When I was a young child, my mother and father taught me that fighting is not a nice thing; that it’s something “wrong” and I should never do it. Even at 71, I have a hard time voting for any political candidate who tells me (and everyone else) that he will “fight” for me and you. Even if what they are fighting for is “Truth, Justice and the American Way,” I have a hard time marking my election ballot for anyone who is disobeying my (if not their own) parents’ teachings.
I couldn’t, in good conscience, vote for Governor Andrew Cuomo because his campaign spokesman Matt Wing, said that Cuomo, “Fought successfully for landmark ethics reforms that have changed how the state government operates—including enhanced disclosure of state officials’ outside income and stronger enforcement of ethics laws. There is still more work to do, which is why the governor will continue to fight for public financing of elections, overhauling the campaign finance system and increasing voter participation.”
Another pugnacious politician I wouldn’t cast a vote for is Lou Imbroto. He ran for the state Assembly and one of his mailings stated that he was “fighting” for middle class families. He tries to justify this by explaining that property taxes are driving Long Islanders out of the region in record numbers and that he will “fight” to decrease taxes and rein in out-of-control spending so that New York can get back on the path to job creation.
Another candidate who wanted my vote was Michael Montesano, who was running for re-election to the state Assembly. His ads said that with my support, he will continue to “fight” for the middle class. It’s lucky that Montesano and Imbroto are both Republicans and are running for different offices because if one was a Democrat, they might end up fighting each other.
But don’t get the idea that all these guys want to do their fighting in Albany. Grant Lally wanted me to help him get to Washington D.C., so that as a member of Congress he can do his fighting in our nation’s House of Representatives.
Unfortunately, the House already includes incumbent member Congressman Michael Grimm, who was already fighting to get re-elected. Let’s not forget his comments while standing by a railing near the dome of the Capitol Building, when he threatened a reporter with the fighting words, “I’ll break you in half and I’ll throw you off this f***ing balcony.”
Personally, I can’t take all of this fighting. I need some pacifists I can vote for.
Richard Siegelman
