Who has your back Monserrate?
This past Tuesday (February 9, 2010), New York State’s Democratic politicians battled each other in a heated dispute… Not over equality, not over budgetary concerns, not over the future of NY’s well being, but over entitlement and self-preservation. This is my speculation of course because the meeting was closed to the public. According to the Daily News, while discussing whether to expel Sen. Hiram Monserrate (D-Queens) for his assault conviction, Sen. Kevin Parker (D-Bklyn) came to his defense…
No problem here – it is fairly well known that Parker is Monserrate’s ally and opposes the self-proclaimed Jesus’ expulsion. The problem is that Parker is also known for his hot temper. Oh, and by the way, Parker is currently facing felony assault charges as well. If convicted, he would be ousted from his position as a matter of law. No suprise that Parker, who is currently being accused of assualt would come to the defense of another who is currently experiencing what Parker himself will soon go through. The language used to defend Monserrate’s position was crass, laden with profanities, unbecoming of any man worthy of respect. As Sen. Diane Savino (D-S.I.) was voicing her speculation that Republican votes could immediately expel Monserrate, Parker interrupted her with a littany of “F**k” while calling her a bitch. (insert palm to forehead *slap*!)
Monserrate, this is not who you want to have your back! Especially since the debate is NOT over underfunded schools, NOT over unemployment, NOT over bad roads, NOT over disenfranchised voters… wait… Monserrate did mention that “half a dozen voters have been disenfranchised by his expulsion”. Six people Hiram? Six of your voters have been disenfranchised by your expulsion? We don’t believe you… You need more people! And apparently, these six people are filing a suit. Someone please send Monserrate a PR rep. Monserrate needs a PR rep to gather ’round a posse of straight laced, even-tempered, non-violent, non-profane supporters. Monserrate’s position is dubiously weak. When the most outspoken advocate for your position is one facing felony charges (and has an interest in creating precedence), you need a social makeover.
This debacle reeks of entitlement and self-preservation. If Monserrate is truly concerned with his constituents, then he should be grooming a competent politician to take his place. This battle to preserve his position serves no one but Monserrate’s ego. While I cannot fault Monserrate for trying to keep his position, it would be all the more justified if he were taking simultaneous steps to ensure a talented replacement in the event his expulsion is successful.
