Michael Goodwin:  New York’s progressives will send us back to 70’s financial ruin at this rate. 

Socialism’s millennial fans don’t even know what it is.     As the article points out, unfortunately, more and more older democrats (Mayor de Blasio) support the ideals of millennial socialism.  They should know better!

Mayor Bill de Blasio should thank his lucky stars that he was not around when America was being formed as a country.   Actually, it is the other way around; all of us should thank our lucky stars that he wasn’t around then.   The United States of America never would have been the nation that lifted the world from so many negative aspects that kept them from wallowing in poverty, despair, illness and starvation, if people who thought like Mayor de Blasio were the Founding Fathers.  The US’s experiment in government was ratified on June 21, 1788, and the first Congress was called on March 4, 1789, a mere 231-year history. In the annals of history, we are imperceptible, yet, in what we have accomplished, we are distinguishable and present the opportunities that continue to draw people to our shores.  Why does Mayor de Blasio want to destroy what we are with his radical ideals that will decimate the free market?   

Robert Knight points out in his column – Inside Democratic radicalism – that socialism is a power trip. 

This plan isn’t about unclogging New York City’s streets — it’s about milking them. 

Bob McManus opines on A war on New York’s history.

Assemblyman Gary Pretlow says the bully is back

The State of Politics blog asks the question:  Will lawmakers gang up on Cuomo? 

PAC payments to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s boyfriend raises questions.   While we are on the subject of AOC, here is an article you may have missed over the weekend:  Gas-guzzling car rides expose AOC’s hypocrisy amid Green New Deal pledge.  Then there is this:  ‘It’s Intolerant’: Francis Calls Out AOC for Reported Warning to Moderate Dems.

The Daily Signal reports on the 17 Takeaways from America’s Biggest Conservative Conference. 

Welcome to my first Weekly Wrap-Up as Chairman of the Conservative Party!

 I am humbled by this opportunity, and I will lead with the same values and integrity that have defined the Conservative Party since its founding in 1962 – the party that Ronald Reagan celebrated as “… a preeminent force in New York Politics and an important part of our political history.”  

 It is an honor to walk in the footsteps of Chairman Long, Chairman Maltese, Chairman Mahoney and Chairman O’Doherty, and I am pleased to stand alongside you and all New Yorkers who want what’s best for our state.

 For my first Weekly Poll questions, I’d like to take a “best and worst” approach – first off, which conservative political leader from the present day or recent history do you think offers the BEST example of leadership?

 And at the same time, who do you think is doing the poorest job right now representing New York on a national level?

 We unfortunately have plenty to choose from there – including Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and her calls for costly socialism, Bill de Blasio’s betrayal of New York City, Andrew Cuomo’s incompetence, Chuck Schumer’s anti-Trump hysteria, Kirsten Gillibrand’s dedication to abortion extremism, or Michael Bloomberg’s assault on the Second Amendment.

 You can trust the Conservative Party to continue to take a stand against every left-wing effort to undermine our state and our nation.  I’m eager to lead this fight and advance our values, and I know you are too. 

 Make sure to check this blog for updates on how the Conservative Party is making a difference for you!

Health Insurance costs will increase again if the Governor’s proposal to mandate insurance for IVF  is passed in this year’s budget.  Based on 2017 costs, a family of four will be forced to pay an additional $234 per year.  NY already has the highest insurance costs in the lower 48 states due to the mandates.

The MTA announced that the subway and bus fares will remain at $2.75, however fares on the bridges and tunnels as well as the LIRR and Metro-North are increasing .  The EZ Pass toll on the VNB will be $12.24, without EZ Pass it will be $19; the second most expensive toll in America.  In expensive California, the Golden Gate is $7.00 one way. 

Harvard’s latest low: indulging demented ‘safe space’ demand.

Michael Goodwin opines on yesterday’s hearings in D. C.:  Michael Cohen gave Democrats the performance they wanted. 

The Daily Signal has 6 Takeaways from Michael Cohen’s Hill Testimony About Trump. 

National Review on why did Senate Democrats refuse to protect infants?

Republicans in the House scored a rare victory yesterday:  House votes to notify ICE when illegal immigrants try to buy guns. 

Guy Benson:  Healthcare Bill Will Outlaw Private Coverage, Eliminate Up to Two Million Jobs, and Cover Abortion. 

According to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez she understands economics because she worked for tips .  I wonder, if AOC understands how many extra hours she would have to work (if still employed as a bartender, instead of her current position of preaching congresswoman) in order to pay for her Green New Deal. 

No surprise here ; this is what happens when you really do not have any understanding of simple economics.  When AOC was working for tips, at least she was working.  Someone has to ask AOC what product does government produce to raise money?

Unfortunately, too many of the candidates running for president in 2020 are unconcerned about the costs of government. 

Cohen’s History of Falsehoods Makes His Upcoming Congressional Testimony Worthless. 

Guy Benson on Michael Cohen’s testimony — Blasting Trump, Cohen Admits: No Evidence of Collusion, No Directive to Commit Perjury, Key Claim in Dossier is False. 

Seth Barron explains that no one’s jailed at Rikers for ‘the crime of being too poor’. 

Did you know that a group of New York lawmakers are calling for legalization of prostitution?  I am beginning to think there is a group of legislators who want to decriminalize everything; let’s just let society do whatever they please when ever they want. 

De Blasio cancels embattled, high-cost Renewal school program. 

Another Use For The Internet Sales Tax Revenue.

They say what goes around comes around and this issue  – the one that got me involved in politics many years ago – is back on the state level, despite the failure to become federal law even after the time to ratify it was extended. 

Cal Thomas on picking up good migration.  Or as Fox News Headlines put it:  Florida’s economy is booming while blue states like New York are mired in debt — why is that?

Wednesdays with Walter E. Williams.

Today is the first workday of a new era in the history of the NYS Conservative Party under the leadership of Chairman Gerard Kassar the former Chairman of the Kings County Conservative Party.  As his first order of business at the State Executive Committee meeting on Saturday, Chairman Kassar made a motion to elect Michael R. Long as Chairman Emeritus.  The motion passed unanimously. 

Frank Morano mentions Chairman Kassar.  You can listen here; it begins at the 11:36 mark.  (it is a short segment.)

Carl Campanile reached out to Chairman Kassar for the Party’s reaction to the proposal to spend over $500 million for illegal immigrants to provide virtually free, taxpayer-financed health care to more than 400,000 adult illegal immigrants.  You can read Chairman Kassar’s response here. 

Bob McManus hits another home run with his latest article in the NY Post:  These ‘congestion pricing’ schemes are just a new way to bleed the public.   Of course, Robert Mujica opines (and defends his boss) in the NY Daily News that lawmakers can’t pretend they don’t know what the governor is proposing. 

Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins targets Cuomo in wake of Amazon debacle. 

The Beat examines New York’s gas crisis. 

Competition, Not Government Control, Can Make Health Care Cheaper. 

Bill Hammond, explains how Governor Cuomo is parsing health care cuts. 

Bill Hammond also writes about Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s 4% fantasy. 

Matthew Continetti, writing in the Washington Free Beacon, examines what to do about the rebirth of socialism. 

Robert J. Knight opines on Bernie’s red Bona Fides in the Washington Times. 

This is a bittersweet post – my last Weekly Wrap-Up as the Chairman of the Conservative Party.

How times have changed… When I became Chairman back in 1988, Americans listened to music on compact discs and sent “instant messages” via fax machine. Only the most tech-savvy Americans had car phones, or “mobile” phones the size of small bricks.

The Conservative Party has always adapted to new technologies, but our guiding principles have remained steadfast – limited government, individual liberty, personal responsibility, an unwavering defense of unborn babies, and the traditional values that make America great.

I know our blog readers especially enjoy our Weekly Polls, so I decided to look back at our questions through the years. What I found was revealing…

Our first poll back in 2013 featured just one question – “What word do you think best describes Obama’s ‘leadership’ on the national security front?” The majority of respondents chose this answer: “Terrifying – I fear for America’s safety.”

Two weeks ago, we had another question focused on America’s president: “What is your favorite quote from President Trump’s State of the Union Address?” Quite a nice change of pace, wouldn’t you say?

But the most popular answer – “America was founded on liberty and independence –- not government coercion, domination, and control. We are born free, and we will stay free. Tonight, we renew our resolve that America will never be a socialist country.” – illustrates the threats that still face our country. The word “terrifying” continues to apply to the left’s agenda.

And last week’s questions on the Amazon debacle showed the many problems facing New York – politicians making backroom deals with well-connected interests, left-wing radicals driving businesses out of our state, and general incompetence among those who lead our state.

But no matter the issue and regardless of the challenge, it’s been a pleasure having you join us here each week, staying informed about what’s happening in our state and our nation, checking out the articles we felt were important, and offering your opinions on the questions of the day.

Let’s make this week’s poll questions about the Conservative Party:

– What do you think is the most important issue for us to focus on moving forward?

– What do you see as our most essential role in New York politics?

Here’s a question people have been asking me: “What is your favorite memory as Chairman of the Conservative Party?” And that’s an easy one – it’s the people. I’ve shared and debated ideas, strategized on the campaign trail, bounced back from defeats, and celebrated victories with great patriots in every part of New York. People like you, who refuse to give up on our state’s future.

Things change, but the commitment of the Conservative Party’s friends and supporters never ceases to amaze me. From the bottom of my heart – thank you!

The hypocrisy of far too many elected officials is astounding. 

The Progressives certainly have the working classes back  …at least that is what they want you to believe.  Facts, however, show the real results of the progressive demand for a living wage, and how it ultimately harms those who need jobs the most.   It isn’t only restaurant employees feeling the effects of the increase of the minimum wage.

John Crudele has some wise words  for those seeking a $42 dollar an ounce tax on New Jersey’s soon to be legal marijuana.  Why would anyone buy “legal” marijuana with this tax attached to it?  The Black Market will thrive.  Are you listening New York?  Selling  “legal”  (marijuana is still a Schedule 1 Drug ) marijuana will not resolve any of the problems New York officials offer as a reason to legalize a product that clearly results in a multitude of serious problems. 

Ridge state pol pushing bill to ban supervised injection sites.    

Bob McManus writes about De Blasio’s Dereliction of Duty in the City Journal.  

Dems’ 2020 race is starting to look like a chutzpah contest. 

What’s at Stake for the First Amendment in These 2 Cases? 

Maybe Jeff Bezos will just settle this:  Covington Student Sues Washington Post, but I doubt that he is man enough to do what is right as that would mean he would had to admit he (as owner of the Washington Post and has President Truman was known to say “The buck stops here”)  was wrong to run with an unverified article.    

New York’s budget problems make national news:  New York officials face backlash over ‘congestion’ tax push. 

We have known this for a long time ~ China is using ‘economic espionage’ and ‘theft’ to grab US technology and it certainly is a major problem for the United States.  This, however, is ethically and morally wrong for the world:  China’s CRISPR twins might have had their brains inadvertently enhanced.

E. J. McMahon writes in today’s NY Post that Cuomo’s bid to balance budget leaves big trouble ahead. 

Really, Governor?  How soon you forget that you previously blamed the weather for New York’s exodus.   You can’t control the weather, but you CAN control the taxes!

Heather MacDonald opines on the frenzied search for racism. 

Star Parker believes that socialism has already hurt America. 

The Daily Signal has more on the innocent sounding For the People Act of 2019 – H. R. 1. H.R. 1 has numerous provisions that would undermine free speech rights, upend the way America conducts elections, encourage voter fraud, and turn election oversight into little more than a partisan weapon to bludgeon foes.  Let your Congressman know you that H.R. 1 is nothing more that a power grab by those who have little to no respect for the US Constitution. 

Charles Hurt writes in the Washington Times that ‘Never Trumpers’ are suddenly constitutionalists. 

Maybe it is time to amend the 25th Amendment to include Members of Congress.   Here is another Sen. Elizabeth Warren idea that would help destroy the fundamental values of the American Dream. 

The Supreme Court moves to expedite the citizenship question in census case indicating it will be decided by June of this year. 

The Beat examines a blue-ribbon panel’s study on school diversity in New York City. 

The NY Post praises the appointment of Reihan Salam as president of Manhattan Institute. 

Kathleen Gallagher opines on the language used in the Reproductive Health Act. 

Steve Malanga writes in the Wall Street Journal (subscription required) about why the service is lousy in high-tax states. 

Betsy McCaughey: Low Taxes Are the Best Sweetheart Deal. 

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams. 

Mayor Bloomberg, considering you are thinking about running for president, why are your records still shielded, missing, or lacking at NYC Archives?

The Hill list the 10 Dems most likely to win the 2020 presidential nomination and while Sen. Gillibrand is on the list, The Hill, takes a swipe at her candidacy.  Governor Cuomo is not on the list, however, Beto O’Rourke, who is still making up his mind, is.   

Victor Davis Hanson opines on the strange paradoxes of our age. 

Rich Lowry opines on Ilhan Omar’s big lie. 

The 2nd Amendment gives US citizens the right to bear arms, despite the outcry of the left who would rather abolish the 2nd Amendment and only have celebrities and elected officials be protected by security with licenses to carry guns.  A portion of the left has gone off the deep end.  They seek to protect illegal aliens who attempt to purchase firearms and fail a background check.    Outrageous, simply outrageous!

Larry Horist writes in the Punching Bag Post that McCabe is a treacherous coup-plotter and exercised the worst abuse of power since J. Edgar Hoover.  Here is more from Mark Penn on Fox News.

In case you have forgotten, Connor Veenstra, writes in Townhall.com about all the times Obama called for a national emergency. 

In case you missed this:  Don’t back Cuomo’s flawed congestion pricing plan,   and this Cuomo’s to blame for Westchester’s gas crisis. 

Why limit the best public schools for poor minority NYC kids? 

New Yorkers fleeing to Florida need to leave their terrible blue state policies behind as well. 

Kathyrn Jean Lopez eloquently writes “one Mama can change the world.”

Outside of New York State, ‘Life Is Winning’, At Least 10 States Pushing Heartbeat Bills

There was much to love and much to loathe in the deal that brought Amazon’s coveted headquarters to New York – but in the wake of losing some 25,000 jobs for New Yorkers, the progressives’ gloating is shameful.

What do you think about Amazon’s departure – overall, is this a setback or progress for New York? That’s the first question in our new Weekly Poll.

Scathing editorials from New York’s most liberal news outlets indicate that many on the left do not see Amazon’s departure as an undisputed victory – but make no mistake, the anti-capitalist job killers are just getting started.

There are many lessons to learn from the Amazon debacle, and much finger-pointing among the political class. It’s hard to say who comes out of this looking worse:

Andrew Cuomo, who is so used to getting his way that he is lashing out at his own side for a change…

New York City’s two-faced mayor, Bill de Blasio, who was “flabbergasted” that a successful company with endless options would not be at his beck and call…

Petulant state legislators like Michael Gianaris, who “was miffed that Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio didn’t consult him on the deal, according to sources.”

The New York City Council, led by speaker Corey Johnson, who doesn’t understand why companies don’t want to be bullied by left-wing activists who’ve never run a business…

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who thinks that posting smug tweets and being a celebrity are more important than jobs for New Yorkers…

And Amazon itself, for playing the crony capitalism game and not liking the final score.

Who do you think looks WORST coming out of the Amazon debacle? That’s the second question in our new Weekly Poll.

There was other news this week – notably that President Trump has declared a national emergency to fund border security, as Democrats make even more extremist calls for open borders… Trump-Russia collusion has been revealed as a hoax… the “Green New Deal” is already failing in California… and by the way, liberals want to raise payroll taxes by trillions of dollars.

Have a great weekend!

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio spoke at the Feb. 7, 2019 Cathedral Club of Brooklyn’s 119th annual dinner and spoke to the attendees about the Reproduction Health Act and the probability of the democratic controlled state also passing physician’s assisted suicide.  While many call for excommunication of Catholics for voting for these bills, Bishop DiMarzio said he will pray for them and that “the best punishment they could have is to be voted out of office. That’s the ultimate therapy for a politician.”  Bishop DiMarzio also “pointed out that the Church is losing many of its friends in politics.  He cited Michael Long, who is stepping down as Chairman of the NYS Conservative Party after 30 years; State Sen. Marty Golden, who was recently defeated by Democrat Andrew Gounardes; and the late Charles “Joe” Hynes, the former Kings County District Attorney who died last month.”  You can read the rest of the article here. 

Amazon pulls out of building a new headquarters in Queens.  This is good news and really bad news. Good news because the state and city are off the hook for $3B in tax subsidies for one of the world’s richest companies; really bad news for the possible 25,000 new, much needed jobs that could have been created and provide hope and prosperity to those who were employed by the construction and subsequent jobs.  Can’t help but wonder how this will affect the relationship between some members of the Legislature and the Governor while they negotiation the budget and the rest of the session’s legislation.     

In their zeal to pass progressive legislation, some ideas put forward are not realistic.  Here are two of them that should be dismissed:  State Legislature introduces first “Green New Deal” bill in the nation  and an amendment to turn the state into Sue York,

Fox News Poll: Capitalism buries socialism. 

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez doesn’t care if a sitting president smokes a schedule 1 drug Her statement makes it obvious that it isn’t only history that she knows very little about.  Just a little bit of research turns up articles like this and more research would really give her a better understanding on just how harmful marijuana is. 

Not only should Congress adopt Rep. Michael Cloud’s proposal, every state in the Union should, especially our home state of New York! 

David Keene opines in the Washington Times:  Early promises of the Democratic wannabes. 

Bob McManus writes in the City Journal about NYC schools:  Diversity First—Education, Whenever. 

Stephen Moore and Arthur Laffer opine in the NY Post:  High taxes are driving away the tri-state golden geese. 

Jim Geraghty opines in the Morning Jolt about Kirsten Gillibrand’s Chameleonic Ability. 

Ed Feulner opines on learning from Lincoln  on what would be President Lincoln’s 201th birthday. 

E. J. McMahon testified before the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committees yesterday.  Read his testimony here. 

Cuomo goes to DC, gets earful from Trump about abortion and taxes.    In case Gov. Cuomo doesn’t believe that high taxes play a role in New York, he can read this  from The Hill, not known as a right leaning publication. 

The Daily Signal has an excellent article on how mass deinstitutionalization harmed the mentally ill. 

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) has solved her “where will I live” problem — a luxury apartment is the solution. 

Guy Benson writes in Townhall.com — ‘Suppression,’ Debunked: Study Concludes Voter ID Laws Do Not Depress Voter Turnout. 

Delusional de Blasio actually thinks he should be president. 

May you rest in peace, Detective Brian Simonsen, the City of New York is grateful for your service.  Our prayers are with you, your family and all who served in the NY Police Department. 

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams:  The real risks of marijuana use.