1. Welcoming Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito

Melissa Mark-Viverito waged a strong, direct, and progressive campaign, becoming the first Latino woman to serve as NY City Council Speaker. The attacks by certain of NYC’s newspapers were unseemly.  A real opportunity, and challenge for NYC to make a progressive agenda work, and I welcome her leadership.

2.  NYC – A Tale of Two Cities

Giving recognition to people in our City who have been leading a hard life, and who have not had a voice, is a good thing.  Incredible to watch the stir among those who have been in power the last number of years.  My advice to them, get over it, and support a more inclusive, future NYC.  The fact is that Bill DeBlasio has made many of us take off the blinders.  NY is still the best City in the world!

3.  The Sports Business in NYC

As the City celebrates hosting the SuperBowl with unaffordable ticket prices to most New Yorkers, and when everyday professional basketball, football, hockey, and even now baseball tickets are largely out of range for most NYers, it is time to relook at the obligations of team owners, and their millionaire players, to the fans who cheer them on, and are priced out of the stadiums.

4.  The Miley Cyrus Syndrome

With twerking and less clothes, Miley Cyrus made a career branding choice that has boosted her to the top, and on that level, I may even admire it.  However, if the shift was a corporate decision for profit inducing a young woman to offer her body up as a soft-porn image for her 8-15 year old fans, I have to ask, “what’s gone wrong in our society?”

5.  Do You Understand the Fed’s $4 Trillion?

I just got to ask the question.  In terms of our long-term obligations, what’s the difference between the U.S debt increasing, and the Fed’s buying $4 trillion of our Debt? Haven’t we printed $4 trillion to cover unfunded debt, and haven’t we just added additional obligations to our $17 trillion debt?  Clearly, if we added directly to the debt, we would know what the money was spent on, and yet, with The Federal Reserve, where’s the “trickle down?”

6.  New Thinking to an Israel-Palestinian Peace

With negotiations underway in the Middle East, in my recently-published article, Holding On to Our Homeland (listed under Articles in this Website), I make the case for Israel’s declaring sovereignty over Judea and Samaria, (the West Bank) and annexing the land now.  The hard work of uplifting all the people there, and creating a vibrant new society that serves everyone, could then begin.

1.  Welcoming Mayor Bill DeBlasio

I couldn’t be happier with the incoming Mayor, a breath of fresh air, and a renewed opportunity for NYC to have full potential for everyone.  Mayor-Elect DeBlasio is trained, prepared, vigorous, and all of us should be ready to do our part to make these eight yearsthe best yet.  And what a perfect First-Family they are.  We’re with you, Bill!

2.  Welcoming Our Elected Dems

Pretty much a broad sweep for the Democratic Party in NYC, with top leadership in City-wide and Borough Presidents offices, and a strong contingent in the NYC City Council.  I know many of them, and they do represent a most positive future vision for NYC.  Be assured, they will make a difference!

3.  Gracie Mansion Is Not For Sale

Yes, some development jerks are now suggesting that Gracie Mansion should be put up for sale. Whether Mayor-Elect DeBlasio decides to reside there or not, it’s a most significant NYC historical site, and fully serves the people of New York for events, visits, pride, and as the “official home” of NYC Mayors, and it must remain that way.

4. It’s Holiday Season

I know well the church-state separation issues, and we carry them too far when a store cannot have a Christmas Sale, and now only a Holiday Sale.  That’s only the very tip of the iceberg.  We can learn from each other when we publicly celebrate Chanukah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa and so forth, for
that really is the American Way.  So, let’s restore some sense to our country.

5. Christians Are Being Destroyed

The Muslim Middle East, in country upon country is ridding itself of its Christian communities, desecrating their churches, limiting their rights,
and in some cases, actually killing them, and generally forcing them out.  We experienced this years ago with Jewish communities in Arab countries. We must speak out, and make it stop!!

6. Must Comment on Obamacare

The intent of Obamacare may have been right in its 2,100 pages of the legislation amounting to 1/6 of our economy that was literally smashed through Congress. It appears to be badly conceived, and we don’t even know yet since the implementation has been a disaster to date. Washington can do better! Need I say more!

1.  Lest All Of Us Lose Our Liberty

Watching what has become standard and acceptable security safeguards in America today, you gotta believe that the radical Islamists are winning.  This is not the American Way of Life.  We need to start reversing the intrusions.  Paraphrasing Patrick Henry, “As for me, Let Me Lose My Life, Lest All of Us Lose Our Liberty.

2.  Charter Schools That Work

A shout out to Eva Moscowitz, who left the City Council to focus like a laser on education, setting up the Success Academy charter schools, which glowed again in their exemplary scores on recent Common Core tests.  It’s more than that, though, which I saw when I visited, the young students  are excited about learning, and about preparing themselves as contributing members of our American society.

3.  And Public Schools That Do Not Work

Let’s tell the truth, now.  The Common Core tests were a reality check for all New Yorkers, as the results were disappointingly low, notwithstanding that it has been explained that the tests were too rigid among other things. Instead of excuses, there needs to be a wholesale retooling of our public schools’ educational process.  The young people are not being prepared for success in life.

4.  Tax Breaks for the Rich, and Influential

It is bad enough that we read of rich real estate developers getting significant tax breaks, supposedly as incentives for building certain sites, but it is beyond the line when you see a company like Extell in its new West Side development comply with low-income requirements through a design concept that essentially segregates its poor from its rich through separate entrances, floors, and other facilities.

5.  Consequences for Those Who Do Wrong

It is not just about those running for office who have failed their public trust, it is also about other people who parade around under the cloak of do-good, and yet promote such things as destructive rap music for profit, and in a latest episode, promote a despicable You Tube video depicting a sex-tape with Harriet Tubman and her slave master.  Let’s hold them all accountable, for they impact our societal mores.

6.  A New Star on America’s Horizon:  Cory Booker

Cory Booker won the recent Democratic Primary, and in a few short weeks, will be New Jersey’s next United States Senator.  Newark became an urban center under his watch as Mayor, and I told him last week that I expect to see him giving the 2016 Democratic Convention’s keynote speech. A person who works with everyone, sound policy positions, charismatic, bright, what a future!  www.corybooker.com

1. Determining Progress in America

Recent US Supreme Court rulings raised the complex issues of determining when remedial actions of the past need be reevaluated in terms of current status in today’s world. Mixed evaluation about the decisions, open mind about the over-riding message.

2. NSA, and other Invasions of Privacy

It’s not so much about Snowden, it’s about the level of government intrusion in our lives, particularly when we citizens are unaware of it. Media focus is now on the actor, and we must redirect that so we not lose sight of the damaging intrusion on our privacy, balancing security and privacy, and necessary transparency. Congress and the President must act now.

3. A New Mayor for NYC

The Bloomberg Administration has brought a vision to NYC, in caring for our individual and collective health, in urban planning, in expansion of tourism, in creating NYC as a new media and hi-tech capital, and yes, in bicycling. We must hear more from the current candidates on their larger visions.

4. Time for Our Elected Officials to Shape Up

How can you not be disgusted with the apparent way in which too many elected officials hold their offices, as places of pure politics, and elitism, with their own self-serving rules of conduct. It’s time for that to end. Politics must again be a worthy profession of service for all.

5. The “China Dream” for the 21st Century

At a recent confab of 2,000 in NYC for promoting Hong Kong, the “China Dream” was raised by the speaker as the replacement for the “American Dream” in the 21st C. It was a wake-up call. America must ask, “What are we doing?” We must renew and expand our competitive edge in the world before it’s too late.

6. A New Star on America’s Horizon

Eric Garcetti was just inaugurated as the new Mayor of LA. I met him twice, and clearly he’s bright new star on America’s horizon. Watch him, he’s future Presidential potential.

1. Manned Space Flight, U.S. Style

Incredible that reportedly the U.S. is now paying Russia over $70 million per astronaut launched for us to the International Space Station, and that’s over /$490/ million for the next seven this year. That’s real U.S. cash, our money. Congress cut funding for our own vehicle, so we are dependent on other nations. Shout out to Congress and the President, “Do something, give the U.S. our own space access again, and now!”

2. N.Y. Museums, What a Treasure

Recent negative commentaries on the Metropolitan Museum Of Art and the 9-11 Museum for charging admission are misplaced. MMA is voluntary and I would prefer that the 9-11 would make it voluntary as well. Fact is, NY is fortunate to have world-class museums, and to also have dreamers who knew New York commands excellence. The $$ are needed to support the institutions, so stop complaining, and be part of those who work hard to make it happen.

3. GUNS, It’s Not Just Legislation

Let’s just accept, for a moment, that we may not get the gun legislation we want, and yet we must do something. Legislation and regulation are not the only way. We can bring change through transforming values of our society. I have noticed that today’s hip art has guns, video games have guns, and our top money-making movies are gun thrillers. That’s absurd. So, let’s shift today’s thinking! Let’s make it not cool to have a gun!

4. The Economic Divide

in the past few years, where wealth has increased dramatically among the wealthy, too many in nearby neighborhoods are struggling to make their minimal budget needs. This limits their life possibilities, and most particularly their children’s. And it’s not about taxing and government programs, we can do much more in the private sector. Be aware, look around, and personally lift up a child or family. Inexcusable if you can, and don’t, and a gift, a mitzvah, if you do. Start today!

5. Upbeat, and You Can Do It

You can make a difference in the life, and moment, of Everyone you touch. Be responsible for it, and make it upbeat. People actually have a choice of making others happy, or miserable, and somehow too many decide it serves them to choose miserable. Let’s shift the world now, and every time you have that choice, shout out for joy and wonderment, and see the brightest world around you, and as it spreads, that brightest of worlds surrounding all of us.

6. Technology, Adopt It

For many of us, technology is a learning curve and not intuitive, and we resist it. The world shift we are living through is exciting, not without risks, and yet as we see the possibility of communicating with even the remotest villages, and have new opportunities for achievement, sometimes instantly, where no hope existed before, this is a new and extraordinary age. Be part of it, and for all those who are the intuitive crowd, reach out to encourage others who are just entering, yet have not yet arrived.

1. Empower BP

Let’s put the Borough President Office in NYC in a stronger position, and set our expectations higher. The 2013 races for BP offer an opportunity for change, and we must seize it. I call it Empower BP.

2. Survival of the Lion in the Wild

t’s nearing midnight for the lion, as disease, trophy hunting (many by American hunters), killing for parts (for medicinal remedies), among other things are putting lions’ survival in the wild in extraordinary jeopardy.

3. America’s Children.

President Obama voiced in his comments at Newtown High a larger issue, which he commented that he had reflected on in those few days, whether we are doing enough for our children, his reference being larger than just guns. His answer was no. I most heartily agree.

4. Drugs in America

Prescription drugs in America have become one of our major killers these days, and as much good as many do, side effects and wrongful use are harming too many in this country. And Oxycotin must be kept out of the hands of the young people of America.

5. Just Say NO to Drones in NYC

Article in NYPost of black drone sighted near Kennedy Airport. We have a choice, the Mayoral candidates must be asked, and we must speak out, “no drones in NYC, not for domestic surveillance, and no slippery slope to any future collateral damage.

6. ONE PERCENT FOR CULTURE

NYC now allocates 1/4 of 1% of its budget to cultural institutions. They are the fabric of our society, for all of its citizens, and add to our urban life. It is the first thing to be cut in tough budget times, and the last to be added when money is available.

Cannot believe this will be my first blog., my first bit of HT “wisdom.”  It’s a little story, just happened last Saturday night on a day-trip to Baltimore.

Train scheduled to leave at 10:46 PM (I actually thought it was 10:30 PM until…  well, you’ll see until when).  And I don’t want to miss it, so I leave the Convention Center, from a gathering I am at, in plenty of time, at 9:20 PM.

It was with so much time that I decided to take the Light Rail instead of the taxi.  It was convenient, literally door-to-door (except this time), certain to arrive (as the last time I took a taxi from there to Penn Station we ran into terrible traffic, it took forever), and infinitely less expensive (nothing like saving $10).

Here’s the thing.  I hopped on the Light Rail going the wrong way (Southbound rather than Northbound, never considering asking, as I had absolute certainty).  By the time I asked, and then immediately got off, it was next to the last stop (the wrong way), and it was 9:45 PM, and in the middle of nowhere with only the choice of a Northbound Light Rail (as there were now no taxis where I was).

As I looked at the posted timetable, the next Rail was 10:02 PM, arriving at Penn Station, Baltimore at 10:30 PM.  It now became a matter of a wish and a hope, wishing the Rail would be on time, and hoping that my Train to New York would be delayed two minutes so I could run from one to another.

An aside, as if the entire story is not one.  So, I am waiting for the Rail in the middle of nowhere, and after a few minutes, approached by a clearly drunk man wanting something, what I didn’t know but not willing to find out.  So, I went first, ranting, “Just went the wrong way on the Rail, about to miss my Train, waiting out here, you really don’t want to bother me,” in a tone you can imagine, and with an attitude you can also imagine.  This man immediately walked away, and didn’t come close to bothering me again.

Back to the story.  Rail arrives right on time, at 10:02 PM, I get on, and now smarten up (or so I thought at the time).  Looked at my Train ticket, and to my delight, it was scheduled to depart at 10:46 PM, not 10:30 PM.  Got it wrapped now.  Then asked this wonderful older African-American man, first whether I am on the Rail heading to Penn Station, then where do I get off.

He shows me a chart, hung on the wall of the Rail, of all the stops, and I had about eight left to Penn Station (so I thought).  Didn’t notice that Penn Station was listed up there, and not a stop, until I push the yellow strip signaling that I wanted to get out at the next stop, and it stops one stop after Penn Station.( you see, as it turned out, you had to get out one stop before Penn Station, and walk from there).

So, here I am, one stop away, about two minutes to go, and determined still that I would make it.  I asked some young people there on the street, how can I get to Penn Station by hoofing it, so I was given directions that it’s about eight blocks, through Downtown, and off I start running (figured that if I could three NY Marathons, I could do eight blocks and make a Train)..  You got to see this, nearly 10:40, running in downtown Baltimore

Areas that I realize that I shouldn’t be doing this in..  Solicited only a couple of times as I am running, nearly out of breath, four blocks to go, 10:45 PM, and  a taxi waiting at the red light just ahead of me, with it just about to turn green.

This is my best effort at what clearly was a lost cause, so I reach it just as it’s about to go, hop in, tell the Driver “Penn Station,” and see it’s clear sailing.  Fare was $2.10, give him a $5 bill (and can you believe I take the time to get $2 change).  Out I jump at Penn Station, dash exactly in the wrong direction, ask a man where the NY Train would be, he points over to the Counter Information Desk.  I dash, ask the Information Man, see on the clock it’s 10:50 PM (yes, 10 minutes before 11 PM for a Train that was to leave 14 minutes before 11 PM), and he says Gate 6.

Incredibly, I take the time to say, “you mean it hasn’t left”, and off I run, across the waiting room, down the stairs, and amazingly, with time to spare (nothing like a Train that’s late on its schedule, I hop on.

So, off I went on my Train to New York Penn Station, as scheduled.

What lessons do I take from this?  Well, I am taking a look at it, and I want you to, as well, and share your thoughts so we can all learn together.  Certainly many take-aways for me, and I suspect we can all learn from it (sort of like a modern-day Aesop’s Fables).

I will start with undoubtedly the most positive, “always go for it, and know you will make it happen, even against all logical odds” (putting aside the stupidity of what I had done).

I want to hear from all of you.  This blogging is new for me.  You’re now part of the experiment.