Score (143)

Gov.-elect Spitzer,
Firstly, as a suggestion to you--considering that you have asked for my opinion, and told the Rochester, NY D&C that you are interested in representing the whole state, not just those who voted for you--their must be repeals of the anti-gun, people control laws within NYS. There must be no law regulating the ownership, or carry of guns, or other weapons within NYS.
The reasons for this are two-fold. First, one would necessarily have to go against the U.S.Constitution to propose that current anti-gun, people control laws that are on the books in NYS, are constitutionally valid. Second, the laws, as written, do not prevent criminals from obtaining firearms. However, they do inhibit, and hinder (see definition of "infringed"), the law abiding citizen. These laws are encroachments (again, see "infringe").
Further, if the Governor-elect is true to his passion for the law, he may peruse three cases of import in regards rights (and the second amendment is an individual right, as are all rights enumerated in the U.S. Constitution) and licensing laws. These are Shuttlesworth v. City of Birmingham, Staub v. Baxley, and Cantwell v. Connecticut. He should be familiar with all three. If not, then he is a very piss poor lawyer, and didn't deserve his former post, nor his present. (I think he merely used his position of influence to press his own anti-gun agenda while AG, wasting 10 million taxpayer dollars, a sum he should return to the state from his own pocket, for doing something unConstitutional)
If he simply refuses to acknowledge these cases, then he may also be considered a traitor to the Constitutonal Republic in which we reside, and a person who is not true to his word (out here in western NY we call them liars). After all, he did, and will to become Governor, take an oath to protect and defend the Constitution, did/will he not.
Secondly, this same should apply to all drug prohibitions. Even though drugs are a scourge to our society, the war on drugs--actually the war on the people who wish to abide by their God granted Constitutional right to choose (see the ignorantly decided Roe v. Wade), even if that choice is to be an idiot--creates an atmosphere within various communities, many of them inclusive of a great number of our citizens, pitting them against our government, or, more appropriately putting them at war with the government, and any governmental authority. This being the case, we will see increased shootings of troopers, and other Law Enforcement Officers if things continue as they are. We need to find a diferent solution to the drug problem with perhaps some state regulation, storefront sales like we do with alcohol, etc., especially where marijuana is concerned. Yes, there are minor problems associated with its use, but I think many use it to self-medicate for depression. What we should do is get more people into depression clinics.
Third, we must have lowered taxes if we are to keep the jobs, and employers, we now have, and to increase the number for the future so all may benefit from a healthy NY economy, not just those downstate, many whose jobs are based on the whims of the major money operatives/speculators within the country.
We cannot continue to become a state where revenue is enhanced through only this means. That includes revenue from gambling concerns, as well (lotteries, casino's racino's etc.).
We must, to remain fiscally sound, invest in the future by reducing taxes. This means, also, a reduction in, or a law against, the ability of localities to propose a property tax. This may mean we have to make welfare less lucrative, and have people taking an actual job which would be more beneficial to the person on welfare programs to begin with, and including medicaid payouts. As for medical benefits, perhaps a law requiring employers to pay these would be in order, or better yet, allow the free market to determine the costs, and eliminate the insurance companies altogether. it seems no one went without medical care prior to the insurance companies, and businesses providing health care benefits.
The counties would have little need for this type of home property tax revenue if the federal and state mandates for these programs were not in place. So, I propose doing away with all state mandates to counties. this may be done by passing a law against mandates, and property taxes, if not unConstitutional. I do not believe any such law would be so.
Lastly, the governor to be must focus on infrastructure, and policing, in the vein that certain laws are upheld, and emphasis placed on properly instituted laws, that being laws which are Constitutional. Further, infrastructure, such as roads, and bridges, firstly, needs be addressed. The elimination of the Thruway Authority would be a first start. This authority was supposed to be done away with many, many years ago.
If gov-elect Spitzer would only do these four things he would be considered a great governor in the future. I fear that he may simply not be willing to do these things, which would be detrimental to the entire state.
- Submitted by Paul Rusin on 12.30.06