A Message from NYSYR Chairman Chris Dziedzic

There have been lots of great things going on this summer with the New York State Young Republicans. The Saratoga County chapter hosted our SEVENTH Annual YR Day at the Races on Saturday, August 2nd. Our clubs in Onondaga and Oswego Counties coordinated a successful YR golf outing that took place on Saturday, July 19th.

Of course, we are also being contacted by numerous Assembly, Senatorial and Congressional campaigns about our involvement this fall.

Speaking of the fall campaign, many of our fellow Republicans were relishing the ongoing campaign of Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination despite the mathematical hurdles she faced. They were hoping for chaos and division at the Democratic national convention reminiscent of 1980.

That year, Ted Kennedy correctly thought that Carter was weak and vulnerable. He challenged him in a protracted primary battle that lasted into a contentious convention in Madison Square Garden. Carter was weak, but it wasn’t another liberal Democrat that would deliver the coup de grace, but the Republican nominee, Ronald Reagan.

Why had Hillary stayed in the race so long? I attribute it to her enormous ego and unhealthy passion to be elected President. Despite all of the unpleasant facts around her, for that overwhelming ambition of hers, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die. Her comments at one point suggested she’s hanging around waiting for someone to assassinate her opponent.

We cannot allow this set of circumstances to make us complacent, however, with the prospect of Republican successes this year. Instead we need to work hard, as we have started this summer, to ensure victory this fall.

Christopher Dziedzic is the Chair of the NYSYR. Long after the signs come down… and the crowds stop cheering… and the bands stop playing… may it be said of him that he kept the faith of the NYSYR.

A Night of Laughter In Suffolk

by Chris Como, Suffolk YRs

The Suffolk County Young Republicans recently held their Comedy Night 2008 on April 29th at the Elk’s in Patchogue, Long Island.

The event was a huge success, raising significant money for the club as well as offering a great night of entertainment.

As a club, we are always looking for fresh ideas on how to raise money for the club and at the same time avoid the traditional chicken dinner fundraiser.

With a comedy night, we were able to attract not only our traditional Republican supporters, but also our family, friends, and co-workers who may not be extremely interested in politics.

What made the event even easier to assemble was the fact that one of our local committeemen is a professional comedian, who was able to book all the comedians for a very low fee. The five comedians performed one after another and seemed to get funnier as they went on. With the funds we raised at the events we will continue our outreach to recruit new members.

Judging by the fun that was had by the standing room only crowd and the money that was generated, we look forward to making this an annual event.

YRs at the Plate

Bob Capano

Lives In: Brooklyn, NY
Occupation: Civil Servant/Professor
Running For: State Assembly, 46th AD
Website: www.CapanoForAssembly.com

A life-long resident of Bay Ridge, Bob is the President of the 68th Precinct Youth Council, a former leader of the Bay Ridge Community Council, a member of the 68th Precinct Community Council and a former VP of the Bay Ridge Consumer Federation.

Bob attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School and Xaverian High School. Bob is a former Brooklyn high school social studies teacher and currently an adjunct Professor of Political Science. Bob has a Master’s Degree in Urban Policy and Administration from Brooklyn College.

For nearly a decade, Bob has worked across party lines to fight for his community, first as a Senior Advisor to Democratic Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, then as Director of Brooklyn Operations for Republican Congressman Vito Fossella.

Bob has been at the forefront of Bay Ridge’s biggest battles, such as fighting to revitalize the Shore Parkway bike path, eliminating homeless encampments, and saving Fort Hamilton and the Brooklyn VA Hospital from closure. Bob will lead the charge for dramatic reforms in Albany, fight to reduce taxes on working families, enhance benefits for our seniors and veterans and expand access to healthcare in our community.

He will be running on the Republican, Conservative and Independence lines this fall.

Rob Biagi

Lives In: Westchester, NY
Occupation: Lawyer
Running For: State Assembly, 91st AD
Website: www.BiagiForAssembly.com

Rob Biagi was born in Mt. Kisco, New York in 1972, and raised in Shrub Oak, New York. He graduated from SUNY Oswego with a BA in Political Science in 1994, and Brooklyn Law School in 1997. Rob started working as an Assistant District Attorney with the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted all manners of felony and misdemeanor crimes and spent the last year in the Narcotics Division.

In early 2001, he joined the law firm of Ohrenstein & Brown, LLP. After the firm’s office was destroyed in the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks, Rob continued to work at its Midtown office as an Associate. He left in 2005 and went to The Hartford Insurance Co., where he continues to work today as a Senior Staff Trial Counsel.

Rob now lives in New Rochelle just off Pelham Road. He co-founded the Greater Pelham Road Association, a community organization of local coop and condo board representatives organized to share common ideas and concerns among neighboring co-op apartment buildings. He also became a District Leader in the New Rochelle Republican City Committee and is also currently a member of its Issues Committee. In 2007, Rob was appointed by former City Councilman Mike Boyle to a term on the New Rochelle Traffic Advisory Committee.

He and his wife, Flora, were married in 2007.

John Chromczak

Lives In: New York, NY
Occupation: Medical Technologist
Running For: State Senate, 25th SD
Website: www.JohnC4Senate.com

John G. Chromczak was born in Utica, New York in 1970. Shortly after John was born, his father, Archie, died of melanoma, and his mother, Virginia, raised all five of her children while working full-time and putting herself through school.

In 1994, John began his studies at SUNY Potsdam, studying music performance and biology. Through his church, he became active in several volunteer organizations, including the American Red Cross.

After receiving his degree in 1998, John returned to Utica. He worked for several years as a medical technologist. He also served as a substitute teacher. In 2005, John moved to New York City. Since then, he has worked at New York University Medical Center/Bellevue Hospital Center as a licensed medical technologist, specializing in clinical laboratory testing for bleeding disorders and red cell disorders.

He is currently a member of SEIU 1199 and for several years was a member of the United Food and Commercial Worker’s Union Local 1 and the American Federation of Musicians Local 51. He is currently an active member of the New York YRs, the Brooklyn YRs and the Log Cabin Republicans.

John currently lives in lower Manhattan with his partner Andre and their dog Bono.

Saul Farber

Lives In: New York, NY
Occupation: Recent College Graduate
Running For: State Assembly, 75th AD
Website: www.SaulFarber.com

Saul was born in Miami Beach, Florida on December 20, 1985 and grew up surrounded by politics. He attended Greenfield Day School, a Jewish primary school and Miami Killian Senior Public High School. In the summer of 2003, he worked on the re-election campaign of a New York City Councilman, handling all of the campaign’s financial reporting.

Saul graduated high school with an A average and completed the most rigorous Advanced Placement curriculum the school offered.

He entered New York University in the fall of 2004, actively involved with the NYU College Republicans. Saul completed his undergraduate degree in 2008, with an A- average, from the College of Arts and Sciences, double-majoring in Politics and History.

Saul is an active supporter to Senator John McCain, in his current bid to become the next President of the United States and an active member of the New York Young Republican Club, Inc. He is currently running for New York State Assembly in the 75th District, which encompasses the West Side of Manhattan.

Saul is an avid Yankees fan, likes to fish and play baseball. He currently lives in Midtown West with his girlfriend, Amber, and his cat, Enid.

Bill Buran

Lives In: New York, NY
Occupation: Marketing
Running For: State Assembly, 72nd AD
Website: www.BillBuran.com

Born and raised in the Binghamton region of Upstate New York, Bill quickly learned that personal responsibility and self reliance are the principles that make this country great.

Bill attended Manhattan College in Riverdale section of the Bronx. There he studied Finance and Economics while volunteering his time as the Baseball Team Manager and working for the Sports Media Relations office.

Upon graduating college, Bill stayed in New York and built his career in Advertising and Marketing. After a few years living in Brooklyn, Bill moved to Inwood in 2005. During this time, Bill and his business partner Vidura Barrios created a new media company called Inner Splendor Media, which employs three people and utilizes many of the other small businesses in the Inwood/Washington Heights area.

Politics entered Bill’s life in August of 2007 during the Presidential primaries. Bill’s belief in limited government, free markets, low taxes, civil liberties and strong property rights lead him to Congressman Ron Paul’s campaign. Bill comes to the Republican Party from the traditional conservative wing such as President Taft, Reagan and Senator Goldwater.

Bill currently is a proud resident and business owner of Upper Manhattan.

95th Annual New York YR Club Alumni Dinner

by Jimmy Toussaint, Brooklyn YRs

In a roomy Manhattan penthouse, the New York YRs get together for their alumni dinner each year.

The atmosphere was full of refreshing conservative energy that is normally waterd down in the blue state of New York.

While looking over the city, people from different backgrounds and ages mingled before the dinner. From the self-made business man to the politically-active college student, everyone came together to support the NYYRC awardees and most importantly, they came to re-affirm commitment to the conservative movement.

This particular event featured prominent Republican speakers like Bill Kristol of the Weekly Standard and Fox News, Fran Townsend, former Presidential Assistant for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, and Rick Lazio, former New York Congressman and 2000 U.S. Senate candidate.

Other notable attendees at the dinner were Edward Cox, Chairman of John McCain's Presidential Campaign in New York, Republican State Senate candidate John Chromczak and Republican State Assembly candidate Saul Farber.

There is nothing like re-affirming Republican values with a nice glass of wine, a multi-course dinner and camraderie with fellow and distinguished Young Republicans.

During the dinner, New York YR President, Lynn Krogh, presented awards to Fran Townsend, Rick Lazio and NYYRC alumnus Charles Moerdler.

Krogh did an excellent job with this event and the club's officers really pulled together an exceptional evening experience. If they continue on this path to bringing New York Republicans together, we will be a stronger political force in New York City for it.

Jimmy Toussaint is the Chair of Fundraising & Events for the Brooklyn Young Republican Club, and a recent attendee at this year’s NYYRC 95th Alumni Dinner.

YRs Helping Congressional Candidate Bob Straniere

by Kara Donnelly, Staten Island YRs

Bob Straniere is a former New York State Assemblyman who represented Staten Island and Brooklyn for 24 years in the 60th District. He was also a past President the Staten Island Young Republicans. Chris Hellstrom, former VP of the Richmond County Republicans, is the Staten Island campaign manager. Bob is certainly a friend to the YR organization and could really use our help.

Bob is a proud husband, father and grandfather, successful business man, and a committed public servant. While Bob was in the New York State Assembly, he fought for lower taxes and less government.

Straniere has a common sense energy plan that combines federal relief at the pump now while investing in wind and solar technology so we can be energy independent in the future. Because of this, I believe Bob has the experience we need to reform Congress.

The 13th Congressional District includes all of Staten Island and the neighborhoods of Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, and Gravesend in Brooklyn. For more than 27 years, this Congressional District has been represented by Republicans. Congressman Vito Fossella currently represents the 13th Congressional District but is retiring after more than a decade of public service.

This is the only Republican Congressional seat in the City of New York, and we have to fight to keep it Republican.

His campaign will be holding a massive outreach event, particularly with an eye towards getting more Young Republicans involved in his campaign. Anyone interested in helping Straniere’s campaign with event on August 23rd, starting at 11 AM, contact me at 718-494-8410 or karamdonnelly@hotmail.com. Lunch and dinner will be provided.

Disclosure: The NYSYR does not endorse in primary elections, and will publish information for any Republican candidate upon request.

Randy Kuhl’s Gearing Up For a Fight

By Peter Halliday, Steuben YRs

Looking at the number of Republicans that are in Congress from New York is a depressing act.

In a Republican-friendly upstate area, that should be different, but it isn’t. And even though Steuben County is an area where Republicans out-number Democrats, the congressional districts that neighbor us are slowly being lost.

Enter Randy Kuhl. Randy Kuhl is a local guy. He was a lawyer that represented us in Albany first as an Assemblyman and then in the Senate. One of the hallmarks of Randy Kuhl during his career has been constituent service. There’s no one who fights harder for the citizens whom they represent.

Here we are after a year and a half since Democrats reassumed control over Congress, you would think things should be easier. The other party has lower poll ratings than the President they so quickly criticize.

The opponent who ran against Kuhl in 2006 even came close. He’s a professional politician who can’t decide what party he belongs to. He used to be registered Republican, and then registered Democrat around the time he moved here. Most of his money is coming from outside of the district. The Democratic leadership seems committed just to knock off one of the last Republicans in the House in our area.

But Representative Kuhl isn’t going without a fight. He’s revamped his website, www.kuhlforcongress.com, and he is making a lot of changes that many of us Young Republicans had made. He’s using other sites like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.

During his last race, there were dozens of people who came into our district from downstate to help him out. This was before the Democrat leadership really cared about the race. This could mean a standoff in our district for one of the last Republican seats this way.

Peter Halliday is the President of the Steuben County Young Republicans.

The More Things Change: The War Presidency Won't Necessarily End with Bush

by Tom Qualtere, Saratoga YRs

As the final six months of President Bush’s administration appear on the horizon, Americans must remember that the global war on terror has no realistic end in sight. Iran’s volatile past—both distant and recent—is intensely relevant to our military’s future. Voters would do well to start studying up on it.

Over the past several years it has been made very clear that an American victory in Iraq is directly tied to standing up to Iranian hostility throughout the region. As the 2007 troop surge continues to pave the way for an historic peace and stability in Iraq, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his regime in Iran continue to train and finance terror against coalition and Iraqi forces. Many have declared the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force’s support for the dying insurgency in Iraq a “proxy war” against the United States. However, the gruesome truth in the matter is that Iran has been waging war on our country for almost thirty years.

In November 1979, Iran’s new Shia Islamist government supported the now infamous attack and seizure of our embassy that led to 52 of our countrymen being held hostage for 444 days. In April 1983, 63 Americans were murdered when Iranian-sponsored terrorists bombed our embassy in Beirut, Lebanon. Six months later, U.S. Marine barracks located in Beirut were destroyed by Muslim extremists leaving 241 servicemen dead. Once again, the attackers were sponsored by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The attack on a U.S. Air Force housing complex in Saudi Arabia (the Kolbar Towers) in 1996 that killed 19 Americans is suspected to be the indirect work of the Iranian mullahs as well. In fact, without direct funding, arming and training from Iran, the terrorist organizations Hezbollah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad would see their strength and influence decrease dramatically. Our own attackers—Osama bin Laden’s al Qaeda network—would see their power (that which they’ve yet to lose to American forces) rapidly dwindle as well. Nevertheless, Iran’s greatest disturbance to world peace and the immediate safety of us and our allies is not its Taliban-like policies or alliances.

Unlike the old regimes of the Taliban in Afghanistan or Saddam Hussein in Iraq, the current government of Iran is developing vast nuclear technologies, and at a rate nobody in the world community thought possible. Considering the value of a democratic peace in Iraq for American security and interests, as well as the safety of our most vital Middle Eastern ally Israel—whose very existence has been taunted by Iran’s leadership, America must prepare itself to face down Iranian aggression by any means necessary.

The facts emanating from our current bases of military operation tell a much different story than the hard-spun political fantasies being churned by many here on the home front. It will be up to Americans to decide which narrative of our current conflicts we wish to follow, and which conclusion to the crises at hand we ought to ensure. It will be up to Republicans to bring accuracy and, yes, optimism to the debate. After all, the initial decision over how to deal with Iran will soon rest with the American electorate. Needless to say, with one candidate already planning for lunch with their tyrant-in-chief, our work is cut out for us.

Tom Qualtere is Chairman Emeritus of the Saratoga County YRs.

How to Solve The Gas Crisis

By Jack Karwacki, Oneida YRs

A two-phase process that provides a short term and long term solution needs to be implemented immediately. In the short term we begin to tap our domestic oil reserves, increase our refining capacity, and lift the burdensome tax and regulatory impediments that stifle the creativity and competition created through free enterprise. In the mean time, the private sector would be able to continue to invest in and develop alternative fuel and energy sources that can replace oil in the long term; or at the very least, provide consumers with the cost effective choices that are created in a competitive, free market environment.

I find it amazing that Mike Arcuri and the majority of Congress can’t understand a simple concept that a twenty-seven year old gets; then again, I’m not a Nancy Pelosi zombie either. Do yourselves and your wallets a favor and vote Hanna this fall.

Jack Karwacki is the Chairman of the Oneida County Young Republicans.

Club Notes

Brooklyn YRs

The Brooklyn YRs are making great use of this year’s election hype to show off more of our local candidates and discuss hot-topic issues. In May, the Brooklyn YRs heard from the Bay Ridge Rod & Gun Club’s Andrew Windsor and Michael Colihan, experts on Second Amendment legal and legislative issues. John Chromczak, candidate for the 25th State Senate district also spoke, discussing, among other matters, how the Republican Party is the only party who will stand up for the individual’s right to bear arms.

In June, the YRs heard from Alex Carabelli, Deputy Director of the Grassroots Initiative (http://www.gograssroots.org) about how everyday citizens can run for office and get on the ballot in New York City, especially if they have limited resources and a shoestring budget. Finally, the YRs had a discussion about various activities they can organize to support John McCain among younger voters, such as voter registration drives, rallies, and phone banking.

Usually meet the second Wednesday of the month. For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Brooklyn YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.BrooklynYR.com
BrooklynYR@gmail.com
(Jonathan Judge, President)
(718) 360-9583

Capital District YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Capital District YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.CapitalYR.org
pauljamison@optonline.net
(Paul Jamison, President)

Dutchess County YRs

Usually meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 PM in the Poughkeepsie Grand, 40 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie NY. For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Dutchess County YR’s website or e-mail them.

Contact Information:
www.DutchessYR.com
angelaflesland@yahoo.com
(Angela Flesland, President)

Livingston County YRs

For more information about the club, e-mail Aaron Galvin at agalvin@frontiernet.net.

Monroe County YRs

Usually meet on the third Thursday of the month (except July & August), Spot Coffee, 200 East Avenue, Rochester. For the latest meeting and events information,
please e-mail the Monroe County YRs.

Contact Information:
pkgullo@yahoo.com
(Paul Gullo, Chairman)

Nassau County YRs

Usually meet the fourth Thursday at 8PM of the month at Mineola Knights of Columbus Hall, 186 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola. For the latest meeting and events information, please visit the Nassau County YR’s website or e-mail them.

Contact Information:
www.NassauYRs.com
NassauYRs@gmail.com
(Stephen Canzoneri, President)

New York YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please visit the New York YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.NYYRC.com
info@nyyrc.com

Oneida County YRs

As their core membership continues to expand, so has its ability to assist local candidates this election cycle. In addition to assisting Richard Hanna in his bid for the 24th Congressional seat, three members have taken up prominent positions within Kevin McDonald’s campaign for the 116th Assembly District. JP Kidwell has been named McDonald’s Campaign Manager, Lou Parrotta has been named Press Secretary and Jack Karwacki will be his Treasurer.
Anyone interested in helping with any of the aforementioned campaigns or are just interested in their group, contact Chairman Jack Karwacki at (315)-725-2213 or at jack.karwacki@gmail.com.

For the latest meeting and events information, please call the Oneida County YRs.

Contact Information:
(315)-725-2213
jack.karwacki@gmail.com
(Jack Karwacki, Chairman)

Onondaga County YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail the Onondaga County YRs.

Contact Information:
www.ocyrepublicans.org
rick.cordaro@ieee.org
(Rick Cordaro, Chairman)

Ontario County YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail the Ontario County YRs.

Contact Information:
OntarioYRs@gmail.com
(Ellis Oster, Chairman)

Orange County YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail the Orange County YRs.

Contact Information:
www.ocyrs.com
www.myspace.com/ocnyyr
Lorena609@gmail.com
(Lorena Villegas, Corresponding Sec’y)

Oswego County YRs

For more information, please contact Terry Wilbur at tmwilbur1@hotmail.com or Scott McManus at scottmcm@twcny.rr.com.

Queens YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail or call the Queens YRs.

Contact Information:
www.qcyr.org
info@qcyr.org
(Rich Alicea, Chairman)
(718) 418-7873

Rockland County YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail or call the Rockland County YRs.

Contact Information:
www.rcgop.org/Young_republicans.html
frankieps3@aol.com
(Frank Sparaco, Chairman)
(845) 323-9099

Saratoga County YRs

Meet usually at 7:30 PM at Saratoga GOP Headquarters, 77 Van Dam Street, Saratoga Springs, NY. For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail the Saratoga County YRs.

Contact Information:
SaratogaCountyYoungRepublicans.org
mveitch201@hotmail.com
(Michael Veitch, Chairman)

Staten Island YRs

Usually meet the third Tuesday of every month at Canlon's Restaurant, 1825 N Railroad Avenue, Staten Island, NY. For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Staten Island YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.YoungRepublicans.info
info@youngrepublicans.info

Steuben County YRs

Usually meet last Thursday of Every month at 7 PM upstairs at Captain Morgan's at 36 Bridge St., Corning, NY. For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Steuben YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.SteubenYR.com
SteubenYR.blogspot.com
phalliday@steubenyr.com
(Peter Halliday, Chairman)

Suffolk County YRs

Usually meet last Thursday of the month (except in July & August), Bobbique, 70 W. Main St. in Patchogue, NY, 7:00 PM, Networking/Social; 8:00 PM, Meeting. For the latest meeting and events information, please visit the Suffolk County YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.SuffolkYoungRepublicans.com
chrscm@gmail.com
(Chris Como, Chairman)

Warren County YRs

The Warren County Young Republicans Family Fun Day 2008 at the Adventure Racing Family Fun Center located on 1079 Route 9, Lake George Road in Queensbury, N.Y. will take place on August 16th from 4:00pm - 7:00pm. Registration will be $20.00 per person. Registration can be received either by mail or at the door. Registration forms sent by mail must be postmarked by August 12th. The event includes unlimited use of the rock climbing wall, unlimited use of both the inside and outside go-karts, unlimited use of the bumper cars, and unlimited laser tag. We are also going to have a bouncy house for young kids. Food and refreshments will be provided.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call Chairman Gabe Bedore at (518) 798-1622.

Usually meet on the 1st Friday of the month. For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail the Warren County YRs.

Contact Information:
www.freewebs.com/wcyr
Warrencountyyrs@gmail.com
(Gabe Bedore, Chairman)

Washington County YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail the Washington County YRs.

Contact Information:
myspace.com/washingtoncountyyrs
WCYRepublicans@gmail.com

Westchester County YRs

Contact Information:
www.WestchesterYRs.com
robdokwon@hotmail.com
(Rob Biagi, Chairman)

Out in Right Field

Earlier this summer, I saw the newest installment in the Indiana Jones franchise, “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” and was thoroughly disappointed.

Take a moment and consider the character played by John Hurt. You may remember him as Caligula from the “I, Claudius” series. He plays Professor Harold Oxley, and his acting talent is wasted in most of the picture in incoherent babbling. Even worse, the other characters equate his insane ramblings as wisdom. This is worse than the dystopia envisioned by Kurt Vonnegut in his short story, “Harrison Bergeron.” At least in that story, the leftists needed hundreds of constitutional amendments and numerous technological handicaps to enforce their rabid egalitarianism. In the Indiana Jones movie, the other characters simply consent to that equalization.

At the end of the movie, there is a scene with Indiana Jones and Marion Ravenwood tie the knot at the altar. This is totally out of character with the Indy we’ve grown to know and love in the previous three movies. There is no explanation given for this alteration. Just as Democrats from Jimmy Carter to Barack Obama are deluded into thinking terrorist sponsors like Syria and Iran will suddenly become cooperative and civilized with the appropriate amount of hand holding. We’re just as likely to see Kim Jong-Il cease claims that he aced five holes and finished thirty eight under par on the links.

This movie was a disappointment on multiple levels. It lacked the great stunt work of the previous chapters, and relied too heavily on computer generated imagery. The entire UFO plot line was threadbare and unconvincing. Worst of all, there were these none too subtle leftist underpinnings. My evening of escapism was stolen, instead, by an extended Mark Shields column.

The Humor About Hillary

A Hillary-ous Take on Everyone’s Favorite Democrat

by Jonathan J. Judge, Editor-in-Chief

Most politicians are the butts of many jokes, and the sources of many gaffes that, however scandal-scarred and despised one may be, immortalize their impact in that political era.

However, people in both parties have not been so in love with ridiculing a candidate as much as they are with Hillary Clinton.

This book, written by Robert Myers, successfully captures the humor behind the anti-Hillary movement of American society.

There’s a bit of anecdotal sentiments about the Senator from New York, such as a barber--also a registered Democrat--offering that he prefers John Kerry because “he only has two faces.”

Then there are the celebrity takes on Hillary, such as Joan Rivers, who quipped, “I think Hillary Clinton’s It Takes a Village refers to the number of people needed to do her makeup.”

Of course, no such book would be complete without countless slip-ups and self-deprecating one-liners from Her Aspiring Highness, like this one on her media strategy: “If I want to knock a story off the front page, I just change my hairstyle.”

All in all, it’s an entertaining read on the Democrat whom red and blue-state Americans love to loathe.

Amazon.com, $9.95, by Outskirks Press

Tusk Talk with Tusk Harper

Dear Tusk,

I consider myself to be a very fair, loyal employee. While most people see me and immediately think of my former employer, I’ve been completely shocked by the complete cold shoulder that some of my old coworkers have shown me since I came public with some constructive criticism of the company’s practices and personalities. Is there something I’m missing?

From: Hopeless on Houston St.

Dear Hopeless,

It seems to me like you may have bitten off more than you can chew. Unless you are disclosing illegal or unethical behavior, nobody likes a snitch. Even fewer people respect former employees who stand up to criticize after-the-fact, particularly with a holier-than-thou attitude. My instinct tells me that you may not have been such a great steward for your former company after all, and then you have nobody to blame but yourself.

Dear Tusk,

My girlfriend and I have been together for the past three years. I have been thinking about marrying her until we last week when we had a discussion about whether or not she would have an abortion. She said that if a pregnancy was not planned she would consider it and that goes against my values. Can she still be the one?

From: Pro-Life in Poughkeepsie

Dear Pro-Life,

I applaud your strong sense of values and can understand your concerns. However, why did it take three years to first have this conversation? By that point you should have known her deepest feelings and this topic would not have been so surprising to you. Your worry has merit except for one fact – you’ve been together for so long that, if things were to progress, within two years this won’t be an issue. I would look deep inside and ask yourself whether her stance on abortion is truly the area of anxiety or whether there is something greater. If you both agreed on the life issue, would she have a ring on her finger? If the answer is yes, then start saving your money. If the answer is no, then you should sort out your relationship priorities and determine whether she truly is the one for you. Be careful of making this issue the scapegoat, though.

Questions? Write Tusk at tuskharper@yahoo.com.