The Final Comment on the Matter

I have had quite a few people ask me, “Just who is the nut from Rochester that keeps attacking you?”

It is not a surprise that most people have no idea who Jon Dogar Marinesco is considering his irrelevance in county politics.  Having done a little research though, I will tell you the truth about this questionable individual.

In the end of 2006/beginning of 2007, Jon’s wife, Manuela Mihailescu (whose name is spelled Michailescu in some records) applied for admission to the Rochester Town Historic Preservation Committee. 

On January 24, 2007, during an Executive Session of the Town Council, Manuela was interviewed for the position.  Exactly what transpired during that meeting is somewhat clouded as the Council members refused to discuss it citing the laws on Executive Session.  However, here is what was reported by the Ellenville Journal on February 8, 2007.

“The reason for all of this was due to an incident that occurred on January 24 when Manuela Mihailescu, a 57-year old resident of the town, attended a board meeting for an interview to decide whether or not she would be allowed on the municipality’s Historic Preservation Committee.


As has been reported in other area publications and as Ms. Mihailescu has repeatedly alleged, she was questioned if she was aware that an internet search using her name yielded pornographic websites among the results.  She was then questioned whether she had any association with these websites.  Mihailescu responded that she had no connection with the websites and asked to see the printed pages that the town board had printed out.  What she saw on those pages, Mihailescu claims, was a series of graphic images.  Surprised and distraught at the line of questioning, Mihailescu left the meeting, got into her car and promptly hit another car in the town’s parking lot.


Rochester’s town board, citing that the meeting took place in executive session, will not speak about the interview other than to confirm that it took place.”

After a great deal of public concern and outrage (some favoring Manueala and some opposing), a large meeting was held that erupted into chaos.  Here is the reporting of the meeting and its handling of the issue as reported by the Ellenville Journal.

“After some other town business, the issue of Ms. Mihailescu was broached.  At that point, the town’s attorney, Rod Futerfas, read a statement to the effect that the Rochester town board would be legally unable to respond to any accusations that would be made by the audience due to the fact that the interview occurred during an executive session.  Futerfas then asked Mihailescu if she would sign a release at that time, waiving the confidentiality agreement that an executive session implies.   Ms. Mihailescu responded by saying that she would not sign anything without advice of counsel and proceeded to read a statement where she argued that because she had spoken to a number of local news agencies that she had already waived confidentiality.  The town’s counsel disagreed and said that there could be no comments from the audience about this subject during the public comment session: ‘This board is not a punching bag. If you want to take shots at something I would suggest taking up a different sport.’


At that point, Councilman Alex Miller told the audience that, ‘Public comment is a privilege at these meetings, not a right.’


In fact one resident, Imre Beke, the chairperson of the town’s Conservative Party, did speak and chastised the board and the town attorney saying, ‘You sir answer to us! We will have our say whether you like it or not!’


Mr. Beke’s outburst drew a loud round of applause from the group as well as others that responded, ‘You don’t speak for me, Beke!’


And with that, the board made a motion to close the meeting and reconvene for a special meeting on Thursday, February 8, 2007.”

After this incident (and numerous others), the people of Rochester overwhelmingly voted Republican and changed the administration.  One of the people elected was Manuela, who became a member of the Council.  It should be noted, however, that Manuela had the lowest vote total amongst the Republicans.

Thereafter, Manuela decided that she wanted to run for the Ulster County Legislature.  She asked the Rochester Republicans to wait until after her primary against Terry Bernardo before holding their caucus.  The reason was that Manuela wanted to be able to run for her Council seat if she lost the primary.  When the Republicans refused, she by all accounts threw a fit.  She would go on to lose the primary and her Council seat.

While she was on the council, a major controversy arose.  It was covered by The Shawangunk Journal on 8/6/09.

It seems that Manuela and Dogar Marinesco filed for personal bankruptcy.  A copy of the bankruptcy petition appeared on a local blog revealing detailed information.  As reported by the Journal:

“The petition, a Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy, reveals a combined debt of nearly $1 million, including $400,000 in credit card debt, $6,080 in overdrafts on a Citibank checking account, $10,993 owed to a local excavating business, and $7,815 in unpaid school and town taxes.


Dogar-Marinesco confirmed that on June 8, 2009, the United States Bankruptcy Court Southern District of New York discharged a debt of almost $500,000, ‘out of which about 20 percent consists in credit card late fees accrued after contacting the bankruptcy lawyer.’ “

The sheer magnitude of the bankruptcy was shocking and was cited as a reason why Manuela should not have been permitted to serve on the Council.  While approximately $100,000 of the debt consisted of “credit card late fees”, the real shocker was the remaining debt of nearly $900,000.00, particularly the overdrafts and credit card debt.

Now, there is certainly no shame in filing for bankruptcy.  The law is there to protect people during times of financial crisis.  It is perfectly acceptable, however, for a political opponent to argue that a person incapable of handling private finances is not to be trusted with public finances.  Dogar Marinesco has been blasting anyone and everyone he believes was involved in bringing out the bankruptcy filing, as well anyone who even says hello in a pleasant way to someone involved.

I would respectfully suggest that the true problem is not the prior financial bankruptcy but is instead Dogar Marinesco’s current and continuing moral bankruptcy.

There was another issue of great significance in the bankruptcy petition.  As noted by the Journal, “What has some locals upset is the fact that she listed her Rego Park address as her primary residence in the sworn statement, while her husband, Jon Dogar Marinesco, claimed residence in an apartment that he located in his antique shop.  Under United States' bankruptcy laws, claiming separate residences will allow each to qualify for a $50,000 exemption.  The problem for Mihailescu is that New York State's Public Officer's Law requires that an elected official be a resident of the jurisdiction in which she is elected.”

It was later ruled by the Town Attorney that she could keep her seat on the Council.

Regardless, the blogger who posted the information about the bankruptcy, Jeremy Blaber, has been the subject of Dogar Marinesco’s wrath ever since.  He has posted pictures of Jeremy before he lost weight –usually from behind.  He has called him childish names and engaged in other immature actions.  It was during one of his tirades that he cited one of my comments about Jeremy.  When I said he took the comment out of context and asked not to be dragged into his delusional world, he began insulting me and displaying even more immature behavior.

In Jon Dogar Marinesco’s world, if you do not agree with every single syllable he writes, you are an enemy that must be destroyed.  In his demented mind, I attacked him.  His juvenile mind concludes, “He started it, Mom!!”

You can take it to the bank that even though Terry Bernardo destroyed Manuela in the most recent election, Manuela and her husband will be back to try again.  They are obsessed with Terry Bernardo.  They have so many pictures of Terry on their website with photoshop changes and nasty little comments, it looks almost as if they have built a shrine praying for Terry’s political and likely personal end.  It is sad really.

As we fast forward to the present, we see an angry, frustrated, and vicious Jon Bogar Marinescu desperately seeking either political relevance or some perceived revenge.  His major targets have been Terry and Len Bernardo, Roger Rascoe, Jeremy Blaber, and now yours truly.

Here are a few examples of the attacks made by Jon Dogar Marinesco.  These should give you a good idea concerning his lack of character and decency.

*  He compared Terry Bernardo to Elena Ceausescu. Ceausescu was the wife of the dictator of Romania.  Under their regime, parents were paid to give children to the orphanages.  They planned to create a Romanian Workers Army from these orphans.  Unfortunately, the orphanages had few nurses and had food shortages, causing emotional and physical problems for the children.  The Ceausescus endorsed blood transfusions as the answer.  The poor conditions in orphanages meant that these transfusions were often done with shared needles resulting in AIDS being widespread among the orphans.  Elena Ceausescu was head of the state health commission which concluded that AIDS could not exist in Romania.  She and her husband were later executed by firing squad.  This is not someone that Terry Bernardo or anyone should be compared with.

*  He rejected the term Madam Chair for Terry Bernardo suggesting “Madam Stool”.  Yes, he used a poop joke. 

*  He referred to Terry Bernardo as “an animal”.

*  He accused the Bernardos of committing a felony which is slander and libel per se.  The basis?  A volunteer from Terry’s campaign was getting signatures.  A person who turned out not to be a Republican signed the petition using just her first initial.  A person who lived up the street had the same last name and same first initial.  The volunteer, assumed that the person signing was the other person who happened to be a registered republican.  It obviously could not have been that other person because she had died a few months earlier.  It was an innocent mistake.  Dogar Marinesco accused the volunteer of perjury.  He accused her of intentionally forging / altering the address.  He accused the Bernardos of a felony claiming that they intentionally submitted a petition with the signature of a dead woman. 

*  After the bankruptcy court ordered the sale of a piece of his property, a real estate agent was sent to inspect the property.  Dogar Marinesco put an article on his web site and called her unprofessional.  After he learned that she was a member of a political committee as well, he accused her of “discarding inconvenient paper ballots”.  Discarding ballots done by someone other than a commissioner of the Board of Elections is against the law.  So, he accused her of a crime.

*  He mocked Jeremy Blaber for being overweight.  He used a computer program to alter photos of Jeremy to make him look even larger. 


In summary, I can find only one positive quality about the man.  He clearly loves his wife and will defend her to the death.  I respect that.  Despite that one positive quality, however, I must say as a whole that the man is petty, vindictive, vicious, and generally ill mannered.  I have had no interaction or conversations with Manuela Mihailescu.  Therefore, I express no opinion concerning her personality or moral character.

After much thought, I have decided that this will be my final post concerning Jon Dogar-Marinesco.  Discussing this man truly serves no purpose and just gives him a further stage to exhibit his hatred and general frustration with life.  I have been amused at his attempts to engage me in debate.  In the end, I almost feel guilty about the whole thing because I know I am taking advantage of someone who is truly unarmed in a battle of wits.  I therefore decline to do so any longer.

Everybody Wants to Get Into the Act

Now another blog (Ulster Cloak Room) has decided to attack me.  This blog --which is quite obviously an anonymous blog run by the same person as Smokeout-- questions my ability as a lawyer.  Here is his exact quote, "Lawyer Cahill is so inept at argumentation one wonders how he managed to pass the Bar Exam."

First, one does not "argue" in order to pass the New York State Bar Exam.   If you had any idea what you are talking about, you would know that the Bar Exam has two parts: a multi-state portion and a New York State portion with multiple choice questions and essay questions.  It is the most difficult professional examination in the world.  The fact that I passed the exam easily while your biggest accomplishment is that you managed to create a blog so that you can call people names in order to inflate your ego and continue stupid, personal, and petty feuds really shows the differences between us.

Finally, I did not "pick a fight" with you.  I warned you not to drag me into your conflict.  You refused to listen.  Now, you are upset about my responses to your childish antics.  Well, if you mess with the bull, you get the horns.

Pretty Boy?

Once again, Jon Dogar Marinesco has decided to attack me on his blog.  His insults mean nothing to me.  I just consider the source.

However, this time he has given me a nickname.  Apparently, he calls me "Pretty Boy Attorney".  I should be flattered, but I guess I should remind him that I am married to a beautiful woman. 

Condolences

I offer condolences to the family of Karen Binder who passed away this morning at the age of 56. 

For the past 2 1/2 years, Karen served as the Clerk of the County Legislature.  Kind and genuine words of sorrow were expressed from legislators from both sides of the aisle.  In the slash and burn world of Ulster politics, when a person is spoken of well by both sides of the aisle, it speaks to that person's character in a profoundly positive way.

A Difficult Job Done Well

Perhaps the most difficult case to win as a prosecutor is a domestic violence case where the victim refuses to cooperate.  If I had a nickel during my tenure as a prosecutor for every time a victim of domestic violence came to the office asking to drop charges, I would have retired 15 years ago.

It is rare that a prosecutor is able to go forward when the victim refuses to cooperate.  Many refusals are due to fear by the victim of the defendant.  This make it even more sad.  That is why I found a recent press release from the Ulster District Attorney's Office very satisfying.  DA Carnright's Office had an extremely difficult case, but they ended it with a conviction.  The pres is release read as follows:

"Raymond Ducker, Jr., pled guilty to Stalking in the first degree and Criminal Contempt in the first degree on June 15, 2012 before Ulster County Court Judge Donald A. Williams.  Ducker, age 29, from Ellenville, New York had been indicted by the Ulster County Grand Jury for multiple counts of domestic violence against his 19 year old live-in girlfriend.  The case was investigated by Village of Ellenville Police Chief Philip Mattracion with the assistance of two Assistant District Attorneys, Elizabeth A. Culmone and Lisa Godfrey of the Ulster County District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau.

Initially, the investigation was hampered by the fact that the victim did not cooperate.  The investigation team reviewed prior domestic violence incidences, 911 calls and interviewed neighbors from the previous incidences.  The investigation revealed that the victim had been repeatedly subjected to domestic violence by the defendant.  A search warrant was used to gain access to the couple’s apartment. Samples were obtained of blood spatter and photographs of the walls, floor and furniture were taken consistent with the allegations of domestic violence.  In addition, a warrant was utilized to photograph the victim’s injuries. 

Based upon the evidence of repeated abuse, the District Attorney’s Office, against the victim’s wishes, asked the lower court arraigning judge to issue a stay away order of protection.  However, the judge declined to do so.  Presentation to the Grand Jury was accelerated and the Grand Jury returned their first indictment against the defendant within a week.  Upon arraignment in County Court on that indictment, Judge Williams remanded the defendant and granted the People’s application for a stay away order of protection.  Following that arraignment the defendant spoke with and wrote letters to the victim threatening her if she testified against him.  Those letters were later seized.  Based upon additional information obtained through the course of the investigation, the case was re-presented to the Grand Jury for reconsideration of additional charges.  The Grand Jury handed down a superseding indictment adding the Stalking in the first degree counts as well as Assault and Tampering with a Witness.  

The defendant is scheduled for sentencing on August 17, 2012."


Kudos for excellent work by the District Attorney's Office and the various police agencies involved.

Well Said

I must compliment Jeremy Blaber for his recent posting.  Offered in response to merciless and vicious attacks from the same two blogs attacking me, Jeremy wrote:

For the record I did not attack Robin first, she did with her blog pictures and by overstating my relationship with the Bernardo's.  Keep in mind, I have been supportive of Robin, I am always friendly to her and when she ran for GOP county chair, I wrote a long post on this blog supporting her, I thought it would be good for a strong woman to lead the GOP, I like Robin.  Democrats have never had a woman leader and that's disappointing. Now, I can go into an entire blog post attacking Robin Yess and that nut in Rochester but I am not going to. First, they are irrelevant figures in county politics, and that is a fact, it's not meant to be a shot but their opinion just does not carry any weight. Secondly, I want people to like me, I no longer feel the need to attack people even if it's just dealing with politics, I have changed my life and am a happy person. Robin and her crew can have a field day fighting with themselves.

He then wrote:

Speaking of changing my life, I have to thank NJ Governor Chris Christie, I know it sounds crazy but I watch his youtube videos daily and he has completely changed my life. I am more focused, confident and an all around changed person because of him. Christie inspires me in such a profound way, I don't even know know how to explain it. The guy is real, he speaks fro his heart and has made me a better person. I am happier, I feel better, I handle things directly, the guy changed my life. Ironically because I am so much more disciplined because of him, I have lost a ton of weight as well.


I think Jeremy's response was excellent and shows that he has matured into adulthood.  I think people sometimes forget that Jeremy entered the political arena when he was 17 years old.  Yes, he wrote, did, and said some things I thought were out of line, vicious, and offensive. Yet, I think he deserves the benefit of the doubt that he may have turned his life around.  He has lost a great deal of weight and looks better than at any time I have known him.  He has a steady job with the City of Kingston that by all accounts he is excelling at.  He avoided replying to nasty attacks against him and instead offered a rational defense.

There is nobody --myself included-- that did not say or do something in their youth they wish they could change.  It is the nature of life and growing up.  The trick is to get past the mistakes, learn from them, and become responsible adults.  I like to think I have done so.  It looks as if Jeremy has done so as well.  Time will tell. 

Meanwhile, all the blogs putting up pictures of Jeremy when he was overweight and calling him names should just relax and cut it out.  If he is making strides to turn his life around, does he not deserve such a chance?

Who Cares?

I just noticed that Robin Yess posted a comment to one of her own articles wherein she said:

"I hope that Richard does not run. It wouldn’t be good on many levels and I think he made a bad decision when he stayed in the Mayor’s race on the Conservative line last year. He helped no one with that maneuver"

I have received multiple phone calls, e-mails, and text messages wondering whether I am going to respond to Robin's latest tirade.  I do not really think any of her statements or antics require a substantial response, but I will just briefly say 3 things.

First, as to my running on the Conservative line for Mayor in 2011, it was a matter of honor.  I gave my word to the Conservative Party that I would run on their line regardless of the outcome of the Republican Primary.  I keep my word even if doing so does not "help" the political machinations of others.  To me, one's word and honor are more important than politics.  I therefore make no apology for keeping my word.

Second, I am not planning on running this year against Kevin.  If I did, however, I would fare a heck of a lot better than the 30% that Robin obtained in 2008.  

Finally, considering that Robin is the only person ever forced to resign the position of County Chairman of the Republican County Committee or face a vote of no confidence, I have little faith in any of her political prognostications or opinions.  Put another way, I just do not care what she says about me or anyone else.

***********************************

UPDATE

***********************************

In response to my post, Robin has added yet another foolish comment.  She writes:

"Could somebody ask Rich Cahill if it would have been a good idea for Rick Lazio to run on the Conservative line even though he lost the Republican Primary to Carl Paladino in the last Governor’s race? Mayor or Governor is still apples to apples. Point made."

My answer is quite simple.  In the case of Rick Lazio, Michael Long and the State Conservatives asked Rick Lazio to step aside and allow them to back another candidate.  Rich agreed.

If the Ulster and City Conservatives had asked me to step aside, I would have done so.  They did not.  In fact, they made it clear to me that they were holding me to my word and wanted me to run.  I honored my word and ran.

Perhaps Robin should try something new.  Maybe --just maybe-- she should learn the facts before engaging her mouth -- or computer keyboard as the case may be.

I Tip My Hat To You, Sir!!

For nearly 10 years I have stated that Kingston should celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July, not in June.  During the most recent campaign, both Shayne Gallo and myself promised that we would change this.

Now, I must tip my hat to Mayor Gallo.  He has returned Kingston's celebration to July 4th -- where it belongs.  Kudos, Mr. Mayor.

Careful What you Say . . .

In 1994, David Axelrod, President Obama’s chief campaign strategist, called former President George H.W. Bush “out of touch” for “tastelessly” playing golf while trying to convince voters that the economy was improving.  “Bush tastelessly did it, often from the ninth hole, and from the cigar boat and other places,” Axelrod said, "The impression you got was that he was out of touch."

Now, 18 years later, on June 17, 2012, President Obama completed  his 100th round of golf since becoming President.  He also has now infamously declared, "The private sector is doing fine."  The economy continues to founder.

What do we hear from Mr. Axelrod?  NOTHING!! 

That, ladies and gentlemen, is called hypocrisy.

Orville Norman RIP

I am saddened to report the passing of Orville Norman. 

Orville was a fixture on WGHQ radio for many years.  He hosted a Garden show and later was a host of Kingston Community Radio.

I had the pleasure of appearing on the radio with Orville numerous times.  He was a very funny man and a very pleasant man.  I will miss him.

President Obama Tramples the Constitution and Thumbs His Nose at American Workers

In an obvious attempt to woo Latino voters, President Obama announced that he is rewriting our immigration laws by fiat.  Instead of allowing Congress to write and rewrite laws which is its constitutional duty, President Obama announced that his administration will stop deporting and begin granting work permits to younger illegal immigrants who came to the United States as children and have since led law-abiding lives.

The election-year initiative is obviously designed to pander to the Latino electorate.  I have no doubt that Democrats and the liberal media will proclaim this as a brilliant political move instead of the unconstitutional act it truly is.  Yet, one must ask why President Obama needs to make such an obvious overture toward Latino voters.  He carried their vote handily just four years ago.  Could it be that his policies have completely failed America?  The unemployment rate within the Latino community is higher than the national average. 

However, I think the move will ultimately backfire for two reasons.  First, it will backfire because voters will likely conclude that our poor economy and the lack of jobs is the most important issue facing the country.  Mr. Obama has failed completely on all matters of Domestic policy.  This will prove to be his downfall.

Second, the result of this policy will be to add millions of workers to the legal labor force. Millions of illegal immigrants will now be able to legally compete with American workers.  Considering that there are almost no jobs created by this administration to begin with, and further considering that the economy outright stinks, this policy does nothing but stick a thumb in the eyes of American workers.

Will the unions have anything to say about this matter?  This is an outright assault on American workers.  Between this and Obama's failure to truly embrace the unions' efforts in Wisconsin, I just cannot see how union households could possibly support President Obama this Fall. 

It is time for the Constitution to be defended.  It is time for Americans to vote Mr. Obama out of the White House.  We need a President who will respect our Constitution and who will push for policies that will actually get our economy moving again instead of pressing for more class warfare.

So Much for Hope

More Flexibility?

Please Leave Me Out Of It.

A new blog has taken an old quote from my blog out of context and used it as part of an attack against another blogger.  While I appreciate my blog being read and appreciate being considered a source worthy of being cited, I have no issue with either of the bloggers.

If two bloggers have an issue with one another, that is their business.  Please keep me out of it.  I have more than enough drama in my life.

Out of Touch

Asked about the economy, President Obama said, "The private sector is doing fine." 

Really??  If the private sector is doing fine, I would hate to see what the President would describe as doing poorly.

Later, after being pounded by every politico east and west of the Mississippi, the President attempted to backtrack by saying, "It's absolutely clear the economy is not doing fine."  Well, that statement is true enough, but he kept going and said, "Now, I think if you look at what I said this morning and what I've been saying consistently over the last year, we've actually seen some good momentum in the private sector."

 Obviously, President Obama is completely out of touch if thinks the private sector or any part of this economy is doing well.  We are still in a recession.  Former President Bill Clinton said as much recently.  Ask any non-partisan economist and he or she will tell you that our economy is weak and showing no signs of strength.

Senator McConnell put it best when he asked, "What planet is he living on?"

Walker Wins By 9 Points

Wisconsin Governor Walker has won the recall election by 9 points (with 88% reporting).  This is a very large margin of victory and may very well result in a boost in the Wisconsin polls for Mitt Romney.  We will have to wait a week or so to answer that question.

Look for the Obama campaign to distance themselves by claiming they had nothing to do with the race.  Look for them to call the election a state matter having no effect on the national scene.

Personally, I disagree.  Putting union issues aside, the Walker victory speaks loudly on the desire of taxpayers to see a reduction in governmental spending and deficit spending.  People are tired of seeing their taxes continually go up while tax money is wasted.

More often that not, voters will support unions and working men and women.  For them to vote this strongly for Governor Walker tells me that they are just completely fed up with irresponsible spending.  I do not believe the voters of Wisconsin (an historically pro-union electorate) would normally support a Governor who went after collective bargaining.  The economy and the continually reckless spending of State and federal governments have simply overridden other concerns of the voters.

Tonight's election may be the first shot in the battle of 2012 that will be known as the War Over Reckless Government Spending.  May the fiscally responsible win.

Gibson Headquarters Opening

The grand opening of the headquarters for Congressman Chris Gibson will take place on Sunday, June 24th from 11:00 am to 2 pm.  The headquarters is on Albany Avenue (Ulster Avenue) across from the Kings Valley Diner and Pancake House.

This is a great opportunity to meet Congressman Gibson.  I am really hoping for an extremely large crowd.  This is an opportunity to replace Maurice Hinchey with a conservative Republican.  This something that I (and Republicans and Conservatives alike) have been hoping to see for a long, long, time.

I urge everyone to get out and attend this event.

Please also check out Congressman Gibson's campaign web site.  Just click HERE.

Cahill vs. Cahill ??

People want to know whether I am running against Kevin Cahill.  The answer is no.

At the Republican County Convention, there was no candidate against Kevin Cahill.  I allowed the party to nominate me and use my name so the nomination could be kept open.  Petitions will be submitted and I will decline.  The committee on vacancies will then have the opportunity to place a new name on the ballot. 
I will do the same for the Conservative and Independence Parties if they ask. 

I do not want to see Kevin go unopposed.  If he wins, then that is the will of the people.  He should have an opponent though.

Now, some may want to know why I am not actually running.  A "Cahill vs. Cahill" race would be entertaining, though Kevin would have the advantage as an incumbent and having Row A, the first spot.  I do not know if I could win the election, but I most certainly would win the debates.

The reason is that I am just not up to a lengthy and rather huge campaign right now.  Dad died in February and I am only now just getting back solidly on my feet.  It has been the toughest four months of my life.  If I was going to run for any office, I would only do so if I could give 100% to the campaign.  I am still dealing with the loss of my father and trying to help the family as well.  I just cannot due it right now.

Maybe some year I will challenge Kevin and win the battle of the Cahills.  This year is not that year though.

Big Brother Alive and Living in New York City

Mayor Bloomberg has offered a truly 1984-style proposal.  Bloomberg’s proposal would prohibit the sale of soda and other sweetened drinks in containers larger than 16 ounces that are sold in restaurants, movies theaters, at food carts and ball parks.

His rationale?  We are all too fat.  This is Bloomberg's way to fight obesity.  I call it nonsense and a tremendous governmental overreach.

If a man or woman wants to drink a very large soda, what right does the government have to say no?  What gives the government the right to ban the sale of large sodas?  Asked about this, Bloomberg gave a ridiculous response.  He said, "“We’re not banning you from getting the stuff.  It’s just if you want 32 ounces, the restaurant has to serve it in two glasses. That’s not exactly taking away your freedoms. It’s not something the Founding Fathers fought for."

You are wrong, Mr. Mayor.  The founding fathers fought against oppression.  They fought against a government that was out of control and trampling over people's rights.  You are now leading the charge for governmental domination and governmental control over people's lives.

Moreover, if I want to drink a large soda, why should I have to pay for 2 glasses?  Are you going to ban free refills next?  What about my beloved steaks cooked medium rare?  Are you going to limit me to only a 9 ounce steak or will I have to buy 2 separate steaks?  Are twinkees to be banned or are two in a package to be prohibited?  What about the large Hershey bars?  Are they to be banned?  I suppose Cotton Candy will not be allowed at the circus or at a ball game.

I am so sick and tired of the government telling us how to run our lives.  Here is an idea for you, Mr. Mayor.  Stop worrying about whether we drink too much soda and focus instead on cutting the budget and reducing taxes.  Focus more on fighting crime and less on a "supersized" value meal at McDonalds.