Looked at my phone, a “mover and shaker” in the innards of the Democratic Party calling to congratulate me re Mulgrew’s victory. “When the shit hits the fan with Hochel’s budget revision we need the unions and especially Mulgrew ….” We chatted for a while, “It’s not like the old days, everything is at risk.”Continue reading “Unity Wins! Take a Deep Breath, the Battle Continues”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
One of the Most Confusing, and Consequential, of Elections
On Tuesday, June 25th registered democrats only, no republicans and no independents can participate, will select candidates who will appear on the November general election ballot, the election is called ranked choice voting (RCV), in November the usual, most votes wins, a majority is not necessary. I know life in Gotham can be confusing. The CharterContinue reading “One of the Most Confusing, and Consequential, of Elections”
Dealing with Anxiety in Troubling Times
I sent out a scree to my e-list: have you voted? I received: who should I vote for? (easily resolved) and I have no stamps (not needed) and many smiley faces, every vote counts, we should have the results in a few days. These are anxiety producing times. I wake up and hesitate to checkContinue reading “Dealing with Anxiety in Troubling Times”
Politics is a Full Contact Sport: Trump v Cuomo
My enemy’s enemy is my friend, an ancient proverb, is probably not taught in Civics classroom, and is at the core of realpolitik The Mayor of New York City is a bully pulpit, you’re heard across the nation and is a possible steppingstone to national office. Bloomberg after three terms as mayor attempted a presidential run,Continue reading “Politics is a Full Contact Sport: Trump v Cuomo”
Rumbling Thunder: Who Can Best Navigate the Impending Budget Tsunami?
First, have you voted? Ballots must be received by Thursday, May 30th by 9 am. Don’t procrastinate!!! A leader of one the opposition caucuses advocated working with Republicans as well as Democrats, the problem is there are none. The Republicans in Congress are all onboard, the issue that divides the Republicans is the magnitude ofContinue reading “Rumbling Thunder: Who Can Best Navigate the Impending Budget Tsunami?”
Governor Hochul Failed the Test
Have you cast your ballot in the UFT Leadership election? Don’t tarry!! Place an X in the Unity box and into the mailbox, do it NOW!! I’ve always believed the best decisions are made by the folks closest to the kids: teachers and school leaders, hopefully facilitated by the school district leader. In other words,Continue reading “Governor Hochul Failed the Test”
Have You Cast Your Ballot in the UFT Leadership Election? Don’t Tarry
The word “politics” in our nation is oftentimes viewed as a “dirty word,” often connoting underhanded or corrupt practices. Common definitions reinforces that view, the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power: activities within an organizationContinue reading “Have You Cast Your Ballot in the UFT Leadership Election? Don’t Tarry”
Laws and Sausages: We Need Leaders Who Can Navigate the Current Toxic Politics
“You never want to see how sausages and laws are made” Both houses of Congress are racing to write a wide range of budget bills, called markups. Since both houses have Republican majorities, the bills must satisfy the caucuses within the Republican Party. The Freedom Caucus, the most conservative are demanding dramatic reductions in Medicare,Continue reading “Laws and Sausages: We Need Leaders Who Can Navigate the Current Toxic Politics”
Get Out the Vote: The Key to Winning Elections
You win elections by identifying your voters and getting them to the polls. You win elections by giving voters a reason to vote for candidates/slate and not the other slate(s). In the 2021 mayoral primary 23% of eligible voters participated, New York City ranks 49th among major cities in voter turnout rates. In the UFTContinue reading “Get Out the Vote: The Key to Winning Elections”
Can I Be Laid Off? Are Our Pensions in Jeopardy?
At the end of Mulgrew’s Town Hall livestream a member asked “Can I be laid off?”, a question on the mind of many in the audience. Mulgrew restated the theme of his remarks, we are facing an “existential crisis,” the future of public education and teacher unions are at risk, and we must fight backContinue reading “Can I Be Laid Off? Are Our Pensions in Jeopardy?”