From the NY Times:Mr. Addabbo said that just two years ago, a vast majority of the constituents who contacted his office opposed same-sex marriage. But this year, he said, of the 6,015 people in his district who had written to him or called his office, 4,839 wanted him to vote for it. “In the end, that is my vote,” Mr. Addabbo said.
Doesn't it sound not only implausible that there would be such a shift in the attitudes of his constituents but also asinine to base his vote on how many yay and nay phone calls he received? You're supposed to base your vote on whether or not you believe it's the right thing to do or the wrong thing to do.
67 comments:
i will bet that he never verified that all these district constituents are valid voters.
Sen. Duane and Cm Quinn followers in Greenwich Village could have infiltrated the phone line and mailings, to the n.y.c. senators ?
big money (bloomberg) and influence peddling is rampant.
maybe the ny times will scrutinize his data ,like they did Alaska governor, Sarah Palin , thousands of E-mails ?
shall we hold our breathe ?
He is just seeing the reality of this situation and that if he wants any sort of future in politics -outside of some right wing enclave, he may as well go with the flow.
Personally I'll admit that the concept seems sort-of odd, and it'll be a bonanza for divorce lawyers...But a decade from now it will be standard in all civilized countries.
Take a look at the list of countries where it already exists in one form or another:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage
Some of them are a real surprise.
That fat Cardinal here in NY was good for a laugh yesterday when he condemned this issue. With all the decades of rampant pederasty in his church, he should just shut up.
I support gay marriage. It will hurt the traditional family, society etc.? How much more can the traditional family and society be hurt than by rampant capitalism, and America's imperial turn which even frightened General then President Eisenhower? Conservatives don't care the US is killing people in the Middle East, not just that, they applaud it. But Janet Jackson's tit being shown during the Super Bowl, or some gays in the West Village getting married puts them in an uproar. Half the reason I support the gays is the Republicans, the conservatives and other bozos are so against them.
"You're supposed to base your vote on whether or not you believe it's the right thing to do or the wrong thing to do. "
Actually no, a representative is supposed to represent us in the legislature, how the representative shroud only carry weight as far as the individual representative is concerned. Joe is being entirely appropriate here
A creep and sneak just like the rest of them
Mr writer:
No, he should be representing HIS constituents! Not on his personal beliefs.
you have it wrong. Of course to me it sounds like u r against the issue.
So if the situation was reversed and he sad no to gay marriage and u wanted it u would say the same thing.
Very biased indeed
Gays should have EVERY right to an unhappy marriage and divorce just like the heteroes
The big winners, divorce attnies
He should only be representing the constituents that call his office?
2 years ago the vast majority of people in his district were against it and he wants us to believe that in a very short period of time, they changed their minds? Does he think his constituents fell off a turnip truck?
He should be voting for the bill if he thinks it will make life better and against it if he thinks it won't. Period, end of story.
And for the record, I have no problem with gay marriage. I am pointing out the hypocrisy here, not condemning the man for taking a pro-position. He used the excuse that his constituents wanted him to vote no when he voted no last time, and anyone who can't see that he's lying now when he said they all are in favor is simply stupid.
He made a deal with the Dems for something down the road.
Good bye Addabbo - my vote has been withdrawn for you in the future.
I guess your content knowing that the majority of Middle Village and Elmhurst voters are not not family folks like you and your wife and children. I am guessing your kow-towing to the Governor's pressure to vote this way and give your explanations as to your vote to us, as a boldfaced lie.
You give people an inch and they want to stick a yard up our assH**es.
Let there be legal recognized partners, they have that and more right now. But let's not fight against or bring up the ugly reality that nature prevents nor is it fooled by those you attempt to defeat it. We do require to accept that this preference exists and as long as it harms no ones else so be it. Leave marriage alone in this instance Mr Addobbo or go show a few videos to your children on what the gay lifestyle seeks so that your children can take these same paths that you gleefully endorse.
It's summer,he's wearing his flip-flops............
If the legislature is going to change the definition of marriage because of marriage inequality, then all marriage situations should be legal. For example: polygamy or marrying a close relative likes a brother or sister. In many nations and cultures girls are married as young as 8 years old what about the rights of those immigrant men who want to bring there wives to America. If you argue for inclusion of some groups and exclusion of others, which you might not agree with, aren’t you just like the original oppressors?
I'm one of his constituents. I received his poll seeking my input on this controversial issue in the mail. I answered it and I appreciate his effort to try to assess constituent opinion on very controversial issues. His poll also included questions on two other controversial issues. Joe has my vote.
Crappy, you are probably correct about a deal having been made, but you are wrong if you think a legislator should not go with the majority opinion of those in his district. I'm no Adabbo fan, but I think he's doing the right thing in taking his consituents opinions into consideration.
So you think the majority opinion of people in his district is now in favor of gay marriage?
No, what is asinine is to vote to deny equal rights for any reason at all.
Interesting posts..
If our representatives only respond to polling data, then we may be better off simply voting on measures like this directly. This would be a true democracy.
But the framers of our country were well versed in history. The one time direct democracy was tried was ancient Greece and it was a disaster. It became mob rule. That is why the framers chose representative democracy.
But at this point, I'm so disgusted by the quality of the people running for office, I'm not sure what the solution is.
Yahweh did not officiate at the marriage of Adam and Steve.
That would be an ABOMINATION.
Whatever happened to Judaeo-Christian values?
And what's more, that lasagna-eating Governor is cohabiting in sin as well.
Just vote YES and be done with.
During the first vote, Addabbo received calls from constituents in his neighborhood who were against Same Sex Marriage.
This time around, Addabbo actively sent surveys to all his constituents in the district seeking for this information. As one of his constituents, I received one. This gave way to a bigger, more accurate sample of each side of the polarized vote on this issue. He received thousands of responses.
Also, the last I checked, we lived in a representative democracy. That means our politicians, esp local ones are voted upon office to be the voice of it's constituents, not the tyrant.
Gawd, Crappy. Your blog is getting less and less researched and legit crappy as time goes on.
Ok so once this passes then 2 men and 2 women can marry, correct? So if I want to add another man into my marriage I cannot because it is illegal, correct? How then is their equality in the proposed marriage law? What this law does is say that one group of persons is permitted to marry but not another. As long as you are in the group that is allowed then you are happy with the law. Sorry, but I don’t see how people advocating for this change are any different than those trying to prevent the current law from being passed. Am I missing something or can someone explain this to me.
He said of those who had written to him or called his office, not who answered a survey. Try reading the article before commenting. And I got the survey, too and tossed it in the trash. So how representative was that?
You tossed it in the trash? Ha. Pretty representative of how you just like to complain vs. take action, Crappy.
The point is...of the people who got the survey...the ones filling them out are most likely the ones who are either REALLY against it or REALLY for it. The ppl who threw it out, obv don't care about the 3 issues he asked about (education, same-sex marriage, or mta subsidies).
At this point it seems like there are more ppl that really want it, vs those who don't.
I agree with and commend Senator Addabbo's approach to actively seek the opinion of his constituents.
Is a lot better than Lynn Nunes' approach to winning Senator Huntley's seat by taking support money from Queens LGBT in exchange for a promise to vote yes. While I am for marriage equality, accepting money for a vote is bribery.
BTW, Senator Huntley has also changed her position due to the wants of her community. I don't you have brought about this issue. These are politicians that are actively seeking to assuage the majority of their constituents.
the wealthy homosexual lobby in NY State would never permit a referendum on homosexual state legislated unions between a man/man,woman/woman.
they lost in the state of California,and had a homosexual judge reverse the people's will.
the majority of citizens in U.S. are opposed to this abomination.
why is the governor sinning ? what a role model ?
when the homo's infiltrated the Catholic Church ,the immorality and seduction of your children began.
homo partners in states already can live together,with banking ,real estate,beneficiary, and medical entitlements.
Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind: it is an abomination.
Since the survey meant nothing, what was the point in filling it out? Most people in the district did not fill it out if he got so few of them.
The point is that he will use whatever excuse is necessary to justify his flip-flop. He will never be made to prove that he got X many phone calls pro or con.
He made a deal with the Dems and the morons in his district think their response on a survey is what made him change his mind.
How stupid are you people, really?
Thank you, Crapper.
EVERYTHING in politics is deal. Cuomo wants this, so Addabbo will vote yes to appease him and get something out of him in the future. He does not truly believe the majority of voters in his district want or care about gay marriage passing.
WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!
Sometimes I wonder why people drink the Kool-Aid passed out by their reps.
We wouldn't have many of the necessary laws on our books today if someone didn't have the backbone to stand up against public opinion once in awhile.
This should be decided by referendum if the pols are going to use unscientific surveys to gauge opinion of their constituents and then base their votes on that.
One man...one woman...once. Repeal divorce!
When people get a letter from a politician, how many even bother to open it? Almost all of them go in the trash. Basing your vote on a survey is B.S.
Other states have used referendum to decide the issue. But the Dems are afraid to do that here because then they won't be able to raise all that money from the gay lobby.
And it might not pass. If reps are supposed to base their votes on surveys that purport to reveal the will of the people, then just let them vote directly.
That fat Cardinal here in NY was good for a laugh yesterday when he condemned this issue. With all the decades of rampant pederasty in his church, he should just shut up.
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No representation without taxation. The Catholic Church doesn't contribute taxes, so their opinion should be meaningless.
Vote yes on same sex marriage.
I called Mr. Addabbo to express I was against gay marriage. The girl that answered took my information and that was it. It most likely ended up in the trash heap or was never written down.
501c3 gay not-for-profits don't pay taxes either, so I am not going to listen to them. Thanks for the suggestion.
No churches pay taxes, even the ones supporting gay marriage.
What ever the reason he is finally doing the Right thing..it's 2011..Live & Let Live!!And keep the Church out of it..this is about State business not Church!
I think the key to this whole issue is removing the word "marriage" as it invokes images of religious connections. Instead I believe it should be referred to as a " civil union". Giving both groups the same basic fundamental rights that are afforded to every American , Regardless of race, gender, creed, and or religious beliefs.
iT'S ALWAYS ABOUT THE MONEY AND MAYOR MIKE HAS PLENTY OF IT. MAYOR MIKE IS PAYING BACK QUINN FOR SECURING HIS THIRD TERM. ADABBO KNOWS THAT HE HAS TO PLAY TO GET PAID. AS FOR ME, HE'LL NEVER GET MY VOTE AGAIN.
I think the key to this whole issue is removing the word "marriage" as it invokes images of religious connections.
Wrong - leave religion out of it - Catholic priests are mostly gay or much worst - pervs and hide behind (literally) the "clergy robes" however under those robes they are very busy gays.
A union of man & woman - a marriage is based on opposite sex and the express ability to have children. A man fuc*ing another man is a preference but never a compatible union that a man and female have. So the preference that gay men and woman have is protected and so be it. Legal partners should be the correct goals to allow these folks to enjoy their lives. Marriage never!
Joe Addabbo does not know his constituents and he will see an election that will force him out of office. He is fibbing about this issue and thinks his constituents are stupid jackasses! Maybe he has been spending too much time with Quinn and her constituents. Don't be ashamed - you are whom you are.
yes,the catholic church does not vote or pay taxes, but their hundreds of millions of members do. they are being heard now and will defeat the politicians voting for homo "marriage", at the next election.
that will be their referendum vote.Addabbo is gone.
and if Avella votes for it ,he will be gone also.
Whatever happened to Judaeo-Christian values?
Since when do "atheists" base their arguments on religious scriptures?
New poll just released shows that 72% of those who voted for Addabbo will not vote for him in the next election. Surprised?
Right but he was offered a deal. Maybe an appointment is in his future.
Wrong - leave religion out of it - Catholic priests are mostly gay or much worst - pervs and hide behind (literally) the "clergy robes" however under those robes they are very busy gays.
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Leave religion out of it? As you insult only the Catholic Church. You are an ignorant, racist fool.
You do realize that Homosexuality for the most part is genetic, do you not?
A union of man & woman - a marriage is based on opposite sex and the express ability to have children. A man fuc*ing another man is a preference but never a compatible union that a man and female have. So the preference that gay men and woman have is protected and so be it. Legal partners should be the correct goals to allow these folks to enjoy their lives. Marriage never!
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Is that not what Alfredo said? So why the Catholic Bashing? You agree with the guy, make a good point, and discredit yourself with you biased comments againts the Catholic Church.
Deke, it was sarcasm. I forgot the smiley. :)
You do know, though, that many believe that America was founded [erroneously] on so-called Judaeo-Christian "values". (Whatever the hell that means.")
The anonymous poster who suggested the change of the wording from "marriage" to "civil union" - for everybody! - might be onto something.
Derivation of the word "conjugal" comes from the Latin "jugum" which means "yoke" - just like two oxen pulling a plough! Now that's a fine image of the institution of marriage, no?. Mooooo.
Hey listen, if you cats want to travel the Hersey Highway ("Owwwwwwwwcccch"), fine with me, but frankly I have to larf when I see gay wedding announcements in the Sunday New York Times. Me a homophobe? I dunno, although I find it's just a hoot to see a photo of two bald guys with glasses announcing their forthcoming wedded bliss on a newspaper society page. What, the Gay Marriage Act passes, and I can't giggle anymore? I, me, moi gotta see a shrink?
If this law pass, we'll get next brother-sister, or father-daughter, asking for permission to marry, calling it freedom of choice. It's just as perverted as man-man "marriage."
If this law passes, I want to marry my dog. She is beautiful, loyal and I love her. If this is all about equality then we are equal and can marry.
The anonymous poster who suggested the change of the wording from "marriage" to "civil union" - for everybody! - might be onto something
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Wasnt anonymous, and btw, you made some very good points.
Speaking of marrying one's dog.
From Wikipedia's entry on Leona Helmsley:
"She also left her Maltese dog, Trouble, a $12 million trust fund.[33] This sum was subsequently reduced to $2 million. Her choice to leave $12 million to her white Maltese, Trouble, was branded 3rd in Fortune's "101 Dumbest Moments in Business" of 2007.[34][35] Trouble lived in Florida with Carl Lekic, the general manager of the Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel, with several death threats having been received.[36][37] Lekic, Trouble's caretaker, stated that $2 million would pay for the dog's maintenance for more than 10 years—the annual $100,000 for full-time security, $8,000 for grooming and $1,200 for food. Lekic is paid a $60,000 annual guardian fee."[38] Trouble passed away at age twelve in December 2010, with the remainder of the funds reverted to the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. Although Helmsley's wishes were to have the dog interred with her in the mausoleum, New York state law prohibits interment of pets in human cemeteries and the dog was subsequently cremated."
After hubby Harry died, I find it outrageous that Leona could not marry Trouble. (Man, how she loved that pooch!) That would have permitted her to have the NY State law, that forbids pets to be interred in cemeteries for humans (mentioned in the excerpt above), declared unconstitutional, null, and void.
No?
Religion should be left out of it and there should be Civil Unions. The gay marriage issue should be on a referendum and voted on by the people, not the corrupt deal makers in Albany.
Kind of interesting in light of Weiner doing his thing.
Looks like government has no moral compass anymore.
Very sad.
It explains a lot when it comes to why we're going down the dumper so fast.
Hope Adabbo enjoys his senate seat. He is a one-termer if he votes for gay marriage. Howard Beach is catholic and against this bill.
Joe Addabbo. Stop bullshitting your constituents. Tell them just what IS the quid pro quo for your voting for gay marriage.
And Addabbo constituents, DEMAND, that he reveal this.
Anon No. 45:
Very wishful thinking, Gramps. Avella will vote for it and he'll be reelected. As will Addabbo. If the bill passes, the sun will rise in the east in the morning and set in the west in the evening. People are going to ask what the whole fuss was about. Nothing is going to cange and people will move on to the more important issues.
Why do people care so deeply about the sexual inclinations of strangers? It's almost comical, but mostly pathetic.
WHEN gay marriage passes, there will be no noticeable change in society. New York will still be New York, and you angry conservatives will still be angry.
Would someone please tell me why you can't bury your pet next to you in a cemetery? The rationale? I mean, it's just a hole in the ground.
Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Condemned last time issue came to a vote for voting no. Condemned this time for trying to get a real feel for his constituents views. All the hippocracy about the sanctity of marriage is BS. Over half of marriages end up in divorce and countless kids are being raised in single parent homes. So much for sanctity. As far as the Catholic Church is concerned, before I pay any attention to them on a gay related issue they can clean up their own house first.
Is that not what Alfredo said? So why the Catholic Bashing? You agree with the guy, make a good point, and discredit yourself with you biased comments againts the Catholic Church.
The concept of separation of Church and State is to weaken their joint powers. So my reference to the Catholic Church is that there is not much difference between those they bash and themselves. They just happen to have constituents that are unlike them and but fight for their viewpoint, while they fear their own uncloseting. But Gods creatures are just that and priests are not always the best examples as the Pols are not always the best examples to follow.
I believe a representative should vote to reflect the will of his or her constituents except in cases where mob rule -- the tyranny of the majority -- would curtail the fundamental liberty or compromise the security of others. Clearly marriage equality is such a case where we're experiencing a culture shift toward liberty, and if we weren't, legislators would be morally bound to lead it.
when thousands of n.y.c. pro-homo "marriage" agents descend on Albany, to coerce G.O.P.state senate members to vote their desire ,.is that not "MOB FORCED LEGISLATION" ?
add the thousands of pro-homo phone calls from their phone banks also.
it is reported that these homo- groups are threatening NO VOTERS with spending as much money as needed to defeat them in the next election.
read "DEMONIC "by Ann Coulter. it discusses liberal mob attackers of politicians.
"it is reported that these homo- groups are threatening NO VOTERS with spending as much money as needed to defeat them in the next election."
You mean something like what is bought and payed for by the Koch bros. via the "tea party"?
BTW: Who did this "reporting? -That bloated gasbag Limbaugh? Real credible.
Anon. No. 65:
Ann Coulter has the biggest Adam's Apple I've ever seen on a [ahem] woman. Why, why why????
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