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Disabling the Enablers

New York has two United States senators -- Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand -- who help enable a do-nothing Congress through their silence.

What is an enabler?  It is one whose action, inaction or silence allows an injurious action to continue. In personal life, it is one who buys or gives money to an addict to acquire the addictive substance. In politics, it is one who stands by while something they know is wrong goes on. For example, when an elected official stands silent while another party member is engaged in something not quite right. This is the most common form of enabling in politics.

New York has two enablers in the United States Senate. Senator Charles Schumer, who is safe for another four years, and Kirsten Gillibrand, up for re-election this year. Their mode of enabling is silence.  What are they silent about?  By constitutional authority, the Congress and Senate must produce a budget every year. Congress had done its duty when last year it passed the "Path to Prosperity" budget. The Senate had blocked time and time again any consideration of this budget. They have not produced any alternative budget. In fact, they have not produced any kind of budget since April 2009, almost 1000 days.

This is direct abrogation of their constitutional duty. Yet, both Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have remained silent while this President lies to the people about a "do-nothing" congress." The Republican- led Congress has passed since they took control more than 50 bills, including proposed budgets, and the Senate has yet to take up any of them for consideration. The truth is you have a "do-nothing" Senate, the legislative body led by the Democrats.

[Click here to read on]

Teleman February 2, 2012 at 08:31 pm
Interesting that Obamas approval rating is around 47%- that coincides with the percentage of people who receive some from of gov't assistance- once the takers outnumber the producers the liberal dream will be complete- and the american dream will be over.
jeff meyer February 2, 2012 at 10:44 pm
"The writer whines about those who "cry and moan". That is what is column specializes in. No facts. Just opinions that any scribe could write down after listening to "The O'Reilly Factors" talking points. Jeff Meyer Tuckahoe, NY
jeff meyer February 2, 2012 at 10:47 pm
Sure Elmer. W. certainly left President Obama with the "American Dream" secure and intact. JM Tuckahoe, NY
Teleman February 3, 2012 at 01:48 am
Don't recall anywhere in my comments saying anything about Bush- it's funny how Liberals make odd assumptions about people who disagree with them.I will stick by my statement- when the amount of takers exceeds the producers, it's simple math- we're finished. Libs hate math lol
jeff meyer February 3, 2012 at 11:28 am
Well let's just say Elmer that your silence and selective memory speaks volumes. Jeff Meyer Tuckahoe, NY
jeff meyer February 3, 2012 at 11:40 am
Elmer, If you have done some reading regarding me I hope you educated yourself in the value of unions and the collective bargaining process. You could either be a jealous hater like "Watchdog"( the great enlightener ) or help elect officials to office who continue to fight and protect the rights of workers. Universal health care and the protection of Social Security and Medicare is just the start. When you have a Senate who filibusters the Presidents 447 billion dollar jobs bill with no alternatives except the old and tired trickle down tax cuts; well let's just say you reap what you sow. Stop whining and fight for real change. That is unless your a "Mitt" supporter and the protection of the 1% is your priority. Jeff Meyer Tuckahoe, NY
Kelly Castel February 3, 2012 at 12:57 pm
As much as I hate to comment to any of your posts Jeff Meyer (I did quite enjoy however Ross Rivera & Co., kicking your a-- in a manner of speaking regarding one or fifteen of your posts to a story in the patch the other day!) AND you seem to know so much when any idea WHEN CAN WE EXPECT THAT CHANGE? Certainly you throw us a few crumbs and give us some HOPE. Did you ever stop to think (not to mention care) about the MILLIONS of people in this country who are NOT in unions or on Social Security? Guess what sir they are NOT jealous of you, the are NOT haters (stop saying that its makes you sound childish) maybe they would just like fair representation and an equal playing field. Afterall its the responsiblity of all hard working Americans who make up the losses to your pension plans and realize nothing from there gains.
Watchdog February 3, 2012 at 01:41 pm
A few of mine were also deleted. Why is Patch indiscriminately censoring? Demarest where are you on this?
Watchdog February 3, 2012 at 01:45 pm
Jeff can attack posters and use hate speech but his posts remain. Interesting since I thought Patch was a "Right to Work" paper......non-unionized.
Lanning Taliaferro (Editor) February 3, 2012 at 01:49 pm
Walt, Watchdog et al, thanks for reading Patch! Unsupported allegations about particular people will be deleted.
Aintthatascam February 3, 2012 at 01:51 pm
I'm sure I'll be hung out to dry for this one, people on public assistance for more than 2 years should be banned from voting.. If you can't fix your life and become a responsible citizen by then, you should not be able to vote. All "these" people do is vote for those (liberals) who will keep them comfy and cozy while on the "System".
Watchdog February 3, 2012 at 01:57 pm
Well, where is the evidence that Watchdog is a HATER?
Teleman February 3, 2012 at 02:25 pm
It's not the purpose of the gov't to "pass jobs bills" this is large part of the problem- people have been duped into thinking the gov't creates jobs- it is the constitutional job of the gov't to provide the environment for jobs to be created-proper regulation on businesses and banks are important to this as well as maintaining and building out infrastructure to promote commerce ( which will aid in creating jobs ). As for healthcare, this president wasted the first 2 years of his term getting it passed while millions continued to lose jobs and houses.Did you notice most of the Bamacare bill doesn't take effect until 2013? I'm sure it's not because of the 2012 election cycle. We need major reforms in Washington-Bama has done very little- I don't see anyone that promisng on the gop side either.As far as the 1%, I don't feel bad for them, but it's a fact that the gov't can confiscate ALL of their wealth and we'd still be in the hole because we SPEND too much.
Teleman February 3, 2012 at 02:32 pm
And I happen to be a blue collar union employee- I support my union and know that those who have come before me have fought and secured good wages and benefits for us. But their are downsides to the union mentality which need updating- no matter how hard someone works, and no matter how well they perform their union job, they will still make the same wage and receive the same benefits as the slug who doesn't know his job and barely has a pulse. I'm a lot more middle of the road than you might think JM lol
Teleman February 3, 2012 at 02:38 pm
Well said Kelly, I'm not a hater or jealous- I just wonder- in order to cover these public pensions is it ok to infinitely raise taxes on citizens who are underemployed or unemployed, underwater in their homes and on public assistance until these people lose everything? Or municipalities go bankrupt? I'm sure JM would say absolutely, I say no.
Bjorn Olsson February 3, 2012 at 02:38 pm
Unfortunately the senate seems to have broken itself and will not allow the elected majority to rule. When you basically need a 60% majority to pass anything of importance, nothing will get done. Clean out these ridiculous "traditions," do away with filibustering etc and give the people appointed to represent us a sporting chance of getting things done.
Walt February 3, 2012 at 02:48 pm
Fair enough Lanning, here's your supporting documentation.
PO Jeff Meyer earned $50,000 in overtime while a menber of the EPD. http://www.lohud.com/article/20080910/NEWS02/809100369/Ex-schools-chief-tops-Eastchester-payroll PO Jeff Meyer retired from the EPD on a disability pension. http://www.mytownreport.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1216:village-races-wrap-up&catid=34:news&Itemid=53
Blue February 3, 2012 at 03:32 pm
Term limits!!!!! If politics is a career people will do anything to hold their job.
Blue February 3, 2012 at 03:35 pm
I wouldn't hang u for that. Look at Venezuela. The people who support Chavez are the ones who get free food , land and guaranteed employement. If the price of gas goes over .15 they have a revolution because their lives MUST be susidized or else. Thats the path we r on.
Mike February 3, 2012 at 04:24 pm
um, thats the point... its an opinion piece. In fact next to his byline it reads "Read Bazzo at Your Own Risk. It's His Opinion, You May Beg to Differ". Perhaps you can reach out to the Patch and have your own opinion column?
Bjorn Olsson February 3, 2012 at 04:43 pm
Might be a good way to go, although I can see a problem with not having anyone with longer experience than 8 years as well. Maybe longer terms, though, to avoid the constant need to campaign and fundraise. Or simply some serious campaign finance reform, to avoid all votes being bought up by lobbying groups. Media could help: wouldn't it be great if every time a politician was interviewed, his/her 5 biggest contributors were displayed on screen?
Watchdog February 3, 2012 at 04:52 pm
Bjorn, the longer they remain, the larger the war chest for incumbents. The Town Supervisor in Clarkstown NY Rickland County has over $1,000,000 in his campaign war chest, a huge advantage. Until this past election, he as run unopposed because no one has that kind of money to run against him. The longer per they stay the more money they accumulate.
Lanning Taliaferro (Editor) February 3, 2012 at 05:10 pm
@Mike: thanks for pointing that out! Blogging on Patch is an excellent way to have your say. To get started, just drop your local editor or me a line. I'm at lanning.taliaferro@patch.com
jeff meyer February 3, 2012 at 06:19 pm
Don't worry, my a-- has thick skin. It is my sincere hope that one day all jobs will have the job protection and benefits of union jobs. BTW, I never complain when attacked, when you put your name out there you have to deal with it. However, when I am called a NAZI and compared to a defendant at the Nuremberg Trials because of my pro labor beliefs I think that a little over the edge. So be it. Jeff Meyer Tuckahoe, nY
jeff meyer February 3, 2012 at 06:27 pm
Lanning, you don't have to delete anything on my behalf. My real name, hometown and beliefs are there to be seen and heard. I can deal with any critique. My pension, my salary including OT is public knowledge. So is my arrest for speaking out and defending a injustice against a fellow Officer. Your publication covered said event at the time. I don't speak out anonymously or in riddles. If that troubles certain bloggers then so be it. Jeff Meyer Tuckahoe, NY
John Q. Public February 3, 2012 at 07:39 pm
Andy, I think you just got disinvited to Valentine's Day Dinner with Mike Morey and Darren Rigger, both of whom make (or have made) a living from the Democratic Senators you pillory. It is a bit strange in this thread to hear some ex-cop now retired on "disability" (that's what all the LIRR workers claim to begin playing golf every day and laughing at the system that enriches them) claim that everyone he ever arrested was innocent and merely defending a perceived injustice. His comment is spoken like a true American who walked out of Goodfellas or the Godfather.
Liz Claire February 3, 2012 at 09:51 pm
You should file a restraining order after offering your opinion JQP. Do you know how violent these people are? You are not safe. http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/people_busted_in_lirr_disability_CRD2UF7Og1E6VdUSxFa8nO
Scott Walters February 3, 2012 at 10:13 pm
My wonderful joke was deleted....???? If you want it, message me privately... Never would I think that such a thing would happen here in America....
Lanning Taliaferro (Editor) February 4, 2012 at 02:11 pm
A comment has been deleted for inappropriate language. Please check our terms of use - they're very readable! http://tarrytown.patch.com/terms
jeff meyer February 4, 2012 at 04:06 pm
Why should he file a restraining order. For what? He or she is anonymous. Which is fine. The opinions of JQP are typical of a anti labor, tea partier zealot. For you Ms. Claire to say that the anonymous JPQ is not safe is illogical and silly. Even if myself and all proponents of organized labor knew who he was it really wouldn't matter. The opinions offered by JQP are a worth a dime a dozen. Very little substance. Jeff Meyer Tuckahoe, NY

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