If you’ve ever had the chance to meet Paul Tonko, you immediately get the impression that he is a man to be trusted. He’s polite, kind, warm-spirited and genuine. He’s particularly personable to the elderly — they just love him. On weekends, you can find him at a pancake breakfast, a volunteer fire department, school event, wedding, parade — you name it, he’s there. I trust Paul Tonko. I would let him borrow something from me, knowing that it would be returned in a timely manner and in the same condition borrowed. I get the sense he would be a great neighbor. I get the sense that he is kind. He would never act as a bully. Would he? How do I deal with the cognitive dissonance of the Paul Tonko from Washington and the Paul Tonko from Amsterdam? Would either Paul Tonko lie to you and me? Would Paul Tonko ever take money out of your pocket without consent? Well. He voted twice for Obamacare. He tells us that this bill is “a key to our economic security.” Yet AK Steel Corp., Deere Co. and Caterpillar are among many businesses taking financial hits from Obamacare [March 27 Gazette]. AT&T announced that it has been forced to take a $1 billion charge. And then there’s the 10 percent tax on tanning salons beginning July 1 (eh, who cares about them, right?) “Wealthy” senior citizens (those making in excess of $85,000) will have their Medicare Part D premiums increased. There are new taxes imposed on brand-name pharmaceutical products. The list is endless (about 2,500 pages worth). Tonko says that Obamacare will create more jobs. Was he referring to the 16,500 new IRS agents hired to harass us? He certainly wasn’t referring to adding new doctors to the system, because this legislation doesn’t provide for new doctors. By the way, beginning in 2011, employers have to report the value of our health plans on our W-2s. I wonder why? Paul Tonko voted for cap-and-trade or more appropriately named “cap-and-tax,” which would raise the average family’s energy bill $1,500. Paul Tonko, what a nice guy.
Great article and sooooooo true! Nobdy kisses babies, shakes hands and attends more pancake breakfasts better than Tonko.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Tonko is just a career politician who cares about nothing other than getting re-elected, he also likes to spend other peoples money so he fits right in with the current administration in power IMHO.
When our currency collapses and we go into an economic depression that makes today's economy look like a boom, who will these failed big spenders/taxes/borrowers blame? THE BUSINESSES OF COURSE!!!!!!!!!!!! Duhhhhh!
Then they can end capitalism entirely and have the starving masses behind them.
As long as you can dance, schmooze, attend each pasta dinner and each grand debut of a fart, all the while laying smackers on old ladies' lips, you are in.You stand a great chance of having absolutely no record of fiscal competence, yet still are able to win in landslides based solely on personal popularity and warmth. That takes skill, I admit. However, in 10 or 20 years, when we are reduced to a third world nation (or worse) because we have spent more money that every other group of politicians in world history (with nothing to show) someone will have to look themselves in the mirror and see what role that had in bankrupting the once great American nation. That quote about the depravity of the voter is appropriate in this instance, although Cicero claims the republicans are all just as bad. I submit that almost anyone that ran against Tonko, ever, would have done a better job. No- not as suckholing every special interest group and union, but at having even a modicum of knowledge of how to balance a checkbook.
Great letter, BM!
"While Foreign Terrorists were plotting to murder and maim using homemade bombs in Boston, Democrap officials in Washington DC, Albany and here were busy watching ME and other law abiding American Citizens who are gun owners and taxpayers, in an effort to blame the nation's lack of security on US so that they could have a political scapegoat."
But, GB, Tonko deserved to be elected. He attended every chicken BBQ fundraiser and every community event that was held in his district. And, look at what a great job he did while Assemblyman of the NYS 105th. Amsterdam is a testimony to Tonko's business acumen and stewardship.
Seriously though, setting aside partisan politics, what did Tonko accomplish in his many years as a member of the majority party in the NYS Assembly? He can't claim that he tried but was unable to accomplish his objectives because he was a member of the minority party. For that matter, what great things did he do when in his "dream job" at the New York Power Authority?
Tonko is a tax and spend liberal who prefers big government spending and control to capitalism, private enterprise and individual liberties and personal responsibility. Brian McGarry writes what many of us believe. If the Republicans could only field a viable candidate to oppose Tonko in November, the voters in the district could elect a representative who respects Constitutional government.
BL makes a great statement re: the amount of fundraisers and community events Tonko attends. Might I suggest had the NNTP followed suit they might have had someone in office it by now. You're wasting your time attacking Tonko on lots of levels.
BM would be ill-advised to go for that seat. How many times does he have to be taken down the primrose path before he knows he is being taken advantage of. If you want to take out Tonko, you need Albany City Dems to lend you a hand. How is it those of you who belong to the brain trust don't get it? Oh because you're Republican insiders like BT who is ANYTHING but a blank.
BM's editorial struck at the heart of Tonko's popularity. He shows up for every damn event no matter what it may be. He certainly does not win on his record. No matter what seat he has occupied he follows the dem leadership blindly. In all those years in the assembly he did not once offer anything remotely independent as far as legistlation was concerned. If Silver stopped quickly they would have needed the "jaws of life" to extracate Tonko from his a$$. And now more of the same only this time it is Pelosi. I can't believe that he would stand and say that the healthcare bill is what his constituents want. Instead he should of got up and said this is what the party leadership told me to vote for because that's how of done it my whole political life. I hope the Rep. can find a worthy opponent and tkae his seat. Send this guy into retirement and maybe we will elect someone who truly speaks for his/her constituents.
BL say "Brian McGarry writes what many of us believe. " No BM writes what some of us believe and probably many on this board since you are birds of a feather and none of you speak independently. You also are only a "few" of the same folks. So don't reference Tonko being up anyone's a$$ because you guys are ALL the same way. I do not always agree with Tonko--yes we need a healthcare bill--I am not sure this is the answer but it is a start. Tonko ascribes to Catholic social justice values. He cares for the poor. He is popular with Dems and Reps especially in Montgomery County. Trying to front BM will only cause Brian to fall again. Brian is a great guy who needs to start out in local government. Pushing him to run against Tonko is just foolish and a waste of everyone's time. You Reps are willing to sacrifice anyone regardless of what the ultimate potential is for ruining someone's chances at future politics. Why not run Buchanan--he's not doing anything. The Rep party is in a shambles on every level. Fix your party first.
Tonko CAN be beaten in the election. People are sick of the govt. micromanaging us. Now all we need is a good man or woman to step up to the plate.
Yes he can be beat. Cause finally, even the 'catholic social poor' are getting pissed at the micromanaging. Most of the 'catholic social poor' smoke....and that tax was hiked. Most of the 'catholic social poor' drink soda and eat unhealthy fast food....more tax hikes. Many of the 'catholic social poor' could give a crap about health care, and now they will be penalized if they do not seek coverage.
The list goes on for taxation that will ultimately effect the 'catholic social poor'. See folks, that is what the liberal socialist do....they make things unaffordable to the 'sub culture' so they have no choice but to look to the government for support. This my cyber friends is how the liberal socialist keep the sub-culture down to ensure votes at election time.
They should be ashamed!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Boomer I think your assessment is wrong. You are misreading the political environment. This election cycle, and even possibly the next is not going to be kind to those who appear to be climbing the political ladder. A total outsider like McGarry would fair well in this current political atmosphere. The first party to swallow their pride and realize this will be the one that wins. The political winds have changed, and the parties are not adjusting.IMHO
BT--your response about Catholic social poor doesn't make sense. I am talking about social justice principles. You may not be Catholic so I don't expect you to know them but there are several-- 1. G-d's preferential option for the poor (nothing to do with smoking or drinking soda--it's putting the needs of the poor first 2.Dignity of people--avoiding war--human life being destroyed through abortion or euthanasia 3.Being in community, or family--how you organize the community--economics, law, politics 4. Protecting human rights--big with Tonko and should be with all of us 5. The rights of workers - working with dignity, what about the working poor? 6. You want peace? Work for justice. Being a global citizen 7. Caring for the environment
Tonko subscribes to these principles. I am sure there are more but those are the ones I have taught about.
Cis-you could be right--I just don't think so. Brian is a GREAT guy and I would vote for him BUT he needs to be up for a position that is reasonable. It is hard to beat Tonko even though he is in over his head. I am sure he will defer to those in the party on issues. We all do the same thing every day at work, school or church/synagogue/mosque. We give in to the majority.
Congressman Tonko needs to be unmasked. He is destroying the middle class/working class with his support for both Cap and Tax AND horrible Obamacare. This will raise both taxes and health insurance costs through the roof. Tonko is also a puppet for government schools crushing charter schools in both Amsterdam and Schenectady. Tonko's private sector record is pathetic. He fails to realize that the best social "action" is a job. He is a mere puppet for Nancy Pelosi's socialist agenda.
The rest of the country is finding new CONS candidates to run for Congress. Brian McGarry would be a refreshing new voice. Don't wait for the so called "leaders" to pick someone-than he will run unopposed.
boomer I agree with you. But one does not have to be catholic to appreciate human rights and helping the poor. However, I believe that God was speaking to the 'church'....the 'body'.....not the government. Granted, the catholic church is the largest contributor in the world in regards to charity. But they should be since they are the largest, richest and owns the most untaxed real estate in the world.
"To those that are given much, much is expected". And the catholic church does that well.
I, personally, do not think this is the role of government. Government always politicizes the poor. They use it as a tool for every election. Unlike the church, the government sets up 'programs' with no substance and with no end results. Unlike the church, the government employs people from all walks of life who do not have the same charitable attributes as the church. To the government.....it is 'just a job'! The church deals with the 'whole' person.....mind, body and spirit. Unlike the church, the government is just a huge tax paid political bureaucracy used for personal and political motivations only.
This is why we see 'womb to tomb', 'cradle to grave' welfare recipients. IMHO
And I don't believe for one minute that Tonko practices what he preaches about the poor or human rights. He, like the rest of the liberal socialists have found a good niche to propagate his political career. And the sheople have fallen for it!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Logged
At least you know where Paul Tonko stands-he was for Obamacare before it was written.
He, like the rest of the liberal socialists have found a good niche to propagate his political career. And the sheople have fallen for it!
