Weiner And Bloomberg Stand Together For Stimulus Cash

Though there were quite a few New York politicians at this press conference, seeing Bloomberg and Weiner together is at least somewhat of a news story. Weiner has laid off campaigning and recently said he'll make a decision about running for mayor once Congress goes on break. Even with that admission, standing behind/beside the incumbent indicates that Weiner really isn't up for the challenge to contest Mayor Mike.

Wherefore Art Thou Congressman Weiner?

Since the news of the term limits extension bill died down, so has the energy of Congressman Weiner's will to be mayor of New York City. I remember him being at City Hall every single day and now we hardly ever see him out in public unless it's in D.C. People were beginning to wonder whether he was still running (technically he hadn't declared but it was quite obvious what his intention was late last year).

I guess know we have a better idea of where he's at:

In a statement to supporters, Weiner wrote: "At the beginning of the summer when Congress takes a break, I will look at the lay of the land again and try to determine the best political course."

A Weiner campaign adviser said afterward that nothing has really changed on their end, since the letter to supporters echoes what Weiner has been saying publicly for months.

But it did seem to be part of an incremental retreat.

Yes, yes it does seem that way.

One less candidate in the race spells bad news for Bloomberg and good news for Thompson, who has been out and about, vigorously campaigning for mayor. Likewise, Weiner's departure would be good news for Tony Avella, since this would make the primary a two-way race and not with him on the side of the Congressman and the Controller.

Weiner Steps In To Offer His Own MTA Bailout Plan

With Majority Leader Smith unable to get a bailout passed in his divided Senate, others are trying to make it work in his place. Smith's leadership skills are practically non-existent and the most we get out of him are half-hearted excuses. So what better time is it for the half-hearted mayoral candidate and full-time Congressman, Anthony Weiner to come back and grace New Yorkers with his presence. Weiner isn't just back to talk though, he's got a plan that could do the job that Smith is unable to get done.

From the NYT Cityroom:

Representative Anthony D. Weiner on Monday released his version of a rescue plan for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, in which tolls on the East River and Harlem River bridges that would be paid only by people who do not live in New York City.

Mr. Weiner, a Democrat whose district includes parts of Queens and Brooklyn, and who is is planning to run for mayor in November, has long been an opponent of putting tolls on bridges where they don’t already exist.

But he said on Monday that making new tolls — which he would set at $4.15 — payable only by non-city residents would be a compromise that could gain traction in Albany and would be a bit like reviving the commuter tax, which was eliminated 10 years ago.

He predicted the tolls would raise $391 million a year.

While it is still a change in position for Congressman Weiner to put tolls on the bridges in any form, it is more amenable to the Senators that represent city dwellers that have to cross those East River bridges each day. In politics, compromise is the name of the game (except for the Republican party that wastes space in Congress) and Weiner is willing to move if it fixes the budget gap and keeps fares from going higher. If the idea gains traction with reticent State Senators, the plan will definitely earn him points if he ever decides to start running a full-on campaign to challenge Bloomberg.

Weiner To Thompson, Show Me Your Ideas And I'll Show You Mine

No, that isn't a direct quote but merely the jist of what Congressman Weiner said to address a question about his Democratic competition for this year's Mayoral race, City Comptroller Bill Thompson. So far, besides the controversial vehicle registration tax from Thompson, we haven't seen many ideas as of yet from either of them. One thing is for sure though, they'd both be welcome changes from the incumbent.

Congressman Weiner Calls Out The Myth Of Bloomberg

Congressman Anthony Weiner had a lot to say today about the Mayor at a Broadway Association lunch meeting. Obviously Weiner is willing to fight for the top position at City Hall and did a fine job at it today. Already, Weiner is taking shots at Bloomberg and dare I say, landing a few them directly where it hurts the Billionaire Mayor, right in the ego.

From The Daily Politics:

When Jordan Barowitz, a former Bloomberg spokesman who attended the luncheon, asked Weiner how he would reduce spending, the congressman merely said that if the administration had only raised spending on education and police since 2003, the city would be enjoying a $1 billion surplus today.

“The myth that we did this great job is just that, a myth," Weiner said. "We are poorly prepared going into this downturn."

Oh ouch, Weiner was ready for that one....now onto the craziness surrounding the rebate checks:

As for whether the city can afford to mail out the $400 rebate to homeowners - a topic on which Weiner's potential Democratic primary opponent, Comptroller Bill Thompson, has criticized the mayor of late - the congressman said: “He is legally required to and I think the law needs to be followed even when you are Mike Bloomberg.”

Bloomberg doesn't care much for laws when they get in his way. He either ignores them or gets them re-written, whichever is easier for the man. There'll be a lot of competition from the Democratic crowd next year (and I'm not saying Weiner is the best candidate to replace him) and hopefully we'll wittle down the challengers at the end so we can finally kick the rich bum out of City Hall once and for all.

Marist Shows Bloomberg's Popularity Slipping Away

For the last two months term limits has been one of the most widely discussed political issues in the City of New York. The center of that controversy is unarguably Michael Bloomberg, with the capitulating City Council right beside him. Bloomberg seems to think that the public will forget about it by next year and that his popularity was untouchable, but the polls are starting to prove him wrong.

From Marist:

What a Difference a Month Makes…Bloomberg’s Approval Rating Slips Significantly:

Although a majority of registered voters in New York City -- 59% -- think Mayor Michael Bloomberg is doing either an excellent or good job in office, his approval rating has dropped significantly. This is the first time since 2005 that his job performance rating has dipped into the 50 percent range. In a Marist Poll conducted in August 2005, 53% of the city’s voters thought Mayor Bloomberg was doing well in his position. Bloomberg’s approval rating has fallen since last month when 68% of the electorate thought Bloomberg was doing an above average job. Currently, Bloomberg is far from perfect in the eyes of 39% of voters. 28% report his job as fair while 11% say he is performing poorly as mayor. [...]

Good or Bad? More Voters View Term Limit Extension as Bad for the City: Mayor Bloomberg may have won the battle to extend New York City’s term limits, allowing him to run for a third term, but he has a long way to go to convince New Yorkers that the change is a good one. While 30% of the electorate believes the decision by the City Council and the mayor is good for the city, a plurality of the electorate -- 43% -- disagrees with the change. In fact, 48% want the courts to overturn the decision and revert back to the two term limit. 42% think the courts should uphold the new law.

While the city is only slightly more against the term limits extension than against, their view of the Mayor has dropped precipitously:

Bloomberg’s Bid for Third Term…A Political Pitfall? Mayor Bloomberg’s push for a third term may hurt him at the polls. In light of his decision, 40% of New York City voters say they are less likely to support the mayor’s potential 2009 re-election bid compared with 19% of the electorate who say they are more likely to back Bloomberg’s quest. 41% say his decision on term limits makes no difference to their vote.

Those are terrible numbers for the Mayor in regards to how the term limits extension has affected New Yorkers. What's worse for him is the polls showing the match-up against Anthony Weiner, Bill Thompson and Tony Avella:

Bloomberg with Lead Over Democratic Opponents…Receives Slim Majority: If New York City’s mayoral election were held today, Mayor Michael Bloomberg would achieve his goal of a third term. However, he has lost some support among voters. When placed up against Congressman Anthony Weiner, City Comptroller Bill Thompson, or City Council Member Tony Avella, Bloomberg leads Weiner 51% to 37%, outpaces Thompson 52% to 32% and defeats Avella 54% to 28%. Last month, voters had Bloomberg leading Weiner 56% to 30% and in front of Thompson 55% to 30%.

For someone who is a supposedly popular Mayor, having re-elect numbers in the low 50s is a terrible place to start out before the Democratic challengers achieve full name recognition. And according to the Marist pollster Lee Miringoff, it isn't just term limits that is hurting Bloomberg, it's the economy as well.

In a nutshell, Bloomberg may have won his battle at City Hall, but by no means is his re-election a done deal.

Anthony Weiner Wants You To Speak Up For The Will Of The Voters To Stand

As the opposition grows to Mayor Bloomberg's attempt at a third term, so do the number of websites set up that work to reach New Yorkers and get them mobilized against the anti-democratic efforts of the Mayor. Speaker Quinn and the fourteen other members (currently) of the Council are working on his behalf, so the rest of us need to make sure they do not achieve their quest for more power by making an end-run around the will of the voters.

Here's Mayoral candidate and Congressman Anthony Weiner's public request to fight back:



I'm thinking about getting my two minutes in front of the Council, how about you?

Weiner Wants The IRS To Do Our Taxes

So today is April 14th, meaning by the midnight tomorrow, you've either have to have your tax returns mailed in, filed for an extension or as many others do, have an accountant take care of it for you. It is a major headache for millions of Americans and makes late March and early April a hellish time for CPAs and all those that do taxes for a living. However, that could all change if a bill proposed by Congressman (and Mayoral candidate) Anthony Weiner passes through Congress this year.

From The NY Daily News:

Some 40% of Americans who file the simplest tax forms would qualify for the proposed "auto file" program, which will be introduced by Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn, Queens) when Congress returns next week.

"More people will file. Fewer people will have to spend money on tax firms or on computer software. And we'll be improving the relationship between the IRS and taxpayers for whom April 15 is a big headache," Weiner said.

The voluntary system, similar to California's "Ready Return" program, would apply to taxpayers who use 1040EZ and 1040A forms.

The IRS would use the W-2 and 1099 documents it gets from employers to fill out the forms.

Taxpayers would have a chance to review the IRS's calculations and make changes before signing the forms, Weiner said. Those who itemize their deductions probably would not want to use auto file, he said. And taxpayers would still have to take care of their state tax forms.

So the program is voluntary and if you have itemized deductions this won't work for you. If you simply file taxes without trying to pay less then go ahead, but most people want to do the opposite. After looking at this bill, it seems that Weiner is just trying to get some publicity in time for the height of tax season.

Republican Rep. Proves He Doesn't Care About 9/11 Victims

Yesterday the American people (via C-SPAN) were allowed to see the true heartlessness that exists within the Republican party when concerning the victims of the attacks that happened on September 11th, 2001. The terrible tragedy that occurred here in Lower Manhattan was unlike any other, yet a few short years later those Republicans who wanted to bring hell on anyone connected to it could care less about those that gave their health to help rescue people trapped in the Pile.

From The NY Daily News:

Congressional efforts to take care of sick Ground Zero workers hit a snag Tuesday when a powerful Republican insisted it's New York's problem alone.

California Rep. Darrell Issa, in refusing to send more money New York's way, insisted the planes that struck the twin towers weren't weapons.

"It simply was an aircraft, residue of two aircraft, and residue from the materials used to build this building," Issa said during a hearing into whether a new 9/11 victims' compensation fund should be launched.

An astounded Michael Cardozo, Mayor Bloomberg's corporation counsel, who was testifying before the panel said: "This was an attack, I believe, on the United States of America."

"It was located at Ground Zero, but it was an attack on America," Cardozo repeated.

Yeah it was an attack on America and the fact that Issa doesn't want to help those that gave so much on that day and those that followed it is a testament to the man's character. The men and women who are permanently injured from breathing in that toxic soup some tried to call air was full of dangerous particles that have decimated the lungs of hundreds of workers. Moreover, they were lied to about the quality of the air by the EPA, which by the way is a Federal agency and the government should must take responsibility for that by making sure these heroes get the care and respect they deserve.

Live From New York, It's The WGA East Rally!

There is no Saturday Night Live with the strike going on, and since only 150 people got to see the stage version (mostly SNL insiders) at UCB last weekend, I thought I would bring this to the orange worldwide theater in its place. Today, the Writers Guild of America East held a solidarity rally in Washington Square Park, and oh what a rally it was. Hundreds, if not over a thousand people came to show their support for the writers in Greenwich Village.

Many of course were the writers themselves. I saw a few from the Daily Show hanging in the back, as well as one correspondent, Aasif Mandvi who went up on stage. The event lasted over an hour, but the enthusiasm will last much longer than that, and the passion of the crowd can resonate with the bigwigs at the major studios.



Evan Handler (of Sex in the City fame) started it off a little bit past 12, helping to introduce the majority of the speakers. Most only went up for a minute or two, including Colin Quinn, Danny Glover, Gilbert Gottfried, Randi Weingarten of the United Federation of Teachers, Gary Le Barbera and Ed Ott from the Central Labor Council, Denis M. Hughes who leads the New York State AFL-CIO and Sam Freed who is the Screen Actors Guild President for New York.

Senator John Edwards came up for a little while to speak to the crowd. His speech was also short, but very, very sweet. He mentioned that he stands with the WGA-E, the WGA in Los Angeles and has not and will not cross their picket lines. Whether it is declining to go on "Ellen" or "The View," to potential canceling his appearance at a CBS-sponsored debate if their writers go on strike as well.



One of the most passionate of speakers is a man who is passionate about many causes, whether it is for human rights or for a fair wage for writers. That man, Tim Robbins, blew the crowd away. Clearly, he is experienced at speaking at these types of events.

I should also mention, many unions were in attendance, including parking attendants, the SEIU among others. The crowd was peppered with actors (many I that were recognizable, but sadly for me I can not place their names. If this sounds like a good time to you, being that there's an activist or two that might read this, be sure to check out their next rally here in the city, tomorrow at Columbus Circle from 10am to 2pm.

From The WGA East website:

Wednesday, November 28 Time Warner Center Columbus Circle 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Today's picket is part of the International Day of Solidarity, declared by The International Affiliation of Writers Guilds. They will be holding demonstrations in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, Great Britain, Mexico, and France. If you can get ahold of a flag from any of these countries, you might bring it along to the picket line. We will continue to hold rallies, informational leaflets, and pickets at various locations around New York City. Wear your WGAE t-shirt to the event and bring your WGAE whistle. Other union members -- wear your union gear proudly! Check the website for updated location information. [If you are a Writers Guild member living outside of NYC or LA and would like to organize an action in your city, please email picket@wgaeast.org. Actions are currently being organized in certain cities.]

Here's a couple more shots for your viewing pleasure:

On NYC's Subways, You Can See Something, But Who Can You Say Something To?

Our subway system is one of the most extensive in the world and definitely in the United States. Millions of passengers travel every day on local and the world's only express tracks. And on a sunny day that doesn't include the weekends, they tend to work rather well. Its only when we get some rain, like Wednesday that there can be total shutdowns and a non-existent communication system gets brutally exposed.

Being in Chicago last week, it was great to be able to use my cellphone on the L, and locals that have U.S. Cellular can use their phones anywhere. That means the Chicago Transit Authority can tell commuters if there are problems on the lines and what you can do about it so one isn't stranded in hot and humid stations (like I was last Wednesday waiting for a C train that never came at Penn Station). Local politicians are speaking out for cell service, so that we can hear updated information and even report on things that are suspect, like all those ads and loudspeakers keep saying on the trains.

From AM New York:

Straphangers were left with white dry-erase boards and bullhorns to tell them about subway service during the floods last week.

With spotty platform pay phone service, the MTA could have used wireless service to get the word out about outages, in text messages or emails to devices like BlackBerries, the officials said.

The MTA doesn't have a text or email alert system for New York City Transit outages, except for a weekly weekend service advisory e-mail, but could consider such a program with cell phone access, said Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn/Queens).

"There's a mantra they repeat over at the MTA: If you see something, say something," Weiner said. "The problem is that without cell phone service, there's really no way to tell anyone."

Weiner said a cell phone service surcharge is already in place that could fund underground service. The MTA is considering subway cell phone access and companies bid for the work in January 2006, but none has been chosen.

Thats the MTA for you, slow in doing....anything really. Meanwhile customers suffer and despite a billion dollar surplus, their concern is to raise fares and drop untold gobs of cash into a Second Avenue subway line that was started nearly eighty years ago. They could have left the old elevated line in place until an underground tunnel was completed...but that might be considered common sense, and why would we want something like that to be a trait of the MTA?

Congressman Weiner Gets It With The Saudi Arms Deal

It's always nice to see a little reasoned and common sense approach to the world coming from New York. Congressman Weiner (D-NY) gave us a dose of that today by speaking out against the multi-billion dollar arms sale to Saudi Arabia and other countries in that troubled region. Saudi Arabia is only friendly with us because of oil, but many citizens do not care about that (or their government for that matter) and want to do us harm. President Bush ignores this reality as the price of oil.

From WNYC:

NEW YORK, NY July 29, 2007 —The Bush Administration's proposed sale of weaponry to Saudi Arabia is being challenged by Congressman Anthony Weiner. The Democrat, who represents parts of Brooklyn and Queens, plans to introduce legislation today to block the multi-billion-dollar sale, which would include advanced weaponry and systems to enhance the striking ability of Saudi warplanes.

Weiner says the Kingdom's support for the war on terrorism has been questionable.

The proposed weapons sales are intended to strengthen U.S. allies at a time of uncertainty in the region. Egypt and Israel are also expected to receive financial support.

I would personally go farther than just say their support is "questionable," but it suffices for a member of Congress. United States arms dealers and merchants of death are frothing at the mouth for these weapons contracts. Their friends in the White House are happy to oblige, but at least one Congressman has the courage to challenge the status quo of our arms exports, especially considering who the recipients are.

Weiner Explores A Second Run For Mayor

The 2009 mayoral election seems like eons away, especially with the Presidential nominations for 2008 receiving a tremendous amount of press. However it isn't too early for Congressman Weiner (D-NY) to file papers with the Elections Board in preparation for a possible run.

From The Empire Zone:

“I’ve got a great job now, and I’m committed to a lot of the same issues I talked about in 2005 and that still keep me up today,” Mr. Weiner said in a telephone interview today, citing education reform and the high cost of living. “It’s becoming a tougher and tougher place for many New Yorkers to live.”

A member of Congress since 1999, Mr. Weiner said he had not made a final decision on whether to run. “I’m not eager for a three-year campaign,” he said.

I wouldn't be eager for a three year campaign either. One of the key reasons for the Democratic failure to hold the Mayorship is that party infighting has held them back on several occassions. One of those was used by Giuliani to sneak in as mayor in order to become the most divisive stewards of the city New York has ever seen (that is until, 9/11 of course).

Nevertheless, Weiner would be an excellent candidate with plenty of credentials. Now in his 4th term as the Congressman from New York's 9th district in Brooklyn, Weiner has fought for Democratic values with tremendous charisma and conviction. His recent speech in Congress was incredible to say the least. Drum Major Institute gave him an A grade on his votes concerning the middle class and except for an announced regret for voting for the war in 2002, his record has made progressives proud.

Congressman Weiner On The Republic Party

Congressman Anthony Weiner makes me proud to be a New Yorker. This speech in front of the Congress was pure brilliance. He hammers the 'Republic' party over and over again due to the non-issue of Nancy Pelosi's security and shows that the elephants are the ones with no ideas.

His words are dead-on and the way he conducts himself by shutting down the 'Republic' Congressman put a smile on my face. Oh yes, it is good to be in the majority. Free at last, free at last, oh lordy free at last!

Silence Is Betrayal: John Edwards at Riverside Church

Yesterday afternoon I was one of 1,200 to 2,000 people ( AP on the low end and the NY Times on the high end) who assembled at the Riverside Church in Manhattan for a special occasion. We came from different religious backgrounds, class backgrounds and ethnic backgrounds; yet all of us came together for a common purpose.




Our purpose was to remember Dr. King, to celebrate his legacy and to realize the dream that the great Reverend so eloquently told us about with his "I Have A Dream" speech and numerous sermons through the years. Yesterday the congregation was treated to an incredible procession of the great orators of our day. The messages of hope, remembrance and a call to service had the whole congregation on their feet.



If you haven't been inside Riverside Church before, I highly recommend it. To say the edifice is impressive would be an understatement. Words cannot describe it, so I suggest you check out the pictures here.

Here's one I took:


After the prelude music by the Riverside Choir, we were treated to video excerpts of Dr. King. Then the lights went up and his son Martin Luther King III welcomed the congregation, meanwhile John and Elizabeth Edwards walked in to take their seats.

Rabbi Sarah Reines of the Central Synagogue provided the reading, co-founder of the Drum Major Institute William Wachtel gave his remarks and then the awe-inspiring Rev. Dr. James Forbes came up and delivered a powerful address. After a gospel solo Martin Luther King III came out and introduced the keynote speaker, Senator and Presidential candidate John Edwards. I would elaborate more on all of the speakers, though each one deserves post of their own.


Rev. Forbes

--------------------------



Senator Edwards' speech was nothing short of spectacular. Many of you have either seen the webcast or read excerpts of the text.
The energy in the nave of Riverside Church was simply awesome.

“If you are in Congress and you know this war is going in the wrong direction, it is no longer enough to study your options,”

Although this speech was webcasted and/or televised, both Senator Schumer and Congressman Weiner sat in the front section and heard these words loud and clear. It is up to them and the rest of the Congress to take heed of this sound advice.

“I believe it is betrayal not to speak out against an escalation of the war in Iraq,” Mr. Edwards said, to a standing ovation.

That little snippet resulted in a three minute standing ovation. Even the NY Times noted it. Though the beginning of the speech was what really got to me.

Forty years ago, almost to the month, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood at this pulpit, in this house of God, and with the full force of his conscience, his principles and his love of peace, denounced the war in Vietnam, calling it a tragedy that threatened to drag our nation down to dust.

As he put it then, there comes a time when silence is a betrayal -- not only of one's personal convictions, or even of one's country alone, but also of our deeper obligations to one another and to the brotherhood of man.

Echoing what King said and the times in which he said it made the comparison of Iraq and Vietnam crystal clear. Silence while the cruel sting of reality punctures our nation is truly a betrayal to the principles that our country was founded on. An active citizenry will hold the government accountable for its actions alongside a vigilant press. Unfortunately we don't have much of either currently but that can change. We have it in us to make that change.

John F. Kennedy once said:

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.

His words of wisdom ring true to this day and every day beyond. It is imperative to remember that each day we can strive to do our best to make the world a better place, if only a small amount at a time.

--------------------------------

After Edwards left the pulpit to a standing ovation, thirteen year old Joshua Govnor McVay-Bennett read Dr. King's "I Have A Dream" speech. Though reading wasn't necessary since the high school student memorized it when he was eight. Following him was Marian Wright Edelman of Children's Defense Fund. She spoke about the state of health care and poverty and that it is a crime for millions of children to not have health insurance.



The last speaker was Imam Al-Hajj Talib 'Abdur-Rashid' from the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood in Harlem. He referenced the tale of Rip Van Winkle and how the character slept through the American Revolution. He warned the audience that there is a 'triple-revolution' going on in this country right now. One part is the advances in technology, one in the advancement of warfare capabilities and the human rights revolution that is occuring all over the globe. He stated that we must not sleep through this era and let it go by just as Rip Van Winkle had.

After a quick, but powerful closing remark by Martin Luther King III, dozens of brightly colored robed choirpeople came up to the front while Dr. Forbes went to the secondary pulpit high above the stage. He finished with inspiring words of wisdom that encouraged us to work for a better world.





At the end of the service, everyone held hands and sang 'We Shall Overcome.' It did not matter if we were a Senator, Congressman, Pastor, Christian, Jew, Muslim, poor, wealthy, black, white, yellow, blue or green; we sang as one. It was a true representation of what John Edwards calls 'One America.'