The Democratic NY. AG's #metoo Smear of Former Governor Cuomo Exploited by Republicans Should be Outted

                         President Biden also told the former Governor to resign (courtesy of CBS) 

Why did the Democrats tell Andrew Cuomo en masse to resign when daily allegations were loosed upon the press proclaiming he was guilty of sexual predation and he wasn't even charged criminally? The blitzkreig against the former governor was a "free-for-all" led by media outlets attempting to top each other with salacious Cuomo details, that were questionable and leveled by women with credibility problems. Only, the press didn't bother to look at the mammoth ice formation under the surface in roiling, divisive political waters. The allegations were not scrutinized. They were designed to maximize shock and disgust and to uplift the intimidating #metoo power. At best, the near two week "revelations" were a tragic rush to judgment. Recently Rita Glavin, Cuomo's attorney has delivered a comprehensive, well-reasoned response on YouTube which all the media, even conservative media should pick up. 

But that is the last thing hyper right-wing Murdock "RED" Putinista backed media will do. I dare them to expose the lies Cuomo's accusers glibly rolled off their serpent tongues or scrutinize the skewed, hyper-discriminatory, one-sided "independent" investigation into former Governor Cuomo by AG James. That they won't even publish Attorney Glavin's response to the smears against the former governor indicates that they approve of the potentially libelous and slanderous allegations against Cuomo. Of course this would be their response toward any Democrat for that matter, regardless of their innocence, while touting Republicans as pure, regardless of their guilt and criminality. Criminals of a feather flock together.

Enough with the smear campaign against the former governor. James was forced to give over witness transcripts that she had been holding to allow the memory of "what Beverly Cammisso said he did," to percolate into voters' disgust, hurt and frustration. To her credit, Rita Glavin unravels the events that occurred from the beginning of Lindsey Boylan's attack on former Governor Cuomo and finalizes the crass reasons why James delivered such a shoddy, lop-sided report of an investigation which had the end result codified before credible evidence was revealed. The result was to make the allegations and reporting of them so loathsome that the former governor would be forced to resign after Democrats told him to.

   Announcing a "guilty" verdict when there wasn't a trial. AG Letitia James with Anne Clark to the left and Joon Kim, James' hand-picked investigators (courtesy of PBS New Hr, AP)

Reasons why AG James did this was so she could run for office in a craven, self-serving, Donald Trumpish, Republican move that is reprehensible...all in the middle of the pandemic (which the former governor led the state brilliantly through). James did not give over all the witness transcripts. But based on what James selected to hand over, Attorney Rita Glavin points out the lies of omission and commission, the twisted contradictions and the patent lack of credibility of: Lindsey Boylan, Charlotte Bennett and B. Cammissio (the woman who stated with contradictory dates that the former governor groped her). 

How James and others could have stooped toward such machinations and falsehoods with the intent of character assassination during a pandemic when the state was in jeopardy, the nation in jeopardy, is beyond demeaning to the #metoo movement. The negligence and a dereliction of duty by the legislature in not even reading the report and the transcripts out of fear that they, too, might be found guilty of a harassment 30 years ago in their lives is tragic.

                                                                          (courtesy of the site)

The #metoo movement lacks probity and credibility when fear vitiates scrutiny, ironically, a Democratic problem, not a Republican one. Republicans en masse from Trump to Gaetz ignore accusations. Steve Bannon, the Leninist destroyer of Democratic principles (while using the principles of the Bill of Rights hypocritically to fund raise) refers to #metoo laughably as "feminazis." Democrats take women seriously, even when Republicans use the movement for disreputable smear campaigns that Democrats feel forced to pick up to appear sanctified (Al Franken's smear taken up by Kristen Gillibrand).

Under the guise of purity, the #metoo movement is being used as a weapon of revenge, political warfare and more. This discredits all women, especially those who have been abused and violated and who, if the violator (like Trump) is Republican, are ignored, paid off or rendered invisible.

            E. Jean Carroll accused Donald Trump of rape in a department store (courtesy of the site)

Attorney Glavin states that women's allegations must be heard, but they must also be scrutinized. Why wasn't Charlotte Bennett, the demure, shy, posturing innocent presented in the media not scrutinized? Her background shows she was part of a smear campaign that had a Hamilton student kicked out for "sexual harassment," a charge she later recanted after the student sued Hamilton College. Glavin points out that counting her accusations against the former governor, Bennett is a three time serial sex accuser. And the press didn't see fit to read her transcripts for a more in-depth look at her or check into her background at Hamilton College? 

    Charlotte Bennett (courtesy of the site)

 Attorney Glavin shows in her video on YouTube (see links below) that Charlotte Bennett in angry texts referred to the former governor about his comment that her hair was in a bun; his comment does not rise to sexual harassment. She stated in a text to the effect that...the former governor "has no idea of the web that he stepped into." What web? Who are the spiders? Why that metaphor? Checking Bennett's two past accusations of male students at Hamilton College that she later said were false, she demonstrates a lack of credibility and maliciousness. There is nothing of this in the AG's report of the Governor which is a rosy, shining "he is guilty" kind of treatise backing up the women's allegations, indeed, fictional, unsupported. 

I am appalled if this is what AG James thinks is just and right. I am more appalled that the Democrats told former Governor Cuomo to resign when they didn't bother to scrutinize the testimony or read the report where there are glaring contradictions and there is obvious bias. James initially revealed 41 transcripts out of 179 transcripts in total. Attorney Glavin has yet to receive the entire trove of 138 transcripts from witnesses who challenged the credibility of Lindsey Boylan, Charlotte Bennett, Cammisso, McGrath and others. (October-December)

    Attorney Glavin in an announcement with power point presentation defending former Governor Cuomo (courtesy of the Cuomo team)

 

 

 

 The Legislature, and Democrats who told former Governor Cuomo to resign, need to view all of the transcripts, watch Attorney Glavin's YouTube video, then apologize. Unfortunately, many in the legislature, like Ron Kim who ran to Fox News demanding Cuomo be impeached, demonstrate the craven, biased and toxic stew that Kim projected on the governor when he accused Cuomo of fomenting a toxic environment. Indeed, Glavin reveals it was Lindsey Boylan who was written up (2018) as being obstreperous (toxic) when working for Cuomo's administration. 

                    Governor Cuomo announcing his resignation (courtesy of the Governor's video)

That some members of the Democratic legislature of New York couldn't support the former governor in probity, and ran like scared rabbits, for fear of being targeted by #metoo guns, the Republicans/RNC (who encouraged the take-down of the former governor in the media) is hypocritical and weak. The Democrats' penchant to sanctimoniously sacrifice their own to Republicans baying for blood has to stop. Democrats embolden craven, unscrupulous, self-serving Republicans, reminding them of the benefits of standing together in a WALL against weak, fragmented, divided Democrats who cannot get bills passed to stand on solid ground together. 

 

    Kirsten Gillibrand told Al Franken to resign over a joke, an act applauded by the Republicans as Franken, a strong progressive resigned his senate seat. (courtesy of the site)

The Democratic House and the Democratic Senate must be in one accord, in support of all members. First, they must scrutinize carefully any allegations, instead of swallowing them whole, anxious to appear pristine. Appearing pure is disingenuous in a game of power which both parties play; it is as if Democrats forget they are currently the key game in town having won both House and Senate.

Democrats' sanctimonious clap trap using #metoo must stop. It demeans the women who have legitimate cause to speak out, women, who, under scrutiny, are credible. To support women employing a well-funded smear campaign against a powerful Democratic progressive is beyond stupid. It's all of a self-hating Democratic piece, a tragic one. Democrats must change, especially the women in the party, or they, more than ever, will let Republican fascism and racism dominate our landscape and undermine justice. They especially must educate women about #metoo and not allow the movement to be bastardized by Republicans or craven women looking to feather their own nests.

New York AG Letitia James (courtesy Roy Rochlin/Getty)

This is especially so of AG James who, if she had any fitness for the job of AG, would never have released such a partisan, flawed and one-sided report which even a child could see was self-serving. Indeed, she fund-raised on Long Island in the hope of running for governor as the biased transcripts of the women were strategically revealed one by one to the media. The "brilliant" campaign was gleefully received by Red Media and NY Republicans like unfit Lee Zeldin and Elise Stefanik (QAnon believer and January 6th insurrectionist that the former governor called out). And after Cuomo resigned, in prepping the populace for her campaign she later unlawfully leaked Sheriff Apple's charges (the alleged lie of "groping" of Ms. Cammisso) against the former governor. Only days later she announced her run for governor. 

There was a backlash to this announcement on Social Media. And indeed, it reveals her unsound judgment. This is not the behavior of someone I would vote for as governor, AG, or any political office. It stinks of Trumpist tactics. It has the whiff of toxicity, of dark, underhanded political machinations. Unless AG James apologizes and corrects the report adding the backgrounds of the women and their lack of credibility, she is proving herself unfit for office.

                                                                (courtesy of the site)                                                            

Finally, the #metoo movement must not be used as a political bludgeon. That in itself demeans every women who has been credibly attacked, raped, molested. The fastest way to discredit #metoo is what happened to Al Franken, the former Governor Cuomo and others. Without time and scrutiny, #metoo becomes reactionary, not progressive. As a bludgeon it is not a challenge to paternalism, but it is an attempt to make an equivalent. Equivalence is not justice to correct wrongs that have amassed for centuries. There should be an elimination of power games. There must be a consensus that neither men nor women must abuse and use sex for the purposes of character assassination and career lynching. #metoo is not the answer to the abuses of paternalism. Sound reasoning and education is the beginning of an answer which will take continuous, diligent effort to produce. 

Attorney Rita Glavin discussing the flawed, shoddy AG investigation on video.

Halloween Day Parade in the Village: Beautiful Night After Ferocious Nor'easter

The Family Guy. I was about four rows back and heads were in front. Cute float.

Despite the devastating effects of the Nor'easter a few days before, NYC was able to hold its annual Halloween Day Parade in Greenwich Village. The parade which has been growing larger each year with participation from many in the tri-state area has seen its 39th year. Next year promises to be even bigger because it is in its 4th decade.


I'm glad the city officials decided to open it up to everyone as family friendly entertainment. Years ago, I remember a professor of mine who taught at NYU and who had seen lynched bodies hanging from trees in the South in the 40s was displeased at the parade. This was back around '91-'92. Those who had taken to the streets and were marching were essentially going through a "Here I am and I don't care if I offend you," period in their lives in the gay movement.

In fact, the intent for some WAS to offend what was perceived to be stupid, idiotic "middle class" sensibilities. Unfortunately, that starts an "eye for an eye" trading war of stupidities. And some responded with, Well, sorry to be middle class. If you can't help what you are and are wearing it on your sleeve, then I can't help what I am and am wearing it on my sleeve!"

Long story short, the parade was a veritable freak show of who can be more outrageous and offensive, according to my professor who was a super liberal and extremely flexible, but who was annoyed at the trading insult wars and hyped up "culture clashes."  Bottom line, if you wanted to take your kids, you would be exposing them to "exposure" of the  X-rated kind, in some instances.
 

But that parade is long gone, after twenty years. Times and culture inclusion have changed the landscape, thank goodness. And the very groups who lauded their superior values to "the middle class" have become middle class and have adopted children and are raising them with their same-sex partners. And I'm sure many of them have brought their own kids to the parade and they want it to be fun for everyone, not just for those whom they believe to be "the entitled."

 
Thank Goodness!!! That's why I went. And it was family entertainment and great fun with great good will from everyone there. Politeness reigned. As I pressed into the crowds in the hope of getting to the verge of Sixth Avenue to see some ghouls and goblins, in the crush of those around me, there were "please ns," and "thank yous," and "excuse me," and comments and jokes about eventually getting there to the parade's edge. The atmosphere was party and happiness, and sharing and participation.


Ever since 9/11 NYC has undergone a paradigm shift. Those who live there are just happy to come out and appreciate life and each other in one of the greatest cities of the world. We know how much we lost on that day, like no other group of city folk, unless they have experienced the same. So we are grateful for these events. Grateful we can be together, safe and joyful appreciating the ingenuity of the costumes, the over-all creativity and artistry of the floats.

I always loved Mad Magazine's Spy vs. Spy

I got there late, but just in time for a perfect parking space to "jet" down 3rd Street to join the throngs up and down Sixth Avenue. Great fun. My pix don't do justice. Better to see Youtube for the moving show. But a few pix do reveal the fun of the maskers and revelers who enjoyed costuming themselves.

People thought this guy was "for real." Make up is great!

This was one of the best of The Jokers who showed up.

Nor'easter Didn't Deter Occupy Wall Street!

October 29th weather forecast in New York City. Historic and rare October Nor'easter: snow, sleet, wind. Temperature range around 35 degrees during the day, 32 degrees overnight. Wind chill makes it feel like 23 degrees. Snow accumulations could be two inches. Winds at 20-30 mph, wind gusts could be 40 mph. (Weather Channel)

But "neither snow nor sleet nor rain nor hail" are stopping the Occupy Wall Street protestors at Zuccotti Park. (New York Times) Today, they attempted, despite all odds, to remain warm and dry in the rare October storm which blasted through their environs, whipping tents and tree branches and dumping mixtures of sleet and wet snow on their already wet heads. And they are doing the same in the evening which has been forecast to be colder, snowier and windier.
Shivering in the wet, I walked through Zuccotti, umbrella overhead, camera at the ready, picking up snatches of conversation here and there. One young man covered in a yellow slicker and hoodie discussed how he was born in the protests of the feminist movement, his mother taking him to marches and sit-ins. He was used to activism and appreciated its power. When asked where his mother was now, he responded that she was out west and had "gotten religion." He said he didn't own property and lived with friends in Florida. He said he was at Zuccotti protesting because, "He was pissed." 
Walking along the pathway under tarps and between the tents where protestors had sought an uncomfortable shelter from the relentless blustering wind and damp, I saw organizers moving to and fro reminding the occupiers to check up on their neighbors to make sure they were doing OK. A medical tent had been set up to help those who might be overcome by the cold or who had other issues that needed attention .Others stood getting coffee and food. It was remarkable to me that they had the stamina and the courage to be there. Their presence heartened me, yet I was worried for them in such conditions.
 
I bumped into folks moving on the pathway. All were courteous to "the stranger." They wanted to be there, despite conditions and had prepared themselves for taking this stand, regardless: "neither snow, nor sleet, nor hail, nor wind, nor cold." Some were attempting to clean areas. Others were delivering boards and other materials so that they wouldn't have to place sleeping bags on wet concrete. Water was running everywhere, it seemed.
As I made my way along an exit route, I spoke to another young man in a blue slicker, hair dripping, no hoodie or hat, obviously cold, certainly preoccupied, but he stopped for a moment to chat. He told me he was from Charlotte, North Carolina. I told him he was supported by many folks and thanked him for what he was doing. He smiled and confided that he was trying to get an air mattress or some material to get off the wet pavement so he would be drier during the night.
As I exited, I saw others pulling out boards and readying themselves for the long, cold, untenable darkness. I scrambled back into my car, my feet were wet, my umbrella bent misshapen from the wind. I immediately  turned on the heater. They don't have that benefit. But as some would say, that is their choice. I wish it were that easy.
They are a determined bunch, these occupiers. The longer they stay, the firmer their resolve seems to be. But they certainly don't see that they have won. They have not gotten what they have come there for. And they are staying. 

Maybe what drives them was best summed up by one of the folks who was sweeping and cleaning within the barriers set up to protect the protestors and insure free passage on the public sidewalk on Church Street. I saw him arranging things, his back to me. I stopped at the light before the corner of Church Street and rolled down the window to take a picture of him, when I heard him singing, a tune, familiar, from an old musical, and he was somehow cheerful yet plaintive in the cold and drear.
What was he singing? "The sun'll come out, tomorrow..."   Little Orphan Annie's song of hope. And I was reminded, in a way we are all orphans in a storm. Some are just better able to handle the cold and the want. I am not one of them.