Things are changing in both the nation and the state. There are new battles to fight and victories to mull over. We have to question what it means to be in politics today, and how we can do more to improve the political scene.
Suburban Progressives - June 6, 2008
Are all suburbanites little more then limousine liberals?
Mayor Jennings - September 5, 2006
Our mayor while controversal is still our leader.
Why Kirsten Will Win Re-Election - November 13, 2008 (Featured)
Gillibrand's passion, political ability, and stature help secure her re-election.
E-Campaigning - October 22, 2008
It has it's limited roles even as it becomes well adopted.
Senator James Wright, Redo? - May 2, 2008
What We Do and Do Not Know About The 48th Senate District.
Aubertine Wins - February 26, 2008
A few thoughts on our newest state senator.
Why I’m in NH Supporting John Edwards - December 28, 2007
Not only do I believe he’s the most progressive candidate, he’s a winner.
Why Brunswick is Controlled By Republicans - December 3, 2007
Thoughts on Sue Haynes' race and the Herrington GOP-machine.
Mike Conners Re-Elected - September 19, 2007
Mike Conners' re-election is a great moment for progressive politics.
Why George Amedore Won - August 12, 2007
A solid campaign operation doesn't make up for a lackluster candidate.
Ed Kosuir: Concede - August 3, 2007
Kosiur was a jackass for not conceeding when loss his race.
McHugh vs. Sweeney - November 17, 2006
Why one candidate won despite facing slightly tougher odds.
Why Clinton County Democrats Failed - November 13, 2006
Some thoughts on Democratic defeats in the North Country.
Winning Rural Elections: Andrew Wylie's Victory - November 18, 2005
Andy Wylie's campaign is a lesson for all small town democrats.
Lobbyists Write the Law - November 12, 2008
Understanding how the legislative process really works.
The Obama Presidency - November 5, 2008
Looking forward to four years with our new president.
Hillary - August 10, 2007
Thoughts on our likely next candidate for President.
A Bunch of Cow Farmers - May 9, 2007
Some thoughts on how too many Democrats view of Rural America.
Why I Am A Democrat - March 5, 2007
There are many reasons I'm a Democrat.
Tim Merrick: After the Election - December 6, 2006
Merrick was a candidate that took a while to like.
Democratic Rural Conference 2006 - April 1, 2006
Remembering the excitement and action that happened when Rural Democrats across NY got together in convention in Ithaca.
Myth of Red America - March 11, 2006
Rural America isn't all that red, it's just us Democrats haven't reached out deep enough to embrace it.
Who Are the Old Guard Democrats? - January 11, 2006
Looking at the people in the party who seem to block change, yet also may be the gatekeepers to great things.
Democratic Rural Conference 2005 - June 12, 2005
Some brief memories of a very neat experience in Schenectady this year.
Albany Democratic Secrets - February 8, 2005
Various insights into the Albany Democrats.
Give Democrats a Chance - October 31, 2008
If they screw things up badly in the next two years, we can vote them out off of office.
Why I Still Like David Soares - October 27, 2008
Despite problems in his office, he cares and fights for good.
Why I Voted for Phil Steck for Congress - October 20, 2008
It doesn't hurt to make a statement when the results of election are known.
Congressman Phil Steck - March 2, 2008
Why I think Steck should take McNulty's old seat.
Aubertine Runs for the Senate - February 15, 2008
He'd be a great Senator, but I have reservations about a Democratic Senate.
Town of Brunswick Chooses - November 2, 2007
Paul Engelke for Supervisor and Sue Haynes for Town Board will promote sensible development.
Sandy Gordon - September 3, 2007
Sandy is the right legislator for our hilltowns.
Doug Bullock - September 3, 2007
Doug is a great candidate for county legislature.
Mike Conners: A Letter - September 3, 2007
A letter to friends about why I support Mike Conners.
Mike Conners - August 3, 2007
The Albany County Comptroller is an independent public advocate.
Ed Kosiur - July 30, 2007
Kosiur is a community leader and should be your choice.
2006 Endorsements - November 3, 2006
The candidates I endorse for the election.
Kirsten Gillibrand - November 1, 2006
We need new leadership in NY-20 that Kirsten will provide.
Election Concepts 2006 - October 30, 2006
Some of the major races we should be working on this year.
2004 Endorsements - October 28, 2004
2004 key campaign issues and candidates.
Governor David Patterson - March 12, 2008
Taking control after Spitzer's governorship came crashing down.
How Bloomberg Saves the GOP - October 10, 2007
Bloomberg running for governor could be what brings the GOP back to relevancy.
Spitzer Dam It - February 9, 2007
Spitzer's budget proposal for dams has two sides.
Now: Governor Spitzer - January 1, 2007
Some thoughts on Day One.
Spitzer is Spitzer - July 28, 2006
Spitzer's ideology is doing what is right.
Landslide Spitzer - June 13, 2006
Eliot Spitzer will provide the progressive leadership our state so badly needs.
Healthcare is Responsibility, Not a Right - October 10, 2008
Government has a moral responsibility for it's people, but it's not a natural right.
Clean Coal - April 21, 2008
Those who oppose replacing old plants are just blocking environmental progress.
What is a Watt? - February 22, 2008
People don't often under the cost of energy.
Ron Paul's Revolution - January 2, 2008
His libertarian ideas deserve consideration, as does the commitment of his supporters.
Democrats and Taxes - December 19, 2007
Overcoming the weakness Democrats have on the issue of taxation
Self-Enrichment in Government - September 21, 2007
Just because people benefit from a policy doesn't mean they're corrupt.
Changing Parties - July 25, 2007
It's not always a bad thing when officials change parties.
Confidentiality - March 14, 2007
My safe guards against revealing political secrets on NYC.
How a Liberal Can Win in a Conservative Countryside - August 7, 2006
Some thoughts on new libertarian Democrat.
Global Warming - July 25, 2006
Global warming is a real problem needing real solutions.
District Attorneys as Agents of Political Change - May 15, 2006
District Attorneys have an important role beyond just enforcing the law.
Progressives: An Uneasy Relationship - December 1, 2005
Progressives need to do more to change insitutions and not individuals.
Liberal Cowboy - September 23, 2005
Why one liberal is proud to wear his cowboy hat.
Shovel the Cow Dung - August 28, 2005
Sometimes you just have to get a little dung on your shoes to be succesful.
Liberalism v. Conservatism - January 20, 2004
Neither ideology is desirable in it's pure form.
Conservatism - September 30, 2002
A look at real conservatives.
Radicalism - August 31, 2002
What does it mean to be a radical?
Libertarianism - June 30, 2002
A pratical look at libertarianism.
Why Ideology Based Parties are Bad for America - November 30, 2001
A short essay discussing the pitfalls of ideology and politics.
Non-Partisan as Liberal - November 30, 2001
Many organizations claim to be without partisan affiliation, but are they really?
What the Hell: Anton Konev? - October 8, 2007
Anton changing parties just to run for office will prove to be a serious mistake.
2007 Session in Review - June 27, 2007
A quick run down of many of the important issues of the year.
Yes, Sir. - May 14, 2007
Why people vote yes so often in government.
How To Be A Successful Lobbyist - May 7, 2007
Some ideas on pushing for change in legislatures.
Interesting But Dead - January 25, 2007
Several pieces of legislation that are going nowhere this year.
A Democratic State Senate? - October 4, 2006
I'm not totally sure if I want Democrats controlling the State Senate.
Parody: Joe and Shelly's Way - June 29, 2006
How life would be if Joe and Shelly could get their way.
Chris Ortloff - January 27, 2006
A look at one of the members of the non-farming Republican leadership.
Legislative Session in Review 2005 - June 29, 2005
A review of the major issues the NY legislature took up this year.
Why We Need to Save the American Auto Industry - November 24, 2008
It's not just a question of quality cars but also good paying jobs with respect.
Those Extra Twenty Hours - July 23, 2008
Brought to you by the same people who denied you national health care.
Cuomo on the Mohawk - April 2, 2008
The man from Guy Park Place has yet to decide to run.
Getting Health Insurance - December 10, 2007
How many desire to get low-cost insurance changed my plans.
Respect President Bush - June 13, 2007
Not agreeing with the President doesn't make him evil.
NO to Impeachment - December 18, 2006
Impeaching the President is a waste of time.
Poem: It's 2006 - September 4, 2006
The future seems not to come for man.
Clinton in Coxscakie - August 16, 2006
Hillary came to town to ralley Democrats around Gillibrand.
Our Cowboy President - July 12, 2006
You don't have to like the President's policies to respect his sense of moral responsiblity.
Undocumented Immigrants and Farms - April 6, 2006
Why the real solution to the illegal immigration is changing how we subsidize our farmers and not criminalizing or legalizing guest workers.
Dick Cheney: Shotgun Bandit - February 20, 2006
What Cheney's shotgun accident means to all Americans, gun owning or not.
Clean Gene is Dead - December 18, 2005
Some passing memories on the death of Euegene McCarthy.
On Car Insurance and Autobody Shops - December 9, 2004
The system that keeps you paying without getting anything in return.
Ohio - November 5, 2004
Updating Neil Yong's lyrics for contemporary events.
Poem: Bureaucratic Memorandum - September 1, 2004
Trying to make sense of the memorandum and corporate decision making process.
What is the Political? - November 30, 2003
The neological word I often use for describing aggregated political forces.
The Blackout Blame Game - September 17, 2003
In continuing my series on blaming the right people, I try to look beyond the hype and mistakes of the media in covering the blackout.
Governing with Accountablity - June 27, 2003
Andrew has two visions on what accountablity is really about.
Senator Paul Wellstone is Dead - September 30, 2002
Andrew is still shocked at the news of the death of man who was becoming one of the great Senators of the '00s.
It's Time to Honor America - May 31, 2002
Beyond politics, there is a lot to like about America.
1990s: As Golden Age? - March 31, 2002
I'm trying to find the great economy everybody was talking about in the 1990s...
Why the Democratic Stimulus Package Works - October 31, 2001
The proposed tax cuts by Republicans fail to provide adquate stimulus for sectors of the economy that need it the most.
On National ID Cards - September 30, 2001
Discussing the evil national ID cards.
Why Modern Politics are Ill - March 31, 2001
Commentary on the ills of politics, and the need for activism.
Delmar Crime Wave 2008 - April 21, 2008
Bethlehem police forensic unit investigate a women alleged to have parked at a bus stop.
Parody: How to Fix the Northway Cellphone Problem - March 9, 2007
A little parody of how things really work in Albany.
Parody: New York Can't Pass A Budget - June 21, 2004
A list of acronyms relating to why NY can't pass a budget this year.
Why I am Crazy - June 7, 2004
Some lists explaining how I view the world, and mocking the social control notion of psychology.
President-Terrorism Cycle: An Alternative Look - June 30, 2002
I take a look at the recent events of the terrorist cell warning, and our President's questionable finaces.
Satire: Bin Laden v. John Ashcroft - October 31, 2001
A little chart-based comparision between the two tyrants.
Satire: Why the Republicans are Terrorists - October 31, 2001
Several examples of how Republicans have made deals with the devil.
Parody: President Bush Announces Largest Terrorist Network Discovered - October 31, 2001
A mock press-release detailing the discovery of large 'Democratic' terrorist network
Parody: Why Democrats Aren't Racist - July 31, 2001
Thoughts on racism and the Democratic Party.
Parody: Seatbelts Laws - July 31, 2001
A Real Need For A Real Threat.
Parody: Why Cows Grazing Along Side Roads Should Be Banned - May 31, 2001
Parody of New York State's New Hands-on Cellphone Ban...
Parody: Sawing off the East Coast. - May 31, 2001
The long last Republican destiany is finally here...
Parody: Status of the Republican Leadership. - March 31, 2001
In Your Heart, You Know Bush is Wrong.
Parody: Vote for the Green Party! - March 31, 2001
When the Republicans and Democrats Get the Country Into Enough Trouble...
Parody: Why the Goverment Is Justified Sueing Tabacco Companies. - February 28, 2001
Those evil tabacco farmers, trying to kill millions of Americansas they enjoy their pleasure...
Parody: Bad Parenting Guide to Preventing School Violence - February 28, 2001
If you want to prevent school violence, try these stupid ideas...
Parody: Don't Offend Anyone - February 28, 2001
Sticks and Stones May Break Your Bones, But WordsWill Never Hurt.
Parody: The People List - February 28, 2001
Parody of High Schools that Kicked Out Students With Lists of People's Names...
Parody: On Gun Control Advocates: Let's Ban Them - February 28, 2001
Some more mindless arguments from our gun control friends...
The Problem with Balancing the Budget - November 3, 2008 (Featured)
Everybody talks about balanced budgets being good, but it a troublesome prospect if it undermines long-term investment.
Don't Raise the Malt Liquor Tax - March 19, 2008
Proposed in the Spitzer budget, it will make common drinks much more expensive.
Next Generation Machine Democrat - January 16, 2008
The need for a reformer for the reform democrats.
Spitzer & Drivers Licenses - October 24, 2007
What really has happened with this distorted debate.
Yes, I Made A Mistake - August 23, 2007
Those simple words seem awful hard to say.
Grow Up Boys - July 17, 2007
Bruno and Spitzer may disagree but they should not be so vile.
Resolutions and Symbolic Acts - May 21, 2007
Resolutions may have no legal effect but are part of government.
Ideas to Legislation - April 30, 2007
The process in Albany to making an idea into a bill.
Criminalize Work Zone Speeding - April 11, 2007
Speeding in work zones will only stop when it's a serious crime.
Proposal: Constitutional Amendment on the Budget - April 9, 2007
An idea on how we could get good ontime budgets.
April Fool's Budget - April 2, 2007
The only fools this year are the legislature and governor, not the date.
Downfall of Alan Hevesi - January 31, 2007
Hevesi was a good comptroller who was personally flawed.
Hold Harmless - July 18, 2006
Explaining New York's policy towards funding education.
Clean Money, Clean Elections
Clean Money, Clean Elections Campaign - June 19, 2006
Clean Money, Clean Elections is an important reform we need to pass.
NY Medicaid Mess - May 2, 2006
There are no simple solutions to Medicaid in New York.
2005's People and Places of the Year - December 30, 2005
A look at the many exciting events that happened this past year and how we should remember them.
Pataki and Silver Budget Cases - March 14, 2005
Two budget cases that forever changed the NYS budget.
Hydrogen Economy, Maybe - October 2, 2004
Beyond the hype there is some promising developments.
Campaign for Fiscal Equity and State Budget: A Consitutional Crisis? - June 28, 2004
The worst case scenario of how the NYC School Finance debical could cause some really interesting and od results.
Strengthening the Legislative Provisions of the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act of 1995 - May 9, 2003
Andrew's American National Government Paper on unfunded mandates.
McCall v. Pataki: Who To Vote For - August 31, 2002
Andrew tells the world his feelings on the governor's race this year.
Blame the Taxman: A Look a Property Taxes and School - May 31, 2002
A look at the changing tax structure, and it's effects on us.
Analysis of State Budgetary Problems - December 31, 2001
Recessions prove troubling to all of us, but most of all to
government, which derives much of its revenue from taxes, which
decrease when spending decreases. Many states are troubled by the
latest rec
Vote - November 3, 2008 (Featured)
It's a simple thing: don't forget to get out and vote.
Voting Machines - February 8, 2008
The county will now decide how it's residents will vote.
Vote! - November 5, 2007
Even with local elections on Tuesday, it's important to be heard.
Why Do Not More Young People Vote? - March 2, 2007
Young people are disenfranchised not unlike other minorities.
