Bill de Blasio, the Democrat (photo above on the left) who is married to a African-American former lesbian is promising everything but the kitchen sink (well, that too):
1. Tax "the rich" to pay for stuff like free universal kindergarten for all.
2. Fire Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and end that evil "broken window" policing and the infamous "stop & frisk" policing made so popular by the last two mayors. It doesn't matter that the murder rate is down to less than 400 a year. It targets high crime areas that just happen to be high minority areas too...it's racist.
3. Bunches of "affordable" housing (that's the kitchen sink)
4. He will continue the appeal that Bloomberg filed to strike down the state court judges decision that found the his mandatory "16 oz soda ban" arbitrary and capricious.
5. He pal'ed around with the Sandinista's and honeymooned in Cuba with his former lesbian bride.
6. Oh, and his son has a big 'fro.
Joe Lhota, the Republican candidate (photo above on the right) who was Deputy Mayor under Rudy Guiliani and is the former head of the MTA, is...well...who knows. He hasn't really shown up yet. Seriously, he has made almost no impression on anyone except he swears he is NOT the "Tea Party" candidate and is definitely NOT a Washington Republican.
Honestly, there have been two televised debates with one more left and I just can't bear to watch them. I have watched just long enough to want to destroy my television or fear that I will suffer a massive stroke. I just have to walk away. It's not a big stretch for me to call this race now. Bill de Blasio will be our next mayor. He is leading Lhota by high double digits, so no one has any grand illusions that Lhota has a prayer of winning. Not because de Blasio is the better candidate, but because of "regime change".
We have had Republican mayors (well, Bloomberg was a Republican after he was a Democrat and before he was an Independent) for 20 years and the city has improved in just about every way one can gauge. New York is certainly safer and cleaner than it has ever been. So safe and clean that tourism is booming and real estate prices are unaffordable for just about anyone but the wealthy. People are tired of all that good stuff and long for the bad old days where rents were were low and crime was high. It was fun. It was challenging. So now it's time to let the Democrats take over to restore the balance of the universe and put that challenge back in.
Oh, here's something interesting. You know how Mayor Bloomberg has spent the last 12 years trying to save us from ourselves? Apparently it didn't work. We are not any healthier and are actually 25% heavier than in 2002...
And speaking of 25% heavier, it looks like Chris Christie will be reelected as New Jersey's Governor by an overwhelming margin.
45 comments:
geez, Bev, what a choice. I am just glad I don't have to make it. I assume the Democrat will win, so what would really change? I suppose if he goes for a real "soak the rich" tax, more rich people will get out of Gotham?
Bev, I feel cheated actually. I wanted to see Weiner or Baldwin or some other clear-insane candidate. These guys are pikers compared to that. Even the whole multiracial ex-lesbian thing seems kind of tame frankly. I fear New York is losing its touch. :(
As an aside, could the 25% heavier be the return of the 'fro?
BTW, CNBC was reporting earlier that all of 20 people signed up for Obamacare in North Dakota. Ha ha.
As a dedicated suburbanite (I've only lived in big cities when stationed abroad), I don't understand why cities worry about affordable housing. People without big money should be happy to live in the suburbs. Generally speaking they are cleaner and offer more space for less money.
As for Stop and Frisk, if you want to kill support for a policy, apply it indiscriminately. When Bloomberg came into office crime was low, but that hasn't stopped him from increasing 'Stop and Frisk' by 600%. Last year there were 684,330 stops and 780 gun seizures. That suggests to me the problem with the stops isn't discrimination but a lack of judgement. Cops know the bar is nonexistent and thus fish rather than proceed from actual suspicion (either that or they have the worst instincts in the world).
Within limits, people will trade freedom for security, but there are limits.
"He ... honeymooned in Cuba with his former lesbian bride."
Makes sense. His platform boils down to "bring cheap prostitutes back on Times Square" and Cuba undoubtedly serves as an inspiration in that regard.
You saw Taxi Driver. Now you can live it!
I'm with Anthony on the housing thing. I don't understand what it is that keeps people living in places where they can't even afford the rent. I know moving sucks, but so does being house-poor (or apartment-poor).
I cannot for the life of me understand opposition to broken-window policing. At the least effective, you still get a tidier neighborhood. And it's not like stop-and-frisk where there's guessing. You catch the littering, fare-dodging, graffiti-ing, etc. in the act. No profiling required.
I think the reason "cities" like paying for poor people is because poor people feed the Democratic machine. Thus, they equal power. And if you have to rape a few taxpayers to get that, then so what.
As for why people want to live there, it's because that's where the jobs are.
P.S. Throw Darrell Issa onto the pile of RINOs. He's being roundly destroyed right now on right-wing blogs for trying to solve the immigration issue.
10J - I am certain that de Blasio will win. Well, unless Lhota can start making his case loudly and widely as why he would be the better choice.
Andrew - I feel cheated too. I was really hoping that at least one of them would break through. But there's a rumor afloat that Eliot Spitzer may try and run for State AG...a post that he has already held.
Silly Darrell, doesn't he know that the only way to solve an immense problem like our illegal immigration issue is to throw a tantrum and oppose any ideas? He's probably just trying to distract us from Benghazi, anyway. And THIS just proves that he's not a serious politician.
Bev, It's like going to the circus only to find out they fired all their clowns. :(
tryanmax, Yep. There are only two acceptable positions: (1) say that "no one is talking about deporting 11 million people" (30 million in Ann Coulter's world) while accepting no other solution except "enforce the laws," which means "deport 11 million people", or (2) throwing a tantrum and opposing all attempts to fix the system. Silly Darrell was actually acting like a legislator and trying to solve the problem. Bad Darrell... bad. But you know, I always knew he was a RINO. Otherwise, why ain't any of his investigations led to Obama being impeached?!! Huh? Tell me that!!
Cats, huh? Yikes.
Anthony, I understand what you are saying, but the problem with the Stop/Frisk policing is that it targets high crime areas...which are also high minority areas. Which puts the police in an untenable position of trying to use their instincts as cops to ferret out potential crimes and not be too racist about it. Let's be honest, the cops aren't stopping and frisking stock brokers/bankers/people in uniforms no matter WHAT race they are. But then these are not people who are engaging in violent crimes either.
And Ray Kelly has been very proactive in setting up additional guidelines and training to lower the number of stops and raise the percentage of actually finding something even before the judge's decision. And interestingly, it's not the people who LIVE in these neighborhoods who are complaining. It's the politicians like de Blasion (and criminal elements) who are complaining the loudest.
Anthony and Tryanmax re: housing
See, it would be great to be able to move to the affordable 'burbs to escape the high prices of urban living. However, that would mean moving at least 50-100 miles out depending on which direction one goes.
You see, the urban renewal/lower crime statistics have cause a surge in wealthier people buying real estate and causing it to escalate dramatically. So much so that right now, it is harder (nearly impossible for the middle class to afford to stay. Brooklyn is the new Manhattan where real estate (rent/own) has just reach Manhattan levels
I have co-workers who live in less expensive areas in Connecticut and New Jersey and at one time Pennsylvania. They have 2 to 4 hour daily commutes which is just insane to me. Not to mention, in those rare times of disasters, it is impossible to get home. At least I only have a 7 mile walk up 1st Avenue to get home in case of emergency. And seriously if those are my choices, I would just a soon move back to Texas. I am lucky because I move to NY right before the Guiliani Administration, so I got a cheap (for NYC) apartment in Manhattan in a very good area, but I can't afford to move...
But here's the plus side of urban living - I can get to a store to buy milk/beer/snacks etc. between commercials! Or if I am really lazy (who me? No! Never!) I can just call/email/text/order online and someone will deliver anything to my door anytime of the day or night...
Bev, I guess I'm still having a hard time wrapping my mind around it b/c I have all of that, too. (Okay, so getting to the store during a commercial break would be pushing it, but I can still beat the credits before the next show.)
I get that there are a lot of jobs to be had in NYC but, believe it or not, there are jobs elsewhere, too. And I mean real ones that pay. I earn the national median for a graphic designer right here in li'l ol' Omaha, so I doubt I'd have done better in a bigger city. Not saying what works for me should work for everyone, but it is a head-scratcher.
Oh, this just occurred to me: I think "moving" means something different where I live than it does in New York. See, I just "changed apartments" a couple weeks ago, but that's not really "moving" per se. Similarly, "getting a new house" isn't moving per se, either. Moving means leaving the area entirely or, at a minimum, crossing town completely.
Tryanmax - Let me explain with a song lyric - "If you can maaaake it theeeeere, you'll make it...bump, bump...aaaany wheeeere, Come on, come throuuuuugh, New Yooooork, Neww-ew Yooooooooooooork!
Hey, people come here for the possible fame and fortune (mostly fame). Sadly, because of the high cost of living, NY is becoming less a vibrant place to stake one's fortune on fame. Young artists/actors/etc. are not able to survive like 20 years ago. On the flip side though, that has just made it easier for regional theatres/symphonies/operas/tv & film production/advertising/web/tech stuff companies to grow bigger and more prominent. About the only industries that have a foothold firmly in NYC are the fashion and restaurant industries (kind of). Well, that and investment bankers/stock brokers. However, with the rise of global internet access, it isn't even necessary to BE anywhere in particular to be very successful.
Bottom line...it's an ego thing to want to stake one's fortune in NYC. It's that "212" area code and zip code that makes people feel special.
Oh, btw, that 212 area code is no longer available...any new Manhattan numbers have a 646 exchange. So one can be judged by their area code. Of course that would mean that you are very rich and could afford to move here recently. Old habits die hard.
Well ego I can understand. But everyone born in NYC who isn't intent on fame should move out.
Also, the price of vagabond shoes has become untenable.
But everyone born in NYC who isn't intent on fame should move out.
Tryanmax - They ARE! Why do you think that Democrats have such a commanding lead? All of the Republicans and conservatives moved out. NY lost two Congressional districts after the 2010 census was calculated. More people are moving out than moving in and most of them are the overburdened middle class.
Well, good on them.
Has it dawned on you folks that people live in big cities because that's what the lizard people want? Just kidding... it's the mole people.
tryanmax, There is a lot to love about big cities. There is so much more to do. There's a real sense of energy. There's much more variety. On the other hand, it's also crowded, dirty and usually a very aggressive place to live.
Oh, I agree there's a lot to love about big cities. Trust me, I don't know how to survive in an environment that lacks 24 hr. groceries and fast food. I guess what really stumps me is that it's been about 30 years since the big city experience necessitated a trip to the coast.
Kind of depends on the city you experience you want. Nothing in the heartland compares to Chicago, New York or San Francisco.
I suppose I can't argue if you have something particular in mind. I'm not at all untravelled, I've experienced the particular vibrancy that large places have. But I'm mainly considering it from the perspective of the person struggling in the city yet somehow living someplace smaller doesn't enter their paradigm. It's like the polar-opposite of the small town kid--or even medium city kid--who is convinced all his problems can be solved if he just gets to the big metropolis.
OT: This is from the Progress Now/Thanks Obama! website. It's a videogame about the evils of not having Obamacare and how you will be sad and unhappy if you do not take it...and your baby get have hemophilia and other stuff too. Though there is a puppy in it for everyone!
Thanks Obama - The Videogame!
I was particularly intrigued by the fact that if you go to college you will eventually be elected to Congress. But if you TAKE Obamacare all along the way, "You were just elected to Congress. Just like the rest of America, you now get your health insurance through your state's health benefit exchange. There's no better way to represent your constituents!"
Now if you go to college and DON'T sign up for Obamacare, you will still get elected to Congress, BUT "Congratulations. Welcome to the world of special perks. You now get a plush health care deal, one most Americans can only dream of. Better start working on that re-election campaign". ???
One could take that in so many ways, none good or positive for Obamacare:
1. If you pay for your own insurance or pay out of pocket like the bad Congressperson, you are much better off than those who have to take the obviously inferior Obamacare.
2. We all know that Congresspersons will have their Obamacare paid for by the taxpayers anyway, so either way you are sucking off the taxpayer. And apparently getting inferior insurance coverage too!
I don't think this is what they were going for...at the OFA/Think Progress/We Love Obama-everything websites...
I was told by the gay rights movement there's no such thing as a "former lesbian." This de Blasio guy sounds fishy to me....
Honestly, Bev, it seems like you should think of relocating someplace a bit more sane, like back in Texas. New York's not worth all the aggravation.
T-Rav - Except, I'm a devout contrarian, so I kind of thrive in all the aggravation...
Oh, and Mrs. de Blasio was an avowed lesbian until she met and immediately fell in love with Bill while they both worked for the Dinkins administration. Yeah, Bill's fishy and slimy, but he's gonna be MY fishy slime at least for a while. If he's anything like his boss David Dinkins, he'll only get to serve one term before he's booted for someone competent.
Personally, I just think it calls de Blasio's masculinity into question. Is there any proof that the 'fro kid isn't a test tube baby?
tryanmax, Putting aside the stupid-factor of "my life will be better if I can get out this nowhere town," I think the city thing is mainly a question of personality because different cities fit different personalities.
As for de Blasio's paternity issues, have we considered that the 'fro might be a wig?
Can we say "blaxploitation"? Seriously, I'm not even paying attention and I've seen how he parades that kid around. Let a Republican try that!
"blaxploitation" works for me.
It is an interesting way for a white, liberal honkey to create diversity. The question is, is any of it real?
Actually that has been the main criticism of de Blasio's campaign that he has exploited his children. But his former Lesbian wife insists that they WANTED to do it!
But, come on! De Blasio is THE perfect Liberal Candidate - He's White, married to a Black Woman (formerly a Lesbian), Honeymooned in Cuba, and hung out with the Sandinistas, and has 2 obviously Black kids - one with THE biggest 'fro that I have seen since the '70's.. It does not get anymore perfect than that!
They are what the Obama family would be if Obama's father had been white! The Perfect candidate's family - That gives them the White Liberal vote, Black liberals vote, , LGBTQ vote, Young/Black & Hip vote, the college kid vote...the list goes on and on. And he has no real list of accomplishments to draw on so he's a clean slate in so far as he can distant himself from the Dinkins admin just in time passed.
Bev, It is a masterful bit of casting.
Oh, did I also add that Mother de Blasio (the former racist) did not accept her former lesbian Black daughter in law at all at first. But then the first baby came along. Awwww, isn't that a lovely liberal story right out of Hollywood!?!
Sorry, they are just so marketed that makes me extra snarky...
BTW, I am out for the rest of the evening, but please feel free to talk amongst yourselves about other things or this...;-)
Yeah, the whole thing has a real fabricated feel to it.
Enjoy your evening in the big city, Bev.
I hear that the Lhota campaign is going to announce a scandalous situation about Mr. de Blasio any day now. Rumors are Mr. de Blasio is in a sham marriage with a lesbian and they are all illegal abortionists from Cuba. They also are planning to take all your guns and make Hillary president without an election. Nobody is taking about this because that RINO Christie won't let them. I heard it on the radio so it must be true.
Careful Koshcat, you may find yourself on the wrong end of a RINO burning for your sarcasm... or at least Glenn Beck may visit your house and shout at you until you understand the error of your ways. ;-)
I'll just make fun of his hair and religion until he cries.
Make fun of Becklahm?! That's an outrage! LOL!
Andrew, Bev... Weiner and Spitzer may be gone, but they're not forgotten.
When my brother and I went to see the Rifftrax guys make fun of "Night of the Living Dead" this evening, we heard something that went like this:
Warning: Spoilers!
(as Barbara gets dragged through the door and severely groped by her now-zombie brother and the other zombies on her way to being eaten)
Kevin: "Ah, well this is what you get when you go on a double date with Anthony Weiner and Eliot Spitzer."
Rustbelt, LOL! Yeah, that sounds about right.
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