Capital New York

WAM commented on 'Well, no, it's the fact': Hillary Clinton faces Senate Republicans on Benghazi

I think she was deft at trying to make things look as good as she could, and things do go wrong--look at 9/11/01 itself But the fact remains that 4 Americans got killed because of inadequate security at this particularly sensitive place and on a 9-11 anniversary, and concerns were not dealt with or conveyed to the top levels. Not too clear what penalty administrative leave involves. I think there are other not fully answered questions as well. Not clear to me what it means for Clinton to take responsibility---does that entail any consequence,such as blame or contrition? If it means anything, she should not just come out smelling of roses. (That said, I grant the biggest need is to look to the future.)

Posted on January 24th, 2013 10:58am

WAM commented on The swoon-proof Ray Kelly, in charts

I think it makes some sense that he gets credit for his efforts, outreach, etc. Plus the difference is not HUGE. Kelly looks to be popular, but the dept.is not doing badly.

Posted on January 19th, 2013 7:00pm

WAM commented on When Lautenberg's age met Booker's ambition: An elegy for the Swamp Dog

I think I detect some animosity toward Booker in the early paragraphs of the article/?' in any case I agree with seannj above. Not that I care about the Senate seat staying in Democratic hands, but I do think Lautenberg is too old (ironically, older than Millicent Fenwick was!!) and I don't see that Booker is doing anything wrong. (And if Lautenberg really has a hard time adjusting to retirement in his 90s, I feel like that is not the public's problem..)

Posted on January 15th, 2013 1:53pm

WAM commented on White flag over Fox Beach: A coastal community considers a permanent retreat from the water

(I wonder what are the common criteria and policies for determining how much government(s) should offer to pay.Is it the full assessed value? Is the value affected by the fact that the properties may be endangered?Can people ever be compelled to accept a buyout?? What might it cost all in all, and what other neighborhoods if any could realistically be considered for buyouts.) ....Maybe the whole thing is pie in the sky, but it's an interesting issue as global warming gathers force (assuming it does..)...

Posted on January 8th, 2013 10:26am

WAM commented on Lost Foods of New York City: Vichyssoise

Thanks for the article! I dont go back quite that far, but if you asked me to name a cold soup, vichyssoise would still be my first answer. Let's eat more of it! This would also be a good word for a spelling bee.

Posted on January 8th, 2013 10:08am

WAM commented on A Bloomberg transit dream come true, in Estonia

As Estonia goes, so goes Estonia.

Posted on January 7th, 2013 11:20am

WAM commented on A Council candidate's racist email, and a response

This seems to be taking incivility a few steps beyond the usual excesses.

Posted on January 4th, 2013 4:21pm

WAM commented on What's the point of being Speaker Boehner?

While one can debate which base is less reasonable and more absolutist and petulant, I think both Obama and Boehner have been more concerned with the interests of their base than those of the country as a whole. Seems to me Boehner's job requires him to be responsive in a way Obama's doesn't, especially since he's in his second term. Of course Obama may agree with his base in the first place, and Boehner may agree with his to a certain extent..... At any rate we need a grand bargain that both draws upon the "fair share" of the rich and cuts back appreciably on spending and entitlements. Each side needs to reach more for the middle and show less timidity about the base. Obama may be in a better position than Boehner to lead the way, but I don't think he has it in him.

Posted on January 3rd, 2013 11:57am

WAM commented on Hillary Clinton is hospitalized, after an injury conservatives doubted

Seems to me "apparently related" is too strong a thing to say on the basis of what has been revealed so far. At some point before long I suppose we will find out what the connection, if any was...... As to what some conservatives said about the concussion, they were speculating mischievously about something they couldn't know, and it may well turn out to be obvious that she needed to stay home and rest; but I'm not sure it's obvious at this point. Most people would rightly give her the benefit of the doubt, but speculation is not surprising in view of the circumstances.

Posted on December 31st, 2012 9:13am

WAM commented on Snowe: Bloomberg can influence the gun debate 'from his dimension'

I agree we need to look at the issue carefully and from all perspectives, considering both the reasonable rights of gun owners and the security of the public. Also: I hate to see Olympia Snowe leave the Senate.

Posted on December 29th, 2012 7:02pm