WANT TO CUT SPENDING,
REDUCE MEDICAID, D0
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF?

Forget about lay offs of state, county, city
workers; phoney tax crap proposals, closing
state and local parks, terms limits, public
campaign financing schemes and elusive
ethics reforms. Elected officials swear
to uphold the U S and State Constitutions.
Hold them to those oaths.

Eliminate unfunded federal/state mandates
on local governments/schools.

Make fewer laws. Enforce those that exist
that have merit. Repeal those that do not.

Effectiveness of lawmakers, at all levels
should be measured in terms of sponsored
repeals of mindless, obsolete and unconstitutional
laws, and effective constituent representation.

Lay off illegal aliens. No welfare, education
medicaid or other benefits, of any kind, paid
for with taxpayer dollars,  without evidence
of  U S citizenship and legal  state residence.

Require proof of  U S citizenship and legal
state residence of  any current recipients
and future applicants.

In LA County, the welfare tab for illegal
aliens was 600 million dollars last year.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/01/19/welfare-tab-children-illegal-immigrants-estimated-m-la-county/

That figure did not include school costs.

Audit welfare, education, medicaid and
all other social service programs, as well
as prisons/jails, to determine how much
is spent on illegals aliens and non-residents
as well as double/multiple dippers, each
year ...in New York State, Albany County
as well as every city, town and village in
the state.

End monthly  SSI "crazy money" payments
to parents(s)/guardian(s) already receiving
social services and/or foster parent funding.

These payments only reward bad behavior
promote dysfunctional homes, schools and
neighborhoods.

In addition, these payments promote the
unsustainable growth of a dependent
population of takers, who contribute little
or nothing to the betterment of society.

Cut prison spending costs. Out source violent
offenders, terrorists,  lifers and other
dangerous perps to China. Gung Hu!

Deport illeal aliens prisioners/offenders to
countries of origin. If they appear again in
U S, they go to China.

Draft urban gangbangers for foreign legion
service in remote world trouble spots. They
provide their own community guns/ammo
machetes, box cutters, knives and other
weaponry. U S government provides one
way transportation.

Congress must act promptly to secure our
national borders and ports.

End sanctuary status for illegal aliens at
state, county, city, town, village levels.
No federal/state aid to any of these who
fail to immediately comply.

Prediction.  Spending on welfare/social
services, schools, medicaid will be greatly
reduced. Much less crime, and much
greater public safety/security will result.
REAL property tax relief will be achieved.

                                      Joe  Sullivan
                                   

                                       

RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT

2010 was an eventful year.  Voters
reclaimed the House of Representatives.
That is good. I did not get to go to Congress.
Maybe in 2012? Anyway, Paul Tonko is now
in the minority and will have a tough time
getting re-elected in 2012...that is if the
21st District isn't among the 2 congressional
districts that will be lost when redistricting
takes place.

Colonel Gibson won the 20th District. He
is the Congressional go to guy for getting
things done in the Capital District. He
serves on the Armed Services and Agriculture
committees which benefits Watervliet Arsenel
and local farmers.

Obama, Pelosi and Reid managed to push
through the lame duck Congress, some
misguided legislation. The START treaty
with Russia is a farce. Repeal of don't ask
don't tell does nothing to improve the
effectiveness of our military. The military
is not a social networking venue for those
obsessed with their sexual preferences.
One's sexual preference is a personal
matter.


Can al Qaida and the Taliban expect to
see soldiers flaming in drag on patrol?

Obama did not get the Dream Act, Amnesty
for illegals, and Cap N Trade through the
111 Congress. Not likely that the 112 Congress
will pass these either.

Energy prices are on the rise again. As a
result food prices are going up. Had Cap
N Trade passed,  our energy bills would
have tripled.

Obama is coming to Schenectady next
Tuesday, to promote "green energy" and
to prop up his allies at GE and minority
Congressman Tonko.

The Hudson River PCB dredging project
should be scrapped. The labor and millions
of dollars redirected to rebuilding/improving
the aging water/sewer systems of Albany, Troy
Waterford. Cohoes, Watervliet and other
downstream communities.

President Obama is blowing in the wind
with regard to pushing wind energy and
battery powered vehicles. The latter have
limited ranges and will be priced beyond
the meams of middle and low income people.

Obama would do better to advocate oil
drilling, tapping our vast coal reserves
and the Marcellus shale deposits of New
York and rebuilding/expanding our
conventional rail systems as well as
building light rail lines to connect
cities, suburbs and rural areas. These
actions would be major moves toward
spurring economic development, jobs
and energy independence from foreign
oil.


Here in New York State , some balance
has been restored in government with
the State Senate going back to Republican
control. This is positive for Upstate
because all the major statewide elected
officials are from downstate.

Governor Cuomo has relaxed security
at the Capitol In Albany. Not a good idea.

Mayor Jennings announced,  Friday
that State St is being redesigned to
accommodate more buses filled with
minions of special interest groups that
invade Albany every Tuesday, during
legislative sessions to lobby legislators.

Albany City taxpayers have to pick
up the tab for policing and clean up
after these mobs.

Constituents who want to lobby their
representatives can do so in their home
districts. No need to create a circus day
at the State Capitol every Tuesday.

Additionally, when the Black and
Puerto Rican Legislators come to Albany
in February, to party, do so on their own
dime, not at taxpayer expense. Pay policing
and clean expenses as well.

As for the legislative agenda:

1. Consolidate Albany city schools
with city government. Establish one
property tax bill/date to fund both.
Return to K-8 neighborhood schools.
Trim top heavy administrative positions.
Give teachers more freedom to devise
meaningful practical curricula aimed
at graduating productive good citizens.
Make the Mayor and City Council
responsible/accountable for the operation
and performance of city schools.

2. Stop playing Tax Crap games. A tax cap
is not property tax relief. It is  nothing more
than a guaranteed property tax increase
which takes the decision making away from
local voters.  Zero school budget increases
will be a good start this year. Take away
unfunded state mandates. In subsequent
years reduce school spending.

How will all the cash incentives proposed
by the Governor in his State of the State
address be paid for? With more spending?

How about enacting a school spending/aid
and property tax rate formula geared to
graduation/drop out rates? Schools with
a 50 percent drop out rate would get a 50
percent reduction in spending/state aid?
Property tax payers would get a 50 percent
reduction in school taxes? Sounds like a plan.

3. The voting public does not have to smooze
with elected officials. Just do their jobs
and skip the photo ops. That is all that
the public expects. We are busy trying
to survive in our everyday lives, hoping
that elected officials act in our best interests.
We know how to write or call you, if and
when the need arises.

Best wishes to all for a Blessed, Safe, Joyful
Productive 2011.

Just in case, anticipate and be ready for
whatever may befall us in the days ahead.

My focus, will be on neighborhood issues
this year:

http://bpcnanews.blogspot.com/   

However, state and national issues will not
be forgotten, particularly as they relate
locally.
                                  Joe Sullivan

DECEMBER 7 THEN AND NOW

69 years ago this date Pearl Harbor was
attacked. I recall that day as if it were
yesterday. This morning I reflected on
what life was like then and what it is like
now. The differences are striking.

Then, we were just emerging from the Great
Depression. Some say the war was a catalyst
for the economic prosperity which followed
in the late 1940's and early 1950's following
the war.

But, on that cold December day in 1941 the
people feared for their survival because we
realized that America was no longer insulated
from attack by the vast oceans separating us
from Europe and Asia.

We did not have television, but relied on
radio, newspapers, conversation and letters
fo get the news.

German submarines were offshore. The people
feared attacks on the homeland were soon to
become reality. We had air raid drills, air raid
wardens patroled the streets ensuring that all
house lights were out after sunset.

America and Americans were very different
then as compared to now.

Family and neighbors were immigrants or
children of immigrants who came to America
for a better life. All were proud of their
respective heritages, but all were Americans.

We pulled together because our survival was
on the line, as a nation, as individuals, as
families.

We were poor, but we had the resources
and labor to build a mighty manufacturing
base to sustain the war effort. Today, many
of our resources have been depleted, our
manufacturing base can not support a
war effort. Our population, though larger
now, is not fit to go to war or to work in
manufacturing and physical jobs even if
those opportunities existed.

Then America could sustain a huge war
effort on two fronts, the Pacific and Europe.
Today, we are not prepared to do that.

The Homefront has become a  front line
a third front in our struggle for survival.

Politicians at the federal, state and local
levels have failed to secure our borders, ports
transportation and utility lines.

The Americans of that time were united in
a love of country.  Today, we are a deeply
divided nation.  Young against old, private
sector against public sector, black against
white, female against male, poor against
wealthy. Democrat against Republican.
The divisions obscure the reality that we
are interdependent in our struggle to survive.

Demographics of immigration have changed.
Many are not proud to be Americans. They
do not wish to assimilate. 

Our land has been invaded by tens of millions
of illegal aliens, many of whom are bent on
our destruction. Federal, state and local
politicians give these illegals sanctuary and
advocate amnesty.

Our urban places are inhabited by native
born malcontents, gang bangers, drug dealers
as well as illegals, who are the natural allies of
the foreign terrorists who seek to destroy
America.

Diversity is glorified by politicians who fail
to realize that, as President Lincoln said
during the Civil War "a house divided can
not stand''.

The 9-11 attacks marked the beginning of
WW III.  Because of the aforementioned
changing circumstances, the survival of
America and all Americans are on the line.

Sadly, most Americans, the younger generations
in particular, are oblivious to this reality as
they go about their daily lives in quest of more
stuff. They may have computers and the latest
technological gadgets, dirt bikes, cars and tons
of stuff. But, their food cubbards are empty.
They are not in good physical shape. They lack
survival perspective/skills. In short, America's
urban populations are not prepared to deal
with natural  disasters, let alone military conflict
in their own homeland.

Then, our enemies wore uniforms. But they
were separated from us by two oceans. Today
they dwell amongst us. They use cunning and
guile to disarm and dellude us, waiting for the
signal to strike. They do not wear uniforms or
ride down the roads in tanks. They use our own
technology against us; aircraft, power grids
nuclear power plants. Biological and chemical
warfare.

We are at War with a devious, determined 
enemy. Our media and politicians are in
denial. They fail in their responsibities to 
inform and protect us, and themselves. As
a result the people are unaware and not
ready for what lies ahead.

Everyone seems to be focused on the economy
anddomestic issues.

Security and public safety are the priorities.
For, when we are not safe, nothing else will
stand.

Wise up! Wake up! Fellow Americans, before it
is too late!

Become better informed; better prepared and
participate in the effort to save America, our
Constitution,  our government, ourselves and
our loved ones.

Approach Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year
and each day of your lives, keeping in mind the
old Irish proverb "live each day as if it were your
last...and one day you will be spot on"

                                                        Joe Sullivan

WE ARE PILGRIMS ALL


Red Paddy has been in a reflective mood
sitting out in the back yard observing the
sky and sniffing the hint of snow in the air.
Paddy never ceases to wonder at the
changing seasons.

Paddy is ever the alert, watchful shepherd.
The Boss Dog.


Spotted Mick is wise enough. He knows
that another Winter is nearly here. With
that comes the cold, snow, ice and tons
of road salt dumped on the roadways and
sidewalks.


With a loving glance and wag of his tail
he expresses thanks when his breakfast
is placed before him. Afterwards he takes
a brief ramble around the backyard and
returns to his warm, dry bed.

Mick leaves the shepherd duties to Paddy.


The radio weather forecast made mention
4 to 7 feet of snow in the High Sierra's. I
thought of the fateful attempt of the Donner
Party to cross the mountains on their way
to the promised land in California. They were
behind schedule and were taking what they
believed to be short cut over unfamiliar  high
country.

Read: http://www.referencecenter.com/ref/reference/DonnerPa/Donner_Party?invocationType=ar1clk&flv=1

Like the Donner Party we are all Pilgrims
on a journey to the promised land.  We face
many perils along the way. Some are natural
more are man made.

Like Mick, we have to be thankful for the
blessings we have each day, including fresh
water, good food and a warm, dry bed.

However, we need to be more observant
and vigilant, like Paddy.

The survival of America, and each of us
remains on the line.

We are being led by individuals who are
woefully inept; who appear unwilling or
unable to recognize ,and deal effectively
with, the perils before us.

As Mark Steyn said recently, " we have
Big Government by small men", add
(and women).

Government can't save us - we must save
the government and save ourselves.

It will take much more informed effort
on the part of the electorate, particularly
here in New York where less than a third
of the state's eligible voters bothered to
vote in the past November 2 General
Election.

As we gather with family and loved ones
to give thanks for the Blessings we have
we must cast a wary eye toward Black
Friday, and beyond, recognizing that
we must change our ways in order to
continue to have what we take for granted
every day.

In a word, like Red Paddy we will cast
a wary eye skyward and become more
shepherd -like in our behavior.

Read and share this article with all you
care for:

http://www.newswithviews.com/baldwin/baldwin622.htm

Without delay, take appropriate action
aimed at survival for you and your loved
ones.

The Winter will soon be upon us. 

                                                    Joe Sullivan

SECURITY AT THE
STATE CAPITOL

News reports say that uniformed guards are
being laid off at the Capitol, LOB, ES Plaza.

This is not a wise move, when terrorist acts
are more likely than ever before.

Security needs to be improved, not relaxed.

Traditional lobby days, when bus loads of
people descend on the Capitol, LOB and ESP
may have to be cancelled in the interest of
security.

Constituents can lobby their legislative
representative back in the home districts.

Small groups of interest group representatives
can meet with the Governor, Senate and Assembly
leaders in Albany or NYC.

E mails, faxes, telephone calls and modern
communications including  teleconference calls
make the weekly crush of lobby groups not
necessary.

These changes will promote security for all
save expensive fuel and save money for Albany
City taxpayers who have to foot the bills for
added police and clean ups  when large crowds
of lobby groups invade the Capitol, LOB
and ESP.

Our lives changed forever on 9-11.  Business
as usual is no longer possible in an age of terror.

We must change our ways and adapt to the
realities of contemporary life.

                                            Joe Sullivan

NATIONAL DEFENSE/SECURITY
REMAIN PRIORITY ISSUES

Read what senior Senator on Armed services
committee has to say:

http://www.inhofe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=KeyIssues.View&Issue_id=4afd45b5-e2e8-be06-d58b-91d455490bcc&CFID=62076403&CFTOKEN=54740284


                                                                      Joe Sullivan

POST ELECTION
OBSERVATIONS

Election Day 11-2-10 has come and gone.

In Congress, control of the House will change.
The Bush tax cuts will be extended. Obamacare
and the Obama agenda to radically transform
America is derailed. Nancy Pelosi is history.

Paul Tonko was reelected, but is now in the
minority. He will be defeated in 2012, unless
he is among the casualties of redistricting
before that.

Chris Gibson won and will be to go to guy
for the Capital District.

Five or six other Congressional seats changed
hands in New York.

The Senate will no longer have a Democratic
super majority. Harry Reid survived, making
it less likely that Chuckie Schumer will become
leader.

Economic issues will remain a focus of the
new Congress, but questions of national security
emergency/disaster preparedness, securing our
national borders and rejecting amnesty for the
tens of millions of illegals who have invaded
our land, will take precedence in the days ahead.

The survival of America, and all Americans
are still on the line. We must cast a wary eye
overseas, keeping those who seek to destroy us
at bay, while rooting out their allies who dwell
amongst us, be they illegals or native born.

A policy of no federal or state aid to political
units or schools that offer illegals sanctuary
status will be necessary.

Invoke the Monroe Doctrine. Allow no missles
to be placed in Venezuela or, anywhere else, in
this hemisphere, by Iran or any other foreign
power. Allow no offshore oil drilling leases to
China or any other potential adversary.

Embargo all money, tourism and trade with
Mexico, until the Mexican government ends
the flow of illegal drugs and illegal aliens
across our border.

New York continued to remain out of step with
the rest of America. Few incumbents were
turned out of office.

New York, in particular NY City, remain
priority terror attack targets.  Illegal aliens
foreign terrorists, and their domestic allies
gangbangers, criminals and other anti-social
malcontents pose real security and public
safety threats, in addition to being a huge drain
on state and local economies and taxpayers.

Governor elect Cuomo and Lt Governor elect
Duffy have their work cut out for them. Best
wishes to them in their endeavors to change
political and economic course in New York.

Best wishes to Comptroller Di Napoli. May
he safeguard the NYS pension fund and resist
any moves to replace him as  elected sole
trustee with a politically appointed group
and may he resist any attempts by the
Governor and Legislature to raid the the
state pension fund to balance the budget or
for other state purposes.

The Democratically controlled State Assembly
will have to put politics and liberal agendas
aside, making tough decisions and casting votes
to the contrary.

The State Senate control will shift  restoring
some balance to state government, providing
hope for Upstate and Island residents that
their needs and views will be addressed.

Alaska voters have demonstrated that a
write in candidate can win, making write
in candidacies a viable option for the people.

So, we have our eyes and hopes focused on
the road ahead. No use looking in the rear
view mirror. The past is past and gone forever.

Election 2010 was a fork in the road.  Proceed
with caution.

Our hope is for a bright new day for all.

                                            Joe Sullivan