Anti Orthodoxy

I hate orthodoxy.  I don't like to be told what to believe, how to behave, what's right and what's wrong.  I like to think for myself and make up my own rules.

So with that context I read Fernando Ferrer's comments this morning and had a knee jerk negative reaction.  For those of you who live outside of the NY metro area, Fernando (Freddy) Ferrer is the leading democratic contender in this year's race for mayor in NYC.  Freddy said:

"I want to earn your support because I do believe, Democrats, I do believe this is the year we take back City Hall. This is the year we send the message coast to coast: It starts here in New York City. Then we go to Albany, and then we take back the White House for Democrats, but most importantly for Democratic values."

The problem I have with Freddy's comments is that we have a person with Democratic values in City Hall right now.  Except he's a Republican.  I don't think electing Freddy Ferrer is the way to do anything good for the Democrats.  I think getting Mike Bloomberg to convert to the party he really belongs in, and once was a member of, would be a much better thing for the Dems.

Labels suck.  Liberal, progressive, conservative, right wing, republican, democrat.  I hate them all.  I prefer to look at the person and the policies.  I believe that the national Republican party is on the wrong side of most issues and that is why I am a Democrat.  But if they'd get on the right side of them, I'd be happy to call myself a Republican, as Mike did.

Fiscal conservatism and social pragmatism.  That's my party affiliation.  Mike Bloomberg is a mainstream politician in my book and he's getting my vote for sure.  And I don't think it will have any impact on the Governor, Senate, or White House.

Said another way, if every Republican was like Mike Bloomberg and every Democrat was like Freddy Ferrer, I'd be a Republican.

Comments

[Tony Alva]

Fred,

The most politically sensible post you have ever written. I'm not well versed in NYC politics other than what I pick up from my few visits to the area and what I get from you and your brother, so I'll trust your op on the mayor's race and watch it all unfold as an interested southern transplant.

BTW... Will be in the area middle of next month and hope to see you and your crew during this visit if you're available.

[Don]

Fred,

Bravo! Mike Bloomberg is the kind of Republican we need more of. A pragmatist, which is vital if you're going to accomplish anything in politics. Plus, you get a feeling that he really wants what's good for the city, not just pushing an ideology (left of right).

[Tom Watson]

Fred, I hate to say it - but your reaction itself seems very, very orthodox. Couple of big business guys getting together; people might indeed suggest, birds of a feather. (Unfair, I know - but it's how people react in knee-jerk fashion).

And what's fiscally conservative about this administration? The stadium? The Olympics? C'mon!

Finally - name the guy who hosted the national Republican party in our fair city....

PS - when Tony Alva agrees with you enthusiastically on politics, well, you know you've erred. (No offense Tony, I like your posts).

[Dawn]

Wow, that you make up for yourself what is right and wrong is a pretty amazing thing for somebody to admit publically when they are looking for people to go into business with. Talk about red flag. Lucky for me and other start-ups, entrance barriers are more like speed bumps these days.

You can afford to be choosy. What you might be forgetting is, so can we all now.

Blogs are such marvelous marketing tools for BOTH sides. I sincerely thank you for the honest warning.

[jackson]

Well I don't know what Dawn is on about, but I agree that Mike is alright, hated him for the smoking thing, and for being short as well, but I'm behind the stadium project. I'd love to not drive to Jersey to see my favorite sports team. There is nothing poilitical about that. I want the New York Jets in goddamn New York, period. If Mike can arrange that, great, I don't care why he's doing it. To borrow a phrase from Stereolabrat - if the new Stadium takes away Cablevisions huge boner, then I'm all over that vagina! But that's Mike's game, and mine is MFing football!

[Charlie O'Donnell]

I don't think Jerry is going to be too pleased with this post, but I am. Go Mayor Mike, regardless of what party he signs up for.

[Tom Watson]

See Fred, now they're accusing of being an old, former liberal - see trackback above! It's why the conservatives win....

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