Elections have consequences. That’s been abundantly and painfully clear in Washington since 2016, but a much happier counter-example is now playing out in New York State, where voters flipped the State Senate this past November, delivering a healthy majority to Democrats, led by Westchester’s own Andrea Stewart-Cousins. As a result, progressive legislation that had been … Continue reading Strong Start for NYS Dems
As usual, John Oliver seems to get at the truth of things more effectively than the “real” news. His funny/chilling/important piece on authoritarianism is must-watch.
I am trying to sort through my feelings about yesterday’s election. Elation? Disappointment? Relief? I guess some combination of the three, with relief in the top spot. On the plus side (if you’re a Democrat like me): • Democrats prevailed in the most important contest by winning a convincing majority in the House of Representatives. … Continue reading The Blue Wave(let?)
Every election is important, and there are plenty of good, normal reasons for voting tomorrow: the experiences and skills of the candidates, the competing priorities of the parties, the policy alternatives that will impact lives throughout our state, nation, and world. But this year, of course, there’s more. Much more. These are not normal times, … Continue reading Vote!
I had a great time yesterday visiting with students and educators throughout New Rochelle, as together we observed National Voter Registration Day. Inspiring to see young people committed to making a difference. Thank you to everyone who pitched in, especially the volunteers with the League of Women Voters. Here are a few photos from my … Continue reading Thank You, New Registrants!
The inspiring moral leadership of students from Parkland, Florida illustrates the capacity of young people to shape our nation for the better. And when it comes to impacting public affairs, nothing is more fundamental than registering to vote and casting a ballot. #MayorsForOurLives Today, September 25th, is National Voter Registration Day, so mayors across the … Continue reading New Ro Observes National Voter Registration Day
We held our annual Bastille Day flag-raising ceremony this morning at City Hall, sponsored by the New Rochelle/La Rochelle Sister City Committee. In prior years, my comments at this event have been brief and light-hearted — in fact, I’ve never before bothered to write anything out, opting instead to speak off the cuff. Today, I … Continue reading Something More to Say
The news out of the Supreme Court is almost too dark and depressing to contemplate. When Justice Kennedy’s replacement is seated, a newly entrenched right-wing majority will almost certainly roll-back reproductive freedoms, place at-risk hard-won civil rights and LGBTQ gains, and accelerate trends toward income inequality and the concentration of power among the privileged. The … Continue reading Crisis of Legitimacy
This recent picture of the President literally hugging the flag got me thinking about the critical distinction between the symbols and substance of patriotism. If you can stomach it, please watch this short video. The year is 1939, and the scene is a rally at Madison Square Garden. What’s strange, disorienting, and to me most … Continue reading The Symbols and Substance of Patriotism
Congratulations to Julia Muggia Ochs, who won the top spot in yesterday’s School election, and to Chris Daniello, who is leading for the second position. (And thank you to all the candidates who competed.) Congratulations also to the newly elected Library Trustees and to backers of the Library budget, which received a thumbs-up from voters. … Continue reading Listen, Learn, Come Together
