The Despicable Game Of Politics, New York Style

9 months ago

Can't These Children Learn To Play Nice Together?

In yet one more example of politicians doing what is in the best interest of their own constituency, themselves, the New York State Senate is out of session while still in session.

Two Democrat senators have switched their votes to the Republican side, giving the majority to the Republicans. The minority leader Dean Skelos took control as the majority leader pushing Malcolm Smith to the minority role. There are two weeks left in the session before the summer recess (these summer recesses are a whole other issue),and many issues left on the legislative docket.

In a classic case of taking your ball and going home when things are not going your way, regardless of the impact such a move will have on your teammates, opponents, the league and the fans, the Democrats have locked the gates to the Senate chamber, and Malcolm Smith will not call the Democrat's back until order is restored. By order being restored, one can only assume this means him getting his majority role back.

That is putting the interests of the citizens of the State of New York first? Here is a snippet from an article on the situation:

(New York Daily News) "ALBANY - Chaos reigned in Albany on Monday night after Republicans seemingly pulled off an unprecedented mid session coup to gain control of the chamber.

The GOP flipped two Democrats to shift power to their side, making one of them, Pedro Espada Jr. (D-Bronx), the temporary Senate president.

After weeks of intense discussions, Espada and Sen. Hiram Monserrate (D-Queens) agreed to side with Republicans in what they are calling a new bipartisan coalition to run the Senate.

The two said they will remain Democrats.

Republican Minority Leader Dean Skelos was installed to his old post as majority leader.

Espada and Skelos said they plan to return to session under the new leadership tomorrow.

That could be difficult since the Democrats have locked the gates leading to the Senate chamber, and ousted Majority Leader Malcolm Smith said he will not call his members back to session until order is restored.

With two weeks left in the legislative session, the move throws into question a host of high-profile legislation:

- Reauthorization of mayoral control in the city.

- Legalization of gay marriage.

- Democratic-sponsored ethics reform.

- Changes in city rent laws..."

Get back to work fellas. As Mr. Spock said: "the good of the many outweighs the good of the few, or the one".