The Failed New York State Legislature

I think the self-serving cowardice of most legislative bodies today has finally jumped the shark. The New York State Legislature wants a judge to determine who's boss within it. A similar type of behavior has led to the divisive nature of today's politics. They pander to particular constituencies on issues like abortion and gay marriage but don't follow through with substantive votes. But they won't give up those campaign issues, either, by calling for the most democratic process there is, a popular vote, to decide. Consequently, the issues are consigned to the Courts, creating but another campaign issue for their respective sides - who gets to appoint the judges. Now, when they can't get their own house in order, what do they do? As is usually the case today, they punt. For his part, the judge is trying to stay out of it.

ALBANY - Warring state lawmakers want a judge to decide the fate of the state Senate today after they failed to reach a power-sharing deal.

McNamara appeared determined not to get involved as the crisis entered its second week. He sent lawmakers back to the table twice yesterday to try to negotiate a settlement among themselves. "In the strongest way I can urge you, please resolve this without the necessity of a court intervention," McNamara said.

Comments

[MarkJ]

You'd think Democrats should now by now that when a judge doesn't want to get involved in a political issue, even in this era of judicial over-kill, then they're in deep kim-chee.

[Jim Durbin]

That judge has character. Let's put him in charge! /RomanRepublic