Paterson Ethos: ‘Remember Where You Came From’
The governor and his father leave their mark on political history
Former State Senator and New York Secretary of State Basil Paterson began life on the streets of Harlem as the son of Caribbean immigrants. He earned his pocket money working as a laborer at the Port Authority.
“Being black and growing up in New York City at that time,” he recalled, “the blacks worked for the shipping department and I remember we were paid not to go to the Christmas party.” Read more
Winds of Change
For years, I have been speaking of the “IPP” or “Incumbent Protection Plan.” Let’s face it: When the people who serve in the New York State Legislature get into office, they take whatever actions are necessary to stay there.
I know many of these people and despite what I am writing here, I like them. They are fun, they are filled with ideas and I would drink a club soda with them any time. But the truth is that the whole process has become a self-serving mess. The voters know it and these are very dangerous times for politicians. Read more
