The Heritage Foundation writes about a Conservative New Year's resolution.

The House passes new rules.

Native New Yorker looking to replace Michael Steele.

What not to do when on vacation.

Karl Rove on Gitmo.

Cuba slashes soap ration.

The Daily News dumps snow on Mayor Mike.

Former Assemblyman Kirwan is closer to regaining his seat back.

Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo campaigned on a platform that includes a cap on property taxes and Assembly Speaker Silver calls the issue “complex” but believes that they will come to a “meaningful agreement” . Let us know if you think a cap on property taxes will be enacted in the coming legislative session.

May you all have a wonderful and hopefully prosperous New Year. We will be back on Monday, the 3rd of January. Happy 2011!

Mayor Bloomberg, if you really want to be the greatest NYC Mayor, you can learn a few things about snow storms from Mayor Cory Booker.

The NY Post takes the Mayor to task, again. And they are not the only paper that does.

Expect to pay more at the gas pump.

The White House plans to push global warming policy. Seriously, have the looked out the windows lately? And it is not only in our country, Europe is experiencing the same snow bound problems.

The American Spectator asks the question "It is a Right, or isn't it?" (Show me where in the Constitution....)

Are the Republicans forgetting about the November 2 election already?

It is cool to be a Con.

The current administration still finds ways to blame the Bush Administration for anything they can, including "death panels". Amazing, do you think they will try and find a way to blame Bush for the recess appointment of Dr. Donald Berwick, who is responsible for the executive fiat funding "death panels". Rich Lowry chimes in on the death panels. Another reason to be wary of Dr. Berwick.

Fred Barnes on Nullifying Obamacare.

Is Roy Blunt right, sure hope so.

Good advice from the Heritage Foundation.

You are $10,492 deeper in debt thanks to Congress.

Cause for concern? His legal argument written in a Daily News Op-Ed last summer helped pave the way for the Governor to put have a Lt. Governor without an election is the new ethics czar in New York State.

We all need to read Thomas Sowell's article on political end runs.

Bloomberg takes some heat from the NY Post.

Hope all of you had a blessed Christmas weekend and that you are all safely home and not stranded someplace in the current blizzard conditions in New York State. See what happens when you wish for a white Christmas...

Seriously, it will be a quiet news week, hopefully no one will try to bury important news this week when everyone is still in Holiday mindset.

The NY Post editorial exposes yet another agency Mayor Mike wants to control.

The Heritage Foundation reminds us that President Obama really did a lot of damage last week, not in Congress, but in the Agencies he controls.

Pete DuPont on Turning America Around.

Does anyone believe what PBS tries to sell?

Daniel Henninger has a limited holiday optimism column.

This should give all New Yorkers some concern. Gov. Elect Andrew Cuomo campaigned on a fiscal conservative message, how does bringing back those who have worked for his father and the current administration change anything? Hello, Governor Elect....listen to New Yorkers....NO new taxes, no new spending. The message was CUT SPENDING!!!!

Weekly Wrap-Up

In the weeks to come, editorial boards and opinion writers will analyze the Lame Duck session just concluded. Some will be unhappy with the results believing Republicans capitulated and Democrats carried the day, but the majority will begin to call President Obama, the new “comeback kid” as they praise his accomplishments. He can savor his small gains this week, but the 112th Congress will be different. Americans called for good changes on November 2 and President Obama will be in for some rough sledding.


China is available to bailout Europe.

As we noted yesterday, states with no income taxes are the fastest growing states and will gain congressional seats. John Faso writes about the fallout in New York.


Governor Paterson gets one right in the last days of his administration.

The Poughkeepsie Journal praised Gov. Paterson’s temporary ban on hydrofracking saying it gives time to Mr. Cuomo to assess the situation. The NY Post believes hydrofracking could provide a clean source of energy and possibly thousands of jobs statewide. Vote in our poll and let us know what you think.


May your family surround you as you celebrate the Joy of Christmas. If members of your family are defending America in Iraq, Afghanistan, and South Korea or in active service and away from you, rest assured they will be in our prayers. We salute every member of our Armed Forces and are grateful for their service.

Merry Christmas.

Looks like they reached a deal on the 911 Bill. This from Sen. Coburn's office on the agreement. Passed in US Senate on a voice vote...

More analysis of the 2010 Census numbers here, here, and here. The consensus of the census: Taxes play a big role in where we live. Are you listening Legislators??

A recap of President Obama's year, however, the Washington Times gives him a boost from the Lame Duck session. But did they read this? One of the reasons why our debt is so out of control!

The Chief Justice in NYS admonishes us for having a "crisis of the unrepresented" instead of
admonishing criminals for committing crimes. Justice Lippman has no concept of where the money comes from, he must believe there really is a "money tree in the backyard".

Another consequence of elections, and a promise by the GOP to fight to change the ruling.

START passes Senate by 71-26... on the positive side at least they will all go home now.

It is official, New York will lose another two Congressional seats.

More bad news on Net Neutrality and other changes being planned. The Heritage Foundation explains the problems and the possibility of undoing what has been done.

Does AG Holder really understand now?

More disappointment for Sen. Scott Brown fans.

Ambassador John Bolton on saving the euro.

Rich Lowry on Obama's long term game, he really nails him in the last paragraph.

Stephen B. Meister with more on the public pension problems.

Why doesn't this surprise me?

Good news (finally) for Senate Republicans!

If this were not so serious, it really would be laughable.

It must be Tuesday -- Thomas Sowell is back with his random thoughts.

The UN is talking about regulating the Web! The UN can't do anything right, and it wants to regulate the Web. Couple that idea with the FCC's pending vote on Net Neutrality tomorrow is further proof that government agencies, AKA Big Brother, is trying to dismantle the free press.

Is the passage of START a foregone conclusion? The Heritage Foundation says it isn't and let's hope they are right. Will the GOP stand strong? Mr. President, I've been critical of your vacations, but I really think you should take your vacation NOW. Sen. Reed obviously has too much time on his hands as he cites a lot of pop culture while pushing the START treaty. Really, Sen. Reed, don't you think the references to pop culture icons are debasing the importance of the START treaty? (If you don't, then shame on you!)

Former US Attorney General, Edwin Meese, has a good idea.

Most Americans will support Rep. Peter King on this.

Texas gains, New York looses. Do you thing taxes play a roll? Pension benefits certainly do.

Silver is silent, as usual, on what he will do regarding NY's millionaire tax.

Still in limbo, but the Chief Judge seems to show his stripes. Let's hope the decision isn't as unconstitutional as his last decision was.

Weekly Wrap-Up

Great news for fiscal conservatives in Washington, with the defeat of the 1,900-page “catch-all” spending bill the lame-duck Congress wanted to impose on all of us.

The Heritage Foundation notes that this victory against spending happened on the 237th anniversary of the original Tea Party.

It could be that Republicans in Washington are getting over their earmark addiction – while the Democrats are still “earmark junkies.” And this is before we welcome a new Congress packed with TEA Party conservatives who ran against out-of-control spending.

Here’s an idea to get spending under control – what The Washington Times calls “A death panel for government.”

Last night we also saw some “okay” news with the passage of the Obama/Republican tax bill.

Taxes won’t skyrocket next year – but according to The Washington Post, the bill is also designed to “provide a fresh boost of federal support to the tepid economic recovery.” That’s Washington-ese for “more spending.”

Charles Krauthammer sees this as a defeat for conservatives, and names President Obama “the new Comeback Kid.”

Who do you think won in the tax debate? Give your answer in our new Weekly Poll.

Next up for the lame ducks – the New START Treaty, which Shaun Marie mentioned yesterday.

According to former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton, “Senators must think long and hard about their Constitutional obligations” before they allow the START Treaty to be hastily approved by a lame-duck session. Unfortunately our politicians these days aren’t known for their great thinking – but last night’s spending victory gives us some hope.

And as the old Congress wraps things up, here’s a challenge for Governor-elect Cuomo that’s just getting started. This is sure to test Andrew’s commitment to creating jobs, his allegiance to left-wing special interests and his half-baked campaign rhetoric.

Have a great weekend!

A little catch-up is in order due to a computer glitch!

The loophole must be closed and the Members who are using the loophole should be ashamed of themselves.

House passes repeal of "DADT"

Voter fraud in Troy, NY making its way to Grand Jury.

Today's Heritage Foundation wants the release of START negotiation record. The US Senate will work work through the weekend to ratify START.

If they can't read it, how can they pass it? Would this really be that bad? Republican Senators must vote against them. The final insult of the 111th Congress.

Fred Barnes opines on the GOP charge up Capitol Hill.

Bad news for trial lawyers is good news for us.

In case you missed Rush Limbaugh on "No Labels" you can read his take on them here.

Betsy McCaughey on Justice Henry Hudson's decision on Obamacare.
Obamacare's effect on big companies.

More spending from the Obama Administration.

Bill McGurn answers Bernie Sanders rant.

Thomas Sowell suggests a few last minute Christmas gifts.

Seriously, Mr. Mayor...the greatest Mayor ever? Hardly! Complete disregard for term limits, voted for by the good people of NYC, twice, and you think you are a contender...and that is not even considering your nanny-state government.

The Heritage Foundation on the Tax Cut "deal" and Star Parker takes on Congressman Anthony Weiner and his need to redistribute our money.

BIG win for the Constitution and for all of us even though they will appeal.

Congressman-elect Grimm lands a seat on the House Financial Services Committee.

Jacob Gershman writes how the GOP sets a hard line for Cuomo while Cuomo begins negotiations for his plan for a property tax cap.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty on the cost of public unions.

If we stop funding it, will it just go away?

The Heritage Foundation honors our Senator, the honorable James L. Buckley.

Weekly Wrap-Up

Yet another politician – this time, veteran state Senator Vincent Leibell – has succumbed to temptation, abused the taxpayers’ money and has now pled guilty to felony tax evasion charges.

Sen. Leibell is just the latest in a long line of Albany insiders who have ripped off taxpayers. The Post has the “Hall of Shame” – from convicted crooks like Assemblymen Brian McLaughlin, Anthony Seminerio and Efrain Gonzalez Jr. to suspected fraudsters like Senate President Malcolm Smith, departing Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada and Brooklyn Assemblyman Vito Lopez who are now or have been investigated.

The Ithaca Journal and The New York Times both highlight the root of this wrongdoing: The corrupting influence of legislative “member items.”

The Conservative Party has been one of the loudest voices in New York calling for an end to the member items racket that rolls out the red carpet for fraud and corruption. What do you think? Give your opinion on member items in our new Weekly Poll.

Meanwhile in Washington – where New York’s most powerful symbol of corruption, Charlie Rangel, continues to hold court – President Obama and the Democrats have shown once again that they are incapable of governing... and that they can’t keep their hands off of other people’s money...

Because of the Democrats’ refusal to budge on repealing “don’t ask, don’t tell,” the U.S. Senate won’t be passing a defense bill – jeopardizing troops’ pay raises.

But will the Democrats’ DREAM come true? We’ll be paying attention to this next week...

This would be funny if it weren’t such a serious flaw in our President’s character...

Have a great weekend!

Will Mr. Rogers continue to improve his neighborhood? This is the Committee and Congressman to watch. Another sign that campaigns are a lot of rhetoric.

Heritage Foundation wants President Obama to rethink granting Hu (China's General Secretary of the Communist Party) the accompanying accord normally given to our nation’s most respected partners.

Democrats are bailing on Bush tax cut extension's. Who will prevail? Karl Rove opines on the revolt.

This man just does not understand, or worse, he refuses to understand how New Yorkers feel about the Mosque.

But will it stay closed?

Rob Astorino understands.

Sen. John Thune on START.

George Will: Why Conservatives like Mike Pence.

Daniel Henninger has some good advice for the 2012 Republican presidential nominee.

Really? Who would have guessed this. Seriously, did we really need a poll to tell us?

Are American teachers teaching what is necessary or what is mandated by politically correct politicians and ultimately harming our future? Read this before you answer.

Liberals only talk about compromise when in the minority, since they know they will be there soon, they are flexing their muscles on Obama's framework for extending the Bush tax cuts.

Desperate extreme methods to get what they want. Despicable!

Heritage Foundation on the DREAM Act. Ten things you need to know about the DREAM Act.

Paul Driessen on Ending Ethanol Subsidies.

What would the fine have been had she thrown it on the street? File this one under: You have to be kidding me!

Nothing funny about this report as E. J. McMahon is right on target. You can read the full report here.

Senator Sampson, I disagree. Violence is violence and should not be tolerated. I expect more from my elected officials.

Update: NYC OTB bailout is defeated 29-21....a WIN for us and all New Yorkers!!!

This is a Judge who understands.

Mr. President, we need new ways to drill for oil, NOW! This is something that we do not need, nor will we tolerate.

Some democrats just do not understand! Not the best deal, but they have a framework and the had serious talks for the first time in two years. Your tax dollars will "stimulate the economy" with an additional 13 months of unemployment benefits. NRO gives the deal a qualified victory.

Thomas Sowell on Rhetoric Rides Again

The Heritage Foundation will explain it to them with this column.

Arnie, wasn't this the reason you were elected in 2003 when Gov. Grey Davis was recalled? Now you wake up?

We are not the only ones who want to close the NYC OTB. (As of 4:00 PM no vote has been taken.)

Ted Nugent on the 69th Anniversary of the Bombing of Pearl Harbor.

In case you didn't see Chairman Long on Friday's Capital Tonight interview with Liz Benjamin.

Big news on Saturday! Congratulations to the Republicans who now have a majority in the NYS Senate. Please remember why you lost it and remember what the message is from voters: Cut spending and NO new taxes, fees and other revenue enhancers.

Big Brother is watching you and wants to watch more!

Daniel Henninger on "WikiLeaks R Us". And L. Gordon Crovitz on Assange, Information Anarchist.

Is there another leaker?

Bush tax cut extender = extension of unemployment benefits? No surprise to readers of this blog.

NRO on what to cut in the federal budget.

New York State is not the only state facing public pension problems.

We agree with the New York Post Editorial: No Mosque Money.

Fredric U. Dicker asks the question: Will Silver Lead? Silver is a major part of the problem and from all accounts his members like it the way it is.

Lots of calls, again, for Ethics Reform, however, I'm not seeing any for Term Limits. Mr. Horner, why not? Has any official who has "crossed the line" been newly elected?

John Gizzi on Congresswoman-Elect Ann Marie Buerkle who will be a strong conservative voice in Congress!

Weekly Wrap-Up

It’s censure for Rep. Charlie Rangel...

If Rangel ends up stepping down, would this replacement be an improvement?

Speaking of ethics... Remember the Ground Zero Mosque – and how maybe its mastermind, Sharif El-Gamal, wasn’t the most honest or ethical guy in the world? Here is a bit more proof...

We’ve also learned that Sheldon Silver might have found a new way to get himself and his cronies in Albany a pay raise.

Do you believe the Sheldon Silver crew in Albany deserves a big pay hike courtesy of we, the taxpayers? Vote in our new poll today.

The latest unemployment report is grim. Looking at these new figures, how could the Democrats possibly still support raising taxes on anyone?

Big Government has failed, and David Malpass and our friends at Grow PAC are leading the fight to stop it. Right now they’re targeting the Fed’s $600 billion expansion. Here, you can sign their petition calling for sound money and more jobs, NOT bigger government.

Here is David’s latest Q&A on the deficit and taxes...

Election results are becoming “more official,” it seems – and so is the Conservative Party’s success in moving up the ballot.

Have a great weekend!

The American electorate was 100% correct in demoting her, does she really believe what she said here? Unfortunately, we could not demote Sen. Reid, another elected official who lives in his own world.

On the positive side, Con. Mike Pence is speaking out on our behalf.

And Con. John Boehner is none to pleased with the current leadership in his House.

The WSJ.com thinks the Bush tax cuts will be extended temporarily.

Stop giving our money to everyone else! Listen to Larry Kudlow.

New York to lose one, maybe two, congressional seats, from the upstate area.

Not good news for New Yorkers: two different reports on the possibility of legislative pay raises and no flat denial from Governor-Elect Cuomo.

Now we are going to bailout the Euro? And to that the Interior Dept. and EPA is constraining hydraulic fracturing. On top of the continuing failure to extend the Bush tax cuts....
What is this Administration and Lame Duck Congress trying to accomplish? It seems they won't be happy until we are a Third World Nation. Obamacare may accomplish what they want.

Our best hope is to adhere to Laffler-Mundell supply-side economics!

Part II of Thomas Sowell's "Can Republicans Talk?"

The Heritage Foundation on the START treaty, again.

The NY Post Editorial on killing Iran's nuclear scientist. And some questions for our outgoing Governor.

Does the Daily News Editorial have a point? The Syracuse Post Standard seems to agree with the Daily News. The AuburnPub.com lament some of the same points. While we, the voters of New York, have no say in whom is elected to leadership positions, we have a lot of say as to what is accomplished or not accomplished. Elected officials will pay attention to what we want === spending cuts === lower taxes === when we make our voices hear. If all they hear is the special interest groups, then we are at fault.

How long before they do the same for themselves? Will you allow it?

How long before taxpayers are paying for Regent exams?

Who said "financiers and businessmen are a danger . . . because they can be sentimental about any sentiment and idealistic about any ideal that they find lying about. . . . These practical men unaccustomed to causes, are always inclined to think that if a thing is proved to be an ideal, it is proved to be the ideal.” Read George J. Marlin's column to find out.