While New Yorkers suffer soaring rent and crime, Zohran Mamdani chases international headlines like an attention-starved activist instead of governing.
Your Zionism is showing. He has done more in the start of his term than expected. He is doing a great job. Any time anyone says anything about Israel you go nuts. Blind spot.
It may be out of his scope of work to suggest Netanyahu should be arrested for war crimes, but Mamdani is certainly no moron. I don’t live in NYC so I have no opinion based on residency, but below is a list of his achievements so far, all of which fit in the job description and also seem pretty impressive to me.
“According to Google Gemini: Key accomplishments from his first term include:
Universal Child Care: Partnered with New York Governor Kathy Hochul to secure funding for free, full-day child care for two-year-olds in high-need neighborhoods.
Housing and Tenant Protection: Established the Office for Tenant Protection and secured $34 million in restitution and repairs for tenants. .
Worker & Consumer Rights: Secured over $9 million in restitution for workers and small businesses and expanded protected time off for millions of workers.
City Services and Infrastructure: Addressed over 100,000 potholes, cleared illegal dumping sites, and initiated plans to fight food insecurity, starting in East Harlem.
Budgetary Wins: Passed an on-time city budget that closed the city's $5.4 billion budget deficit.” “
I am Jewish. I have supported Israel all my life. I still do, but I do not support anything that Netanyahu is doing. I do not support what he has done to Gaza. I find it hard to understand how anyone who is Jewish and feels the pain of the holocaust cannot see that Netanyahu has done the same thing to the Palestinians. Your president and Netanyahu are in bed together. Both of them need to go. Who does it, I don’t care but they need to go.
Michael, I follow you, but it’s harder and harder for me to do it lately. By the way, I even have a cousin that lives in Israel and I hope and pray that Iran does not bomb the shit out of Israel one day.
I do not support Netenyahu for even one second. He is a deplorable war criminal. I do not support what he has done to the Palestinians. I am for a 2 state solution. I only ask that people do not confuse Netenyahu with the Israeli people nor the innocent Palestinians with Hamas. Yes they had to retaliate for October 7th, but there comes a point when retaliation becomes merciless. BTW I have nephews in the IDF and not a day goes by that I am not worried to death about them.
Cathy, I think it is more than that. I do agree with you.
No doubt Israel and Russia have blackmail (deserved) on Trump and that is why we have a President who talks tough but takes no action. Our government is compromised by Trump and his Regime. Interesting that Trump and his people released information that Trump actually had Russia intervene in the elections to defeat Biden, huh? Not China as Trump stated in his speech. And this was on the White House site! Guess his people can't read or maybe some good Americans that let it fly and be reported! We know Trump can't read.
Ever take a moment and wonder why The Epstein Files just won't be released? Why Banking Records from decades ago can't be accessed (Russian Oligarchs that bailed out Trump and maybe Israel entered this scenario too). Epstein Files and Banking Records have enormous information that the Trump Regime is hiding from Americans.
Mandami is not a moron, but a leader who is one of many that is changing our Politics. This wave is going across the country. Putting Americans first and foremost! Changing the dynamics of the Democratic Party. Exposing the profitting of the Rich and Connected and Everyone Else.
Personally I welcome Democratic Socialism with restraints. Meaning that People need to participate in their future and the Government needs to support in a meaningful way. No free lunch though.
Perfect reply. Yes I welcome change with restraints. So far I’ve called Chuck 32 times and went directly to his office to question him. Not one response. I’ve now called Ken Martin 4 times. Same response I am so sick of them all. We deserve better. .
I am in Texas and write to ALL of the Republican Senators whenever I am upset about an issue (which, by the way, is almost daily) and I never ask for a reply but sometimes they send out their lame pre-printed response anyway that gets me even more upset and I have to write again. I do think it is important to keep reaching out even if they do not read what we write or respond to our phone calls. Their aids are reading the emails and letting them know how people are feeling. We must all just do what we can. Call them, Write to them, do postcards to get people out to vote and VOTE. Right now, it is important that we all write to John Cornyn, Tom Tillis, and LIsa Murkowski in hopes that at least one of them is not vote to confirm Todd Blanche. They have a chance to be on the right side of history. Let's see.
Good for you, Cathy. At least, being in Texas, you have some power,. Even if they don't respond, as you say, the aides are reading. It's drop by drop and appreciated by many of us.
Michelle, btw, yes Chuck needs to go. Too connected. Too old.
As to Ken Martin, I think he has made many meaningful changes, but needs to go further and I don't know if he can. Are you on The Blue Print mailing list? He reads the comments I am told and his top people often reach out directly. https://blueprint.democrats.org
Good News is the wave of Democratic Socialism that is going across the country
Thank you--I'm not Jewish, but with several Jewish friends up here in the boonies, and sometimes I feel like the proverbial voice crying in the wilderness....
There are a lot of things i would like to hear your opinion on, but calling Mamdani a moron is not one of them. McConnell is missing, Trump is selling early access to his insider trading posts on his private social media club. His private lawyer is lieing in his job interviews for AG, and the DOJ is trying to blackmail states into releasing their voter lists, while losing zero to 16 on it so far. Lots is happening and you are calling out thd Mayor of New York for calling out a war criminal desperately clinging to power to stay out of jail. Whooops, that's another story you're missing, the adjudicated rapist in the white house losing his last appeal.
Wow, really disappointed in the turn you've taken. Name calling sounds like Dump tactic. Really, going there? Misstep maybe, but maybe Mamdani is working the optics. I'm pretty sure he's smart enough to figure out he really doesn't have power at the international level, but standing up against a war criminal is power. Check yourself Michael, I thought you were better than this.
A hit piece on the Mayor. Why would I not expect this? You of all people know about hit pieces. You were employed as Trumps goon in the past to beat people up he didn’t like through intimidation, lawsuits and other diabolical means. Cankles is still doing it. And you , you are becoming the old Michael we did not like. And the Michael who your subscribers redeemed. sad to see you go after mandani. Perhaps it’s your hate for our Muslim brothers and sisters. Perhaps it’s your love of corrupt men-Cankles and Bibi. Maybe it’s an addiction you haven’t recovered from - making back room deals with Master Cankles. What has happened to you, Mikey.we all know your secret meetings with Trump earlier this year. Perhaps you will be going after Master Cankles enemies as well in your posts. Do the Master’s bidding. Well we’ll see. Mandani has brought good to NY. You know that. Why such animus to a good politician. you name Eric Adam’s. Please the former corrupt gang leader of NYC politics. No cred. But then you seem to like corrupt men. Mandami has done more for New Yorkers than Adam’s did in his loathsome four years. but you know that. You say you are for truth, but you spread lies. You know very well Mandani gets to use his pulpit to remind Americans of Bibis corruption and war crimes. Should this not be brought to light? Should the truth not come out. Michael get back to walking the line of redemption and not the line of Milleresque evil and darkness. Subscribers are watching. Be best as your old friend MELANIA would say.
I would have liked Mamdani to march in the Israeli parade. I would like him to stop insulting the Jewish community by leaving them out of maps. I would like him to be the mayor for all people. I would expect a Jewish mayor to honor all Muslim brothers and sisters as well, and I would be furious if such a mayor did not honor them. Most Jewish people whether they are here or in Israel despise Netenyahu. Unfortunately for both sides the corruption is lumped together with the innocent people. I would want Mandami to try to unite. It isn’t hatred for Muslims. It is hatred for hatred. I want Palestine to be free. I pray for a 2 state solution.
Michelle, what do you mean that he insults the Jewish community? What do you mean by “leaving them out of maps”? On another comment, you said he hated Jewish people. Wasn’t that you? Why would you say that? I don’t understand these comments. Can you please help me out and explain? I’m not aware of any of this. Thanks for explaining!
He has said some awful things about the community. He thinks all Jewish people are against a 2 state solution. We are not. It would be the best thing for all concerned. He thinks we all back Netenyahu. We don’t. There was a map that left out both the Jewish and Italian community. The Italian community was very upset. I am as well. His wife posted some unkind things on her Facebook page. I would love for all of the hatred to stop. Both anti semitism and Islamophobia. He has the power to do that in the city. That is what I want. I may not like his policies on several things, but I would respect his uniting the people. There is enough trouble in the world. We need people to help stop it. I’m so tired of hatred.Hopefully that explains my feelings a bit better
I'm very very far away, but oh, what a pity to learn these things about someone I had thought was, for a change, a decent, citizen-oriented, politician.....
I've greatly admired your essays for some time, Michael. Yours is a uniquely informed perspective, thoughtfully articulated and you resist knee-jerk reactions, even when you must know that your POV will enrage many of your readers. But calling Mamdani a "moron" cheapens your brand, at least in my view...and provokes a gradual degradation of the usually civil discourse that takes place here...as can be seen by many of comments below. Disagree with him...but do it with your usual rapier insights rather than provocative name calling (sorry, I'm a prude about this stuff and still believe that the coarseness of our interactions matter) if you hope to retain subscribers like me.
Let me add: if he truly despises the Jewish community and is antisemitic, I have ZERO tolerance for that, so let’s clear that up. But, with all due respect, it would appear to me that another “moron” is your president who produced documents proving that Russia interfered in the election. Just sayin’.
A final thought: Israel has EVERY RIGHT TO EXIST. PeriodT. The hatred of the Jewish community is not something I can understand at all; I am the daughter of a WWII veteran whose unit stormed and liberated Auschwitz, what my father witnessed was nothing short of inhumane cruelty and deplorable. Antisemitism is intolerable by ANYBODY. But Bibi has to go! That’s all, stepping off my soapbox now.
Real Power? Who’s the word’s #1 abuser of power? I have empathy for your wife, and kids. How many time did you claim on “Mea Culpa” they were the reason you denied Trump and #maga. Who are you?
Another column that disappoints and lowers one's opinion of you. A schoolboy can recognize some of the achievements taking place in NYC and that Mamdani is fighting for the average guy instead of --say-- the ultra rich that trade money for favors with the Orange Man. WTF, Michael! You really lost your balance on this one, and I wouldn't be surprised if that translates to lost readers.
I don’t know what is going on with you lately but your opinions seem to be leaning the other way and everything is about you. I have canceled my renewal.
Don’t be misled. This is a disbarred attorney using the oldest trick in the book. He attributes the ‘Mamdani is a Moron’ line to Waltz. With a clear conscience he can claim he never said that. And use his favorite line, “you don’t know what you are talking about.” And Michael using the Trump term, Department of War? Y for yes, N for no, has anyone ever heard him say anything other than Department of Defense? Cohen lives in NYC so his opinion is what it is. But he is wrong, like so many others, the growing sentiment against Israel is about ending funding, a total of $351 Billion, to Israel. It isn’t a case of hating the Jewish people. And certainly not antisemitism.
Yes. And more Americans are waking up to the fact we financially support Israel. Israel needs to stand on its own and our tax dollars can be spent here.
I intentionally didn’t include the genocide they are committing. Because once you say that, you’re an antisemite. The tone changes and they get infuriated.
Whether he is a "moron" or not, Mr. Netanyahu is wanted for war crimes. If he were to set foot in Canada he'd also be arrested because in my country we honour international law. Putin dare not attempt it either. Just as we imprisoned a very high profile Chinese woman in Trump's first term because Trump demanded it, never mind it cost us our otherwise good relationship with China, we followed through with the rule of law. You can go ahead and slate all of us Canadians into the moron category. That said, has it ever occurred to you that Mamdani is just using a tactic out of Trump's play book? Trump with great swelling blabbering baffoonery spews statements for to gain notoriety constantly. It's working, people love it and here you are stooping to calling a man who won the seat of Mayor fair and square a moron. You don’t have to agree with him but at least acknowledge someone in your country has the guts to follow the law. Israel is a touchy subject for me too, as far as I'm concerned Bibi is an absolute disgrace to humanity. Unfit for office, period. What I give to see him arrested in New York, not like it's enough to advenge the blood of the October 7th victims m They are dead because Netanyahu thought he could manage Hamas since this terrorist organization Israel pretended was a legit government served his purpose in preventing any hope of a 2 state solution. The countless children whose bodies still lay under the rubbish deserve some kind justice. Michael, I've always supported you, I tryly do understand where you are coming from, but calling a Mayor a moron in print, not just print but in headline? Seriously? It's unbecoming, I expect better out of someone of your stature.
Oooo oooo oooo--can't resist this side trip: didja see/hear the bloviating orange cancer tell my country that we had to get the wildfires under control???? 'Cause NYC eh. Of course, "if they need help, we'll help them [when does that start, Donny?] But maybe they should pay us or something...."
So. stupid question here, but does that a$$hat have any clue about the number of times OUR fire-fighters have flown south to put out/control fires in HIS country? (I mean, of course, the ones that his country couldn't get under control.)
I always amazes and scares me that after all this time, all the reading & thinking I've done, my buttons can still so easily be pushed by this human terd who will never know it, or care.
Kathy, Trump and his Regime scares us too! We are in a fight to Save Our Democracy.
Unfortunately too many people believed Trump's lies and ignored Trump's history. Too many Americans did not participate and did not vote. This could happen in any Democracy. What our Founders feared. That is why our Democracy was termed "The American Experiment."
I am hopeful the Future will bring a new and improved Democracy centered on the People and not the Rich and Connected. A lot of work will need to be done. But it is good work that is long overdue. A total revamp of our system and institutions.
Perhaps the crazier Trump is now helps the cause (and hurts people) and it is strongly turning the tide and waking up the balance of Americans.
Bless Canada. Doing a Rain Dance!
The majority of Americans LOVE Canada and we will get thru this together. We are thankful you are our Neighbor and hopefully soon will be able to have normalcy and be back to openly and truly supporting each other again. As it should be!
Oh yes I heard about that idiotic statement, but hold on - no need to bring us (NYC) into it, we had nothing to do with it. Everything he says is absolutely stupid and the enablers are no better!
Sorry--I wasn't clear. The crack about NYC (should have) referred to another DJT-ism--that the Canadian wildfires were sending smoke all over NYC.
Right. What a dolt he is.
I was recently away from home for four weeks. I read four books on him, from an array of authors. Some time, maybe in a hundred years or so, I might find a glimmer of pity for him. He's pretty much what daddy brought him up to be.But not sooner.
You remember daddy eh? The racist? And the first teacher for Don-boy in crooked tricks. And Grand-daddy? Who left Germany under a cloud, just in time for the Yukon gold rush, so he opened a brothel there?
Skipped out on his mandatory military service to his homeland, came across the seas, moved on up to the far North to get in on the Gold Rush--and opened a brothel to accomplish that.
Daddy was a declared anti-Semite, and flirted around the edges of the KKK.
And Donnie-boy--well, we know (almost) all about him, don't we.
As for Mamdani, his politics work for NY. You don't have to agree with everything, but
yes, his focus is on Americans. Not all bad. Discussing Rich and Connected and everyone else. Good conversation. He will be part of the movement (Democratic Socialists) for a change.
It will change our Parties for the better. We so need it in this country. Long overdue.
Richest Country in the world and they sold for decades we couldn't afford to pay for everyone's Healthcare. Really? Rich and Connected have been taking money out of this Country for too long.
Gaza is Genocide. Pure and Simple. Israel is having some of the same problems we are having. Getting rid of Netanyahu and US getting rid of Trump. I believe their days are numbered.
Your Zionism is showing. He has done more in the start of his term than expected. He is doing a great job. Any time anyone says anything about Israel you go nuts. Blind spot.
Hi Jon. Who ya talking to/about?
It may be out of his scope of work to suggest Netanyahu should be arrested for war crimes, but Mamdani is certainly no moron. I don’t live in NYC so I have no opinion based on residency, but below is a list of his achievements so far, all of which fit in the job description and also seem pretty impressive to me.
“According to Google Gemini: Key accomplishments from his first term include:
Universal Child Care: Partnered with New York Governor Kathy Hochul to secure funding for free, full-day child care for two-year-olds in high-need neighborhoods.
Housing and Tenant Protection: Established the Office for Tenant Protection and secured $34 million in restitution and repairs for tenants. .
Worker & Consumer Rights: Secured over $9 million in restitution for workers and small businesses and expanded protected time off for millions of workers.
City Services and Infrastructure: Addressed over 100,000 potholes, cleared illegal dumping sites, and initiated plans to fight food insecurity, starting in East Harlem.
Budgetary Wins: Passed an on-time city budget that closed the city's $5.4 billion budget deficit.” “
Looks like he is doing a lot for the city - facts speak truth
This list does not read like the accomplishments of a 'moron'.
Michael Cohen - do not renew my subscription. You have lost the plot.
Great accomplishments! In my mind, Mandani is a hero.
And that is your prerogative to believe. I feel differently. Let’s just agree to disagree. It’s called democracy
Me too! But at least put facts out not just feelings. Facts are on Mamdani’s side AND Netanyahu should be in The Hague and shouldn’t come to US.
Butting in here, with apologies (but I'm going to do it anyway eh!:-)
IMO, Netanyahu should be brought before the world's Criminal Court, and prosecuted for was crimes.
I will never understand how a nation that was born out of, and to counter, a genocide, could go on to perpetrate another one. Never.
He would if he came here to Canada. Mark Carney affirmed that. Anyway, Netanyahu wouldn't be invited, I would imagine. He's considered a war criminal.
Michael, I'm happy to agree to disagree. Yes, that is what democracy is all about.
I am Jewish. I have supported Israel all my life. I still do, but I do not support anything that Netanyahu is doing. I do not support what he has done to Gaza. I find it hard to understand how anyone who is Jewish and feels the pain of the holocaust cannot see that Netanyahu has done the same thing to the Palestinians. Your president and Netanyahu are in bed together. Both of them need to go. Who does it, I don’t care but they need to go.
Michael, I follow you, but it’s harder and harder for me to do it lately. By the way, I even have a cousin that lives in Israel and I hope and pray that Iran does not bomb the shit out of Israel one day.
I do not support Netenyahu for even one second. He is a deplorable war criminal. I do not support what he has done to the Palestinians. I am for a 2 state solution. I only ask that people do not confuse Netenyahu with the Israeli people nor the innocent Palestinians with Hamas. Yes they had to retaliate for October 7th, but there comes a point when retaliation becomes merciless. BTW I have nephews in the IDF and not a day goes by that I am not worried to death about them.
I agree on those points, Michelle. Don't confuse Jewish people with the actions of Netanyahu. Don't confuse the Palestinian people with Hamas.
Sending good thoughts & energy.
Cathy, I think it is more than that. I do agree with you.
No doubt Israel and Russia have blackmail (deserved) on Trump and that is why we have a President who talks tough but takes no action. Our government is compromised by Trump and his Regime. Interesting that Trump and his people released information that Trump actually had Russia intervene in the elections to defeat Biden, huh? Not China as Trump stated in his speech. And this was on the White House site! Guess his people can't read or maybe some good Americans that let it fly and be reported! We know Trump can't read.
Ever take a moment and wonder why The Epstein Files just won't be released? Why Banking Records from decades ago can't be accessed (Russian Oligarchs that bailed out Trump and maybe Israel entered this scenario too). Epstein Files and Banking Records have enormous information that the Trump Regime is hiding from Americans.
Mandami is not a moron, but a leader who is one of many that is changing our Politics. This wave is going across the country. Putting Americans first and foremost! Changing the dynamics of the Democratic Party. Exposing the profitting of the Rich and Connected and Everyone Else.
Personally I welcome Democratic Socialism with restraints. Meaning that People need to participate in their future and the Government needs to support in a meaningful way. No free lunch though.
Americans deserve better.
Perfect reply. Yes I welcome change with restraints. So far I’ve called Chuck 32 times and went directly to his office to question him. Not one response. I’ve now called Ken Martin 4 times. Same response I am so sick of them all. We deserve better. .
I am in Texas and write to ALL of the Republican Senators whenever I am upset about an issue (which, by the way, is almost daily) and I never ask for a reply but sometimes they send out their lame pre-printed response anyway that gets me even more upset and I have to write again. I do think it is important to keep reaching out even if they do not read what we write or respond to our phone calls. Their aids are reading the emails and letting them know how people are feeling. We must all just do what we can. Call them, Write to them, do postcards to get people out to vote and VOTE. Right now, it is important that we all write to John Cornyn, Tom Tillis, and LIsa Murkowski in hopes that at least one of them is not vote to confirm Todd Blanche. They have a chance to be on the right side of history. Let's see.
Good for you, Cathy. At least, being in Texas, you have some power,. Even if they don't respond, as you say, the aides are reading. It's drop by drop and appreciated by many of us.
YES!!!! Bless you!
Michelle, btw, yes Chuck needs to go. Too connected. Too old.
As to Ken Martin, I think he has made many meaningful changes, but needs to go further and I don't know if he can. Are you on The Blue Print mailing list? He reads the comments I am told and his top people often reach out directly. https://blueprint.democrats.org
Good News is the wave of Democratic Socialism that is going across the country
will force changes.
Americans deserve better.
I know Chuck needs to go. I leave voice messages every week. I am going to his office once again to blow my stack when I get back to NY.
Michelle, good for you!
Americans are turning against Older and Connected Politicians..
His time will come. Hopefully sooner than later, huh?
Americans deserve better.
I agree with you 100% Thank you for posting this.
Cathy, I appreciate your post too!
We are in this fight to Save Our Democracy together!
Americans deserve better.
Thank you--I'm not Jewish, but with several Jewish friends up here in the boonies, and sometimes I feel like the proverbial voice crying in the wilderness....
There are a lot of things i would like to hear your opinion on, but calling Mamdani a moron is not one of them. McConnell is missing, Trump is selling early access to his insider trading posts on his private social media club. His private lawyer is lieing in his job interviews for AG, and the DOJ is trying to blackmail states into releasing their voter lists, while losing zero to 16 on it so far. Lots is happening and you are calling out thd Mayor of New York for calling out a war criminal desperately clinging to power to stay out of jail. Whooops, that's another story you're missing, the adjudicated rapist in the white house losing his last appeal.
Wow, really disappointed in the turn you've taken. Name calling sounds like Dump tactic. Really, going there? Misstep maybe, but maybe Mamdani is working the optics. I'm pretty sure he's smart enough to figure out he really doesn't have power at the international level, but standing up against a war criminal is power. Check yourself Michael, I thought you were better than this.
A hit piece on the Mayor. Why would I not expect this? You of all people know about hit pieces. You were employed as Trumps goon in the past to beat people up he didn’t like through intimidation, lawsuits and other diabolical means. Cankles is still doing it. And you , you are becoming the old Michael we did not like. And the Michael who your subscribers redeemed. sad to see you go after mandani. Perhaps it’s your hate for our Muslim brothers and sisters. Perhaps it’s your love of corrupt men-Cankles and Bibi. Maybe it’s an addiction you haven’t recovered from - making back room deals with Master Cankles. What has happened to you, Mikey.we all know your secret meetings with Trump earlier this year. Perhaps you will be going after Master Cankles enemies as well in your posts. Do the Master’s bidding. Well we’ll see. Mandani has brought good to NY. You know that. Why such animus to a good politician. you name Eric Adam’s. Please the former corrupt gang leader of NYC politics. No cred. But then you seem to like corrupt men. Mandami has done more for New Yorkers than Adam’s did in his loathsome four years. but you know that. You say you are for truth, but you spread lies. You know very well Mandani gets to use his pulpit to remind Americans of Bibis corruption and war crimes. Should this not be brought to light? Should the truth not come out. Michael get back to walking the line of redemption and not the line of Milleresque evil and darkness. Subscribers are watching. Be best as your old friend MELANIA would say.
I would have liked Mamdani to march in the Israeli parade. I would like him to stop insulting the Jewish community by leaving them out of maps. I would like him to be the mayor for all people. I would expect a Jewish mayor to honor all Muslim brothers and sisters as well, and I would be furious if such a mayor did not honor them. Most Jewish people whether they are here or in Israel despise Netenyahu. Unfortunately for both sides the corruption is lumped together with the innocent people. I would want Mandami to try to unite. It isn’t hatred for Muslims. It is hatred for hatred. I want Palestine to be free. I pray for a 2 state solution.
Michelle, what do you mean that he insults the Jewish community? What do you mean by “leaving them out of maps”? On another comment, you said he hated Jewish people. Wasn’t that you? Why would you say that? I don’t understand these comments. Can you please help me out and explain? I’m not aware of any of this. Thanks for explaining!
Hear hear!
He has said some awful things about the community. He thinks all Jewish people are against a 2 state solution. We are not. It would be the best thing for all concerned. He thinks we all back Netenyahu. We don’t. There was a map that left out both the Jewish and Italian community. The Italian community was very upset. I am as well. His wife posted some unkind things on her Facebook page. I would love for all of the hatred to stop. Both anti semitism and Islamophobia. He has the power to do that in the city. That is what I want. I may not like his policies on several things, but I would respect his uniting the people. There is enough trouble in the world. We need people to help stop it. I’m so tired of hatred.Hopefully that explains my feelings a bit better
I'm so sorry to learn this. What I thought was a bright candle down there, at last.....
I'm very very far away, but oh, what a pity to learn these things about someone I had thought was, for a change, a decent, citizen-oriented, politician.....
As an Italian woman I’m holding my tongue 😛
I’m sorry I didn’t. It will be a cold day in hell until I ever post anything again.
I've greatly admired your essays for some time, Michael. Yours is a uniquely informed perspective, thoughtfully articulated and you resist knee-jerk reactions, even when you must know that your POV will enrage many of your readers. But calling Mamdani a "moron" cheapens your brand, at least in my view...and provokes a gradual degradation of the usually civil discourse that takes place here...as can be seen by many of comments below. Disagree with him...but do it with your usual rapier insights rather than provocative name calling (sorry, I'm a prude about this stuff and still believe that the coarseness of our interactions matter) if you hope to retain subscribers like me.
JFC, you’re quoting Paladino? Are you fckn serious - the Muslim-hating all-talk-no-action clown?? Oh my holy God…
Let me add: if he truly despises the Jewish community and is antisemitic, I have ZERO tolerance for that, so let’s clear that up. But, with all due respect, it would appear to me that another “moron” is your president who produced documents proving that Russia interfered in the election. Just sayin’.
A final thought: Israel has EVERY RIGHT TO EXIST. PeriodT. The hatred of the Jewish community is not something I can understand at all; I am the daughter of a WWII veteran whose unit stormed and liberated Auschwitz, what my father witnessed was nothing short of inhumane cruelty and deplorable. Antisemitism is intolerable by ANYBODY. But Bibi has to go! That’s all, stepping off my soapbox now.
Maybe Iran will save all of us the hassle by taking out Bibi. Hey it's BOGO day - we will throw Trump in for free
The thing is, as I (faintly) understand it, that, vile as Bibi is, he has a sizable right-wing cheering section/lobbying group behind him.
Back in the 60s, when we listened to the theme from whatever-the-laud-Israel movie was, we should have listened MUCH more closely to the lyrics:
"This land is mine
God gave this land to me....."
Let's see now: Bibi. Or Iran.
what a hell of a choice
Including Trump? I could go for that....
I think you're envious Michael.
Real Power? Who’s the word’s #1 abuser of power? I have empathy for your wife, and kids. How many time did you claim on “Mea Culpa” they were the reason you denied Trump and #maga. Who are you?
Another column that disappoints and lowers one's opinion of you. A schoolboy can recognize some of the achievements taking place in NYC and that Mamdani is fighting for the average guy instead of --say-- the ultra rich that trade money for favors with the Orange Man. WTF, Michael! You really lost your balance on this one, and I wouldn't be surprised if that translates to lost readers.
I disagree. I believe Mamdani is doing a great job.
I don’t know what is going on with you lately but your opinions seem to be leaning the other way and everything is about you. I have canceled my renewal.
Don’t be misled. This is a disbarred attorney using the oldest trick in the book. He attributes the ‘Mamdani is a Moron’ line to Waltz. With a clear conscience he can claim he never said that. And use his favorite line, “you don’t know what you are talking about.” And Michael using the Trump term, Department of War? Y for yes, N for no, has anyone ever heard him say anything other than Department of Defense? Cohen lives in NYC so his opinion is what it is. But he is wrong, like so many others, the growing sentiment against Israel is about ending funding, a total of $351 Billion, to Israel. It isn’t a case of hating the Jewish people. And certainly not antisemitism.
Between the money given to Israel and the money for the war, just think how much could have been done for all
Yes. And more Americans are waking up to the fact we financially support Israel. Israel needs to stand on its own and our tax dollars can be spent here.
Some day, if he were remotely capable of it, I'd like to ask Don-boy WHY he's so buddy-buddy with Bibi, and with Putin, and such a sh*t to Ukraine.
I can speculate, but boy I'd love to hear his weasel-words...........
For me, it's a case of hating the hard right wing (apparently) of the Israeli government.
For doing exactly what was done to them.
I think that's included under "insanity"; IMO, it's certainly included under "evil"
Ending funding, and, IMO, taking them to task for the genocide in Gaza, and AGREEING TO A SANE & FAIR TWO-STATE SOLUTION.
Boy, did those guys back after WWII screw THIS up......
I intentionally didn’t include the genocide they are committing. Because once you say that, you’re an antisemite. The tone changes and they get infuriated.
Whether he is a "moron" or not, Mr. Netanyahu is wanted for war crimes. If he were to set foot in Canada he'd also be arrested because in my country we honour international law. Putin dare not attempt it either. Just as we imprisoned a very high profile Chinese woman in Trump's first term because Trump demanded it, never mind it cost us our otherwise good relationship with China, we followed through with the rule of law. You can go ahead and slate all of us Canadians into the moron category. That said, has it ever occurred to you that Mamdani is just using a tactic out of Trump's play book? Trump with great swelling blabbering baffoonery spews statements for to gain notoriety constantly. It's working, people love it and here you are stooping to calling a man who won the seat of Mayor fair and square a moron. You don’t have to agree with him but at least acknowledge someone in your country has the guts to follow the law. Israel is a touchy subject for me too, as far as I'm concerned Bibi is an absolute disgrace to humanity. Unfit for office, period. What I give to see him arrested in New York, not like it's enough to advenge the blood of the October 7th victims m They are dead because Netanyahu thought he could manage Hamas since this terrorist organization Israel pretended was a legit government served his purpose in preventing any hope of a 2 state solution. The countless children whose bodies still lay under the rubbish deserve some kind justice. Michael, I've always supported you, I tryly do understand where you are coming from, but calling a Mayor a moron in print, not just print but in headline? Seriously? It's unbecoming, I expect better out of someone of your stature.
Oooo oooo oooo--can't resist this side trip: didja see/hear the bloviating orange cancer tell my country that we had to get the wildfires under control???? 'Cause NYC eh. Of course, "if they need help, we'll help them [when does that start, Donny?] But maybe they should pay us or something...."
So. stupid question here, but does that a$$hat have any clue about the number of times OUR fire-fighters have flown south to put out/control fires in HIS country? (I mean, of course, the ones that his country couldn't get under control.)
I always amazes and scares me that after all this time, all the reading & thinking I've done, my buttons can still so easily be pushed by this human terd who will never know it, or care.
Kathy, Trump and his Regime scares us too! We are in a fight to Save Our Democracy.
Unfortunately too many people believed Trump's lies and ignored Trump's history. Too many Americans did not participate and did not vote. This could happen in any Democracy. What our Founders feared. That is why our Democracy was termed "The American Experiment."
I am hopeful the Future will bring a new and improved Democracy centered on the People and not the Rich and Connected. A lot of work will need to be done. But it is good work that is long overdue. A total revamp of our system and institutions.
Perhaps the crazier Trump is now helps the cause (and hurts people) and it is strongly turning the tide and waking up the balance of Americans.
Bless Canada. Doing a Rain Dance!
The majority of Americans LOVE Canada and we will get thru this together. We are thankful you are our Neighbor and hopefully soon will be able to have normalcy and be back to openly and truly supporting each other again. As it should be!
Americans deserve better.
Oh yes I heard about that idiotic statement, but hold on - no need to bring us (NYC) into it, we had nothing to do with it. Everything he says is absolutely stupid and the enablers are no better!
Sorry--I wasn't clear. The crack about NYC (should have) referred to another DJT-ism--that the Canadian wildfires were sending smoke all over NYC.
Right. What a dolt he is.
I was recently away from home for four weeks. I read four books on him, from an array of authors. Some time, maybe in a hundred years or so, I might find a glimmer of pity for him. He's pretty much what daddy brought him up to be.But not sooner.
You remember daddy eh? The racist? And the first teacher for Don-boy in crooked tricks. And Grand-daddy? Who left Germany under a cloud, just in time for the Yukon gold rush, so he opened a brothel there?
Blech.
I was just going to say about his POS grandfather - DRUMF from Deutschland!
Skipped out on his mandatory military service to his homeland, came across the seas, moved on up to the far North to get in on the Gold Rush--and opened a brothel to accomplish that.
Daddy was a declared anti-Semite, and flirted around the edges of the KKK.
And Donnie-boy--well, we know (almost) all about him, don't we.
Rotten tree, rotten apples.
Whole family are shitbags
Kate,
It was an article for Trump!
As for Mamdani, his politics work for NY. You don't have to agree with everything, but
yes, his focus is on Americans. Not all bad. Discussing Rich and Connected and everyone else. Good conversation. He will be part of the movement (Democratic Socialists) for a change.
It will change our Parties for the better. We so need it in this country. Long overdue.
Richest Country in the world and they sold for decades we couldn't afford to pay for everyone's Healthcare. Really? Rich and Connected have been taking money out of this Country for too long.
Gaza is Genocide. Pure and Simple. Israel is having some of the same problems we are having. Getting rid of Netanyahu and US getting rid of Trump. I believe their days are numbered.
Americans deserve better.