The Wheat From the Chaff

 

Every year around the celebration of Dr. King’s birthday I get a bad case of the might-have-beens. In the span of a few short years, we lost JFK, RFK and MLK. Real leaders with vision.  Today we are left with the cheap paste copies instead of gems.

We hear excuse after excuse of why things in the greatest nation in the world cannot be improved. Democrats blame Republicans and vice versa. We elected one man to lead us – Barak Obama – but his default explanation for our lack of progress is partisan politics exacerbated  by the fact he’s African-American.  Most recently, he has intimated these feelings in an article on the  New Yorker Magazine website. Certainly there is an element of truth to that. Just as, conversely, he mentions, he is given a pass for the same reason.

 We know there are African-Americans who dislike whites because of their skin color. But it is rarely, if ever, mentioned. Would  Dr. King remain silent  if he were seeing  the virulent images of young, black thugs punching old men  and women; even children. Like we have seen in recent months?. And despite the protestations of a media intent on affirming these attacks as race neutral, we know otherwise. And the request for justice from  a myopic and inept attorney general  goes largely unheeded. As do the pleas from the citizenry to ameliorate the  current  American malaise.

No, Mr. President, it’s not because you have a darker complexion than those you believe  dislike you, it’s because your policies have been abject failures and your antics over the last five years have been embarrassing. A recent poll among all voters puts your approval rating at 39%.

Where are the shovel –ready  jobs you promised? where is the unity you promised?  where is health care reform? Reform? This is a disaster that’s slowly unraveling around us. And please, Mr. President, don’t have your staff fish out three letters from your constituents who will attest to the  wonders of the Affordable Care Act when there are so many more who are less better off than they were before you, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi decided to help us. Why is it we never hear about those people.  Don’t they write letters?

And do you think Dr. King would stand idly by while you and your Hollywood friends feast while so many go hungry. While so many are teetering on the brink of disaster. Would he look the other way at the profligate manner you and your family vacation on our dime.  Sending a separate plane  to deliver the family dog to a vacation destination. Really, Mr. President?

Dr. King would be knocking down the White House door to voice his disapproval of many of your policies which have  only prolonged the suffering of all of us especially, African –Americans. No jobs for black youths and violence attenuating their ranks. An education system that pours more and more money into the fire of failure. And most of all, Mr. President  he would object to your using your race to mask the failures of your administration.

To Protect, Serve And, In Some Cases, Scam

When the fraud case involving over a 100 New York City Police and  Firefighters was made known last week I was  disheartened like everyone else  and more hardened by the hypocrisy we see in every sector of our society.

During the crisis in 2001 police and fire personnel were in an “all hands on deck” mode. I still have vivid memories of them sifting through the broken bodies and debris holding out hope that maybe one survivor  might be found or one more positive identification might be made so that families would be able to gain some level of closure for their loved ones.

The bravery of the first responders  on that day – walking into the most ominous of circumstances was of Herculean proportions. Who would have ever ventured  the irreverent thought that some of  these individuals would have the temerity to game the system and tarnish the image of New York City’s Finest and Bravest.

 “As a New Yorker, as a U.S. citizen, I can only express disgust at the actions of these individuals involved in this scheme, particularly the 72 former members of the New York City Police Department who have certainly disgraced themselves, embarrassed their families, with their abuse of this system,” Police Commissioner William Bratton said at a recent news conference. “The idea that many of them chose the events of 9/11 to claim as the basis of the disability brings further dishonor to themselves.”

Those charged received as much as $50,000 a year for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)claims allegedly stemming from the trauma of 9/11. Also, indicted were the facilitators who aided and abetted these miscreants.  They were identified as Raymond Lavallee, 83, a lawyer and former FBI agent and Nassau County prosecutor; Thomas Hale, 89, a disability consultant; John Minerva, 61, a union official for the Detectives’ Endowment Association; and Joseph Esposito, 64, a retired police officer. Lavallee was also chief of the rackets bureau in the Nassau County District Attorney’s office where he probably picked up a few pointers.

According to the prosecutors, the defendants were meticulously instructed on how to fail memory tests with plausibility, how to dress and how to behave. Like the last row  grammar school cheaters we remember  from  our youth, their answers to questions  were practically identical : “I nap on and off during the day;” “I have the TV on to keep me company;” “I’m up and down all night long.” Well, it’s obvious they weren’t the brightest bunch.

But perhaps the saddest  revelation in this sordid affair came from Manhattan District Attorney, Cyrus Vance, Jr., : “This fraud not only forced federal taxpayers to finance the lifestyles of New York scammers, it also took away, importantly, the already limited resources we have for people who actually suffered from psychiatric disabilities. That includes, of course, the brave first responders who ran toward the fires on September 11th, and who now suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and other serious but very real psychiatric disabilities.”

Bridge On The River Hudson

In the wake of revelations that a Gov. Christie staff member  had a hand in the George Washington Bridge lane closures, how refreshing was it that the governor  did not waste any time firing those responsible  for the concomitant inconveniencing  of all those residents in that area who use that bridge in their daily commutes. Then, went to the affected area to offer a heart felt apology  in person.

And who doesn’t feel as bit of sympathy for the governor who didn’t have a Susan Rice on his staff to muddy the waters long enough  to provide cover for the culpable with tales of offending videos or other such nonsense.

Christie stood in front  of the media (much too long, in my opinion) to answer questions, questions unlike the softballs tossed at President Obama who has skated by on such questions regarding the Benghazi attack, the IRS scandal, Fast and Furious and the Obamacare fiasco. His stock response is always he didn’t know anything about it.

Christie, too, claimed to have been “blindsided” but  promised to get to the bottom of the problem and he won’t move with the glacial speed of the Obama administration.

This imbroglio over the “Bridgegate” could in the long run be a blessing for the governor. First, he has already shown what a leader does in a crisis – he acts. He has terminated the employment of those who have been implicated in the case and has promised to provide additional information when it becomes available. And other terminations, if necessary. Second, he has provided  a stark contrast between himself and a sitting president who doesn’t seem to know how to lead. And most importantly, Gov. Christie sees how carnivorous the media can be when it sees blood in the water. A lesson  he needed to learn for a possible presidential run.

The media is already  lining up and burning incense for Madame Hillary for 2016. Her term as  secretary of state could only be characterized as disastrous. She actually said that democratic reforms in Syria and Egypt were taking hold before the Arab spring, then, of course, did a 180 in the opposite direction when all hell broke loose. But as she likes to say what does it matter anyway at this point?

The Democrats are playing their usual game demonizing the opposition, even a middle of the road Republican  like Gov. Christie. But unlike others who have been skewered like Sarah Palin, Todd Cruz, and Speaker Boehner, Christie, in my opinion, will not only weather this storm but will come out stronger because of it.

New Era in New York Begins

When Bill deBlasio was inaugurated last week as the 109^th mayor of New York City there were a handful of speakers at the ceremony who took the opportunity to lambast outgoing Mayor Michael Bloomberg for what they believe his contribution to the widening gap between rich and poor in the city. This, like the ongoing national debate,  was  the recurring theme during the mayoralty primary and general election. And it does have merit to a degree.

Real estate developers in Manhattan have enjoyed a boom in Bloomberg’s 12 years in office and, for the most part, those developments have been high end office buildings, retail outlets, condos and apartments. Hopefully, Mayor deBlasio will be able to make the city more affordable for the poor and the attenuating middle class. But this is not just a New York City problem it’s a national problem, largely stemming from the dearth  of jobs which never materialized from the Obama White House. Certainly more jobs and training for those who want to work would be a great tonic for narrowing the gap. And  for improving a myriad of other  social problems. Laying the blame on Mayor Bloomberg seems unfair.

And  yet  during deBlasio’s inauguration we heard from a few speakers, who instead of looking forward with hope,  denounced Mayor Bloomberg who sat there flummoxed. He looked like he would have  been more comfortable in a dentist’s chair undergoing a root canal sans anesthesia.

When the Rev. Frederick A. Lucas likened New York City to a plantation, it was a travesty. And many people took offense. Rev. Clinton M. Brown, a Baptist pastor from Brooklyn came to Lucas’ defense. “I think a lot of people may not understand the symbolic use of language in the African-American experience.” (See Rev. Jeremiah Wright.) I  don’t think Robert Langdon, the fictitious  symbologist  from The Da Vinco Code, would  have recognized  Lucas’ comment for anything other than the racially charged remark that it was.

Then there was Harry Bellefonte spewing nonsense about how New York  has contributed to our nation having the largest prison population in the world. Jim Dwyer, who writes a column in The New York Times, About New York,  debunked such nonsense. I have observed Mr. Bellefonte’s musings over the years  and have  noticed he never misses an opportunity to lower the limbo bar and the image of our nation when given a forum.

Perhaps to balance out the opprobrium, former President Bill Clinton threw a few crumbs of thanks to Mayor Bloomberg . Of course with the Clintons questions of motive always rise to the fore. Was he sincere or just greasing the skids for a Hillary campaign contribution and endorsement in 2016?

But I do wish Mayor deBlasio  success  and that he keep his promise that “we will succeed as one city.” And does not follow the divisive paradigm of President Obama who also promised to bring our nation together.

 

 

Waiting For Change This New Year?

 

Nothing Changes on New Year’s Day – U2

I’m always taken in by the ambivalence of this lyric. As the seconds countdown to a new year we are always optimistic, drink  in hand, and  ready to toast,  that the changes we seek in our personal lives and in the world at large will come to fruition.

The poor will share in the wealth of the world. Peace will be a reality. Kindergarten bullies will stop assaulting their fellow classmates. Our politicians will work for the common good and in the public interest. We’ll all lose those extra five pounds we picked over the holidays. Gas prices will return to 2008 levels. Journalism will make a comeback and report news instead of manufacturing it.

Don’t hold your breath. Really, don’t hold your breath. With the changes in our health care system your policy might not cover respiratory ailments. And if it does, your deductible probably quadrupled. Let’s face it it’s getting harder and harder to be optimistic. The difference between an optimist and a pessimist, I like to think, is that the pessimist is better informed.

Generally speaking, knowledge and the thirst for it has become something of an anathema. We glorify the idiot at the expense of the competent. When I was in high school, we searched out those students who were above average, even well beyond above average. There were special classes called “honor classes” which sought to develop these students to their maximum capabilities. These were to be the leaders of the future. But somewhere along the line, probably in the nascent stages of political correctness, the focus shifted to the incompetent and “special needs” classes. “Average” became the new “above average.” Barely literate, you are now considered average. Congratulations to us all, we’ve come a long way, baby.

So here we are embarking on a new year. Can change happen? Of course. Yes, let’s be optimistic. Let’s hope the economy improves, really improves; let’s hope the Israeli-Palestinian stalemate is resolved; let’s hope the middle class can survive this dysfunctional administration and congress. And most importantly, let’s hope political correctness is in our rear view mirror next year at this time.

Do I think any of this will happen. Nah.  But that’s just me.

Here's Hoping

 

As the final hours of 2013 wind down we should reflect on all our New Year’s resolutions from last year. Of course, it’s the rare bird that at year’s end is fluffing their feathers having made good on all their personal promises: to quit smoking, lose weight, learn a new language or instrument, or try to be more tolerant and show patience with the many little annoyances of daily life. 

We should take solace on the achieving of some and try with greater fortitude in the upcoming year to achieve the rest. Likewise as a  nation  in the family of nations, we should strive for the betterment of those here in the U.S. and those around the world. Here’s hoping that:

·         Politicians the world over stop spinning rhetoric and act in harmony with their citizenry for the benefit of all. Instead  of greedily grabbing with both hands everything that is not nailed down.

·         People of faith, atheists and others who  worship whatever they think important co-exist without the need of ridiculing or exterminating each other.

·         Every fringe group stop feigning offense at every little thing especially those things, that for millennia, have been accepted tradition. For a twist, how about they be a bit more tolerant.

·         We hear a whole lot less about young people in America being gunned down every day.

·         Bombs and  religion become mutually exclusive.

·         Our leaders in America realize the toll of our men and women  in foreign conflicts is a price we no longer want to pay.

·         World governments cooperate fully with each other to stop human trafficking and put an end to poverty and hunger.

·         World scientists make dramatic inroads in the fight against disease and in predicting natural disasters to stave  off vast destruction in lives and infrastructure.

·         Real world peace can be achieved. Sounds like a pipe dream but let’s hope. Solving the Israeli-Palestinian quandary  would be a great first step.

·         The  Chinese compel their leaders to avert military spending in favor of domestic projects; and the  government give up their expansionist dreams.

·         President Obama use the remainder of his time in office to fulfill his very first promise to bring our nation together and take the necessary steps to create jobs for all who want one.

·         Personal health and happiness.

·         We don’t have to list all these hopes again next year.

 

 

The Commissioner

With the last days of his tenure as New York Police Commissioner winding down, we have much to thank Ray Kelly for. And not only those of us who live the New York/New Jersey metro area. He and his team have thwarted countless terrorism plots that would have had widespread consequences for the entire nation.

  After the horrific attack on 9/11, Ray Kelly began his second stint as New York City Police Commissioner and  created the first anti-terrorism bureau of any municipal police force in the country, even going as far as stationing his officers in foreign countries to mine leads and gather data on possible nascent plots.

 Some of us may have taken  our security for granted since we have not been attacked in  New York going on 13 years. But New York remains  the number one target of all jihadists. Because of the commissioner’s vigilance  our enemies have focused their efforts elsewhere as evidenced by the Boston Marathon bombing earlier this year. It’s hard not to point fingers at the Boston PD but I suspect things could have gone differently had Commissioner Kelly been in charge there.

Ray Kelly has always been a public servant. He was a  Vietnam combat veteran;   he has served 43 years in the NYPD; and in 1994, Ray Kelly headed up the Multi National Force (MNF)  to help restore order and democracy in  Haiti.

Under Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Kelly, crime in New York has consistently decreased while having to deal with a dwindling  police force. But these successes have come at a cost, in at least, public perception. The so-called “stop and frisk” policy which targets minority men has been roundly criticized. And its overall effectiveness has been questioned. In the recent NYC mayoral election several of the candidates expressed their unhappiness with the policy and their intent, if elected, to replace Commissioner Kelly. And Mr. Kelly’s comments during that campaign that not one of the candidates had asked for a  terrorist  briefing didn’t win him any friends. Mayor-Elect de Blasio has already appointed Bill Bratton to succeed Kelly.

There was some talk that Mr. Kelly might be a candidate for the vacant position of Homeland Security Secretary. Despite the senior Senator from New York  Chuck Schumer’s glowing endorsement of  Kelly, President Obama selected Jeh Johnson for the position. But it’s hard to believe anyone could be more effective than Kelly in that role.

Ray Kelly leaves a great city in great shape and I’m sure Commissioner Designate Bratton will continue to uphold his high standards.

Ray Kelly will now ride off into the sunset making lucrative speeches for 5^th Avenue Greater Talent Network. Our heartfelt thanks, Commissioner.