Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Supreme Court Justice and Manhattanite, Elena Kagan
From Senate approves Kagan for high court - CNN.com:
The 63-37 vote was mostly along party lines. Five GOP senators backed Kagan, and only one Democrat -- Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska -- opposed her. Republican leaders offered spirited floor opposition to the nominee, but were unable to muster a prolonged delay or filibuster of the vote.
Kagan is set to begin a lifetime position as the nation's 112th justice. She will be sworn into office Saturday afternoon, taking the traditional constitutional and judicial oaths. The newest justice will then be able to assume her court duties immediately. read more »
Jerrold Nadler teaches Schumer, Weiner, Gillibrand and Maloney how to stand up for Muslims in New York
While Michael Bloomberg gave a rousing speech defending the building of Córdoba House in downtown Manhattan, both Chuck Schumer and Anthony Weiner have been conspicuously silent on the issue.
Kirsten Gillibrand, Carolyn Maloney and Jerrold Nadler all released statements of support, yet it was only Nadler who was willing to take a forceful political stand on the issue. From Nadler: Attacks on mosque "shameful and divisive":
As an elected official who believes strongly in the separation of church and state, I contend that the government has no business deciding whether there should or should not be a Muslim house of worship near Ground Zero. And, as a representative of New Yorkers of all faiths and cultures, I find the singling out of Muslim-Americans -- because of their faith -- for animus and hate to be shameful and divisive. We should instead work toward building tolerance and understanding. For centuries, New Yorkers have exhibited a great capacity to incorporate and benefit from diversity. The Córdoba House, which is the product of moderate Muslims, has the support of the local community board and a wide swath of Lower Manhattan community leaders.
I have said numerous times that Schumer needs a primary. Actually, his love for everything Rupert Murdoch has earned him an entry into my list of Democrats that need to be booted out. Gillibrand should also get a primary even if that other person would have ended up being Maloney. As to Maloney, she is looking down the barrel of a primary against Indian-American Reshma Saujani.
Then there's Weiner.
Sure, many people think he would be a good mayor for New York. Guess who's the other name that makes NYC Democrat's head swoon? Jerrold Nadler. If Weiner thinks screaming about health care for 9/11 responders is enough to get him elected mayor of the city, he is wrong. That bullshit strategy may have worked wonders for Giuliani but for him? Not. Gonna. Work.
On a personal note: I just want to let everybody know that when the primary and election days come, I will be remembering the names of the more than 60 Muslim men and women who died on the days of the attacks. And I will remember those who refused to honor and defend like Nadler and Bloomberg have.
From : Muslim Victims of September 11th Attack
Partial List of Muslim 9/11 Victims
Note: This list is as yet incomplete and unconfirmed.It has been compiled from the Islamic Circle of North America, the Newsday victims database, and reports from other major news organizations.The victims' ages, employers, or other personal information is included when available, along with links to further information or photos. read more »
Mayor Bloomberg on why Cordoba House and Religious Freedom are important to New York City
You all know that I am not a fan of Michael Bloomberg. That is not going to stop me from applauding him when he is 100% right on an issue such as the building of Córdoba House two blocks Ground Zero.
Thank you Mayor Bloomberg, for voicing your opposition to the Islamophobe bigots with such a loud and clear voice.
From Mayor Bloomberg Stands Up For Mosque »:
Our doors are open to everyone – everyone with a dream and a willingness to work hard and play by the rules. New York City was built by immigrants, and it is sustained by immigrants – by people from more than a hundred different countries speaking more than two hundred different languages and professing every faith. And whether your parents were born here, or you came yesterday, you are a New Yorker.
We may not always agree with every one of our neighbors. That's life and it's part of living in such a diverse and dense city. But we also recognize that part of being a New Yorker is living with your neighbors in mutual respect and tolerance. It was exactly that spirit of openness and acceptance that was attacked on 9/11.
No one should be asked to leave their neighborhood. This is our neighborhood and we've been part of it for 27 years. Our opponents are not from this neighborhood.
read more »
Staten Island Focus: Hate Crimes on the Rise
One of my favorite things about NYC is the diversity and considerable (if sometimes reluctant) tolerance for that diversity. But there is a very disturbing trend in Staten Island that seems to reflect the growing intolerance across the country. This comes from BBC News:
Since April there have been 10 reported incidents of violence against Hispanic immigrants on Staten Island, a borough of New York City.
The attacks have all occurred on the island's North Shore, principally in the community of Port Richmond.
The most recent attack came on Saturday, when an 18-year-old student was beaten and robbed by a group of young African-American men while on his way home from working at a late-night restaurant...
Today the fastest growing minority group in Port Richmond is Mexican.
Mexico's Consul General in New York, Ruben Beltran, says he is "angry and frustrated" at the string of attacks.
Earlier this week, he sent a consular representative to support Mexican immigrants in the neighbourhood. read more »
Central Brooklyn Eating Liberally Tuesday August 10th
Please join me and co-host Marjorie Gersten for Central Brooklyn
Eating Liberally, a chance to meet, eat good food and discuss liberal
politics, both local and national.
August 10th 7 PM at:
Kaz an nou, a French Caribbean restaurant at 53 6th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217.
I haven't tried this one yet but it is supposed to be great and the menu looks amazing.
http://www.kazannou.com/menu.html
There are some important races this year with promising liberal
candidates. Two interesting Attorney General candidates we can
discuss. Local Brooklyn district leader races and some interesting State
Senate races. So come and tell us about your favorite candidate (bring some
information if you like) and enjoy some great food with some good, liberal friends. (Some of us have returned from interesting trips abroad which will also be shared).
Next meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 7th 7 PM at Kombit, a Hatian restaurant I have tried and quite liked at 279 Flatbush Ave Brooklyn, New York 11217.
So far all restaurants we have met at have been excellent: Born Thai, Dao Palate, Taqueria de los Muertos, and Zaytoons.
