have allowed their personal views and prejudices to get in the way of responsible reporting.

Let me make this the focus of our new Weekly Poll question: How important would you say it is for the Conservative Party to highlight institutional media bias as we discuss issues such as taxes, spending, the Second Amendment and the right to life?

I will be reporting the vote totals here next week – make sure your opinion is counted!

Judith Clark

This was yet another shameful week for New York, as Judith Clark – the domestic terrorist involved in the infamous 1981 Brinks Robbery that left 2 police officers, Waverly Brown and Edward O’Grady, and Brink’s guard Peter Page dead, was granted parole this week.

New Yorkers are angry, as they should be. As the New York Post notes, Andrew Cuomo’s parole board “has been emptying New York’s prisons of cop-killers and political radicals left and right.” If Judith Clark can be set free, anyone can – and our state will be less safe because of it.

Quick Hits

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez loves tax breaks when she stands to benefit.

For the Democrats’ presidential hopefuls, charity does not begin at home.

There’s a crisis at our southern border – take it from the communities located there.

Have a great weekend and a very joyful Easter!

The long- awaited Mueller Report is due out tomorrow; all the news will be about “the report.”  Ralph Z. Hollow relied on his years of journalistic experience when he wrote today’s Washington Times article anticipating the report:  Response to Mueller report Thursday can make or break Trump and his remarkable makeover of GOP. 

Governor Andrew Cuomo always has the upper hand…and total control.

Sanders: Murderers Shouldn’t Lose Voting Rights Because They Are ‘Paying the Price’ in Prison. Really, murderers take the life of another human being and no long-term consequences should be enforced.  What about the rights of the person they murdered?  They have NONE, but the person who took their life should be able to go about with privileges as if they did nothing wrong? 

This is a December 2014 article from Syracuse.Com that indicates Destiny USA has taxpayers on the hook for nearly $704 M.Here is today’s article on Destiny USA stating that it may default on its mortgage.  On-Line shopping is expanding, Malls are shrinking, taxpayers should be concerned.

Another upstate/downstate divide. 

Saratoga Supervisors, thankfully, are strong on this issue:  No driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. 

Jim Riches’ relives the searing pain of his son’s untimely death by terrorists on 9/11/01 again at the GOP Dinner last evening.  Congresswoman Omar is not the victim, and publicly saying so is not incitement

Thank you, Bob McManus:  ‘Dreamers’ over heroes — as Albany did — reflects the new norm. 

Betsy McCaughey also has a way of keeping things in perspective:  Trump is looking to give sanctuary cities just what they asked for

The Daily Signal also responds to Trump’s call to sending illegal immigrants to sanctuary cities.  Answers to 4 Big Questions About Sending Illegal Immigrants to Sanctuary Cities. 

Surprise, surprise.  Pete Buttigieg isn’t all that the main stream media (and Twitter) make him out to be.  Pete Buttigieg’s Abortion Extremism Hurts His Religious Appeal  and Buttigieg: Capitalism Has ‘Let a Lot of People Down’

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams. 

Chairman Jerry Kassar appeared on two radio shows yesterday; you can listen to Chairman Kassar on the Bob Lonsberry Show with Congressman John Katko filling in for Mr. Lonsberry.  Chairman Kassar also responded to WXXI regarding the “One Day Act.” 

Here is a piece of good news for a change:  NY Senate compromise would extend free college tuition for Gold Star families.  Always believe YOU can make a difference, if you voice your opinion loudly enough. 

This is an issue that needs very loud voices!  Pass the video to your friends and neighbors and let them know what is going on.  America’s founding is based on Judeo-Christian beliefs and we, as a country, have been blessed.  We cannot keep silent any longer. 

The Farm Bureau is almost unknown in the five boroughs of New York City, yet New York City is dependent on farms.  Here are two articles that will help people understand the proposed legislation — Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act – that is being considered this year and what it may ultimately cost consumers throughout the state.  Farm Bureau Members Speak About Proposed Farm Labor Legislation.  As this article indicates, we are already losing farms; USDA Census: New York loses 2,100 farms 

Thanks Governor Cuomo, this is not what New Yorkers’ want to see when they open the paper in the morning:  Yet another study confirms it: NY has the worst economic prospects. 

Governor Cuomo paid less in federal taxes this year; do you think he will acknowledge that fact to President Trump?  (Neither do I.)  Cuomo actually paid less in taxes under Trump’s plan. 

Today is Tax Freedom Day …for federal taxes.  New Yorkers’ reach Tax Freedom Day on May 3.  Did you know that Americans will spend more on taxes in 2019 than food, clothing and housing combined?

Rich Lowry writes about Notre Dame’s collapse — and the loss of what it stood for. 

Kate McKenna is an American living in Paris and also writes about Notre Dame’s burning and notes that it is the third church in Paris to suffer fire in the last three months and in 2017 there were 887 attacks on Christian artifacts or churches.

Dennis Prager’s column is a thoughtful analysis on the Notre Dame fire also. 

Guy Benson’s analysis of Congresswoman Omar’s remarks. 

The Beat has an article on how the Legislature will do even more harm to upstate New York if they “spread the gospel of rent regulation to the rest of New York.”  Read what The Beat has to say here. 

The sweeping changes for criminal justice reforms passed in the NYS Budget are a grave concern to law enforcement officials due to the lack of funding that is needed for compliance .  Just another rush to satisfy the progressives in the Legislature without considering the consequences; bad policy and again should have been a stand-alone bill for full debate.   

We have often said that when one doesn’t respect life at conception, the long- term result is that one won’t respect life near the end of one’s journey.  Sadly, Governor Cuomo is now proving this presumption.      Every life is precious, from natural conception to natural death. 

Putnam County, NY pushes back on Gov. Cuomo’s abortion agenda   Kudos to them!

In case you missed this over the weekend:  Michael Goodwin’s Sunday Column; As Trump soars higher, Dems reach their lowest point yet.

It’s time for the City Council to stop playing thought police

This NY Post editorial — NY Assembly’s shameful snub of fallen-soldiers’ kids– will, we hope, bring about a change of heart by the Assembly Democrats.  The public backlash has been helpful also. 

The Beat also writes about being High at Work. 

Another really bad policy idea:  Supporters Hopeful Driver’s Licenses Will Extend to Undocumented Immigrants   We were able to beat this back once, and will make every effort to beat it back again. 

Does the latest rising star in the Democratic Party have a problem?  https://tinyurl.com/yysremba

Since today is April 15, aka Tax Day, we thought you would like to know where your taxes go.  Here is the Daily Signal’s chart for how your taxes are spent. 

Welcome to my Weekly Wrap-Up for April 12, 2019!

9/11 DENIAL

“Some people did something” – is there anything more contemptible, more despicable, more infuriating than a government official dismissing the murder of close to 3,000 innocent people with such nonchalant words?

This blasé assessment by Rep. Ilhan Omar is an outright denial of the suffering that took place in New York City on 9/11, of the fear and pain our fellow Americans felt as they were being killed, of the ultimate sacrifice made by so many brave firefighters and police officers so that others could be rescued. It minimizes the grief felt then, and still today, by those who lost loved ones in the attacks. And Rep. Omar ignores the real dangers of radical Islam, which was the one and only force behind the 9/11 attacks, and that is still a threat to our freedom and safety today.

Meanwhile, in defending her fellow leftist, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez chose to attack the integrity and commitment of Rep. Dan Crenshaw, a highly-decorated veteran and Navy SEAL who lost an eye fighting terrorists in Afghanistan. Unbelievable, especially for someone who is supposed to represent New York.

While most of our state’s Democrats were too cowardly to challenge Rep. Omar’s comments, the New York Post courageously defended New York’s honor against her heartlessness – read the Post’s coverage here, here, and here.

Rep. Omar is attempting to justify her comments by pointing to President George W. Bush’s speech atop the rubble of the World Trade Center on September 14. That takes chutzpah, to use a word that would likely offend the congresswoman given her history of anti-Semitism. Watch President Bush’s speech here – it is a recognition of our country’s grief, a call for prayer and unity, a celebration of America’s strength and resolve, a show of patriotism in defiance of those who hate America.

President Bush’s words lifted our nation up – Rep. Omar’s diminish our nation’s history.

TAXES

As Democrats celebrate just how much they were able to mislead America about the Trump tax cuts, the truth is emerging: President Trump’s tax reforms saved Americans money, and despite the protestations of Andrew Cuomo most New Yorkers did quite well under the Trump tax cuts.

With Tax Day coming up, I want to make this the focus of our new Weekly Poll: What do you think is the most compelling, conservative message that our Party can share on the issue of federal taxes?

I also want to revisit last week’s question, since Survey Monkey was giving us some socialist-style math that made the responses add up to over 100 percent. So here’s what I’m asking: Out of New York’s unbelievably costly new budget, what is the item that concerns you the most?

I look forward to watching the results from both questions.

QUICK HITS

Don’t believe the myths about legalizing marijuana.

Yes, we need to probe the Russia collusion probers.

Why don’t liberals like the idea of sending illegal aliens to sanctuary cities?

Obama’s head of Homeland Security agrees with Trump on the border crisis.

Have a great weekend!