(In photo from left: Issac River,Tony Melé, Tommy Lopez and Ernesto Cordero)

With two Republican candidates on the ballot and one primary race, results will boil down to Tuesday September 14, where Republicans who reside in Congressional District 17 (parts of Rockland, Westchester and Bronx Counties), will cast a vote for Army Veteran and Security Expert, Anthony Melé or National Guard Reservist and Insurance Broker, York Kleinhandler.  If Republicans want a candidate who speaks boldly for them – the People – with the US Constitution in hand and best intentions in mind, the choice is simple, Anthony Melé for Congress.

Anthony Melé’s life- long service and dedication to America is nothing short of a super hero movie.  Traveling around the world providing high level and classified protection, Melé has decades of professional experience in a wide range of national and international capacities – the kind of experience that far outshines the regular statesman.

“Anthony Melé is a decorated US Army veteran that served with distinction in a variety of challenging assignments to include the US Military Training Mission to Saudi Arabia, 3rd United States Infantry [The Old Guard], Defense Intelligence Agency, Intelligence – Security Command and Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence at the Pentagon.”   Rubén Estrada, President, Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Orange County NY –President, LULAC Council-Hudson Valley Latinos

“I can say that before we met personally, Tony Melé’s reputation for courage preceded him. His credentials and service to our nation are impeccable. He has been entrusted with some of the most sensitive issues important to our national security.  Tony was requested by name on every occasion that required trust, diplomatic skill and discretion. I can attest to his character and sense of honor.”  Richard F. Stoltz, Former Deputy Director for Operations, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

“After our close professional and personal relationship of more than fifteen years, it is my honor to recommend you as a man of integrity, wisdom, professionalism, diplomatic skills, and courage.  You have proved yourself to be trustworthy, skillful in negotiations, knowledgeable, and clear in defense of your principles.”  Zeev Zacharin, Former Brigadier General, Israel Defense Forces (IDF)

“You are an outstanding leader in your community. As President of the 65th Honor Task Force [also known as “The Borinqueneers”] you are committed, understand the needs, provide excellent service and support to the veterans that you serve. No task is too difficult for you, yet you make the most difficult work look easy, routine and fun. We have absolute confidence in your judgment and professional competence.”  65^th Infantry Retirees and U.S. Armed Forces Veterans Association, Inc.

The following endorsement of Anthony Melé by Mr. François-Xavier Sidos, Managing Director of Point Org Securite, Saint Cloud, France exemplifies the kind of patriot Anthony Melé really is.  When you are finished reading his first-hand account, ask yourself:  If Anthony Melé is willing to scale a brick wall to complete a job, what will he do for us in the halls of Congress?

“I have known Tony Melé for over 16 years as a colleague, professional and close friend. I can attest as a witness he is a man of honor, courage and integrity. In the areas of security, diplomacy and negotiation his expertise, skill and performance were critical. We worked together on a high level business delegation meeting with the President’s, Military Leaders and Rebel Leaders of West African nations during times of intra-state conflict. Of the many instances where he demonstrated courage and quick thinking; I can share one of the first and most memorable to me.

We were meeting with Opposition Leaders from an African Nation in Paris who required extraordinary security services. We met at a well guarded Penthouse Suite, where by mishap we became locked out of the Penthouse with very valuable and sensitive communications equipment inside. With no way to penetrate the steel doors and multiple locks and keys locked inside. No realistic way to gain entry without violating the discretion required for this meeting; Tony went to the apartment directly below the suite; persuaded the occupants to permit him entry there; he then commenced to open the window and cooly stepped out onto the outside ledge. He shimmied across the building exterior to a drain pipe and gingerly scaled the wall 10 stories above the pavement up to the Penthouse window ledge. He pulled himself up as I watched with stunned, heart stopping anxiety as he ascended upward, onto the ledge and into an open Suite window. He then without so much as his hair out of place, opened the door and invited the now anxious delegation into the Suite with matter of fact coolness. This was the first day I met Tony Melé. Our long association is peppered with many such acts of pure audacity.”

That’s it Monsieur Sidos – you nailed it!  “Pure audacity” is the best way to describe Tony Melé!

Anthony Melé is a true believer, a dedicated steward of American ideals, and a proven servant just the same.   Republican voters in District 17 be sure to cast your vote for Anthony Melé in Tuesday’s primary and again in November, send Anthony Melé to Congress, sit back, and watch mountains move.

Touting “accomplishments” at her government website, McCarthy says the following about healthcare reform:

As a member of the Education and Labor Committee, one of the committees responsible for drafting the healthcare reform plan, Congresswoman McCarthy is playing a key role in the healthcare reform debate.

McCarthy is for the Healthcare law that was forced down our American throats in March 2010; and she is not working to repeal the legislation, rather plays a “key role” in its defense.  This shows that McCarthy votes with an allegiance to the Democrat Party instead of the voters who have outright rejected Obamacare as a worthwhile healthcare reform package (to say the least).

McCarthy is also for “gun safety.” Gun safety in her mind means giving the federal government the power to decide who can work at a gun shop, note the following:

Congresswoman McCarthy has introduced legislation that would require all gun store employees to pass a background check. Gun dealers would have to supply employee information so that the Department of Justice can run background checks on them using the National Instant Criminal Background Check Database (NICS) system and certify that the employee should be allowed to work in a gun store.

(I have a couple of questions for the Congresswoman:  How about some background checks on the illegal immigrants that loiter Nassau County?  And, why is the federal government deciding whether an innocent citizen is “allowed” to work?)

Republican Primary September 14

A Republican can win in Congressional District 4 if only they are united behind one candidate.

Candidates in this race include Nassau County Legislator (District 6) Francis “Fran” Becker; former legal counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, Frank Scatturo; and  Director of Gathering of Eagles – New York State chapter, Dan Maloney.

A decision admittedly is a difficult one because all three Republican candidates that are on the primary ballot are deserving of the voter’s attention for being well-meaning, conservative, pro-life Republicans with a unique background and a unique line of supporters.

Raquel’s Pick – Fran Becker for U.S. Congress

Fran Becker is the one candidate that stands out among the rest.  He is a well-liked eight term county legislator who has devoted his entire adult life to public service.  A devotion Fran says he “enjoys” because it gives him a “sense of purpose.”  “I am a person of faith,” Fran continues:

There is an effort to remove God from the public square even though the 2^nd Amendment is clear that nothing should get in the way of the practice of one’s religion.  People generally believe that our rights should not be regulated, and since Obama has been elected to office, the voters are recognizing that government is seeping into every dimension of our lives. We are concerned for the future of America.

Fran Becker is President of Becker & Associates Planning Services, and in that capacity, has the expertise to encourage financial stability at the federal level, Fran explains:

Because of over spending and over regulation by the Obama Administration, our economy is in shambles.  The financial markets sink and unemployment continues to rise.   As a small business owner and Certified Financial Planner, I meet with clients everyday to help them map their futures and share with them the disciplines necessary to create a successful financial plan.  I will bring these skills to Washington with a vision for the future and the understanding on how to create jobs and restore the American Dream.

If voters want to stop the financial-hole politicians have dug us into, we must unite behind good candidates that can win.  A vote for Fran Becker in the Republican primary is the first step in beating a Democrat who votes for “We the Government” not so much “We the People,” and the second step is by voting for Fran Becker again in November.

Fran Becker is the only candidate who can run a formidable race versus Democrat McCarthy because he has the political background to do so.  Fran Becker has been re-elected to the county legislature by wide margins for eight consecutive terms and has the endorsement of the Republican, Conservative and Independence Party lines.

Republican primary voters in District 4 ought to stand united behind Fran Becker now; give him the opportunity to actually win; and watch Fran Becker make it to the halls of the U.S. Congress where he will be a strong voice for the people in a sea of sycophants.

Fran Becker for U.S. Congress no ifs, ands or buts!

(Harry Lewis is a practicing attorney in New York City.)

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has doubled down on his “defense of religious liberty” rhetoric with respect to the proposed mosque near Ground Zero.  To listen to the mayor, you’d think that the religious liberty of American Muslims was in jeopardy.  That’s nonsense, of course.

Religious liberty is the right to worship free of government-imposed obstacles.  Rather than imposing obstacles, the Bloomberg Administration has bent over backwards to accommodate Muslim-Americans.  As I’ve noted elsewhere, there are at least one hundred mosques in New York City right now, and people worship there unmolested.  Years ago, Mayor Bloomberg appointed the General Counsel of CAIR, a Muslim activist front group, to the NYC Human Rights Commission, where he continues to sit.  Coddling Muslims is Mayor Bloomberg’s stock in trade.

So no government obstacles have impeded the proposed mosque near Ground Zero.  To the contrary, all local government boards, including the Community Board, have voted in favor of the project.  So by definition, the “religious liberty” of the Muslims proposing this project has not been impaired.  And Mayor Bloomberg knows it.

Bloomberg’s rhetoric is all a distraction from the real issues, which are Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s failure to move quickly after he was elected to either (1) rebuild Ground Zero as a commercial district; or (2) turn Ground Zero into a national monument, with changes to zoning and land use consistent with such a use.

On both counts, the Mayor (and other N.Y. politicians) has failed miserably. Hence, the current mayoral screaming and yelling about “religious liberty”, which isn’t even the issue. The issues are New York’s failure to redevelop Ground Zero, or to protect sacred ground, in a timely way (not the fault of Muslims), and national opinion about a mosque at that location (overwhelmingly opposed).

In the court of public opinion, Mayor Bloomberg and his Muslim allies already have lost decisively.  The American people already have decided that they dislike this mosque in this location.  Muslim-Americans have hurt their own cause by mass murdering U.S. soldiers at Ft. Hood, and planting a bomb in Times Square.  I’m aware of the dangers of generalization, but the American people have cause to be wary of the motives of a religious group some of whose members seem disposed to religiously-motivated mass murder and violence.  Its worse that recent religiously-motivated attacks involve Muslim-Americans, not foreign-born Muslims.  And some Muslim-Americans say publicly that they’re afraid to speak out against such violence, because they might be next.  Afraid or not, eventually they will have to choose between America and the extremists within their own ranks.  Be assured, America will protect her own.

As reported in a long article in the August 26, 2010 edition of the New York Times, the Muslim world itself is divided about the proposed mosque near Ground Zero.  Some senior Muslim clerics think it foolish for American Muslims to push forward with this project.  This proves that there are wise leaders within Islam.

“Dalil Boubakeur, head of the Grande Mosquée of Paris and one of the most senior Islamic clerics in France, told France-Soir: “There are symbolic places that awaken memories whether you mean to or not. And it isn’t good to awaken memories.”

A senior cleric at Egypt’s Al Azhar, the closest equivalent in the Sunni Islamic world to the Vatican, said that building at the proposed location sounded like bad judgment on the part of American Muslims.

“It will create a permanent link between Islam and 9/11,” said Abdel Moety Bayoumi, a member of the Islamic Research Institute at Al Azhar. “Why should we put ourselves and Islam in a position of blame?”

They’re correct, of course.  American Muslims are building a monument that will remind Americans permanently of the link between the 9/11 terror attacks on New York and the Pentagon and Islam.  In my opinion, that’s foolish if what they seek is reconciliation and healing, as opposed to conflict and contention.

Several GOP primary races in New York State have voters excitable this year, but none more than the race to challenge Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.  Gillibrand’s credibility as a “moderate” Democrat she once claimed to be has long since faded since she was first appointed Junior U.S. Senator from New York in March of last year.

Being a “moderate” in Democrat party circles today is not what it used to be yesterday.  If Democrats do not adhere to a party agenda that asks not what we can do for our country, but what can we take from the tax payers who support it, their opinions are no longer welcome.

Saying Gillibrand is part of the problem in Washington D.C. is an understatement.  Rather than standing by conviction and the will of the people who are screaming for government restraint, her voting shows a dismal record of yes, yes, and yes, to every spending bill imaginable.  She is a walking, talking, parrot of the Obama administration; the same administration that hard working Americans are fighting to dismantle.

New York:  We can do this

For Republicans who want to win, they will be heading to the polls on Tuesday September 14 (primary day) to vote for former U.S. Congressman and Conservative Party designee for U.S. Senate, Joseph DioGuardi.

For Republicans who want to lose, they will be heading to the polls on Tuesday September 14 (primary day) to vote for either GOP designee Bruce Blakeman or Wall Street economist, David Malpass.  Both candidates have zero electability, and both candidates face a landslide loss against Gillibrand, yet both candidates are being backed by two separate power- broker groups, high- up in the Republican party who want Gillibrand to win.

Former U.S. Senator Republican Al D’Amato who is publicly supporting Blakeman but privately supporting Gillibrand, fought hard to keep DioGuardi from winning the GOP designee spot, possibly in a slap to the face of Conservatives who overwhelmingly support DioGuardi, but definitely because his close and long-standing relationship with Gillibrand and her family has D’Amato supporting Gillibrand all along.

New York State Chairman Ed Cox, on the other hand, is publicly supporting Malpass but privately supporting Gillibrand and took a public bruising recently when his favored choice of candidates in the Governor’s race failed miserably at the convention.  (My guess is) Cox’s motives are purely egotistical.  Joe DioGuardi represents a different kind of state government and a different kind of Republican Party.  This is what Cox is afraid of with DioGuardi.  Joe is ready, able and willing to say No! to a party that says is about principles, yet is more interested in power and control.

New Yorkers want Joe DioGuardi to win

DioGuardi’s lead in the polls is steady and is one indicator of growing support among primary voters.

Among Republicans, DioGuardi continues to lead, 19 percent to eight percent for Blakeman and five percent for Malpass, with 68 percent of enrolled Republicans undecided.  Siena College Poll 8/18

Joe DioGuardi credits his lead in part to “Facebook, Twitter, and other networking websites that increase my ability to communicate with voters, so it has had its effect.”  Indeed Joe’s Facebook friends and twitter fans dwarf both of his opponents in the GOP primary race.  That is because the electorate is learning that Joe is the real deal, a true leader in government reform, and fully focused and determined to bring common sense to Washington D.C.

If we elect Joe DioGuardi to the U.S. Senate, we would elect the first practicing certified public accountant to the chamber; we would elect a proven, fiscal conservative; and we would elect someone who opposes the termination of innocent human life through abortion.

Joe DioGuardi is a Republican’s Republican; a Conservative’s Conservative.  The more I talk to him, the more I like him.  If you have not met him already, call his campaign office, get his schedule, go and meet him yourself.  Joe DioGuardi is jumping through hoops in his fight to be a voice for the people not the establishment, help me, help him get there!

Vote for Joe DioGuardi on primary day, Tuesday, September 14.

Politicos and patriots alike will pick and choose candidates, smile and shake hands, and at the end of the day, voters will have their say, and volunteers will find satisfaction in giving it their all in support of a candidate they believe in.  But not all politicos are honest, and not all tea party “patriots” are patriots.

Under the guise of informing the public in a non-biased way, some tea party leaders have lowered themselves to boosting their own candidate and insulting anyone who disagrees with them.  These so-called patriots are what I like to call PINOs, an acronym to describe a Patriot in Name Only.  These are tea party goers who want to inform the public alright, but they want you to choose their candidate, over your own choice, at all costs.  It is the tea party acting like the political party bosses they despise.

Tea bag in tea party clothing

Take for instance a scheduled meet and greet with Republican and Conservative Party designee for New York State Governor, Rick Lazio this past Monday evening, August 16, in Orange County, New York.  The organizer of the event, Sheryl Thomas, a known Carl Paladino (Lazio’s opposition in the GOP primary) supporter, comes across as honest, fair, and accommodating, but is nothing of the sort.  In fact the whole meeting was a set up (I’m convinced!) to make Rick Lazio look bad.

Indeed the Lazio campaign reached out to Thomas (as well as many other tea party organizers) and booked Rick for a meet and greet on August 16.  The Lazio campaign attempted to contact Thomas repeatedly that same day but received no return call.  Lazio had an unexpected invitation to appear on PBS’ News Hour (one of the most watched evening news programs in New York) that same night to engage in a debate vs. a liberal Democrat, over whether to build a mosque near the site where thousands of people were killed on 9/11.  (I’m sure we will agree a topic of importance!)   The Lazio campaign was actually hoping to make the Orange County event afterward – arriving a little late.

When the Lazio campaign did not hear back from Thomas, however, they were not sure whether the invitation was still open, and figured Thomas would understand and reschedule.  Yet rescheduling a meet and greet with Rick was not Thomas’ intention at all, her intention was to use any circumstance to smear Lazio in front of her tea party group.  So when the situation presented itself, Sheryl jumped on it.

The following day, instead of contacting the Lazio campaign for an explanation or a rescheduled date or simply to return their multiple calls, Thomas and her sycophant friends are screaming all over Facebook and other websites that Lazio was a “no-show” Monday night and “canceled five minutes before”.  This is a flat out lie meant to discredit Rick Lazio, not meant to convey a truth.

The reason why I am so sure that Lazio’s campaign is being honest is because my contact there is a brilliant woman with superb organizing skills and a rich background in politics, who would never make the mistake of a “no show” or cancellation “five minutes before.”

Sheryl Thomas pretends to be a patriot, but acts like a self absorbed political party boss who knows better than you.  Like Rick Lazio or not, when one comes across as being impartial, be impartial then, do not lie to smear a candidate you dislike.  Smear them with truth – that’s the patriot way!

New Yorkers are bored, broke and out of work

New York State is in such dire financial straits that citizens and their businesses are skipping town in droves, and jobs are becoming scarcer than they were one year ago.   Add higher tax rates and a burdensome bureaucracy, it is no wonder.  New York Democrats who control the entire state are out of money and ideas, yet continue to spend tax payer money as if it grows on trees.  Add a growing federal government under Obama that forces spending mandates on a state that already has a budget it cannot afford, and you have the making of a bankrupt, regulated, and tired New York.

This is why the governor’s race is so important to us and makes some of us whacky.  We already know that Andrew Cuomo will manage New York like a tax and spend Democrat that he is; no one is fooled by his phony tea party style rhetoric.  Under continued Democrat control, the state will be bankrupt within one term, and New York will petition the federal government for funds, and in exchange, will be forced to swallow all sorts of further federal mandates.  This takes power away from the state, and power away from all New Yorkers, with no light at the end of the tunnel.

Advice to Tea Party Patriots

Meet the candidates yourself, learn the facts, and think about it.  If you are so inclined to choose a candidate and become a volunteer – do it!  What you should not do, however, is be naïve enough to think that the banner of “tea party” is tantamount to the banner of “truth.”  Without truth, there can be no liberty, and is it not liberty that the tea party is fighting for?

Rubén Estrada- President, Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Orange County NY –President, LULAC Council-Hudson Valley Latinos responds:

“I don’t know… how anyone of Hispanic heritage could be a Republican.” I am appalled and insulted with such a question from the US Senate Leader Harry Reid. I can only attribute the question as a sign of desperation! He realizes that Hispanic Americans are a significant major electorate who are no longer guaranteed to the Democratic party, and are not only Republicans, but Conservatives, and yes, Tea Party members. This, again, is a continued effort to use race in polarizing Americans. He as well as many others Democrats, continue to ask how, and why, a Puerto Rican or Hispanic can be a Republican. These are the same Liberal Democrats who have always spewed their rhetoric – that they are advocates of equality, women and inclusive of all. Except, that is, if you are a pro life conservative thinking female, Latino – or other free thinking person with values other then the progressive liberal. These free thinking people need not apply at the Democratic Party.

We Republicans must take pride in being the party with demonstrated leadership in diversity by our past policies, sensitivities and major Latino appointments. Let us not forget the many Latinos appointed by Republican Presidential administrations in my time, dating back to President Nixon. As Hispanic Republicans we must see the question posed by Senator Reid as a call to action. The timing is such that we, as a party, cannot allow Democrats to develop any reasons of perceived conflicts with our Hispanic community, and, we should embrace the Hispanic electorate.

It is not us to be seen as haters, or exclusive. Now, more than ever, I truly believe the party leadership, with its interest of inclusion of the Hispanic community, must regroup with the main objective of maintaining our position – as the party of Hispanic’s. We must advocate for the alternative, downplay the hate spewed by the Democrats, and conduct an aggressive inclusion initiative to identify, support qualified Hispanic candidates. This can only be achieved by toning down the attacks, and galvanizing the historically loyal Hispanic Republicans for a positive unified approach.

Now allow me to answer the question with my experiences. For my entire teenage and adult life I have had to answer such a question as this one by Reid.

I will answer the question of why be a Republican. I begin by sharing some important history. I began my journey as a Republican at the age of 14, during 1967 civil rights era. Although not of age to vote, I realized then that my mind was made up. At age14, in East Harlem (El Barrio), I was fortunate to have been raised by my parents, both Puerto Rican who instilled life’s rules and values which today are interpreted and defined as very conservative ! I see them, as just values!

Like every 14 year old Puerto Rican in Spanish Harlem (El Barrio) I was playing stickball, stoopball and other sidewalk games to pass the time. One day I was ask by my mother and sent on an errand to the La Marquetta located on 111th St and Park Avenue. It was an open food market which spanned several blocks under the metro north railroad. While I walked to the market I observed many people, actually a large crowd on 110th Lexington Avenue. I immediately thought this was another crime scene or an emergency response, and so I continued on my way. Yet, with my curiosity of youth, and a natural instinct of community involvement, my focus shifted – and I decided to see what the commotion was about.

To my surprise it was a political rally, not just a political rally but a major political rally. Moreover, on the mobile flat bed truck I recognized NYS Governor Nelson Rockefeller. I decided to stay and listen for a while. Once on the stage, Governor Rockefeller began to roll up his sleeves of his white shirt; later I learned a signature move. To my astonishment he began to address me and a very large crowd in my first language – Spanish. The language was spoken fluently and made me feel welcomed! His message personalized! I was totally impressed. Additionally, while listening to him in Spanish, I observed that on stage and close to him were four people that looked like me, all high ranking Latinos of his administration.

That was when I realized I was bitten politically.

I was so impressed I had to find out who were those guys. I later inquired and put names to the persons on stage; they were Mr. Angel Rivera, Mr. Manuel Gonzalez, Carlos Rios and Edward Mercado all members of the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Young Republicans of New York State. Governor Nelson Rockefeller appointed more Latinos and Minorities to his administration than any other NYS Governor since. Moreover I befriended the group of Hispanic Republican leaders and they took me under their tutelage, and mentoring me. In 1970 they sponsored me to the Teenage Republican School (TAR), Siena College. The subsequent two years I attended TAR School and in 1972, at age 19, was nominated and attended my first convention – as a floor Convention Delegate Page. This was at the Republican National Convention in Miami Beach Fl. Immediately thereafter I became a staff member of the Committee to Re-Elect President Nixon.

Below I must share some relevant history of my personal hero and role model, Oscar Garcia Rivera- Republican. Oscar Garcia Rivera- Republican Oscar Garcia Rivera served in the New York State Assembly from 1937 to 1940. Oscar Garcia Rivera, the first Puerto Rican to be elected New York State Assemblyman and first to elective office in the continental United State. Moreover, he was a Republican. His election was a milestone since he was able to unseat a 24-year Tammany Hall incumbent Democrat. Personally, Mr. Garcia has played an important role for me and has been a true inspiration as a role model in my political life. As a young Republican growing up in East Harlem (El Barrio) it was very lonely as it must also have been for Oscar Garcia Rivera. As an out spoken and active Republican I experienced much difficulty since my party affiliation was not embraced, accepted and was outright dangerous. For many years I felt that the Republican Party, and that which it represented was truly reflective of my personal thoughts, values and those of my community. Understanding the great obstacles and adversities of which Mr. Oscar Garcia Rivera must had endured made my situation a bit more tolerable and yet more persistent.

The rest of my personal life as a Conservative Republican is history! Then as a young man, and as it is today, I believe the Republican Party is the true Party of inclusion, reform, prosperity and peace.

Ruben Estrada, President Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Orange County N.YP.O. Box 2192, Monroe N.Y 10950Tel : 845.537.1307Email : rnhaoc@optonline.netNY State Vice Chairman-RNHAwww.RNHAOC.orghttp://www.facebook.com/RNHAOC

RUBEN ESTRADA- POLITICAL/ CIVIC 2008- Delegate – John McCain – Republican National Convention – Minneapolis St Paul, Minnesota 2007- Present – Vice Chairman, New York State – Republican National Hispanic Assembly-State Chapter2004- Present – Board Member- SUNY Orange County Community College Foundation 2003- Present – Board Chairman, Newburgh Boxing Club 2003- Former 2007 – Board Member- United Way of Orange County, N.Y 2003- Present – Hispanic Community Liaison, Orange & Ulster Counties – NYS Senator William Larkin 2002 – Commissioner – Orange County Human Rights Commission 2002- Present – President, Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Orange County, NY 2002- Present – Executive Committee Member- Orange County Republican Committee 1999 – Board- Member Herbert Lehman College Board Member (PAC) –Member- Bronx NY 1997 – Founder, Madison Avenue Initiative – Minority media Owners /focus on inequalities in Advertising. 1996 – Recipient – National Puerto Rican Day Parade (Award) – The Dr. Ramon Emiterio Betances 1995 – State University of New York – Fuerza Latina- Leadership Award Recipient 1994 – Awarded, Bronx County- RNHA– “Recognition Outstanding Coalition Building” Award 1994 – Recd-New York State Senate (Legislative Resolution Senate No. 3869) – Legislation passed 1994 – Recd New York State Assembly (Legislative Resolution Assembly No. 2683) – Legislation passed1994 – Awarded, New York State RNHA–“In recognition of your Dedication and Outstanding Leadership” 1993 – Founder / First Hispanic-Asian Republican Conference- One World One Vision Albany, NY 1993 – Special Assistant to Chairman William Powers, New York Republican State Committee 1993 – Director, Office of Coalition Building – NY Republican State Committee 1993 – Director, Victory 93’, Field Operations and Ballot Security Hispanic Field OP– Giuliani for Mayor, NYC1992 – Founder/ Organizer, Republican National Hispanic Assembly (RNHA) Dutchess County Chapter NY1992 – Founder/ Organizer, Republican National Hispanic Assembly (RNHA) Orange County Chapter, N.Y.1991 – Founder/ Organizer, Republican National Hispanic Assembly (RNHA) Suffolk County Chapter NY1987 – Elected New York Republican State Committee 1987 – Founder/ Organizer, Republican National Hispanic Assembly (RNHA) Albany, Capitol District NY1986 – National Conference of Black Mayors, Atlantic City, New Jersey – Consultant 1980 – Founder, Eisenhower/Ferrer Republican Club, New York City 1978 – Elected Republican District Leader, 72 Assembly District 1976 – Republican Candidate, New York State Assembly 72 Assembly District 1976 – Participant – Presidential Motorcade – Air force One -President Gerald Ford, NYC 1976 – Assistant Chief Page–Republican National Convention, Kansas City 1974 – Founder – Republican National Hispanic Assembly/ National –Crystal City VA 1972 – Staff- Committee to Re-Elect the President / Nixon 1972 – President-Puerto Rican Hispanic Young Republicans of New York State 1972 – Page-Republican National Convention, Miami Beach, FL 1970 Teenage Republican School (TAR School), Siena College, Albany, New York

Fighting for a voice in an assembly that has Republicans in a super minority, Ball manages to crack down on illegal immigration, effectuate a free college tuition program for U.S. combat veterans, provide health insurance for victims of a rare autism disease, and force a moratorium on hydrofracking due to water contamination concerns, to name a few accomplishments, amidst many hurdles.

“Leadership matters,” Greg explains, “in order to get things done, officials must stay active in their community, independent-minded and prepared to challenge the establishment.”

Bucking the system

At one time holding a position on the state assembly “corporation and authorities” committee, Assemblyman Ball uncovered the unfortunate truth that IBM’s multinational, computer technology corporation is accepting taxpayer funds to create jobs for New Yorkers, yet is creating jobs overseas.

Ball called for an investigation into IBM’s layoffs and off shoring of New York jobs, The company had accepted $45 million from the state as the first installment of $75 million in taxpayer money to create 1,000 new jobs.  Times Herald Record.

Sounds like a subject in need of review, right? Wrong.  Officials, having their own (a-h-e-m) comfortable ($-$-$) arrangement with IBM, rejected Ball’s proposal, removed him from committee, and ended the discussion right there.  This is corruption with a capital “C” folks, that Greg Ball is unafraid to expose (kudos to him!).

But this is what Assemblyman Ball does and why he is wildly popular:  He listens to the people then advocates for them with consistency and common sense – it is precisely the kind of representation the people are searching for and precisely why Ball is poised to win.

Assemblyman Ball has won election after election without major party endorsement by reaching out to the voters directly and winning their support each time (72% of the vote in 06 and 75% of the vote in 08).  “I appreciate the strength in grassroots volunteers.  Response to my campaign has been overwhelming,” says Greg in a moment of gratitude.

Greg calls his Republican opposition, Somers Town Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy, a “warm body” and “puppet” of an entrenched political machine that needs breaking.  The Republican party-backed candidate, Murphy, does not hold a candle to Ball’s principled demeanor and ability to effect positive change in Albany.

Since a puppet is easier to handle than a live wire, Party leaders and elected officials will do anything to stop Greg Ball from moving up to the Senate, and have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars smearing his good name.

Greg Ball is the only conservative Republican in the primary race

Despite being an intelligent and nice woman, Murphy does not have the same dedication and platform that makes Greg Ball the better candidate.  As Town Supervisor, Murphy increased her salary by 40% and raised mortgage taxes by 240%.  She is “pro-choice” and has a 10 year anti-second amendment record.  Is this the marking of a conservative Republican? Hell no!

Murphy’s Democrat-like positions are a stark contrast from Ball’s Republican-like positions.  Greg Ball is pro-life, pro-2^nd Amendment, and supportive of smaller government and less taxes for New York.  So, when my political junkie friends ask me “Raquel, are you backing Greg Ball?” my answer is, Hell yes!

The Judge spoke by giving the voters an option, and the people spoke by volunteering, collecting and signing petitions to assure primary ballot access to Republican Tony Melé.  Without these supporters, Republican “leaders” would deny citizens a chance to vote for Tony Melé for Congress, the only candidate with the credentials and backbone to take on the Democrat apparatus of tax and spend liberal Rep. Eliot Engel.

Steeped in an eleven year incumbency, Engel has made the comfy deals with high level Democrat and Republican operatives that finds him in the coziest of positions – having to face no real opposition – Engel slides into electoral victory every time.  Voters, who are sometimes ignorant but oftentimes manipulated, are left with the same-old, same-old politicians that say they want what is best for you, yet operate in the interest of what is best for them.

Time for a change in leadership

The wholly corrupt Republican machine, which is knee deep in a smear campaign to make Tony Melé – the only likeable Republican candidate in District 17 – go away, is in the business of protecting Democrats and steering a-n-y-o-n-e  with the kind of electability Melé possesses away from the electorate.

The operation run by Rockland County and State GOP Vice, Chair, Vincent Reda, could not be a better example of an organization entrenched in party politics with far reaching influence including Bronx and Westchester County Republican and Conservative Parties respectively, and a collective effect on state Party decision-makers that (if Reda had his way) would have created a no choice, no primary scenario for Republicans and Conservatives in District 17.  (Thanks Tony for taking this battle to the end!)

In Congressional District 17 Vinny Reda is the top boss; let’s say el jefe, who runs the Republican Party more like a wheelin’ and dealin’ car dealership than a forward looking conservative force in Republican politics.  Vinny doles out the political jobs, makes back slapping deals with Democrats, and continues on by bullying opponents, misleading voters, and jeopardizing Republican advancement without any meaningful refute (until now).

Fighting off political opponents on the “same side” instead of Democrat Engel

It is an unwritten rule that Veterans who shrink to questioning a fellow Veteran’s honor is lower than dirt.  But that did not stop Tony Melé’s primary opponent, Republican York Kleinhandler and goons from spreading falsehoods about the veracity of Tony Melé’s valor award which he received when he was twenty years old.

Since opponents cannot find a single stain on Tony Melé’s distinguished 32-year career, what you will hear from them are falsehoods, and what you will see are disgruntled weaklings mouthing off empty words of dishonorable deceit, all in an effort to stop a conservative, electable, Republican candidate from winning.

Speaking of disgruntled weaklings

Because NewsCopy editor, Bob Fois, could not get a job working for Tony Melé as a campaign consultant, he has ensued a non-stop harassment campaign of conspiracy theories and rumors, on anyone who will listen, hoping to “teach Tony a lesson” that “he” should have hired “me” and will suffer the consequences – issues be damned.

This is precisely the type of arrogance the tea party is sick of, yet Fois pretends to speak for the tea party – showing his arrogance and hypocrisy!

Let this be a wake-up call to Bob Fois

You are lucky Tony Melé has the integrity to ignore you and not turn your face into a squashed watermelon.  Your antics are hurting your credibility and your standing as a journalist.  Cover the issues that are there and stop inventing problems that do not exist.  Your quest to hurt people at all costs who disagrees with you is inappropriate and unattractive.

Unless you can control yourself or get on some meds quick, your next move ought to be crawling into your little hole and staying there because NO ONE is listening to you.

The NAACP remains true to its sordid past.  Its co-founder, W.E.B. DuBois, was an avowed Communist who won the Lenin “Peace” Prize.  Thus, it is hardly surprising that the NAACP should slander patriotic Tea Party members as “racists”.

If the NAACP were genuinely concerned about racism they would focus on the Black Panthers.  The Panthers intimidated white voters in Philadelphia with racial slurs while carrying batons and sporting paramilitary garb.  Its spokesmen subsequently advocated murdering “cracker babies” and white police officers.  Yet Attorney General Eric Holder’s Department of Justice has dropped charges of voter intimidation against them (despite the overwhelming video and audio evidence).

More importantly, the NAACP never addresses the blatant racism inherent in Planned Parenthood.  Planned Parenthood’s foundress, Margaret Sanger, was a supporter of Nazi eugenics and even spoke at a KKK rally.  Sanger sought to exterminate blacks by targeting minority neighborhoods with birth control, abortion, and sterilization (as Planned Parenthood does today).

NAACP, condemn the real racism in Planned Parenthood and in the Black Panthers, not non-existent racism in the Tea Parties!

(Vincent Ferro, a traditionalist Catholic, is a retired school teacher and writes on matters of Catholic interest.)

(Editor’s Note:  Read how Planned Parenthood is sexing-up children in Michelle Malkin’s The Predators of Planned Parenthood.)

“Duty, Honor, Country” is the way Brigadier General Arthur Jackson closes his letter addressed “Dear Fellow Republican” dated July 2010, yet there is not one shred of duty, honor, or country comprised in the letter that falsely smears  a fellow decorated U.S. Army Veteran, Republican Anthony “Tony” Melé, candidate for U.S. Congress.

What the good general neglects to disclose in his letter distributed to Republicans residing in New York’s District 17, is his avid support for Republican York Kleinhandler for Congress, Tony Melé’s GOP primary opponent.

Indeed, Jackson wrote an ill-conceived, without merit, personal attack letter on Anthony Melé, his record and his service to America.  So in addition to Jackson’s failure to advise Republicans of a political bias towards one candidate over another, he stands on his own service to tarnish a statesman and veteran’s good reputation with weak innuendo and no proof.

And it is not just Tony Melé, Jackson looks down upon, but all non-combat U.S. military veterans who serve with distinction during what is perceived as “peace time” yet serve with the same vulnerabilities and the same honor.

Tony Melé gets smeared for saving a girl’s life.

At issue in Jackson’s letter is a valor award Tony Melé received in 1979, that Jackson says is “extremely and falsely exaggerated”. It is really a non-story that Jackson, and others behind him, resort to for nothing better, for asserting an untrue insinuation against a valor award that Melé received thirty years ago is hardly newsworthy.  It would be more telling if Kleinhandler (ahem I mean) Jackson could find one blemish on Tony’s prestigious 32 year career.  They cannot.

As a 20 year old Army Specialist, Tony Melé was issued “The Army Commendation Medal” on December 20, 1979 for:

Exceptional valor and intrepidity while saving a young woman from death by drowning in the Potomac River on the night of 6 June 1979.  Specialist Melé demonstrated alertness and quick action, without concern for his personal safety, while exposing himself to the same hazard.  Upon observing the woman fall out of the boat, he raced to the river embankment and noticed that she had submerged in the murky water.  He dove into the river and by sheer determination, located her, brought her to the surface, and with the woman on his back, climbed the retaining wall to safety.  Specialist Five Melé’s courageous Act is in keeping with the highest valued traditions of the Old Guard and reflects great credit upon himself, the United States Army, Military District of Washington, and the United States Army.  Signed by Robert Arter, Major General USA Commanding and witnessed by the Secretary of the Army.

Tony Melé responds to false accusation.

No worries – my political opponents can argue whether saving a life was an act of valor or stupidity – my reward comes from a higher authority.  I’ll focus on repealing the spending spree by this lame duck congress, keep terrorist trials out of New York, and work on being the 216th NO vote against any other government power grab detrimental to the 17th CD and American people.

Tony Melé is an internationally known and highly respected security expert.

Served a distinguished six year career with the U.S Army, achieving the rank of Noncommissioned Officer and Guidon Bearer for the elite Infantry unit, “The Old Guard”.

Obtained a B.S. in International Relations and Counter Terrorism from the State University of NY and an M.A. in Diplomacy-International Conflict Management from Norwich University, Vermont.

Honed his operational expertise with challenging US military assignments and corporate consulting contracts, providing a wide range of protection, security, procurement, and support and training services.

Has attained progressive levels of management responsibility as a corporate officer, CEO and project manager responsible for sales, services and technical teams throughout the US, Middle-East, Africa, Europe and Latin America.

Nominee for the White House Fellowship program, and received special recognition awards from the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Marshal Service and a Presidential appointment as the Selective Service local board member for the Hudson Valley, State of New York.

With a mountain of credentials to run on, Tony Melé ’s campaign is backed by a long line of Tea Party supporters, Young Republicans, and patriotic New Yorkers who see Tony as the “real deal” unafraid to challenge corrupt officials and party bosses who have lost sight of basic party principles.

When party leaders turn a blind eye to wrongdoing, these “leaders” are not leaders at all because they turn a blind eye to the people too.  Kleinhandler is such a weak Republican candidate one has to wonder whether his GOP designation is a result of a non-aggression deal with the Democrats.

If so-called party leaders would scrutinize Kleinhandler’s background as closely as they scrutinize Melé, a stark difference would be clear.  Kleinhandler is a moderate, boring, “pro-choice”, steal from Grandma Republican and Tony Melé  is a vibrant, tell it like it is, pro-life, support the people, conservative Republican.

(I have said this before, and I’ll say it again, supporting Tony Melé for U.S. Congress in this race is a cake-walk, just do it!)