tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post3685432130781404256..comments2024-03-05T05:38:22.024-05:00Comments on Left at the Gate: CrapAlan Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570505944559196118noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-57725644606917094952010-01-25T08:53:39.197-05:002010-01-25T08:53:39.197-05:00Nice effect with the highlighting...how did you do...Nice effect with the highlighting...how did you do that??Alan Mannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12570505944559196118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-37060919756702691022010-01-25T08:46:59.185-05:002010-01-25T08:46:59.185-05:00Jim Odato’s piece: Venting over VLTs
Read more: h...Jim Odato’s piece: Venting over VLTs<br /><br />Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=892860&category=ODATO&BCCode=&newsdate=1/24/2010#ixzz0ddAy5m6G<br /><br />One of the bidders seeking the rights to build a racino at Aqueduct, Penn National, sent a letter to Gov. David Paterson complaining that the unknown manner in which bids are being weighed fuels “rampant rumors and gossip.” Chairman Peter Carlino said being from out of state should not be held against the company, and emphasized Penn’s pledge of a $301 million downpayment and its plan to open in 10 months. “We hope you will appreciate our frustration and consternation over how this process continues to unfold,” he wrote.<br /><br />A spokesman for Paterson said there is no time line for a decision and that all “eligible” bidders are under consideration.<br /><br />New York generally sticks with New York. Penn National will therefore not win at Aqueduct. It is between SL Green and AEG. In the end one of these teams will be picked.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-64016830126452466152010-01-24T18:41:06.443-05:002010-01-24T18:41:06.443-05:00Sorry Alan- Liberals-Progs always overplay their h...Sorry Alan- Liberals-Progs always overplay their hands by 2 or 3X, as George Will pointed out recently. They just can't help themselves while sticking the broad middle class with the tab. Pay up with a smile- not. /s/greenmtnpunterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-62231817186233543212010-01-22T13:58:41.655-05:002010-01-22T13:58:41.655-05:00Governor Paterson's connection to Bill Lynch w...Governor Paterson's connection to Bill Lynch will blow up in his face and create a huge scandal should he pick SL Green. I dont think he will be that foolish when he is holding the high ground on ethics reform.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-23227730677461482612010-01-22T13:57:43.505-05:002010-01-22T13:57:43.505-05:00I prefer the Hard Rock brand, believe it could att...I prefer the Hard Rock brand, believe it could attract some casual gamblers, just don't want the Seminoles anywhere near NY.<br /><br />I know my wife would be more inclined to join me in one of my Big A jaunts if she could hang out at the "Hard Rock", I guess she might give AEG one shot if I twisted her arm but it just would not have the appeal.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-5927226893446863742010-01-22T10:49:57.301-05:002010-01-22T10:49:57.301-05:00As a passionate Democrat I am very disappointed at...As a passionate Democrat I am very disappointed at Obama's leadership, or should I say lack of leadership. He has wasted his mandate so far. I wish the dems would wake up and realize they still have a 19 seat majority in the Senate and an overwhelming majority in the House. They were elected to make changes and get things done. This is the message I took out of Massachusetts on Tuesday. I hope the President together with the Congressional Leadership heed this message and use their massive majorities and get it done. People reward results.<br /><br />As for the VLT's at Aqueduct, well what can one say. It is time a decision was made. My favorite is AEG basically simply because I dont want the Hard Rock brand and the Seminole Indians and I have felt it was a toss up between AEG and SL Green for a while now (or so we are led to believe in the press). I strongly believe choosing the Hard Rock would be a major mistake.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-62680307754141220542010-01-22T10:06:41.495-05:002010-01-22T10:06:41.495-05:00I maintain that a failure of leadership in the Dem...I maintain that a failure of leadership in the Dem party has directly resulted in the failure to pass health care reform.<br /><br />The President should have taken the bull by the horns on Day One, using the bully pulpit to push his vision through Congress.<br /><br />Instead, he turned the process over to Pelosi and Reed, resulting in all the back room deals that eventually brought the whole thing down.<br /><br />He allowed the opposition to gain momentum and Pelosi and Redd gave them plenty of ammunition.<br /><br />As for your response;<br /><br />< They were boxed in on the Senate side with no room to maneuver (not to mention the resistance of Senators Lieberman and Nelson); and House Democrats are a big tent with a lot of diverse opinions to satisfy. ><br /><br />You yourself seem to agree that the problem lies with the DEMs failing to compromise within their own party, not with REP obstructionism. Specifically, the liberal wing of the DEM party waited far too long to compromise, the President should have pushed them to do so way sooner.<br /><br />Good discussion in any case, and a perfect example of our "representatives" on both sides of the aisle failing to represent while looking out for special interests, which makes it analogous to the VLT debacle which began our discussion.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-68420079283486716092010-01-22T08:13:22.803-05:002010-01-22T08:13:22.803-05:00Green Mtn Punter -- thanks for the chuckle (hard t...Green Mtn Punter -- thanks for the chuckle (hard to do these days) with your "Cah-tah" spelling. But we do differ on the politics. I wish Carter were appointed Secretary of State!<br /><br />DiscreetPicks, you're just plain wrong about the bipartisanship issue. Democrats were much more amenable to GOP appointments and many of Bush's initiatives.<br /><br />Many Republicans on the other hand, have reversed positions on aspects of healthcare reform they took just a year or two ago. They did this as part of an obvious national effort to make health care Obama's "Waterloo." <br /><br />The best example is coverage for doctors to go over care options with patients for the end of life. Right now, only procedures are covered, not discussion and counseling ahead of time. <br /><br />So many patients never have a chance to think about and decline painful and often futile procedures and doctors are forced to perform these procedures unless there are written "advance directives" from the patient or family not to do them. <br /><br />Patients of course, can insist on every available treatment to prolong life and many families do. It isn't coercive. <br /><br />Many Republicans sensibly supported this since it would give individuals a chance to direct their care while they have capacity. It is one of those rare things that help people and save money at the same time.<br /><br />But once the idea was included in the Democrats' health care plan, this idea was denounced as "death panels" and the Republicans ALREADY ON RECORD as supporting it all reversed themselves. Democrats went so far as to pull it from the program to try (unsuccessfully) to get a GOP vote or two.<br /><br />Republicans have even resorted to pretending to be champions of Medicare as a tactic to stop health care reform. Remember Reagan? The GOP patron saint? He fought against Medicare, denouncing it as socialism! And now the GOP wants to save Medicare to stop socialized medicine???<br /><br />No, they just have learned that they can say anything, and if sounds scary, many intelligent people who aren't policy wonks will get fooled. Purposeful lying in the name of patriotism. It is very disheartening.steve in nchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04061356872686618093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-51565318986017453972010-01-21T22:34:09.205-05:002010-01-21T22:34:09.205-05:00>>Sad to see an otherwise thoughtful liberal...>>Sad to see an otherwise thoughtful liberal like yourself stoop to such tactics instead of admitting the administration's and congress' incompetence in handling the issue. This was a slam dunk, they missed it, no one to blame but themselves.<br /><br /><br />I don't know if it was such a slam dunk. They were boxed in on the Senate side with no room to maneuver (not to mention the resistance of Senators Lieberman and Nelson); and House Democrats are a big tent with a lot of diverse opinions to satisfy. I'm not sure if that qualifies as incompetence. In hindsight though, sure, I suppose we'd be better off than a modest reform which doesn't control costs than no reform which doesn't control costs.<br /><br />What angers me is that the Democrats bent over backwards to get Republicans on board, and it just seems unbelievable and completely political that some common ground could not be reached. All we heard was packaged responses like "single-payer," and "government takeover" not to mention the death panel garbage. It just seems to me that the Republicans had no agenda whatsoever other than to defeat Obama's, at any cost. They even voted down a military funding measure in order to delay matters! <br /><br />>>Are you saying your feelings about GW weren't visceral?<br /><br />I think visceral (<i>not intellectual, unreasoning.....dealing with crude or elemental emotions</i>) was absolutely the wrong word to use. No, my feelings about the Iraq war were not at all visceral; they were rooted in belief that it was an unnecessary war, and I think history will bear that out if it hasn't already done so. But, in my opinion, the root of the hatred for Obama certainly is visceral; and racist in some cases. Please understand that I'm not at all saying that applies to anyone who dislikes him. But I think that those feelings have driven the ferocity of the opposition - the guns at his rallies, the birther nonsense.<br /><br /><br /><br />>>Alan, whats with the Keith Olbermann rant?<br /><br />Thanks! <br /><br />>>You guys wanted this Obama so badly....and now he's already proven that he's just another Cah-tah! Maybe worse!<br /><br />How's that pray tell, my friend? Please, tell me, I'm really interested to know. Economists on both sides of the political spectrum agree that the bailout helped to pull the economy back from the edge. The biggest mistake this administration has made in my mind was to be unrealistically optimistic about jobs despite the fact that most economists emphasized the lagging nature of unemployment. So what exactly is the problem, especially from your point of view! I mean, he's escalated the war in Afghanistan, made little changes regarding detainees (other than to stop torturing them), shown no leadership on gay rights issues. So, what's your beef? <br /><br />>>Oh, come on. The Republicans are the only ones try to obstruct the other party's agenda? That's the dumbest thing i've heard in a while. Both parties are guilty of this, and have been for as long as i can remember. That's what's wrong with the government in this country. Everything has to be "us against them", regardless of the merit something has. Any idea that comes from either side of the aisle will be obstructed by the other side as a matter of course. Whether the idea is actually good or not is completely secondary. The whole thing makes me sick.<br /><br />Fair point indeed. Thanks to all for the civil discourse.Alan Mannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12570505944559196118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-81264777835935767042010-01-21T20:08:04.179-05:002010-01-21T20:08:04.179-05:00I'm rather sick and tired of Harvard types, mo...I'm rather sick and tired of Harvard types, most lacking any real social skills or connection to "normal" people. The Dem intellectuals that will make all our pain and suffering go away is nothing but a scam. <br /><br />As for NY horse racing, Paterson, Silver and Sampson need to look beyond just the simplest, easy fix solution to something far more comprehensive. If they can't, chose a vlt winner at the Big A now and worry about the bigger picture later.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-31829673861031488062010-01-21T19:34:20.188-05:002010-01-21T19:34:20.188-05:00Oh, come on. The Republicans are the only ones try...Oh, come on. The Republicans are the only ones try to obstruct the other party's agenda? That's the dumbest thing i've heard in a while. Both parties are guilty of this, and have been for as long as i can remember. That's what's wrong with the government in this country. Everything has to be "us against them", regardless of the merit something has. Any idea that comes from either side of the aisle will be obstructed by the other side as a matter of course. Whether the idea is actually good or not is completely secondary. The whole thing makes me sick.DiscreetPicksnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-51787067724178686122010-01-21T19:21:56.107-05:002010-01-21T19:21:56.107-05:00Hey anon 5:53. One of the democrat's biggest ...Hey anon 5:53. One of the democrat's biggest faults is this elitist feeling that folks aren't smart enough to know what's "in their interest" and need some Harvard law type to explain it to them. I didn't go to Harvard, but I'm smart enough to understand the liberal agenda and how it's NOT in MY best interest.<br /><br />anon 2:32. I heard Charlie say on an AM Saratoga show that NYRA had considered moving the winter meet to Belmont. I think a possibility could be to winterize (or even syntheticize) the training track, build a small grandstand & simulcast building (ever been to Colonial Downs?) and sell off Aqueduct. The view from west Florida :)ljkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15345829432231688681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-40333605442170319832010-01-21T17:54:27.492-05:002010-01-21T17:54:27.492-05:00I believe it is currently on appeal, yes, and if I...I believe it is currently on appeal, yes, and if I'm not mistaken he's under house arrest in the meantime. But yes, he's appealing. Lotsa luck with that.El Angelohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14145024095815950963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-3125930836051955372010-01-21T17:53:28.259-05:002010-01-21T17:53:28.259-05:00Alan, you are right to be frustrated by the bullsh...Alan, you are right to be frustrated by the bullshit politics of the day. I have always been amazed by the ability of the republicans to toss all types of wedge issues into the minds of people to get them to vote against their own interests. Sadly, they have been so effective that there is no reason to believe they won't continue to succeed. I'd put the odds at 1-5.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-79814510949676163092010-01-21T17:41:24.270-05:002010-01-21T17:41:24.270-05:00Are you sure Joe is in jail? He's on appeal as...Are you sure Joe is in jail? He's on appeal as far as I know. He's going to beat this phony rap. /s/greenmtnpunterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-19644615978244927852010-01-21T16:46:38.058-05:002010-01-21T16:46:38.058-05:00Hey, at least he's not in jail, unlike Joe Bru...Hey, at least he's not in jail, unlike Joe BrunoEl Angelohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14145024095815950963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-55724379667442685592010-01-21T16:41:39.599-05:002010-01-21T16:41:39.599-05:00Alan, whats with the Keith Olbermann rant? You guy...Alan, whats with the Keith Olbermann rant? You guys wanted this Obama so badly....and now he's already proven that he's just another Cah-tah! Maybe worse! /s/greenmtnpunterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-34593104174135089532010-01-21T14:32:51.668-05:002010-01-21T14:32:51.668-05:00Closing Aqueduct, winterizing Belmont and creating...Closing Aqueduct, winterizing Belmont and creating a full casino at Belmont was the original NYRA plan.<br /><br />I thought this plan was dead but maybe the continued delays at Aqueduct is indicating that this plan has been resurrected and that Aqueduct is dead.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-80916424667706760852010-01-21T14:06:03.496-05:002010-01-21T14:06:03.496-05:00Why is Albany dragging its heals on choosing the V...Why is Albany dragging its heals on choosing the VLT operator for Aqueduct? Could it be that the vote by the Racing, Gaming & Wagering Committee in the Senate to approve VLT's at Belmont Park this week has any bearing on this delay? What are the chances of there being a real move to drop Aqueduct, turn it over to the Port Authority, and develop Belmont Park instead?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-66437979506210683182010-01-21T12:36:30.946-05:002010-01-21T12:36:30.946-05:00Our sport is bigger than anyone individual. For t...Our sport is bigger than anyone individual. For this reason Hayward has to go.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-86546523306412811732010-01-21T12:30:57.851-05:002010-01-21T12:30:57.851-05:00I am in awe of your punmastery here, Alan--bravo!I am in awe of your punmastery here, Alan--bravo!Teresahttp://www.brooklynbackstretch.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-39264468353880324712010-01-21T12:09:44.630-05:002010-01-21T12:09:44.630-05:00I believe that NYRA has lost most of whatever good...I believe that NYRA has lost most of whatever goodwill it had in Albany. The Trustees will need to be seen to take decisive action to demonstrate a change of direction and so we will see major changes in the management, including the dismissal of Dunker and Hayward. Expect to see Hal Handel be appointed the new CEO in Hayward's place which would be a very good move as Hayward has lost the confidence of just about everyone.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-9541971345469495742010-01-21T11:50:21.881-05:002010-01-21T11:50:21.881-05:00NiNapoli's spokesperson said the audit could t...NiNapoli's spokesperson said the audit could take one year depending on the the flow of information and cooperation from NYRA. If NYRA wants the audit over quickly I suspect it will cooperate. It is the right thing to do. Lets hope there is nothing untoward in the findings.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-73439477104607290692010-01-21T11:31:01.319-05:002010-01-21T11:31:01.319-05:00Can't say I'm as fired up as anon 8:03 but...Can't say I'm as fired up as anon 8:03 but I'm curious as to why the discourse isn't "with a super majority, the democrats could not put together a package that even one republican could support, not even Olympia Snow". Maybe now there will be an attempt at consensus building but I fear El Angelo is right.<br /><br />Are you saying your feelings about GW weren't visceral? Obama is trying to do plenty more than just pass health care.ljkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15345829432231688681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-10904252507935345182010-01-21T09:14:11.659-05:002010-01-21T09:14:11.659-05:00I agree with Anon 8:03, but let's be honest, t...I agree with Anon 8:03, but let's be honest, the GOP's entire game is to stymie everything of import on the Dem's agenda simply to make them look bad.El Angelohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14145024095815950963noreply@blogger.com