The Lady And The Tramps In Charge Of Her Safety

In a story dated February 10th, it was reported that the Department of the Interior found gross and dangerous lapses regarding the security of our Statue of Liberty. All New Yorkers and all patriotic Americans should be appalled by these facts and motivated to write to their elected officials demanding swift action. As of now, it’s the National Parks Service’s responsibility to ensure Her safety. Maybe that should be changed … as of NOW.

Immediate action must be taken to correct past mistakes. Those apes in charge of Her safety must be reprimanded, reassigned or fired. Perhaps we need not worry about foreign terrorists who have talked about destroying this symbol of our freedom so much as government officials who fail to discuss and take immediate action NOW.

“I Love New York” Logo For Good, Not Bad

To their credit, New York City officials are looking into ways of banning the use of the city’s famous slogan from licensed novelties such as cigarette lighters and ash trays. These items are associated with unhealthy practices and no longer deemed by some to be things the city should be associated with. Perhaps the shot glass is next to go. Or better still perhaps, VH1’s “I Love New York” reality(?) cable show which ain’t exactly Disney … even if Disney is now on 42nd Street.

Gucci Knocks-Off “I Love New York” Ad Campaign

In an effort to promote the opening of Gucci’s newest/largest store in the world which will boast a Manhattan address, Gucci borrowed the Empire State’s graphic design theme for use on some of their items (Gucci Loves NY – with the word “Loves” replaced by the familiar red heart). Unfortunately for them, they forgot to request permission first. It’s expected that New York state officials will go easy on the company as profits from the sale of these items will be donated to charity. Seems like their expected pardon is … in the bag.

NYFD Parking Placards Are Hot Items

There’s been several car break-ins around firehouses in New York City. More often than not, the only thing stolen is an NYFD parking permit. This sign permits the vehicle to legally park in otherwise illegal areas, like at a pump; but only near a firehouse. Only an idiotic thief would steal it to use when it’s illegal use would be easy to detect by an alert NYPD agent. I mean, why not put a flashing red light on top of the car too attracting more attention? Citizens should keep their eyes open for an eBay “Buy It Now” deal at a steal of a price.

Reading Between The New Menu's Fine Print

The city’s Board of Health votes tomorrow on whether to add calorie data to fast-food menus. This law would target restaurants with 15 or more locations; an estimated 10,000 places citywide. New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden believes eateries should be "proud" to display this data rather than fight to suppress it. That may be true Commissioner but if this info is so vital to our health, why shouldn’t ALL NYC food establishments have the same rules? Aren’t the rich and even top-level government officials too, deserving of the same protections as those who patronize fast food joints? Shouldn’t the city’s best French restaurants and steakhouses be as "proud" to display calorie data as a McDonalds or Taco Bell franchise, Commissioner? Why the focus to ram a law down the throats of only a very small percentage of places where some New Yorkers eat? Something doesn’t smell right here … and the bad odor isn’t coming from the kitchen.

The “Big” Picture

From September 22, 1968 through March 22, 1970, an American science fiction show called “Land of the Giants” had it’s semi-successful television run. The plot involved a group of travelers from earth marooned on a planet inhabited by “giants.” Now, in 2008, a group of Giants find themselves traveling to a place to meet a group of undefeated “giants among men.” How the New York/New Jersey Giants got to travel again can’t really be explained by football science. The truth of them winding up there is, in fact, somewhat stranger than fiction. But, if the Giants next 60 minute run is successful in Arizona, they’re guaranteed to be better remembered than the television show … or the 18-1 “giants among men.” Manning vs. Brady would have once brought David vs. Goliath analogies to mind … but somehow it doesn’t today. Yesterday’s playoff victories could be the start of something “big.”

Congratulations to both teams for their contrasting seasons so far and to their fans. Predictions to come next week.

And May The Best Person Win

Stephen Hess, a prominent presidential scholar, is advising New York's Mayor Bloomberg not to enter the 2008 presidential race to the White House. It seems that while Hess easily heaps praise on Bloomberg for his accomplishments and what he might do in the White House, he’s worried about him running. Hess said, “He can’t win, but he could very likely defeat the Democratic nominee.”

Mr. Hess is a political junkie who served in the Eisenhower administration and advised many other politicians along the way. His statement raises a question. Is not the presidential race supposedly open to all qualified individuals to make their best case before the American people, leaving it up to them to decide who the best choice for President is … regardless of who doesn’t win? It seems that his one-sided concern for Democrats is both politically biased and opposed to any legitimate third party candidate for fear it may harm the status quo of the strongly entrenched two-party system. Ross Perot’s weak presidential bid in 1992 nevertheless garnered 19% of the vote. This proved that the American public is very open to consider options other than Republican or Democrat. By the way, most analysts believe Perot’s candidacy stole votes from the Republican slate, not the Democratic one. I’m curious if Mr. Hess prior to 1992 advised Perot not to run for fear of defeating Mr. Bush, the Republican entrant.

I believe many Americans would vote for an overwhelmingly best-qualified candidate regardless of party. Perhaps Mr. Hess, you too should consider supporting a candidate who is best for America … not best for a particular party. I invite Mr. Hess to tell us if our city's Mayor enters the race, who then, in his expert opinion, is the best individual to lead Americans of all parties.