The Empire Page

As I taxpayer and a lifelong resident of what once was The Great State of New York, I am truly embarrassed to say I live in New York. And apparently I am now in the majority in that regard having seen some recent polls on the matter. For the first time in history, a majority of New Yorkers, a generally proud people, are ashamed to tell people they are natives of New York State.

The history of New York is long and storied. It was a great source of pride for me when I was growing up and first learning about the history of both my community and the state in which I was born. When I went away to college in Boston I was proud to say I hailed from New York and people recognized the greatness of the state; and not just because the legal drinking age in New York was still at 18 years when Massachusetts had moved to 20 years and then 21 years a year later.

The total displeasure and lack of confidence of taxpayers has been growing steadily now each year for at least the last four years. I believe it is going to be peaking this summer and fall as we head into the most important election this country and this state has seen in some time; evidence the Tea Party and the recently formed Coffee Party.

In full view of this displeasure and lack of confidence, New York’s politicians have continued to be ineffective legislators and continued to break laws and act in an immoral and felonious manner. This has only further exacerbated the feelings of the taxpayers. What this seems to imply to me is that are continuing to operate with impunity because they know that in New York approximately 90% of incumbents win re-election, regardless of their record.

It’s a sad state of affairs in which we find ourselves, but one in which will make for good sport come campaign and election time this year. Here are some names to remember as we work toward deciding whom we will be voting for and what has transpired in New York State over the last few years: Spitzer; Hevesi; Espada; Bruno; Rangel; Monserrate; Massa; Sweeney and the list goes on. 

Seldom is there at time when our votes will mean more to the people and taxpayers of this state, and not to the people running for office, than this year. Get out and vote. Let your voice be heard and get involved. 

Douglas Boettner

doug.boettner@gmail.com