Every family knows how difficult it is to cut back on spending when circumstances have changed the financial circumstances within the family, but a responsible family will be able to make the necessary cuts and plan for the future. Governor Paterson is trying, and for that, should be given some credit.

Karl Rove is no doubt one of the most proficient political prognosticators in the field, hopefully his assessement is too early to be accurate.

If the spending continues like this in the House, it should be easy to replace the Speaker, if we survive until January 2011. Hint to the House Majority: this is not how to solve your spending problem!

US Senators: take note! More on Health Care Reform here, here and here.

Another one for the file "Are you kidding?"

Washington Times Editorial hits the nail on the head.

If you have wondered if small businesses have benefited from the stimulus money, here is one that certainly has. President Obama wants us to spend our way out of downturn. I guess if he gives us what Mark Penn received, we could, however I doubt that will happen. Be very wary of what democrats want. Seriously, gentlemen, when has anyone ever spent their way out of debt?

John Stossel writes of the lessons in "Atlas Shrugged", maybe the stimulus money could be used to purchase each Member of Congress a copy of it. Better yet, buy one copy and read it into the record, it will take less time than the Health Care Reform bill as it has less pages.

Thomas Sowell has another column that is a must read.

If you think it is safe for your children to watch the History Channel, read this.

Is CO2 really a dangerous pollutant? (How dangerous can it be when we exhale CO2?)

Why didn't I become a teacher on Long Island?

Decisions that will have long term effects on all of us were recently argued before the US Supreme Court. It will be interesting to learn how they rule.

Let me get this right, 1200 Limo's and 140 private jets do not add to "global warming" but each family or municipality that lights a Christmas trees does. Here are some important facts.

Sen. Reid, was President Lincoln a democrat? Do you really need a lesson in history?

Sen. Joe Liberman is defending his position regarding the health care bill. CEO's have second thoughts on Obamacare. Click here to support life in the health care reform bill.

James Freeman writes of the Supreme review of the Sarbanes-Oxley law.

The NY Post gives credit to the Building and Construction Trade Council for exercising common sense!

I. Lynn Mueller writes of the need of GOP farm teams and the recent election victories around New York State. They certainly were important wins for all New Yorkers and the winning ways will continue as long as the emphasis is on cutting spending...that is what New Yorkers need most and this was the winning message.

Weekly Wrap-Up

It’s the Christmas season, so let’s try to be joyful. There are some developments this week to be happy about.

For one thing, traditional marriage is safe for now in New York.

Sounds like Gov. Paterson has finally gotten the message, at least for the time being:

Next up is New Jersey. It will say a lot if gay marriage can’t win support in two of the “bluest” states in the country.

I said earlier this year that we’d be seeing a taxpayer revolt in New York, and here’s the latest proof that people are fed up: The defeat of Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi.

Is Gov. Paterson getting the message on that, too? He seems to be quite determined to rein in out-of-control spending in New York.

And then there’s President Obama’s decision (finally!) on Afghanistan – specifically, to send a “surge” of 30,000 troops to the region. Reaction was mixed, to say the least. We can at least be glad that the President is not blindly following his base – the surrender-happy left wing of the Democratic Party. When it comes to national security, though, I miss President Bush.

Here are some reactions to Obama’s decision...

From Peggy Noonan, who is quite impressed:

From Bill Kristol and Fred Barnes, who both see it as a lackluster speech announcing a good policy.

The Washington Times and Charles Krauthammer are not impressed at all.

What I want to know is, how can we expect the Obama Administration to keep America safe when they can’t even secure the White House?

That’s our poll question for this week. I hope you’ll give your opinion.

We can all be happy that we have the right to gather and speak out in defense of America. I know this is a busy time of year, but if there’s any way you can attend tomorrow’s rally at Foley Square to protest KSM being tried in civil court in NYC, please do. It’s from noon to 2PM.

Have a great weekend!

Many of the news articles today are about yesterday's vote on same sex marriage. It certainly is interesting to read how different papers portray the vote, I fail to understand why the NY Times considers voting to keep the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman as discrimination. I have a simple question for the New York Times: If we are supposed to accept that abortion is settled law, why isn't the definition of marriage? Voters in 31 states have rejected same sex marriage and given the opportunity so would voters in New York.

The influence of the NY Times is wanning as voters are exposed to other media outlets. Many who only had time to read one newspaper find it possible to read a variety of papers on line or spend time driving listening to talk radio. Voters are becoming more vocal at the polls as a result.

We all understand this is a busy time of year, but please, if at all possible, plan to attend this Saturday's Rally at Foley Square from Noon to 2:00 PM to protest KSM being tried in civil court in NYC.

The NY Post has a few choice words for Congressman Maurice Hinchey. And John Faso opines on the "reforms" in Albany.

How did your Senator vote on Same Sex Marriage? Click here Our sincere thanks to all of you who stood up for marriage.

Will New York State's legislators finally come to an agreement on budget cuts? John Faso had some good ideas, however, don't expect the Members to pass them.

Tom Carroll supports Mayor Bloomberg's seven point plan for New York's schools.

The Cap and Trade Bill should be given a second, third and forth look before ever being considered in light of the growing email scandel. A good analysis of the climate changes can be found here.

The Bullying method of government has its consequences and there is sure to be more as bullying becomes even more prominent in government.

Arlen Spector is at it again! Hey, Senator, the clock is ticking!

Cal Thomas brings Dr. Stephen Frasier's concers on the pending Health Care Bill to the forefront.

Some of Thomas Sowell best columns are titled: Random Thoughts