DraftRudy.com Newsletter #4: The Meaning of the 4th of July for New Yorkers

God Bless America! Truly, we are all blessed to live in this country – free people, protected from the arbitrary force and capricious rule that so many suffer. This past weekend, July 4, we celebrated that freedom. Two-hundred-thirty-three years ago, our founders adopted the Declaration of Independence. That document, which set our nation on the course of freedom, was the full text of a resolution that had been unanimously adopted two days earlier, that “these United Colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent States…” Freedom and independence, it seems obvious today, are what make America great. But that wasn’t always so obvious to everyone. At the Continental Congress, there was considerable debate over what exactly was needed, and there was even a faction that felt we should reconcile with Great Britain, rather than seek to be our own nation. However, an enterprising few planned, and organized, and convinced the others of what needed to be done. The American Revolution itself happened in much the same way, with a visionary and dedicated few “keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men,” as Samuel Adams called it.

On the eve of the revolution, the system wasn’t working. People felt they were being unfairly tax and not represented – they wanted change. Fellow New Yorkers, now, as then, the system is broken. In New York, the vast majority of our State citizens wish they lived somewhere else, few feel represented by our politicians, Albany is in shambles, and our State Senators are bickering and fighting like children. And, that’s not the whole of it, let us not forget that unemployment is at an over-30-year high, the poverty rate is rising, and our tax burden is astronomical, now the second highest in the nation – made even higher with the Democrats in the legislature increasing state taxes and fees by $8 billion. On top of this, state spending is increasing during this global recession when we can afford less.

But, as is our heritage and our duty as free people, if we don’t like the system, it is up to us to change it. One of the early visionaries, recognizing the problems with our state and offering solutions, is Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Rudy has examined the plight of the State and put forward an idea for a State Constitutional Convention that would fix many of our problems (http://www.draftrudy.com/news/217). He puts forward some basic and obvious changes that should be met with bi-partisan support. The current crisis in Albany is made worse by the fact that we don’t know who would become Governor if something were to happen to Gov. Paterson. Rudy proposes that we come up with a way to replace a Lieutenant Governor, including a clear line of succession. There have been perpetual problems with pay for our judiciary, culminating in some judges attempting to rule their own pay increases, so Rudy proposes an automatic cost of living increases for the state judiciary. Currently, our districts are the result of partisan gerrymandering that ensure as 98% reelection rate and the ease of election is giving us career politicians in the pockets of special interests. Rudy calls for non-partisan redistricting that makes sense and reflects New York as a whole and calls for term limits, so it will be the interests of the people, not the lobbyists, that rule the day in New York. And, to make sure that lobbyists, unions, and corporate interests don’t win the day, Rudy proposes tackling the issue of campaign finance in New York State.

In addition to these changes, Rudy proposes an aggressive agenda of reform that will set our State right. Anyone following New York politics over the past year knows that there are two big problems: our taxes are far too high, and our government is spending far too much. Rudy has the answers! Mayor Giuliani wants to reform the budget process, making the budget conform to generally accepted accounting principles, making it transparent, and building in contingency, in case the legislature is unable to come to a compromise. In addition, he suggests mechanisms so that realistic cost estimates can be attached to every program, and the state can engage in long-term planning, like any successful business. This will force our legislators to understand what they’re doing in terms of real costs and allow the Governor to direct and advise on the best interests of the State. And, if this isn’t enough, Rudy proposes that we require a supermajority to raise taxes. This way, there will be a serious structural impediment to charging New Yorkers more. Over time, this will alleviate the relative tax burden, encouraging young families and businesses to come to New York.

Taken all together, Rudy proposes a competent and important agenda for change – one that can set New York right. But, more than that, Rudy, once again, shows himself a man willing to confront tough issues and tackle difficult problems. Whether or not you agree that these are the specific changes that New York needs, Rudy is the only one proposing ANY real changes. He proposes a Constitutional Convention and begins the dialogue of reform. It is his kind of leadership and vision that led our founders on the course that brought us to where we are today. With Rudy as Governor, leading New York’s change, what blessing will the next generation of New Yorkers know? It’s up to us.

Let’s get out there! Let’s get organized!

And, let’s elect Rudy Giuliani Governor of New York in 2010!

Until next time,
Your Friends at DraftRudy.com