Cuomo's Convention Center Calendar Caper

By Richard Cooper

The Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo recently exercised his imperial prerogative to change the calendar of the state-owned Jacob Javits Convention Center.   Newsday's Dan Janison reports that Cuomo in Albany changed the date of the annual New York boat show to January.  http://www.newsday.com/columnists/dan-janison/javits-center-nyc-s-boat-show-make-political-waves-1.6119695   Considered a more desirable by the boat selling industry the change upset other trade shows that were bumped.

Quite aside from the question of why our would-be emperor in Albany isbusying himself with event calendars, let us ask the question never asked.  Why should the state government or municipal governments be in the convention center business?  If it is desirable, let it be run by private enterprise.

This Libertarian says "Separate convention centers and state.  Sell the Javits Center."

Booker Bought By Bloomberg Bucks?

This is not the newspaper headline nor lead on the evening TV news.   Yet, NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg has bought a million dollars' worth of TV ads on behalf of Democrat candidate for US Senate Cory Booker, the mayor of Newark.  This is for the October special election to replace the late Frank Lautenberg.  Booker is facing Steve Lonegan, the Republican candidate.

Why don't we have headlines or leads like that above?   Where are the editorials invoking the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, the Koch brothers or Karl Rove? 

Oh, I forgot.  Cory Booker is a liberal Democrat with suitable Ivy League credentials and star potential like the current occupant of the White House.

The Feds Take A Holiday

The shutdown of some Federal government facilities and the furlough of some Federal government employees sparked by the impasse between House Republicans and the Democrats over Obamacare (the Affordable Care Act) does not represent a victory over big government.  Not only is it only some agencies involved,  but it will be temporary.  Moreover, the burden and scope of Federal interference is not reduced but merely on vacation.

Taxes will continue to be withheld from paychecks.  Deadlines will still exist for fines, permits, licenses  and all manner of regulatory demands.   You may not be able to submit your paperwork but you will still have it due unless the Federal bureaucrats will decide that your inability to present yourself will not be held against you.

No less taxes will be demanded. 

What does the shutdown amount to then?  Budget theater and an unpaid holiday for part of the Federal government.