Attorney Convicted of Voting Seeks Pardon

There are links throughout the article - I recommend that you go to the site to see them all. This is another site that will be added to the blogroll.

As you may have heard, things have not been going so well for New York Governor David Paterson, who has announced he will not run for another term. Another scandal has since come to light (although considering what the previous governor was up to, calling this a "scandal" may be a stretch), leading to speculation that Paterson may resign. Here's something decent he could do between now and then: pardon John O'Hara.

John O'Hara is a New York attorney and political activist who was disbarred in 1997 after he was convicted of voting in an election district in which he did not "reside." Apparently, civil challenges to residency under the state's Election Law are common, but criminal prosecutions are rare. Very rare. As in, there have only been three, ever, and one of those was Susan B. Anthony, prosecuted in 1873 for the heinous crime of Voting While Female. You might have thought there were enough serious crimes in any given borough every year to keep each district attorney fully employed, but the Brooklyn DA found time to put O'Hara on trial three separate times for voting from the wrong address.

If that seems a little odd to you, you are not alone. People who have investigated this prosecution -- including the author of this Harper's Magazine article, and the bar committee that recently recommended reinstating O'Hara's license, have concluded that it was politically motivated. One of the many fun facts about this is that the DA who prosecuted O'Hara, Charles Hynes, turned out to be violating the same law at the time. Somehow, he neglected to prosecute himself for that.

The law involved defines "residency" as "that place where a person maintains a fixed, permanent and principal home and to which he, wherever temporarily located, always intends to return." N.Y. Election Law § 1-104(22). But that hasn't been construed literally by courts, which have held that if someone has more than one "residence," he or she can pick one for voting purposes so long as they have "legitimate, significant and continuing attachments" to that location. Ferguson v. McNab, 60 N.Y.2d 598, 600 (1983). Even that has been pretty damn flexible. One civil case was dismissed although the voter in question could remember having visited his voting address maybe once in seven years.

By contrast, O'Hara had lived in the same neighborhood his whole life, had managed successful political campaigns there and had run for public office several times. And he didn't leave the district, the district left him, as a result of redistricting in 1992. He re-registered to vote using an address on 47th Street, which he said was a basement apartment in a building owned by his ex-girlfriend. He has never tried to conceal the fact that he did this so he could continue to work and run in campaigns in the district. And under the law, at least as interpreted by courts, he should have been entitled to do that.

I realize that if this were the opening scene of an episode of "Law and Order," you might click over to the History Channel and watch something about Nostradamus. There is no dead body at the end of this scene, but only because it's hard to draw chalk outlines around due process. So keep reading.

In 1996, O'Hara was suddenly indicted. Coincidentally, at the time he was challenging an incumbent politician linked to the DA. Although, again, there had been only two other prosecutions under this law, ever, O'Hara was charged with seven felonies and was tried three separate times (short history: trial, conviction, reversal, retrial, hung jury, retrial) for the heinous address violations described. Ultimately, he was convicted, and that was later upheld in a decision that prompted a strong dissent. People v. O'Hara, 96 N.Y.2d 378 (2001). Without getting into all the details, the third jury was given a confusing instruction on residency that included both legal standards, and it seems very likely that this was a prejudicial error. But the majority did not agree, or at least it found some arguments had been waived.

Even assuming that final decision was right for technical reasons, the question remains why O’Hara was prosecuted at all. In his article for Harper's, Christopher Ketcham wrote that he had little doubt it was politically motivated retaliation, and the bar committee that looked into the case in 2009 decided that was probably accurate. It voted 25-0 to recommend his license be reinstated, and a court agreed. So, after 12 years, O'Hara can now practice law again, but is still, technically, a felon.

Slick Rick in 2005_ Getty Images This is where Governor Paterson comes in, or ought to. O'Hara has filed a petition asking for a pardon, which is something that outgoing executives are known for granting, because they can. And now that Paterson may be outgoing sooner than expected, this seems like a good time to bring it up again. O'Hara has pointed out that Paterson has granted a full pardon to Ricky Walters (right), a.k.a "Slick Rick," a.k.a., Guy Who Shot Two People and spent six years in prison for attempted murder. If Slick Rick deserves a pardon, doesn't convicted voter John O'Hara? (Who, by the way, should get some extra credit for not going around wearing an eye patch.)

If you want to help out, you can go here to sign an e-petition supporting the pardon request. Go here to read a personal message of support from Chris Noth, who you all know from "Law and Order" and who 51% of you know from "Sex and the City." If you sign up, ladies, Chris will personally come over and rub your feet. No, he won’t, but you should sign anyway.

Link: Free John O'Hara
Link: NY Daily News (2009)
Link: NY Times (list of articles mentioning the case)

Paterson Bails; Gets In Great Parting Shot At Failed Drug War

Current New York State Governor David Paterson will not seek reelection. On his way out, though, he got in a great shot at the "drug war" which is chiefly responsible for disenfranchising the youth of New York.

I am looking for a transcript of his speech - you will see this post updated with the text (and video, if appropriate) when they become available.

I hope to see something from this appear at Pete Guither's excellent site, DrugWarRant.

Update: the hits just keep on coming...now he's being pressured to resign his current campaign. Hmmm...this wouldn't be a case of damning the man before the jury is in, yes?

THE VINES (# 01 – 2010) - Room Eight

THE VINES (# 01 – 2010)
posted by Rock Hackshaw
Mon, 02/15/2010 - 11:01pm

In my last Vines column (see # 10-09), I told you that I had inside info, which stated that upon finding out Eliot Spitzer’s team had tagged him for the Lieutenant-governor slot, David Paterson said: “they surely haven’t vetted me for this job”. And now Paterson goes up on a local radio station and directly corroborates said info. This had been a news item on the blogs (see Elizabeth Benjamin’s blog) last week. I hereby reiterate what I wrote in a column recently, calling for mainstream media (and alternative mediums too) to do a better job vetting candidates before elections are held; this is a responsibility placed squarely on the shoulders of the fourth and fifth estates (non-identical twins). And by fifth estate, I refer to all the alternative mediums that have sprung up with all the technological advancements in communications, since the founding fathers ratified the constitution (and the fourth estate). For example: the internet, twittering, blogging, texting and the like, can now be considered the fifth estate.

David Paterson needs to pass on this upcoming primary. He is dead meat. There has been too much “stuff”’ out there even before he replaced Spitzer as governor. And by stuff, I mean “bad press”. Look; I really don’t want to join this “train” they have been pulling on his reputation for too many months now. Gatemouth correctly calls it a “gangbang”. And as much as I feel for the brother, the truth is this: he has no one to blame but himself.

If David stays in the race he will only hurt the democrats’ chances of retaining the governorship. The primary could become a pig sty, and as a democrat I would hate to see that. David Paterson needs to lay down his sling-shot on this battleground, for the good of the party. David Dinkins, Charlie Rangel and a few others from the uptown crew, need to put him in a room and put some sense into his thick skull: he is dead man walking. I don’t think he, his wife, kids and extended family, need to deal with this sideshow anymore: enough already. It’s tiring. It’s boring. It’s distasteful. It’s demeaning. You can add your own adjective or adverb, if as a reader of this column, you so choose.

David Paterson has already made history (twice), and now it is time to move on. As far as I know, he was the first black minority leader of the state senate, and also the first black governor of New York. He may also have made history by being the first legally blind governor anywhere (definitely New York). Well, if I am incorrect, Gatemouth will definitely straighten me out here/lol.

Up in Queens we can expect some fireworks this September. It is rumored that Assembly member Aubrey is getting a challenge (via Miranda?); something he hasn’t gotten for a while. And if Jose Peralta wins Hiram Monseratte’s vacant seat in a special election next month, then expect Bryan PuFolkes to tackle Francisco Moya in the fight to replace Jose in the assembly. Rumors are that Malcolm Smith won’t be long in the Senate since he has his eyes on other things -outside of politics. BTW, from Queens: another Weprin went to the Albany legislature last week; I think this makes four of them now (well, at least three). Think family-dynasty folks.

Pedro Espada jnr. made an ass of himself at the Black and Hispanic Caucus events held in Albany last weekend. He tried to lead a walkout during Harold Ford’s speech, citing Ford’s evolving positions on immigration reform. He got one or two followers: that’s it. There was definitely no mass exodus as he anticipated. Espada is getting a primary challenge folks. Are you surprised?

BTW, reports from Albany indicate that Harold Ford did himself well with his keynote speech to the caucus. I viewed and listened on a blog clip and I wasn’t overly impressed. It was a’ight (as they say on the streets): meaning mediocre at best. Harold has a very slim chance of pulling off a victory here, but I must admit that he will bring a little excitement to the race.

I hope Mort Zuckerman (Daily News) stays away from this race. The last thing we need is to have one of Bloomberg’s co-conspirators in the term limits hijack, running for anything. Go away little man: and stay gone.

As much as I suspect Hiram Monseratte’s banishment from the Senate will be a long drawn out legal battle, I am really more concerned that this precedent will be racially applied like most things political and legal. As I predicted recently, survival in the Senate -by those who are convicted of misdemeanors- will eventually come down to clout, connections, and stature. I should have added race, nationality and ethnicity to the mix. I wonder if Howie Gatemouth really understands where I am coming from on this one. We shall see.

Relative to Senator Kevin Parker, it was disappointing to see that he was once again involved in another fracas before the vote was even taken last week. If you think he hasn’t gone after females -like he did with Diane Saverino- before, then you are sadly mistaken. I am starting to conclude that this guy is beyond redemption, and has serious mental-health issues. If he goes down for the count, then expect the race for his seat to be hotly contested. Right now there are five solid candidates ready to replace him. Two are ready to challenge him right away, even if he survives all his contemporary trials and tribulations. These two are: businessman/activist Wellington Sharpe, and educator/activist Rudy Daly.

The other potential candidates for this seat are Terry Hinds (attorney), Dr. Dexter McKenzie, and former city council member Dr. Kendall Stewart (YES). Let me further state that Kevin’s actual demise will only add one or two others to the mix. For now, these are the five people who have expressed real interest in such a race.

At the Black and Hispanic Caucus weekend, three of the candidates here were seen making the rounds (McKenzie, Sharpe and Stewart). Word is that Stewart has really taken his loss to Jumanee Williams to heart. It is said that he has dropped more weight than a Jenny Craig graduate. Doc Stewart needs to exit on the right, and leave politics for less stressful pastures. Meanwhile Williams was sighted making the rounds in Albany also. This young man is a rising star in Brooklyn’s politics. He was courageous enough to get on the city council floor, in order to publicly express his belief that Charles Barron was a good chairman, when he headed up the Higher Education Committee (2001 thru-2010). At some point during this tenure Williams was a student at Brooklyn College- where he obtained both BA and MA degrees. Although he didn’t vote to reinstate Barron, he paid him a fine compliment.

Despite all this, Barron immediately went after the Black, Latino and Asian members of this caucus at the next meeting, as he had done many times over the years. Barron berated them for allowing Quinn to get away with stripping him from his committee and for not supporting his reform effort, etc. Melissa Veverito was one of very few to stand up to Barron’s bullying and intimidating tactics. He is becoming a bully right before our eyes folks: all because he is impotent and ineffective in the council. By now he must have lost any support he may have tried to garner. What a friggin waste!!!

If you had a hundred dollars for every time Barron has called the caucus members “Uncle Toms”, then you will would be a rich man. Over the years, the name-calling, verbal abuse, loud admonishments and ill-treatment has happened many times -especially when he couldn’t get his way. I wonder if any of the other members have the moral courage to come out publicly and back me up on this. We shall see. Again, I stand by what I write here. And if he ever wants to challenge me to meet me in a dark alley, I will still stand by my column, as I walk into the alley all by myself. You see folks; the truth will always set you free. Charles Barron is the biggest disappointment in Brooklyn’s politics. Many electeds tell me this all the time, but they also refuse to go public with it.

If the race for the 21st Senatorial District (minus Parker) were to get crowded with too many blacks (and Caribbean-Americans), I wouldn’t be surprised if female district leader (44AD) Lori Knipel jumps in. Objectively speaking, I think she should. Why not? After all, she ran for the seat in 2002.

Of the first five contenders I have mentioned before, all are Caribbean-Americans. Three are Jamaican-born (Daly, McKenzie and Sharpe). And trust me when I tell you there are about four or five more Caribs looking at these unfolding developments. Until I speak to some of them I will keep their names out of this column. To be clear: I am not one of them. I have no intention of running to replace KP; none whatsoever.

Look; I also expect a Haitian-American candidate to jump in this race. Someone like Rev. Sam Nicolas would make a strong candidate here. My good friend Wellington Sharpe has already approached me for an endorsement and my support. Once the field is rounded out, I will facilitate him; but it is still early for all that. Wellington has paid serious dues with his community activism. He has a long track record of political involvement going back to the seventies. He deserves one more shot at elected office.

Don’t be surprised if Una and Yvette Clarke become key players in determining who wins this seat. I think Assemblyman Nick Perry will probably try to flex his political muscle here, but word is that Nick is finally getting a challenge after 12 years without facing a primary opponent. Who the rookie council member (Jumanee Williams) supports here, will interest many of those who still eye the 45th council district seat. He will be wise to thread lightly in this race.

In another development, Senator John Sampson was said to be getting a challenge from Kenneth Evans (again), but then the word on the street changed: and now I am hearing that Evans will tackle Inez Barron instead. The Sampson race would have developed into a grudge re-match, since in the eyes of Ken Evans, Sampson was one of about half a dozen people, responsible for him not holding elected office today. BTW, there is grumbling about the way John handled the Hiram Monseratte imbroglio. And this is coming from electeds. I really sympathize with John on this one: it was a no-win situation for him from Jump Street.

Also getting challenges come September are assembly member Junior Boyland (via Tony Herbert), and his district leader wife (via Darlene Mealy) in the 55th AD. Tony has begun interviewing prospective campaign mangers for this effort. In the past he has had some trouble putting together meaningful campaign structures, but this time he promises to do it right. I do wish him luck. One of those being interviewed is a former campaign manager of mine (Joeann Brusche), who was quite instrumental in helping to get Inez Barron elected to the state assembly.

Word out of the 40th AD suggests Kevin McCall will run for male district leader and challenge Earl Williams. State senator Velmanette Montgomery (via Mark Pollard) is also set to be challenged; while Rev. Camera (43rdAD) is getting a freebee; so too is Hakeem Jeffries. There is someone considering a primary challenge to Helene Weinstein (41AD). I am not at liberty to disclose the name right now. Ms. Weinstein hasn’t had a challenge in 16 years; meanwhile the 41st AD has seen many demographic changes since then. That could be rather interesting, won’t it?

In the 11th congressional, rumors have been swirling for some time that Yvette Clarke will be primaried; however even at this late stage, I have failed to uncover who that challenger could be. I am starting to suspect it’s all bullshit. Yvette has maintained a good profile since she came to office in 2006. She might be an intimidating candidate right now: plus it will take loads of cash to even have a chance of winning. She may not be the greatest fundraiser, but she has a base of voters here. She will be tough to beat; especially by a late starter.

It looks as though congressman Ed Towns is going to get a “freebee” this time around, since word is that neither Tish James nor Hakeem Jeffries will demonstrate the testicular fortitude to challenge him. Charles Barron (“Chucky Bee”) isn’t doing it either since he cannot raise the requisite funds for a meaningful challenge. And I suspect that Kevin Powell is a non-starter. Many people want Hakeem to run, but he is a very reluctant runner. Hey dude: “faint heart never won a fair lady”/lol.

Speaking of “Chucky Bee” himself, it appears that my article (“Don Quixote”) on him may just cost me my part time job with council member Darlene Mealy (Communications Director). I have been handed a letter outlining the council’s guidelines on “blogging”, from the Office of the General Counsel. I am studying the document and may have to get legal advice in order to continue blogging. The letter specifically cited the “Don Quixote” column. If you haven’t read that column, then go up to my archives here and do so. You can click on my name under “Bloggers” to get there. Tell me what you think about it. All I know is this: I do have first amendment rights via the US constitution. ‘Nuff said.

In fairness to Ms. Mealy, let me state unequivocally, that she and her two advisors who hired me, have never attempted to place restrictions on my writings, at any point over the last 3 months. If it is true that Barron protested my column -which is what has caused this letter to be issued- then he is nothing but a wimp. For years I have challenged him to publicly debate me whenever issues were hot (like “Ebonics”), but he always refused. In the past -whenever I openly critiqued him- I have challenged him to refute my truths, by writing columns on Room Eight New York Politics and other blogs; again, he has always refused. I was told by a highly reputable source that he is mad at me: so what. I write nothing but the truth from where I see it. His wife has been mad at me for years. Both Inez and Charles don’t get it, and that’s a shame. They may be well-meant, but they have one-tracked minds; close-minded in areas where they should be objective.

If this letter becomes a big issue and I have to give the council-woman notice, then c’est la vie. I am going to stand up for my first amendments rights to write my political columns as I see fit; to hell with “DON QUIXOTE” CHARLES BARRON (if he is the cause of all this). I have always survived the hits. This too shall pass. If I am fired over my writings then ditto.

I must say that working for an elected has been quite informative. Seeing things from another angle has given me fresher outlooks on city government. My perspective has surely been broadened. Some constituents swear that electeds can make miracles; but they cannot.

On another plain, it is pleasing to announce that John O’Hara has been reinstated as a lawyer. John lost his license to practice law when he was convicted of voting from the wrong address (even though he actually lived there also). Many people felt that DA Hynes was both vindictive and hypocritical in pursuing the case, which I will write more about in time. Welcome back John: we sure missed you in the insurgent trenches bro’.

John was one of the architects in the challenge to D.A. Charles Hynes (by attorney Sandra Roper) many moons ago. Some say this is where all his legal woes started. As for the Ropers, Sandra’s sister (Ms. Casilda Roper Simpson) will be running for public office again in the near future. When, where and for what office is yet to be announced. This dynamic young woman is a good candidate for any office she chooses. I hope you all will support her when the time comes.

In Harlem, word is that Adam Clayton Powell is running for Congress (again). He is said to be challenging Charlie Rangel again. There is another candidate already in the race, so I am sure old Charlie is smiling. Truth is this: Charlie needs to ride off into the sunset: like yesterday. You gotta make way (room) for the young folks Charles.

Word is that of the three “minority” congressional seats in Brooklyn (Clarke, Towns and Velasquez), after reapportionment (post-census) one will be gone. Yvette Clarke has the least seniority so she might be the most vulnerable. Remember, New York State has been steadily losing population (compared to many other states) over the past half century. Let’s hope the black delegation of electeds in NY fight to save the 11th congressional district. It’s about inclusion folks. It’s about inclusion.

When I speak to blacks all over the world lately, I am starting to get a familiar refrain. It appears that most are viewing the Republican attacks on Barack Obama as nothing but a racist backlash. They see Republican obstructionism as racially motivated. I keep reminding them that most of the voters who gave Barack his record victory (highest raw number for a president ever) were white. This doesn’t deter their view though. This isn’t good folks. Someone in the Republican Party has to step forward and do damage control. They are losing minorities in droves, and they never had a lot to start with.

I will leave you with this teaser: I won’t be surprised if a woman enters the race for Hiram’s vacant seat. The issue of domestic violence (DV) can aid a female candidate here. So far only men have shown interest in this seat, but I expect that to change before the September primary. There is a small rumor floating around that Hiram’s county-selected replacement has skeletons in his closet too; for his sake I hope it isn’t true.

Finally; let me say this: folks come up to me all the time and accuse me of writing this, or that, or the other; ready to step to me with bellicose intent; I always tell them the same friggin thing: read my columns before you step to me. And make sure you understand what you are reading. I stand behind what I write: always. I am sending this comment to not only elected officials, but also to their sycophants and ass-kissers. ‘Nuff said.

Stay tuned-in folks; things will be warming up soon.

Don't Let The Senate Chamber Door Hit You On The Ass, Monserrate!

Despite the fact that New York City wakes up to a blizzard, I woke up quite exuberant today...can you guess as to why?

I'll bet that you have some idea.

ALBANY – A state senator, convicted of assaulting his girlfriend, was expelled from the State Senate, late Tuesday night.

The vote was 53 to 8, to kick out Sen. Hiram Monserrate, a Queens Democrat.

Monserrate was convicted of misdemeanor assault, following a trial last fall. He had been accused of assaulting Karla Giraldo, then dragging her through the lobby of their apartment building, in December 2008.

The senate had the option of censure. A felony conviction would have meant mandatory expulsion.

In a statement, Monserrate claims the expulsion disenfranchises the voters who elected him.

“There is no question those of us fortunate enough to hold a position of public trust must be held to a higher standard befitting the privilege of representing the people of New York”, said Senate Majority Conference Leader John Sampson. “Today, the Senate acted to protect the best interests of the people we serve and preserve the dignity of our body.”

Marcia Pappas, President of NOW-NYS stated, "For over a year The National Organization for Women-New York State has repeatedly sent the message that anything less than expulsion was not acceptable. Any form of violence against women is not acceptable. We hope that this serves as a wakeup call to all law makers. Whether you are a candidate or a sitting elected official, if you are violent towards another person, you are not fit to hold office."

I want the thank the members of the Senate who finally did the right thing and removed this sub-human piece of garbage from his position of power.

His arrogance in continuing to maintain that he was performing the will of the people would have continued to delegitimize the Senate, had he been allowed to retain his seat. Let's examine his conduct:

The committee criticized Monserrate for refusing to cooperate with its investigation. Its report noted that he was convicted of dragging his girlfriend in a domestic incident and told a judge he took full responsibility for his actions. But in later media interviews, he didn't acknowledge that, the report said.

If you'll recall, Monserrate was reportedly "enraged" at finding a PBA card in the possession of his girlfriend, Karla Giraldo. He reportedly was "bringing her a glass of water" when the glass somehow came to cut her face. He then insisted on dragging her to the hospital, which was caught on surveillance video (courtesy of Huffington Post) - click link to go to page.

He absolutely lied in regards to his accountability in this incident, and refused to take any responsibility. Add to this the shenanigans that he and fellow senator Pedro Espada engaged in last year which brought the Senate to a halt for over a month, and I think you'll agree with me that Monserrate had to go.

See ya!

In other news...I am interested in knowing if the New York Post is engaging in a smear campaign to induce current New York Governor David Paterson not to seek a full, elected term of office. Considering former governor Eliot Spitzer's untimely fall from grace, and the hard decisions Paterson has been forced to enact, he deserves the chance to see if New Yorkers will allow him to run for a full term. I believe that challenger Andrew Cuomo has a great chance; he is working to curb the daily malfeasance that occurs behind the scenes daily in New York, and I think the last thing New York needs now is yet another financial Ponzi scheme on the order of the Madoff scandal. The New York Times has not yet put out their story, and they are playing the old "follow the leader" game, stating that they're only following the story as the Post has reported. The one thing that really hit hard was the quote used on the cover of the Post yesterday: "I did NOT have sex with that woman". Don't you all remember where and from whom you heard that quote previously? That's right - it was our former whoremaster president, William Jefferson Clinton. You've been placed in great company, Paterson.


Let's see...and, if there isn't any merit at all to this story, let's see how large the apology to Paterson will be.

1,128

That is the number of people who could have been hired at a salary of $35,000 in New York City at Bloomberg L.L.P.; instead, he spent it all on his bought-and-paid-for third term run. This figure comes from the average-per-hour alluded to by 1010WINS radio, calculated from just the September primary to now, a count of 47 days. I think that giving gainful employment to out-of-work New Yorkers could have gone a huge way in proving his intentions for the future of New York City; instead, those monies went to an advertising agency. For all intents and purposes, he could've just mailed that money to New Yorkers, instead of wallpapering our mailboxes with his blatant propaganda.

Vote for Comptroller William Thompson tomorrow, and show Michael R. Bloomberg that New York City can't be bought on the cheap.

While you're at it, New Yorkers, go sign John Kennedy O'Hara's petition - let's get the momentum for the pardon in full swing. David Paterson just needs to see your names added to the growing list of justice seekers.

So...get out and vote, fellow New Yorkers! If you are unsure of your voting location, call (866)868-3692 or go to vote.nyc.ny.us.

Paterson Threatens NY Senators With Loss Of Pay; Mark Sanford Shows His Feet Of Clay

AP Photo

New York State Governor David Paterson leaves a news conference at the Capitol in Albany, N.Y., Wednesday, June 24, 2009. Paterson said he would withhold senators' pay, and take them to court if they don't do their job.


Updated: 06/25/09 12:19 PM
Dueling factions in Albany working on an agreement
By Tom Precious
NEWS ALBANY BUREAU

ALBANY— Negotiators are working on an agreement so that state senators can begin passing long-stalled bills on Monday, the Democratic head of the GOP-led faction of the Senate said this morning.

Sen. Pedro Espada, in an interview at the Capitol, said he is confident a deal will be struck by tomorrow that will lead to "a resolution of the leadership issues and bring us back - 62 senators - to the Capitol on Monday."

"That's the course we're on," said Espada, the Bronx Democrat whose crossing the aisle on June 8 helped the Republicans take control of the Senate. He was made Senate president for his political help. A fellow Democrat who joined him in the coup has since flipped back, resulting in a 31-31 tie between the two factions.

Espada said staffs and legislative leaders have been talking all morning today about a deal that will keep intact "as close as we can" to the results of the June 8 coup that made him president and Sen. Dean Skelos, a Long Island Republican, the majority leader.

The lawmaker stressed that the sides for the first time are having cordial discussions. "You cannot have an honest dialogue with shields and swords raised and pointed at each other. We've gotten to the point where we're relaxed with each other to really start a negotiation in earnest," Espada said.

Espada said he realizes both factions want to come out of the talks with a "win win for everybody." Democrats have insisted they want at least one of the leadership posts taken during the coup.

Asked if the talks could lead to the Democrats getting one of those posts, Espada said, "We'll let's see what happens. If we approach it philosophically with a win win, if we try to live up to as close as we can to what happened legitimately and legally on June 8 then I think it's real progress."

Asked if that might mean he'd be willing to relinquish his title, Espada said, "No, because that would not be accurate."

Both sides at 3 p.m. are going into an extraordinary session ordered by Gov. David Paterson. Unless a major breakthrough occurs, one idea being floated is that the 31 Democrats will gavel into a session and then gavel out without taking up any bills because they will be one vote short of a quorum. Then Espada and the Republicans will gavel in and do the same.

The governor on Wednesday had vowed court action if the chamber shuttered during a special session that he had ordered.

Paterson's office issued a statement late Wednesday saying there was no need to seek a court order to get senators back to work.

"The leadership from both the Republicans and Democrats has notified my office that they will attend tomorrow's Extraordinary Session, Paterson's statement said. "By complying with their constitutionally mandated obligations, there will be no need to seek a court order tomorrow. However, I will continue to use every power at my disposal to ensure that the Senate gets back to the people's business."

When senators meets today, they will consider 10 new bills that Paterson wants approved.

Missing from today’s agenda are controversial bills Paterson sought Wednesday, such as one to legalize same-sex marriage.

While they will come to session, Democrats already contended that the gatherings are likely illegal. They insist they cannot act on legislation without the Assembly also here in special session. They pushed that point Wednesday by holding only a five-minute session after declaring Paterson’s call for a session unconstitutional.

“Are we kidding?” snapped Paterson, saying he would not call the Assembly back to have it reconsider bills that it already has approved. The Assembly had a simple retort: “The Assembly has passed these bills,” said Dan Weiller, an Assembly Democratic spokesman.

So went Day 17 of “Albany Held Hostage.”

It began with Democrats locking themselves in the chamber — two at a time in two-hour shifts — at 6 a. m. One would sit at the podium, the other in the majority leader’s chair to carry out what they believe is a legal statement that the Democrats control the house. At one point, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani checked in from afar, saying the state should hold a constitutional convention to remedy the parliamentary showdown now under way.

Neither side will recognize the other’s leadership claims — meaning that the Legislature has become, in essence, tricameral: an Assembly and two Senates. After a dueling session Tuesday, which saw shouting as lawmakers ran two sessions at the same time in the chamber, Republicans boycotted the Wednesday session.

Espada responded to the governor’s tongue-lashings Wednesday. “We don’t need lectures,” he said, accusing the governor of wanting “to be the ringleader to the circus” at the Capitol.

Espada and the GOP called for binding arbitration; Democrats said that would take too long, since dozens of state and local laws are set to expire Tuesday without Senate approval.

Earlier, Republicans were back in court, this time as plaintiffs. They want a state judge to order the Democratic-appointed Senate secretary — the chamber’s top staffer — to stop hindering GOP-led sessions. Angelo Aponte, who does not recognize the GOP control, has blocked access to actual bills, locked doors, and turned off microphones and cameras that supply Internet coverage.

State Supreme Court Justice Thomas McNamara, who a week ago tossed out a case by Democrats asking him to settle the coup dispute, was told by a GOP lawyer that the Senate under Aponte had been turned into a Third World-like chamber. A Democratic lawyer said the judge has no jurisdiction over internal Senate matters.

McNamara pleaded with the sides to resolve the dispute — for the good of the state. “I guess I’m talking like a human being, but I don’t understand what’s going on. You guys have to resolve this,” said the judge, who will rule Friday.

Paterson aides made sure that the media were on hand when his counsel, Peter Kiernan, hand-delivered to Senate Democratic and Republican lawyers copies of bills that the governor wanted considered Wednesday afternoon.

“The whole point of the governor calling these extraordinary sessions is to try to force the two sides to resolve this nonsense and get a working and functioning [Senate] majority,” Kiernan said, “because it’s paralyzing this state.”

tprecious@buffnews.com

Find this article at:
http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/713908.html

I wish to salute Governor Paterson, and for ONE REASON ONLY - he is attempting to UPHOLD THE CONSTITUTION.

Remember that thing, fellow Americans? Written on hemp paper? Describes our rights? Shows established guidelines for proper government?

Yeah...that little thing.

Once again, kudos to Governor Paterson for his attempt to reestablish the will of WE THE PEOPLE.

In other news...Mark Sanford, once a contender for the Republican candidacy for 2012, has now screwed the pooch (no insult intended to the woman involved in the extramarital affair).

I Recovered My Orwellized Posting From CounterKnowledge - Now To Be Forever Known As Doop City!

I found it, scumbags!

Printed below is the text that some nitwit on CounterKnowledge wished to make "not exist"...of course, I can always tell when some idiot is attempting some scumbaggery, and so I left my browser window open for the weekend. So...without further ado, my posted text:

Your comment is awaiting moderation.
hANOVER fIST said
on 19 February 2009

“Your evil movement is dead. The good guys won.”

Yeah…I see:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090219/ap_on_bi_go_ec_fi/economy
Nearly 5 million getting unemployment benefits

http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/article/187534/Get-Ready-for-Mass-Retail-Closings?tickers=sks,%5Egspc,jwn,tif,zlc
Get Ready for Mass Retail Closings

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/SEC-Uncovers-Ponzi-Scheme-cnbc-14413461.html
SEC Uncovers Ponzi Scheme Targeting Deaf Investors

http://adap2k.blogspot.com/2009/02/ohio-man-claiming-financial-trouble.html
Ohio Man Claiming Financial Trouble Killed Family, Then Himself

Oh, yeah…I can plainly see that the good guys have won, asshat.

Here’s a clear example of my so-called “Jew Hatred” - Eliot Spitzer was safeguarding New York City from the predations of the “financial wizards” at Wall Street - when the Emporer’s Club scandal hit, the brokers had a circle jerk, because they were then able to process the $230 million dollar boondoggle, which was the beginning of the malfeasance committed by Morgan Stanley, Bear Stearns, and the other three firms.

Tell, me…do you agree with the ways taxpayer funds have been squandered and wasted, so far?

Yes…I AM a patriot. Lay off the pharmaceuticals.

Oh, you stupid pieces of garbage - you stand exposed for your complete scumbaggery and for being morally bankrupt.

I'd like to find out who was the piece of sub-human garbage who tried to run a 1984 on my comment.

Was it you, Joseph Welch? This is your posting, after all. I don't wish to accuse you, but I'd truly be interested to hear who was the moral coward who decided to remove this comment as if it didn't exist. Oh...and as to FangBeer, Ronald Wieck, TCS, Justa Joe and any of you other mental defectives...let me see if I can nail down your stupid supposition:

On September 11th, 2001, two commercial airliners impacted with World Trade Center Towers 1 & 2.

Let's post from 9-11 Review - Jets Impact The Twin Towers:

Jets Impact the Twin Towers

The opening salvo in the escalating series of horrors on 9/11/01 was a jet smashing into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 AM. The takeover of Flight 11 had occurred almost 30 minutes earlier, but it was the shocking impact with one of the famous Twin Towers that awakened the world to the unfolding attack. By 9:00 AM, television stations across the globe had gone live with the story of the disaster in Lower Manhattan. Thus many cameras were rolling when the South Tower was impacted by a second jet at 9:03 AM, producing brilliant fireballs.
Impacts and Fireballs

The jet that hit the North Tower flew in perpendicular to the tower's northeast face, and impacted around the center of the 95th floor, producing an impact gash that extended from the 92nd to the 98th floor. Most of the plane apparently lodged in the tower's core structure, the only piece of aircraft to emerge from the opposite side being a dense piece of landing gear. The burning jet fuel, atomized on impact, spilled out of the impact gash and through broken windows on the southeast side.

In contrast, the jet that hit the South Tower, 18 minutes later, veered to the right just before impact and hit the rightmost third of the tower's southwest wall, producing an impact gash that extended from the 78th to the 94th floor. The diagonal trajectory through the building allowed most of the plane to miss the tower's core structure, and much of its fuselage appeared to emerge from the east corner, while a great deal of the fuel escaped from the northeast and southwest walls. This produced huge fireballs that developed outside the building, in contrast with the greater containment of the fireballs in the North Tower impact.
Impact Damage

The jet impacts destroyed sections of perimeter wall columns on the faces of the towers they hit. Although the collisions left imprints that extended out to the wingtips of the jets, the ends of the wings destroyed only the aluminum cladding covering the perimeter columns, not the steel columns themselves. The South Tower's wall was damaged less than the North Tower's, since the columns at its impact zone were made of thicker steel.

North Tower's northeast perimeter wall from floors 93 through 98

South Tower's southwest perimeter wall from floors 78 through 82

According to FEMA's damage estimates, The North Tower impact destroyed from 31 to 36 of its perimeter columns, and the South Tower impact destroyed about 23 of its perimeter columns. Since each tower had 240 perimeter columns, the impacts destroyed only about 13 and 10 percent of the towers' perimeter columns, and only on a few floors.

The Jet Fuel

In the popular imagination, the jet fuel was the biggest factor in bringing down the towers. News reports emphasized that the transcontinental flights were fully loaded with fuel, while later government reports stated that the 767s were carrying about 10,000 of their 24,000-gallon capacity, and that most of the jet fuel likely burned off within five minutes. Thus, the jet fuel primarily served to ignite the post-crash fires rather than sustain them.

Okay...we've got that out of the way, yes? So...and I hope that this is clear...are you stating that the jet fuel that you purport was the weakening factor in regards to the steel not only ran down the remaining floors, but was also able to affect the floors ABOVE THE IMPACT?

How the hell did firefighters reach the floors they were able to before the collapses?

Understand this - you people are complete and utter morons, and I will now take every opportunity to point that out. I will spare no insult, and as I have proven your craven methods, now know that you idiots are deserving of no less.

This is going to be a great week.

Imagine If THIS GUY Were Our Commander-In-Chief!

This is the kind of leadership WE THE PEOPLE need!

What...we should accept reductions in our wages like we're a bunch of goddamn coolies? Screw that crap...like Mayor Bernero says...it's time to share the love, Wall Street.

So...I have been posting the link of a certain 9/11 "debunker" site...but NO MORE.

Why is this?

Because..the scumbags CENSORED AND REMOVED A RESPONSE FROM ME THAT TOTALLY DESTROYED THEIR BULLSHITE RATIONALES.

Now...here's how it went...

Some tool wrote as his signoff statement, "The good guys won".

So...he's written this line of horse nuggets a number of times, but it really got my balls up in a dander...so I responded with (this is an approximation, as the actual post was deleted by these ball-less wonders):

Oh, yeah, I see the good guys really won:

I then posted four links displaying how Americans have NOT won; indeed, the hard times are coming hot and heavy...and then, in answer to a completely baseless accusation of harboring anti-Semitic prejudices, I explained how former New Yorker Governor Eliot Spitzer was safeguarding New York City from the predations of the scumbags on Wall Street, and how they had a circle-jerk when the Emporer's Club scandal emerged...something that a hard-core Jew Hater would be loathe to admit, yes?

I'll bet you're all thinking twice about how great a job current Governor David Paterson's doing now, huh? If Howard Stern's Channel 9 TV show were still running, we'd have a great skit to watch, much like his Clarence Thomas spoofs...man, do I miss those...but I digress.

So...I checked the page roughly twenty hours later, only to see this text adorning my posting:

Your comment is awaiting moderation.

Uhm...WTF?

I should have seen this coming...those asshats REMOVED my posting...and then on to high-five themselves after their mutual self-hummer sessions, followed by a messy snowballing from each other's anal cavities. Hmm...maybe we should refer to that as a Dirty Snowballing. Who knows...I just hope that I can do a Web Archive search and find an instance of that page so I can show these "doops", as they're called, for the moral cowards that they are. I will post this in the morning, if so.

Here's some linkage to some guys who are NOT moral cowards - kudos to these guys!