Good News for America

The gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey have rekindled optimism for moderates and independents around the country.

Having become progressively more disappointed by the Democratic Party running roughshod throughout Washington, the powerful moderate movement that helped put Obama in the White House is moving to bring the country back to center.

Moderates have proven that they do not like to be too far right or too far left. This election should be a wake-up call to this administration less they fall prey to the power of the moderate movement.

In speaking to my friends in DC, it has become apparent that this administration has become every bit the bully that the Bush administration was. Clearly, whether it is money or ideology, power corrupts no matter what side of the aisle you sit.

Maybe the Republican victories in New Jersey and Virginia will put the party in a stronger position to help push the Democratic political wave more to center.

While President Obama had campaigned for Governor Corzine in New Jersey and Governor Deeds in Virginia, the African-American and young voters stayed home yesterday. Furthermore, independent voters who supported Obama in Virginia and New Jersey in the presidential election changed to Republican in both states.

What is the message? Is it that the Democratic Party policies have moved too far right? Is it that the Republican Party has moved to a comfortable center?

I believe it is a combination of both, combined with the fact that moderate voters will reject too much power.

Moderation = Power to the People, Right On!

CJR

Leave Charlie Alone!!!!

Charlie Rangel has been getting beat up by the press lately.

On May 1, 2008 the New York Times published an article entitled ”What Would You Drive, if the Taxpayers Paid? “.  The article revealed Charlie Rangel has committed the heinous crime of spending $777 per month on a 2004 Cadillac Deville.  Far from the most expensive Congressional vehicle, the Times just wanted to beat up on Charlie for driving a decent 4 year old American made car.

On July 11, 2008 the New York Times published an article entitled “Rangel Rents Apartments at Bargain Rates”.  This article blasts Rangel for renting 4 rent stabilzed apartments in a Harlem building he has lived in since the early 1970s.  One of the rentals, a studio, is used as his campaign headquarters.  The total cost of the rental for all four units is $3,894  per month.  He is probably saving an earth shattering $2500, or less, per month.  Lets hang him!

Charles Rangel is an honest and hard working guy.  He is 78 years old and has been a New York Congressman for 38 years.  He is not a rich man. In fact, Congressional records prove that he is probably not worth $1,000,000.  He earns $169,300  per year as a congressman and has worked for New York for 38 years.  He lives in a 2,500 square foot rent stablized apartment that he pays $2500 per month.  Drives a 4 year old Cadillac. His salary is meager for a graduate of New York University and St. John’s University School of Law. By the way, here is a guy who served in the U.S. Army from 1948-52, during which time he fought in Korea and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He has spent his entire career in public service, first as an Assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, and later in the New York State Assembly. He was elected to the 92nd Congress on November 3, 1970, and has been re-elected to each succeeding congress.

For God’s sake – LEAVE CHARLIE ALONE !!!!!!!!!

CJR