If our dear Governor truly wanted to clean up Albany as he has stated time and time again I ask this of him….Mr.Cuomo after Mr. SIlver's conviction will you now re-instate the Moreland Commission? Put your money where your mouth is and do it now. No one will believe you otherwise when it comes to truly cleaning up the cesspool that is Albany.
3
The Silver conviction is a holiday gift for the Empire State.We pretty much got rid of the Cosa Nostra crime families. The new crime families are the Democrats and Republicans. It unfortunately seems that the fastest growing American industry is raising and spending billions of dollars to select a paid-for puppet to run for office. The template for public office is have oligarchs or special interests pull the political puppet strings-nothing new. I gotta give Trump one thing. He would be the cut-rate oligarch who cuts out the middle-man politico. Lastly, Sheldon Silver should be just the start of a total house cleaning in every state and hamlet where cancerous corruption hides in the dark.
1
So Sheldon Silver was convicted. Good. I'm sure he deserved it. Yet somehow I don't think he's lost the war. To explain.
Big hoopla all over the news for weeks about this trial. Not a good atmosphere to continue to try and work the system. Lemme see now. A big trial and he doesn't testify. Well...that happens. But his lawyers don't call one single solitary defense witness. Strange indeed. And TWO jurors sent very "unusual" notes to the judge asking to be excused because of this, that and other unusual reasons. Hmm.
Methinks when all the hoopla dies down in a couple of weeks (certainly within a couple of months) and Silver isn't even in the newspaper at all, the attorneys will start to chip away at this conviction. They've already filed appeals. Those two complaining jurors....hard to believe something won't come from that.
If I was a betting man, I'd wager that Silver will get the conviction overturned, and won't be tried again. In any event, he'll work the system well off the front pages of the papers and he'll never serve a day in jail. He may have to pony up some cash, but guys like that can alway put the arm on somebody to pay off.
Sheldon may have lost the battle but it is far from certain that he will lose the war!!
Big hoopla all over the news for weeks about this trial. Not a good atmosphere to continue to try and work the system. Lemme see now. A big trial and he doesn't testify. Well...that happens. But his lawyers don't call one single solitary defense witness. Strange indeed. And TWO jurors sent very "unusual" notes to the judge asking to be excused because of this, that and other unusual reasons. Hmm.
Methinks when all the hoopla dies down in a couple of weeks (certainly within a couple of months) and Silver isn't even in the newspaper at all, the attorneys will start to chip away at this conviction. They've already filed appeals. Those two complaining jurors....hard to believe something won't come from that.
If I was a betting man, I'd wager that Silver will get the conviction overturned, and won't be tried again. In any event, he'll work the system well off the front pages of the papers and he'll never serve a day in jail. He may have to pony up some cash, but guys like that can alway put the arm on somebody to pay off.
Sheldon may have lost the battle but it is far from certain that he will lose the war!!
1
There will never be any reform of the NY legislature. Judges, prosecutors and almost every elected official knows exactly what is going on. And it continues every day. Every member of the legislature knows what Silver did and who he was involved with.
Why aren't the beneficiaries of his criminal activity being prosecuted? How about revealing all of his e-mails and communications for the last 10 years. How about we bring the rest of the legislature to justice.
This isn't limited to Albany. It is the state of affairs and politics in New York. The people be damned.
Why aren't the beneficiaries of his criminal activity being prosecuted? How about revealing all of his e-mails and communications for the last 10 years. How about we bring the rest of the legislature to justice.
This isn't limited to Albany. It is the state of affairs and politics in New York. The people be damned.
1
This sort of corruption is usually associated with individuals who have been in office for a very long time. Term limits are an effective solution to this problem.
1
"Political culture," even that of Albany, DOESN'T commit crimes. PEOPLE commit crimes by manipulating the system.
When two of the "three men in the room" in Albany (i.e. Silver and Shelos) face criminal charges, what's the likelihood that the third man in the room (i.e. Cuomo) isn't culpable too? (And don't forget about the likes of Bruno and Heastie.)
NYS needs a SERIOUS investigation into the criminal corruption of its government! Anything less is a travesty of justice.
When two of the "three men in the room" in Albany (i.e. Silver and Shelos) face criminal charges, what's the likelihood that the third man in the room (i.e. Cuomo) isn't culpable too? (And don't forget about the likes of Bruno and Heastie.)
NYS needs a SERIOUS investigation into the criminal corruption of its government! Anything less is a travesty of justice.
1
I see where some sincere folks really think; now Albany is gonna be cleaned up with the conviction of Silver and soon to be cellmate Skelos & Son. Next in line should be that cowardly Governor of the Moreland commission debacle, Cuomo. Albany will remain corrupt, while giving lip service to ethical leadership, governance and morality. Corruption, death and taxes are the only sure things in this state.
2
You're absolutely right. Cuomo is at the center of the Albany corruption, his killing of the Moreland Commission proved that. When will it be his turn for trial?
1
It's hard to believe the day finally arrived when Sheldon Silver was completely removed from the NY legislature. Guilty on all seven counts - a good day for all New York.
Silver was convicted of taking kickbacks and money laundering but the real crime he committed was subverting the democratic process in Albany for nearly 20 years and acting as Czar over the Assembly. How was it possible for the rest of the Assembly to grant so much power to one man? What ever happened to limits on power, to the belief in checks and balances in government?
The biggest impediment to term limits, ethics reform and overall good government has been removed. The Governor and the Legislature had been not squander this opportunity.
Silver was convicted of taking kickbacks and money laundering but the real crime he committed was subverting the democratic process in Albany for nearly 20 years and acting as Czar over the Assembly. How was it possible for the rest of the Assembly to grant so much power to one man? What ever happened to limits on power, to the belief in checks and balances in government?
The biggest impediment to term limits, ethics reform and overall good government has been removed. The Governor and the Legislature had been not squander this opportunity.
Silver essentially has been the Governor of NY for many, many years. He also used his influence to have Thomas DiNapoli appointed to State Comptroller's office. Now that Uncle Sheldon has been convicted, follow the money paths back to the Comptroller's office. We already know of one joint deal between the two, the payoff for the Sexual Harassment cases.
2
Mr. Schneiderman said "“There are only two paths forward,” Mr. Schneiderman said in a statement. “More scandals, more prosecutions and the further erosion of public confidence; or real, transformational reform that deters and actually prevents corruption in the first place.”
I want to see both paths taken. I want to see all of the corrupt politicians dragged out and prosecuted AND transformational reform that deters and prevents corruption in the first place. We, the voters, are ENTITLED to both of these paths to be taken simultaneously.
I want to see both paths taken. I want to see all of the corrupt politicians dragged out and prosecuted AND transformational reform that deters and prevents corruption in the first place. We, the voters, are ENTITLED to both of these paths to be taken simultaneously.
3
"may spur change"???
When they decide to adopt other states' public campaign
funding procedures, it will be correct to change "may" to "did". In the
meantime, very loud, insistent, and consistent pressure will
be needed to begin cleaning out the swamp. Indeed, some of the fellow
legislators' mournful responses clearly indicate they just don't get
it yet.
When they decide to adopt other states' public campaign
funding procedures, it will be correct to change "may" to "did". In the
meantime, very loud, insistent, and consistent pressure will
be needed to begin cleaning out the swamp. Indeed, some of the fellow
legislators' mournful responses clearly indicate they just don't get
it yet.
1
The only real way to fix this is to take the money out.
It seems to me that the CEO of an organization with a $150 BILLION budget should be making more than $179,000. The commensurate private sector salary in the millions.
I think the minimum salary for an Assemblyman should be $1million. A State Senator $2million, the Governor $5million. Tied to that pay hike should be strong ethics rules - no lobbyists, no freebies, no trips on a private jet. and most of all NO OUTSIDE INCOME while you're in office. Not for you, not for your wife and children unless they were working before, and full public reporting of any changes. Make everything transparent.
And all campaigns should have the same fixed amount spent on them. No private money allowed.
Ah, who am I kidding?
It seems to me that the CEO of an organization with a $150 BILLION budget should be making more than $179,000. The commensurate private sector salary in the millions.
I think the minimum salary for an Assemblyman should be $1million. A State Senator $2million, the Governor $5million. Tied to that pay hike should be strong ethics rules - no lobbyists, no freebies, no trips on a private jet. and most of all NO OUTSIDE INCOME while you're in office. Not for you, not for your wife and children unless they were working before, and full public reporting of any changes. Make everything transparent.
And all campaigns should have the same fixed amount spent on them. No private money allowed.
Ah, who am I kidding?
Change Albany? Why? Silver's conviction proves that the system works!
When Cuomo joins him in Dannemora, than I'll say that the system works.
The line between "honest graft", which is legal, and "dishonest graft", which is illegal, is not always a clear bright line. George Washington Plunkitt was fond of saying that there are so many opportunities for honest graft that a politician who engaged in dishonest graft was just plain stupid. See, "Plunkitt of Tammany Hall" --- Google it. Unless he's stupid no politician purposely engages in dishonest graft. Sheldon Silver was not stupid. When the line is blurred it causes a problem. We need clearly defined rules as to which conduct is forbidden and which conduct is permitted.
It is going to take many more criminal convictions to change the quid pro quo nature of our state government. There just is no appetite in Albany to stop washing every legislator's hands. The politicians just don't want to get rid of "member items", "not for profit" organizations that are nothing more than scams and an atmosphere of total opaqueness. The US Attorney still needs to nail Cuomo and then Heastie and as many other Assemblymen and State Senators as can fit in the federal penitentiary.
And I hope the federal judge sends Silver to prison for a long, long term, to reflect how much Silver has corrupted Albany and to serve as a warning to others who are so brazen as to engage in the same quid pro quo way of doing legislative business.
And I hope the federal judge sends Silver to prison for a long, long term, to reflect how much Silver has corrupted Albany and to serve as a warning to others who are so brazen as to engage in the same quid pro quo way of doing legislative business.
1
I have lived and worked in Albany for 30 years. You know when state legislators mostly hand-deliver their ethics disclosures (to avoid mail and wire fraud charges) that it's a sewer of bad politicians.
The politicians know what is needed - real ethics rules and an ethics commission with teeth. That's why they've strenuously worked against such reform. Cuomo, Silver and Skelos all gave lip service to ethics reform while sabotaging it behind the scenes. Silver's attorneys are right - this is the way things are done in Albany. And the truth is that Silver's conviction is not likely to change that.
The politicians know what is needed - real ethics rules and an ethics commission with teeth. That's why they've strenuously worked against such reform. Cuomo, Silver and Skelos all gave lip service to ethics reform while sabotaging it behind the scenes. Silver's attorneys are right - this is the way things are done in Albany. And the truth is that Silver's conviction is not likely to change that.
Yes they want to avoid criminal charges but not for your presumed reason. It is not clear to them what conduct is permitted and what conduct is forbidden. We need laws and rules that clearly, beyond the shadow of a doubt, define the parameters of proper behavior. Unfortunately, present laws and rules do not do so.
Nice excuse but it's bogus. They know what's forbidden just like Silver did. It's not so difficult to figure out that you cannot use your office for personal gain.
Oh, Cuomo is interested in cleaning house? Not.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/23/nyregion/governor-andrew-cuomo-and-the...
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/23/nyregion/governor-andrew-cuomo-and-the...
1
Stop every penny of funding from the State and City Governments to Not For Profits organizations, unless they are being paid for service on an invoice. Every politically connected person in NYC has a Not For Profit all of which are untouchable in the mission statement but in fact do not exist. There is an easy Pulitzer prize out there for an industrious reporter.
2
On the contrary, i think the Pulitzer prize should go to the author of the Not-For-Profit Application...the prize for fiction. And another one for the author of this article for fantasy (a new category) - that corruption will stop in any state government. If not fantasy, maybe for humor?
1
Time for Hollywood to make a movie of Silver's life and career. It will make the "Godfather" boring.
1
"How do you spell politics, M O N E Y!"
That's what you get, when the whole society is about making money. There's more to life than just money, it's not an end in itself. It's just an important measuring stick of sorts.
Anyway, it's good to hear that Mr. Silver got what he deserves!
That's what you get, when the whole society is about making money. There's more to life than just money, it's not an end in itself. It's just an important measuring stick of sorts.
Anyway, it's good to hear that Mr. Silver got what he deserves!
1
NY gov't is structured to foster corruption. The two parties work together to prop each other up. It is the worst run state in the country which is really saying something.
Then you've never been to California. Beyond corruption, we have layers of incompetence and log rolling out of control. Speaking of out of control, we have a train to nowhere which has doubled and tripled its budget before construction, no plan, even no idea how much the land is going to cost...and by the time the train is built (unless someone comes to their senses- not bloodily likely) it will probably be made obsolete by self-driving cars. The only difference between CA and NY is that we have better weather, and we call our shores beaches, the quality of name dropping is a bit better, and are rattlesnakes in the wild as well as the state capital.
Who is to blame ? who voted him in year after year ?
Who finally acted ......
Preetinder Singh "Preet" Bharara - born in India , raised in New Jersey
It took some one from another land, another state, another culture to clean up OUR mess
shame on us !
Who finally acted ......
Preetinder Singh "Preet" Bharara - born in India , raised in New Jersey
It took some one from another land, another state, another culture to clean up OUR mess
shame on us !
10
Term Limits, Term Limits, Term Limits!!!!
It is absolutely amazing to me that we have politicians that spend decades in office. If our President is limited to eight years in office for many reasons, wouldn't it be wise to apply the same logic to all elected officials?
Lets go one step further. Isn't it funny how in conversations amongst Democratic and Republican voters they cannot seem to agree on anything except term limits yet there is never a similar discussion amongst our elected officials? If anything, it seems our elected officials only discuss abolishing the term limits that already exist.
Term limits are the easiest tool to apply in order to slow down corruption. We need to pressure our elected officials to enact legislation supporting such limits.
It is absolutely amazing to me that we have politicians that spend decades in office. If our President is limited to eight years in office for many reasons, wouldn't it be wise to apply the same logic to all elected officials?
Lets go one step further. Isn't it funny how in conversations amongst Democratic and Republican voters they cannot seem to agree on anything except term limits yet there is never a similar discussion amongst our elected officials? If anything, it seems our elected officials only discuss abolishing the term limits that already exist.
Term limits are the easiest tool to apply in order to slow down corruption. We need to pressure our elected officials to enact legislation supporting such limits.
3
All the campaign finance reform won't make a difference if you can't get a name on the ballot. The current "petition" system is just another part of the rigged game in New York politics. Silver's departure will have not change the fact that party bosses select our supposed representatives
5
We've been cleaning up Albany for over a century. This is just the latest domino. A bad guy, but someone will come along and take his place
3
I hope that as part of his conviction, he is fined in total for his ill gotten gains. He should not be allowed to keep the moneys he received.
I also hope that other Albany politicians see this verdict and realize that they could be next.
I also hope that other Albany politicians see this verdict and realize that they could be next.
7
"Reformers in Albany' - Reformers in ALBANY?
As long as New Yorkers slavishly endorse one party (Democrat), there will never be reform in Albany. Even the Governor refused to support the effort to convict Sheldon Silver - it took the Feds under Preet Bharara to get this done.
Don't make me laugh, Democrats. You voters are the cause - and the inspiration - for every crook in the state house.
As long as New Yorkers slavishly endorse one party (Democrat), there will never be reform in Albany. Even the Governor refused to support the effort to convict Sheldon Silver - it took the Feds under Preet Bharara to get this done.
Don't make me laugh, Democrats. You voters are the cause - and the inspiration - for every crook in the state house.
7
One party! Isn't Dean Skelos the former head of the State Senate a republican. Both parties have their corrupt members.
1
Either party having continuous control of state government will cause abuses. But the bigger issue may be the quality of the people we elect and the quality of people who choose to run for office. Ultimately we get the government we deserve.
2
“It hurts all of us,” Mr. Lentol said, adding, “I still feel it is a noble profession that I practice and, when it’s done correctly, it’s a reward all unto itself.”
Wow, I guess that says just how far removed from the general public the average politician is.
Wow, I guess that says just how far removed from the general public the average politician is.
2
I am not sure which is more despicable: sheldon silver, for stealing my tax dollars and enriching himself through his criminal schemes, his disgusting, atrocious attorneys trying to exonerate him by claiming "but mommy, Johnny does it too!", or the lenient, apologizing coverage by this dreadful "publication" of one of their beloved, far left flag bearers in shelly silver.
Can anyone imagine how ferocious the NYT would be pulverizing Silver if he was a republican?
The lunatic bias of this "publication", apologizing and excusing away with softball coverage anyone corrupt on the left is astonishing and beyond the pale. If only they were as tough on corrupt liberals as they were on any conservatives, places like NY, CA and IL - and the federal government itself - might actually have decent governing officials.
Can anyone imagine how ferocious the NYT would be pulverizing Silver if he was a republican?
The lunatic bias of this "publication", apologizing and excusing away with softball coverage anyone corrupt on the left is astonishing and beyond the pale. If only they were as tough on corrupt liberals as they were on any conservatives, places like NY, CA and IL - and the federal government itself - might actually have decent governing officials.
6
It's about time that the legislature stops being beholden to special interests and the unions and starts working for all NY residents.
3
I noticed it was very difficult for the NYT to mention that Sheldon Silver, the main subject in the article, was a Democrat and would only do so after mentioning that there was a former Republican leader of the State Senate who is currently on trial on corruption charges first in about the middle of the article. It is so hard for the NYT to notice the biased way they report because of their allegiance to the Democrat party.
4
Not true. In the political world we live in, it's become commonplace for the media, and of course politicians to distort, omit, and deliberately falsify the truth. I've been following this story in the NYT, and at no time have they omitted the fact that Sheldon Silver is a Democrat.
It is my understanding that the NYT requires its writers to state "A Democrat" , "A Republican" , etc at the beginning of any article on them.
In NYC its quite jarring as they are pretty much all democrats.
While Skelos appears to be even more guilty, corruption in NYC and NYS continues to be a mostly Democrat problem. I think part of the problem is that without a stronger counterparts -republican, independent, green, whatever.. - the machine picks the candidate via the primary and then its almost a fait accompli that the chosen gets elected. See our last Mayoral run.
In NYC its quite jarring as they are pretty much all democrats.
While Skelos appears to be even more guilty, corruption in NYC and NYS continues to be a mostly Democrat problem. I think part of the problem is that without a stronger counterparts -republican, independent, green, whatever.. - the machine picks the candidate via the primary and then its almost a fait accompli that the chosen gets elected. See our last Mayoral run.
2
"Mr. Cuomo said late Monday that “justice was served.”
“With the allegations proven, it is time for the Legislature to take seriously the need for reform,” he said in a statement. “There will be zero tolerance for the violation of the public trust in New York.”
Really? Coming from this guy? Justice will be served only when Cuomo is indicted, tried and found guilty.
“With the allegations proven, it is time for the Legislature to take seriously the need for reform,” he said in a statement. “There will be zero tolerance for the violation of the public trust in New York.”
Really? Coming from this guy? Justice will be served only when Cuomo is indicted, tried and found guilty.
6
The verdict will have no effect on reform. The entire legislature knew that Mr. Silver and his associates, partners and other supporters were and remain corrupt to the core. Judges and prosecutors too knew full well the depth of the corruption. There is only one way to end the corruption. Everyone in the state legislature must step down and never run for office again. Even Governor Cuomo knows how deeply the layers of corruption run through the state.
There is too much secrecy and too much money and too many inter-personal relationships that transcend the business of government.
One way to help control the corruption would be to limit the number of terms of office that may be held. After 2 terms its time to go.
What I find particularly galling though is the state of mind of the single juror who believed until the bitter end of the trial that Mr. Silver's conduct was just the way business was done. It was normal. She believed he was humble. I'm afraid that too many within the legislature believe the same state of affairs will continue. Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol also expressed dismay at the verdict. Why isn't he stepping down? Because he believes that the way Mr. Silverman did business was the right way. It was an arrangement between friends not a contract between the people their representatives.
There is too much secrecy and too much money and too many inter-personal relationships that transcend the business of government.
One way to help control the corruption would be to limit the number of terms of office that may be held. After 2 terms its time to go.
What I find particularly galling though is the state of mind of the single juror who believed until the bitter end of the trial that Mr. Silver's conduct was just the way business was done. It was normal. She believed he was humble. I'm afraid that too many within the legislature believe the same state of affairs will continue. Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol also expressed dismay at the verdict. Why isn't he stepping down? Because he believes that the way Mr. Silverman did business was the right way. It was an arrangement between friends not a contract between the people their representatives.
5
You are so right. Follow the money. Who has a lot of money? NYS Comptroller's office, Silver's buddy Tom DiNapoli Comptroller.
Silver was known to be corrupt for decades.
And yet it took until 2014 to indict him.
That tells you everything you need to know.
And yet it took until 2014 to indict him.
That tells you everything you need to know.
13
Campaign finance reform now! Being an elected politician is no license to line ones pockets for political favors.
6
Why was the Moreland Commission disbanded by the titular head of, The Big Three?
12
No one should imagine that Governor Cuomo. who made himself the corrupt politicians' best friend when he disbanded the Moreland Commission, will ever take the smallest constructive step toward draining the Albany cesspool. Our state needs a progressive governor who doesn't just talk the talk but walks the walk.
8
Some say it's the voters' fault for electing shady characters to office, but in NY our party machines put up the same old unappealing candidates year after year. The fix is in. It's very discouraging. Maybe the investigation should first focus on who in Albany is NOT taking graft, and then round up the rest and throw the book at them.
2
Choose legislatures like juries, randomly.
Get honest outcomes.
Get honest outcomes.
2
Predictable consequences of a politically correct ethos which represses transparent free speech in the democrat party. Moved behind the purple curtain only part of the money goes to the common good, the rest goes to election coffers. See SEIU/Obama campaigns.
4
Aside from metaphors of sin, retribution, and purity (e.g. "fetid") in this trial and its coverage, New Yorkers (I'm from Buffalo) are left with underlying interests and power. Punishing a few corrupt elected officials does not change the balance of power.
In New York State, the only people capable of imposing limits on the Governor's power were the two State Legislative leaders. Now that both been brought down by corruption, Governor Cuomo has no one to limit his power.
This past year, we saw how Cuomo was able to push a bad education policy through the legislature without much opposition. It required a grassroots rebellion by suburban parents across the state to roll back this bad policy. The opt-out rebellion was outstanding and inspiring. But if Silver had power, he would have bargained down the bad policy just through normal exercise of power, and perhaps he would have blocked it. But at the time he was too weakened by scandal.
Madison's theory of representative government (Federalist Papers) does not require representatives to be good in order to serve the public interest. It's not realistic to believe that representatives will be both good people, as well have having the ambition and desire for power that is necessary for the job.
In New York State, the only people capable of imposing limits on the Governor's power were the two State Legislative leaders. Now that both been brought down by corruption, Governor Cuomo has no one to limit his power.
This past year, we saw how Cuomo was able to push a bad education policy through the legislature without much opposition. It required a grassroots rebellion by suburban parents across the state to roll back this bad policy. The opt-out rebellion was outstanding and inspiring. But if Silver had power, he would have bargained down the bad policy just through normal exercise of power, and perhaps he would have blocked it. But at the time he was too weakened by scandal.
Madison's theory of representative government (Federalist Papers) does not require representatives to be good in order to serve the public interest. It's not realistic to believe that representatives will be both good people, as well have having the ambition and desire for power that is necessary for the job.
1
Agreed that those with ambition for power are unlikely to be 'good' in an all-round saintly manner. But that does not mean that the legislature should be open to being bought. And now that Silver is gone, there need no longer be a lame duck majority leader in the legislature.
1
Like most liberal enclaves in the United States, Albany is rife with corruption. It has always been this way. Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston and pretty much every major liberal enclave is the same. Why? Because liberals have a tendency to inanely and wholeheartedly lean upon their government without any reservations. They trust politicians blindly because, ultimately, they associate government with Santa Clause with his fairytale benevolence and largesse. On the polar opposite end of the scale, you find Tea Party voters who tend to be "wealthier and more educated". These voters wish to shrink government and are weary of their politicians. Quite simply, NY voters are too liberal to be informed and too Democratic to question a free-hand-out government. NY will never change.
10
Wealthier and more educated describes plenty of progressives on the two coasts, and more than a few establishment Wall Street Republicans. Oh and the faux Manhattan posting location fools no one.
So, the state legislatures of say, Texas, Louisiana, and other oil patch states are not controlled by both the energy interests, the NRA, and the bulldozer development crowd. Florida has a light touch on state government but has had plenty of scandals at both local and state level. Voters need to keep their eyes and ears open with respect to both parties and all ideologies.
So, the state legislatures of say, Texas, Louisiana, and other oil patch states are not controlled by both the energy interests, the NRA, and the bulldozer development crowd. Florida has a light touch on state government but has had plenty of scandals at both local and state level. Voters need to keep their eyes and ears open with respect to both parties and all ideologies.
1
Really? Corruption exists only in liberal states? Please contact me I have something I'd like to sell you.
1
Actually, I will refrain from calling you a fool. Because your words more than adequately do the job. My location is NY, NY. In fact, the UES is a conservative stronghold as are many wealthier neighborhoods in Manhattan (save the UWS). Long Island residents--typically less educated, less wealthy and more beholden to the "my-mom-always-said-Republicans-are...mentality"--are by far more liberal than Manhattanites. Along with the outer boroughs, many Long Island residents lean on government support. Therefore, they would never vote against their own myopic self-serving personal government benefits. This would require them to be more than a liberal in name. For once, NY liberals would have to think about society rather than the check they receive on the first of the month. Not possible for liberals, I know. As I stated, NY will never change.
Every legislator should be required to disclose ALL sources of income with a detailed explanation why the payment was made. The disclosure statement should also indicate whether the legislator's spouse or family member has received any benefit from the government or a private company doing business with the State.
6
“Money seems to be the root of all of the evil in politics,” he said.
Most of that money is paid to media outlets. Isn't it time that campaign reform include giving the candidates on both sides the same access to the media, over the public airwaves, (those that the FCC controls.) Right now we see a reality tv star soap opera on the public airwaves every day, but no one doing any journalism on Bernie or Marco Rubio or Carly Fiorina. If the airwaves cover Trump for 10 minutes, they should let the other candidates have the same amount of time in prime time/news time. At their own expense. Right now, Trump, ironically is making a point of this strange symptom about ratings and commercial rates...he is saying he is making money for the networks. Interesting, since they are our airwaves and the presidential primary is a national interest. I see no reason for campaigns to have to raise millions to pay ABC, NBC, and CBS and their affiliates. Take this cost out of the campaigns, and you get fairness. Obama had to spend a billion dollars to get elected, and it mostly went to: the media.
Most of that money is paid to media outlets. Isn't it time that campaign reform include giving the candidates on both sides the same access to the media, over the public airwaves, (those that the FCC controls.) Right now we see a reality tv star soap opera on the public airwaves every day, but no one doing any journalism on Bernie or Marco Rubio or Carly Fiorina. If the airwaves cover Trump for 10 minutes, they should let the other candidates have the same amount of time in prime time/news time. At their own expense. Right now, Trump, ironically is making a point of this strange symptom about ratings and commercial rates...he is saying he is making money for the networks. Interesting, since they are our airwaves and the presidential primary is a national interest. I see no reason for campaigns to have to raise millions to pay ABC, NBC, and CBS and their affiliates. Take this cost out of the campaigns, and you get fairness. Obama had to spend a billion dollars to get elected, and it mostly went to: the media.
1
Dear Assembly Persons:
It sounds to me that Mr. Silver's attorney has convicted each and everyone of you when I read this below from the NY Times:
If Mr. Silver, the former State Assembly speaker, wrapped himself in financial conflicts of interest and collected millions of dollars in outside income, his lawyers argued, that did not make him a criminal.
That is the system New York has chosen,” one defense lawyer said.
Really? Please inform us Assembly Persons.
TG
It sounds to me that Mr. Silver's attorney has convicted each and everyone of you when I read this below from the NY Times:
If Mr. Silver, the former State Assembly speaker, wrapped himself in financial conflicts of interest and collected millions of dollars in outside income, his lawyers argued, that did not make him a criminal.
That is the system New York has chosen,” one defense lawyer said.
Really? Please inform us Assembly Persons.
TG
7
Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, who campaigned for stringent ethics legislation earlier this year, said that a stark choice confronted Albany.
“There are only two paths forward,” Mr. Schneiderman said in a statement.
---------------------------
Schneiderman should shut up. As the state AG, he should be doing something about the corruption in Albany bit he is very happy with the feds taking over.
“There are only two paths forward,” Mr. Schneiderman said in a statement.
---------------------------
Schneiderman should shut up. As the state AG, he should be doing something about the corruption in Albany bit he is very happy with the feds taking over.
6
Great point. And note that Schneiderman was NOT behind the effort to investigate, indict or convict this or any other corrupt Democrat in Albany. That was all Preet Bharara.
But watch - a matter of time before Schneiderman runs for and wins the Governorship.
But watch - a matter of time before Schneiderman runs for and wins the Governorship.
2
The Attorney General and his staff are part of the pay to play scheme in many situations. They do not uphold the laws, they allow all kinds of injustices to ride. Eric should bow his head in SHAME!!!!!!
1
In reality the attorney general eric s. would have a conflict in prosecuting the corruption that he defends on a daily basis including in the Executive branch of government. Good thing the Feds are going after the legislative branch. NYS does nothing to stop the corruption. The Feds refuse to acknowledge jurisdiction in civil corruption cases and 1983 litigations, brought by injured parties. They simply dismiss the cases and some times leave room for the cases to be refiled in state courts, which are corrupt.
Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos had inordinate power due to their tenure and the lack of independent oversight of state legislators. The abuses were too many and the hubris glaring. Term limits, loss of pensions for felony convictions tied to government "service " should be applied to all elected officials and appointed authority personell in N.Y.S. Next up is Andrew Cuomo and the Moreland commission dissolution. One of the worst legislatures in the country needs to be cleaned up pronto. Action not words is the proper course forward.
23
What about those State Legislators who graduated to, The Nationals? There are 27 Congressional Districts. If the house is rotten to the core in Albany, do those who graduate take the pathogen with them?
2
Another very good reason that socially conscious women MUST assume at least one-half the world's leadership positions. Governments service is a JOB - not a license to steal - and ethics must be restored at all levels. BIG democracy-destroying money is putting people in office and they are doing the job that the money masters expect. WE must find and support politicians like Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman then constantly remind them who they were elected/hired to represent - US.
It's a miracle. I have actually lived to see the day that a Democrat party boss is brought to trial and convicted for his crimes against the citizens of New York. As my deceased father would say, "sometimes pigs do fly". Now let's see if Bharara will go after Cuomo and the rest of the political crooks that have sold themselves to the teacher and civil service unions in Albany. It can be done, but it takes a strong man to do it.
8
It is not a crime to be in favor of workers rights to organize and bargain. It is prejudice in the extreme to advocate the denial of rights to individuals.
Don't confuse differing values or principles with criminal activity. Consider this: being opposed is fine, killing those you oppose is criminal.
Many strong women ( and men) get the distinction.
Don't confuse differing values or principles with criminal activity. Consider this: being opposed is fine, killing those you oppose is criminal.
Many strong women ( and men) get the distinction.
1
The unbecoming relationship between public employee unions and their purchasing of democratic public officials is illegal and not "differing values."
2
Quite a miracle. Below is a list of NYS politicians convicted of crimes:
(NINE Democrats and FOUR Republicans)
State Senator Malcolm Smith (D)
State Assemblywoman Gabriela Rosa (D)
State Assemblyman Eric Stevenson (D)
State Assemblyman Nelson Castro (D)
State Assemblyman Chris Ortloff (R)
State Senator Shirley Huntley (D) Majority Leader of the New York State Senate Pedro Espada Jr. (D)
State Senator Vincent Leibell (R)
State Senator Nicholas Spano (R)
New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi (D)
State Senator Carl Kruger (D)
State Senator Efrain Gonzalez Jr. (D)
State Health Commissioner Antonia Novello (R)
(NINE Democrats and FOUR Republicans)
State Senator Malcolm Smith (D)
State Assemblywoman Gabriela Rosa (D)
State Assemblyman Eric Stevenson (D)
State Assemblyman Nelson Castro (D)
State Assemblyman Chris Ortloff (R)
State Senator Shirley Huntley (D) Majority Leader of the New York State Senate Pedro Espada Jr. (D)
State Senator Vincent Leibell (R)
State Senator Nicholas Spano (R)
New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi (D)
State Senator Carl Kruger (D)
State Senator Efrain Gonzalez Jr. (D)
State Health Commissioner Antonia Novello (R)
2
AG Paul Fishman should take note, this is how indict and convict a corrupt politician in an open and shut case. Now do your job and get Governor Christie!
1
Two words; Term Limits.
4
Go Preet!!! Silver is a big time crook and I hope he goes to jail. There is a culture of crime so bad that his defense team said it was OK. It is NOT ok. T ake a look at what he's done to the lower east side. Killing the neighborhood for personal gain; how much real estate does he and the thieves from Glenwood own?
9
"That is the system New York has chosen."
That says more about the political system in NY than it does about Silver himself. It implies that he is clearly not the only one playing the game.
That says more about the political system in NY than it does about Silver himself. It implies that he is clearly not the only one playing the game.
14
The issue of corruption in New York State politics transcends any given elected official for as long as I can remember. The only way in my opinion to clean up this mess once and for all is to a) ban outside employment while serving, b) limit or ban outright political contributions, and c) institute term limits. Much smarter people than me have been saying this since forever. Let’s finally get the will to take back our government.
31
We can't regulate decency and knowing to do the right thing by passing even more "ethics reforms." A man or woman in politics knows full well when he or she is stepping over the line. We've got to keep the line-crossers and those with a poor sense of boundaries out of politics in the first place. And if they do cross the line while in office, the response should be swift and firm.
5
This nation is ripe for top to bottom political reform. New York state is just one small facet in an entire panorama of corruption from Washington DC, to state capitals, to major municipalities everywhere.
Money has corrupted the entire system of self-government. The joint is run by gobs of money flowing back and forth like the tides twice a day.
Money has corrupted the entire system of self-government. The joint is run by gobs of money flowing back and forth like the tides twice a day.
9
ShellySilver rode a 'King' Tide for many years, or is it a King Tithe?
1
In the interest of public integrity The New York Times should investigate all legislation Silver pushed through for those who gained from his crimes. NY voters have the right to know which specific laws were enacted for the benefit of these few.
As citizens we wouldn't accept the decisions of a corrupt, convicted judge without a thorough review of those cases that he or she ruled on. Cases that were routinely decided in favor of the party illegally influencing the judge should be thrown out or at the very least appealed.
As citizens we wouldn't accept the decisions of a corrupt, convicted judge without a thorough review of those cases that he or she ruled on. Cases that were routinely decided in favor of the party illegally influencing the judge should be thrown out or at the very least appealed.
8
Nothing will change unless New York votes for a constitutional amendment that enacts term limits, perhaps five or six 2-year terms. It would attract a completely different type of person to Albany, rather than the current crop who enter politics to enrich themselves, and somehow become multi-millionaires on a $79,500 salary.
Sheldon Silver is a prime example. First elected in 1976, he would have been finished by 1986 or 1988, well before he was able to rise to the top and spend more than two decades gaming the system.
Sheldon Silver is a prime example. First elected in 1976, he would have been finished by 1986 or 1988, well before he was able to rise to the top and spend more than two decades gaming the system.
33
The drumbeat for term limits is an appealing distraction, but my experience in Ohio tells me that they don't work. Term limits in our State have led to legislators who are far more doctrinaire and unwilling to reach across the aisle because there are limits to their time in Columbus. This inability/unwillingness of legislators to compromise has been exacerbated (it seems to me) by a loss of institutional memory. BTW, during the time that we've lived under term limits, ethics rules have been loosened and more activity has been shielded in secrecy. The end result has been that little gets accomplished that money doesn't buy. Sound familiar, New York? I suspect that a real positive step to limit corruption is to shine as bright a light on political activity as is possible and to impose the strictest ethics rules that will stand up to judicial scrutiny.
2
It loos like Andrew Cuomo has found his calling comedian, This is his staement as printed in the article ...
“With the allegations proven, it is time for the Legislature to take seriously the need for reform,” Cuomo said in a statement. “There will be zero tolerance for the violation of the public trust in New York.”
This from from the most unethical politician in Albany who raises millions of campaign dollars from the rich and powerful in return for "favors" from him.
“With the allegations proven, it is time for the Legislature to take seriously the need for reform,” Cuomo said in a statement. “There will be zero tolerance for the violation of the public trust in New York.”
This from from the most unethical politician in Albany who raises millions of campaign dollars from the rich and powerful in return for "favors" from him.
28
agree with AH2 , but to clarify, the "rich and powerful" he courts are unions (teachers, municipals workers), not individuals.
NYS has the highest taxes in the nation and continues to see losses of its taxable base to other states. We need to change that.
NYS has the highest taxes in the nation and continues to see losses of its taxable base to other states. We need to change that.
1
We can only hope that the US Attorney will look into the despicable Gov. Cuomo next. It stands to reason now that the other 2 " men in a room" have been put on trial.
21
Not a thing will happen.
Those legislators you see calling for reform in this article will be the first ones at the trough when Skelos joins Silver in tennis prison.
The most we will see is legislators being required to buy their interns and junior staffers two drinks instead of one before demanding sexual favors.
Those legislators you see calling for reform in this article will be the first ones at the trough when Skelos joins Silver in tennis prison.
The most we will see is legislators being required to buy their interns and junior staffers two drinks instead of one before demanding sexual favors.
3
It boggles the mind to think that Silver's defense actually rested on the belief that NY's voting public willingly accepted a system of kickbacks and corruption as legitimate government. How could the former legislator's legal council be so oblivious to the fundamental tenets of justice?
Who in their right mind would believe that it serves any kind of democratic system, to argue that because the voters selected nepotistic crooks, they deserve them?
Who in their right mind would believe that it serves any kind of democratic system, to argue that because the voters selected nepotistic crooks, they deserve them?
23
I think it's why we need laws to change the system, not a code of ethics, which is a joke for those who have none. Anyway, so when have lawyers been "all about justice" as compared to all about loopholes? But to actually argue that a client should be held accountable because this is just how it is -- pretty pathetic.
2
What's really mind-boggling was that Silver was caught so red-handed that he had NO OTHER defense! The old "blame the system" defense is the last resort of a lawyer who knows his/her client is guilty!
1
A term limit of six to eight years in the top leadership position is desirable. This would give members ample time to understand the issues and the process before they became Speaker, or Senate Majority Leader, while creating a process that would continue to move elected officials up through the committee chairs on a regular basis.
2
Great thanks to Preet Bharara, who has done single-handedly what an entire legislature,a Governor and a NYS Attorney General have failed to do. On to Dean Skelos! You go, Preet!
48
Here we are, one of the smartest and most progressive states in the country, and we have one of the worst backwater state governments in the country. Cuomo is rotten to the core. Time to take the momentum from Silver's conviction and clean up Albany.
21
.....and yet our fellow new yorkers continue to vote in these crooks almost every time.....Why the preference for incumbents?
Why the preference for incumbents? Part of the answer lies with the opposition party. They (read that as NYState Republican Party) is brain-dead. It either hasn't put up a decent opposition candidate in years (for example against Chuck Schumer, the now-retired Gary Ackerman or Steve Israel) OR when it has a decent state-wide candidate such as Rob Astorino, his campaign gets insufficient support. Even if you think Schumer/Ackerman/Israel are/were doing a good job why do we let them treat their positions as a sinecure? Competitive elections keep everyone ... 'honest?"
“Money seems to be the root of all of the evil in politics,” says Assemblyman Lentol. Has he just reached this conclusion? The absence of personal and professional ethics on every level of public life is not a recent development. (To be fair, the private sector needs to look in its mirror, too.)
Let's start the ethics debate with election campaign funding reform. Place severe limits on amounts of contributions and from whom they may come. And if the elected won't do it, the people must. How about a refusing to vote for a candidate who takes an individual contribution above a certain level, or withholding support for an office seeker who takes money from a super political action committee? The people can act while the politicians debate.
Let's start the ethics debate with election campaign funding reform. Place severe limits on amounts of contributions and from whom they may come. And if the elected won't do it, the people must. How about a refusing to vote for a candidate who takes an individual contribution above a certain level, or withholding support for an office seeker who takes money from a super political action committee? The people can act while the politicians debate.
3
Campaign funding reform really is the core of change here - without it, not one other than millionaires or those who sell their souls can run for higher office. And even the "good guys" have to spend way too much time fundraising, when the business off governing should be primary.
1
Political corruption in the 21st.Century. What kind of people do we elect to represent us.It's not that it's a new thing that Mr. Silver thought he could get away with, it's been going on since politics was created.Are our representatives so stupid & selfish, they believe they are beyond detection.Would it help if we increased their income, I doubt it, they would just want more.The solution lies at the top ,the Governor, & yes the buck stops with Cuomo, Silver & his ilk are small potatoes, if Cuomo is not aware of what goes on in his Government, he should resign, & if he did, he should be impeached.
6
"Mr. Cuomo said late Monday that “justice was served.”"
We have yet to see, Mr. Cuomo, whether justice is FULLY served.
We have yet to see, Mr. Cuomo, whether justice is FULLY served.
9
Silver's sin was indeed an ethical lapse. And if even many of his colleagues doubted that what he did was criminal then it can certainly be said about Silver himself, that he did not think what he did was illegal.
And the fact that a federal prosecutor was able to successfully argue that what Silver can be made to fit the language of certain criminal statutes does not change the nature of what type of man Silver was. A criminal is a person who is not deterred by the fact that his actions are a crime. And as the article notes many of his colleagues knowing the exact facts of the case, and having a good idea of what is and is not a crime, did not believe that what he did was indeed a crime, and Silver held the same.
In fact the US attorney himself did not go after Silver because he held he was a criminal, but as he himself said that it was to clean up the culture in Albany. However the only tool that a US attorney has it to argue that something constitutes a violation of a statute. And so despite the fact that mo reasonable person thinks of extortion or money laundering in terms of the type of thing that Silver did, he made the argument that his actions nevertheless could qualify as extortion and money laundering under the language of the statute.
A criminal however is a person that does something that is commonly understood to be a crime, not somebody who due to his bad luck had a prosecutor argue that his actions fit the language of a statute.
And the fact that a federal prosecutor was able to successfully argue that what Silver can be made to fit the language of certain criminal statutes does not change the nature of what type of man Silver was. A criminal is a person who is not deterred by the fact that his actions are a crime. And as the article notes many of his colleagues knowing the exact facts of the case, and having a good idea of what is and is not a crime, did not believe that what he did was indeed a crime, and Silver held the same.
In fact the US attorney himself did not go after Silver because he held he was a criminal, but as he himself said that it was to clean up the culture in Albany. However the only tool that a US attorney has it to argue that something constitutes a violation of a statute. And so despite the fact that mo reasonable person thinks of extortion or money laundering in terms of the type of thing that Silver did, he made the argument that his actions nevertheless could qualify as extortion and money laundering under the language of the statute.
A criminal however is a person that does something that is commonly understood to be a crime, not somebody who due to his bad luck had a prosecutor argue that his actions fit the language of a statute.
The old order changeth giving place to new. As long as two political parties dominate and few third party candidates are available to the electorate, the sound of money will forever reign supreme.
Political corruption anywhere will end only when the voters stop tolerating it.
It is the power of government that leads to corruption! Money is merely the medium of exchange for favorable treatment of ones economic situation. This situation is exacerbated when progressives hold power as they are the supporters of government power. The greater governments power to tax, regulate and spend the peoples money creates an environment that encourages corruption. The greater governmental power over it's citizens the higher the level of corruption.
"It is the power of government that leads to corruption!" No, we need government. It is the power of the moneyed interests that buy power and leads to corruption.
4
I read with interest your article about former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver's conviction and the continuing corruption trial of former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos.
One action step the State Legislature should consider taking that would reduce the amount of legalized bribery taking place in Albany would be to prohibit lawmakers from holding fundraisers in Albany while the legislature is in session.
When a lawmakers holds a fundraiser in their own legislative district some of the donors attend because they believe in the lawmaker or appreciate the work they are doing for the district. In contrast, those who attend fundraisers in Albany when the session is held are usually lobbyists who think they will get special treatment if they raise funds for lawmakers. What's the difference between legalized bribery and illegal bribery?
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
One action step the State Legislature should consider taking that would reduce the amount of legalized bribery taking place in Albany would be to prohibit lawmakers from holding fundraisers in Albany while the legislature is in session.
When a lawmakers holds a fundraiser in their own legislative district some of the donors attend because they believe in the lawmaker or appreciate the work they are doing for the district. In contrast, those who attend fundraisers in Albany when the session is held are usually lobbyists who think they will get special treatment if they raise funds for lawmakers. What's the difference between legalized bribery and illegal bribery?
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
2
The NYS legislature has always made the US congress look like the golden flowering of Athenian democracy...
5
I can't believe Silver's lawyer's used the 'well everyone else does it' defense.
3
Albany will now become honest because Silver got nailed?
Surely you jest!
Surely you jest!
21
Sheldon Silver's conviction get an apparent "big fish" but the enablers, Weitz & Luxembourg who essentially bought cases and the real estate operators, are, at this moment, "off the hook" and likely ready and willing to buy the next case and the next favor. Praiseworthy as it may be to have cut off one of the hydra heads of corruption until all the partners in crime are brought to book the game will go one.
20
If a person or company steals in the U.S., it has to be done in a big way. The people and businesses in the U.S. who brought down the entire international economy in 2008, except in a few rare cases such as a Ponzi scheme, never spent a day in jail.
Meanwhile, those like Mr. Silver will probably spend a few years in prison for feeding at the public trough.
Meanwhile, those like Mr. Silver will probably spend a few years in prison for feeding at the public trough.
14
Silver may well have "fed at the public trough" but this case is not about stealing from the taxpayers as such but in using his position to obtain attorney's fees by funneling business to complaisant lawyers who kicked back. The public money were the grants to Dr. Taub for his research that bought cases for Weitz & Luxembourg.
2
But this IS about stealing the mechanism of government - making and enforcement of laws - to benefit the corrupt pols and friends.
1
Sheldon Silver almost go off because the jurors didn't think he "looked guilty" - that's the basis for conviction, not the evidence. You a jury of your peers would be able to understand the complexities of a global economy collapse when they barely comprehend a simple scandal? Cases haven't been brought because they will be lost - and, well, the AG's don't like to lose, better to just fine the banks than risk their reputation get tarnished.
2
Hallelujah! The Boss Tweed methods of government may finally be coming to an end in New York! It's only taken since 1877.
21
I wouldn't be waiting underwater for that to happen.
1
Combine reform with a raise in pay and make the position FT.
9
With this scenario you need you need to have term limits.
2
agree Bill.
How do we as voters get the reform?
the legislative itself is in control of rules.
How do we as voters get the reform?
the legislative itself is in control of rules.
1
The day junior shut down the ethics probe you knew a sacrificial lamb had to be found , This conviction is that lamb.
Now on to business as usual.
Now on to business as usual.
10
But Silver is no lamb, but an ox. And Skelos another. There is the tiniest breath of fresh air...
2
How do you throw sand into a Corrupt Courts and lawyers that are in motion, as we see here..."There is one other thing Silver could do for Weitz & Luxenberg. He could help make sure that the New York judiciary would look favorably on asbestos cases. The chief judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, Jonathan Lippman, is a childhood friend of Silver’s. And, in 2008, Lippman placed Silver’s good friend Arthur Luxenberg — yes, the same Luxenberg who was paying Silver $120,000, plus referral fees — on a committee that recommends judicial appointments. Six months later, a judge named Sherry Klein Heitler was assigned to lead New York City’s dedicated asbestos court."http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/31/opinion/joe-nocera-new-yorks-real-scan...
14
Judicial supremacy and corruption in NYS seems irrevocable. The corruption of the NEW York State and some Federal Courts have a debilitating affect on most of us. Thank God this case was heard by a jury. A bench trial, if allowed, would most certainly have resulted in a not guilty finding. So corrupt. Good thing this judge stayed out of jury issues, which should not be factored into any appeal. That would be once again, taking matters out of the hands of the jury, and back into the hands of the Second Circuit, which is just as corrupt.
1
Paradoxically, Spitzer has taken steps to 'clean-up' Albany. Will any future attempt to do so meet with same fate?
4
Sheldon Silver is "small stuff". I'd go after the "fat cats" in our Congress who take big campaign contributions in return for "favors", especially in our defense for weapons systems we do not need. Lockheed-Martin would be my first target with the fiasco over the F-35 flop. Follow the money.
45
The republicans are much better at hiding corruption.
When George W. Bush sold his failure of a dry hole drilling oil company to Harken Energy for big bucks, there were no questions raised about corruption, even though the largest shareholder in Harken Energy, at the time, was the Saudi bin Laden Group.
Nor were questions raised when his $65,000 investment in the Texas Rangers magically morphed into $16,000,000.
When George W. Bush sold his failure of a dry hole drilling oil company to Harken Energy for big bucks, there were no questions raised about corruption, even though the largest shareholder in Harken Energy, at the time, was the Saudi bin Laden Group.
Nor were questions raised when his $65,000 investment in the Texas Rangers magically morphed into $16,000,000.
59
Seriously? How about Lyndon Johnson becoming a multi millionaire through his wife's broadcasting company? how did Hilary and Bill Clinton go from dead broke to over 150 million net worth? Look around and smell the acrid corruption of government without term limits. Elected officials and public authority members who are corrupt need to lose their government pensions.
2
I wonder what the likelihood is that two of the "three men in a room" are corrupt as the day is long but the third, Andrew Cuomo, is clean?
I hope Preet Bharara will continue to look into whether Governor Cuomo shut down the Moreland Commission in order to protect the other two men in the room and avoid their trail leading to his office...
I hope Preet Bharara will continue to look into whether Governor Cuomo shut down the Moreland Commission in order to protect the other two men in the room and avoid their trail leading to his office...
78