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Protesters turn out on cold morning at State Police barracks to rally against Cuomo, SAFE Act

By Howard B. Owens

More than 100 gun rights advocates turned out this morning in 20-degree whether at the NYSP barracks on West Saile Drive to protest the SAFE Act.

As expected, Gov. Andrew Cuomo was the target of the protest signs and the speakers' rhetoric, but as it turned out, Cuomo gave the protesters a little extra ammunition when, during a radio interview yesterday, the first-term governor said, “If they are extreme conservatives, they have no place in the State of New York."

More than one speaker mentioned Cuomo's statement and suggested that perhaps it's Cuomo who should leave New York and is the one out of step with the majority of New Yorkers.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley also took Cuomo to task for his statement.

“The governor’s comments about my constituents are offensive and are a Freudian slip, which reveals what he truly thinks of Upstate New Yorkers. He has no right to come to Upstate New York and call himself governor when he has such obvious disdain for its people,” Hawley said. “The majority of Upstate New Yorkers are pro-Second Amendment and believe in traditional family values.

"If the governor does not think the good people of Upstate New York have a place in New York, he seems to be doing a good job of driving our families out of the state with his highest-in-the-nation taxes and infringements on our rights.”

Cuomo's apparent lack of fondness for the people of Upstate New York is yet another reason, Hawley said, for supporting his call for a voter referendum on dividing New York into two states.

For more on Cuomo's statement, see this Buffalo News article.

We had a request to purchase these photos, so, for anybody who would like to purchase prints, click here.

Ricky G. Hale

God, guns, and guts have kept this country free; not a bunch of wimpy-ass politicians that want to take them all away.

I believe in this country, it's constitution, the bill of rights, and ALL it's amendments. If you don't, then get the hell out, and go to some other third class suck hole country.

Jan 18, 2014, 4:36pm Permalink
Doug Yeomans

I wonder if native Americans feel like God kept their country free. If you give God credit for the things you believe are good, then you also have to give God credit for all the other things that aren't so good. Are you saying that Satan let the Indians down? Just wondering.

Jan 18, 2014, 4:51pm Permalink
Doug Yeomans

Things can never go back they way they were, so we're all in this together. People do bad things to each other and they also do good things for each other. If there is a God, he just sits back and shakes his head at all the foolishness. I'm all for the rally and support them wholly, but lets give credit where credit is due. Cuomo can take credit for the safe act, and lets give credit to these people for braving the cold weather and for standing up for the rest of us. Enough is enough, and hopefully on election day someone will be voted into office that repeals this nonsense and doesn't stop there.

Jan 18, 2014, 4:58pm Permalink
Doug Yeomans

Let me get this straight...God wanted Europeans to kill all the Indians? I mean, that IS what happened, and people want to give thanks to God for it. I must be crazy for having logical thoughts.

Jan 18, 2014, 5:12pm Permalink
Scott Ogle

"If the governor [Hawley says] does not think the good people of Upstate New York have a place in New York, he seems to be doing a good job of driving our families out of the state with his highest-in-the-nation taxes and infringements on our rights.”

Governor Cuomo never stated that there is no place in New York for Upstate New Yorkers. His comments were aimed at far-right extremist politicians, like Carl Paladino. Please read the linked article. I'd also point out that 100 protesters do not necessarily represent the majority of the residents/constituents in this state... or even in this region.

Jan 18, 2014, 5:17pm Permalink
Scott Ogle

"Now would be a good time to separate from the union.."

Brilliant! And from a historical perspective, secession has worked out spectacularly well!

Jan 18, 2014, 5:43pm Permalink
Mark Brudz

Whether far left or far right, for a governor to make that statement is plain wrong Scott. Even a far leftie like President Obama doesn't stupidly and openly make statements like that. (Although at times he too comes close)

This nation is about all beliefs , even the ones that I disdain and you disdain. Our constitution is not about protecting the majority from the minority thought, it is about protecting even the most far left thought and/or far right minorities thought from the majority. Civics 101.

The line is crossed when either deprives the other of voicing there belief or persecuting anyone for their beliefs.

And Scott, the polling against the SAFE ACT in this region is about 65% against it, so in this case they pretty much do represent the views of the region. The majority of support for the SAFE Act is in the 5 large cities of the State,, the rural areas are overwhelmingly against it.

Steve Hawley has whether you like him or not a very strong feel for his constituents, he is one of the few politicians in this state that actually goes out and talks to them.

Jan 18, 2014, 5:43pm Permalink
Mark Brudz

We are talking about making two states out of one Scott NOT succession from the union'

The difference in philosophy and priority between upstate and downstate is wider than the Grand Canyon

Jan 18, 2014, 5:48pm Permalink
Scott Ogle

"The line is crossed when either deprives the other of voicing there belief or persecuting anyone for their beliefs."

We're in total agreement in this, Mark. Though if you're implying Cuomo crossed that line (“If they are extreme conservatives, they have no place in the state of New York,”) , I disagree. The statement, while hyperbolic, deprives no one of voicing their beliefs, nor persecutes them for it.

Jan 18, 2014, 5:55pm Permalink
Scott Ogle

"We are talking about making two states out of one Scott NOT succession from the union'"

Fair enough, though the post I responded to was explicit about secession from the Union. Either way, it's a failure of democracy, and a breach of faith with the founders.

Jan 18, 2014, 6:01pm Permalink
Mark Brudz

I did not imply Coumo crossed the line, only that it was a stupid, politically inane and a statement clearly that shows his thoughts are at variance about what our nation stands for.

Jan 18, 2014, 6:05pm Permalink
Mark Brudz

Fair Enough Scott, you are right, the SAFE ACT was rushed through in the dead of night with little political debate, no opportunity for public input and purposely so to prevent that same debate and input.

So I guess that you are right, it was a failure of democracy.

Jan 18, 2014, 6:16pm Permalink
Scott Ogle

"Fair Enough Scott, you are right, the SAFE ACT was rushed through in the dead of night with little political debate, no opportunity for public input and purposely so to prevent that same debate and input. So I guess that you are right, it was a failure of democracy."

Baloney. Now you're sounding like a Dixiecrat after LBJ ramrodded the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 'We was robbed!' (Even Barry Goldwater (an honorable man) would later regret his vote against this bill.)

Jan 18, 2014, 6:30pm Permalink
Mark Brudz

There is absolutely NO COMPARISON to the Civil Rights Act and the SAFE ACT... None

One supported rights, the other is limiting rights

Jan 18, 2014, 6:36pm Permalink
Scott Ogle

"There is absolutely NO COMPARISON to the Civil Rights Act and the SAFE ACT... None"

Yes, of course there is a comparison. Both were the lawful actions of the legislative branch of government. And both were/are subject to judicial review.

Jan 18, 2014, 6:40pm Permalink
Scott Ogle

"One supported rights, the other is limiting rights"

Though of course, the Dixiecrats would tell you the '64 Civil Rights Act limited their rights as, well. . . as white people!

Jan 18, 2014, 6:58pm Permalink
Mark Brudz

I do not argue that point, in fact I have made the same point before in other threads.

However, even though the Civil Rights act was passed in 1964 under LBJ, it was debated in 1963 under JFK in the house of representatives where it had broad bi partisan support in the house, The Dixiecrats in the senate also were engaged in open debate, LBJ sought and received Republican support in the Senate and the the Southern Democrat Senators lost after long debate.

The difference here is the safe act was rushed through without much debate or the opportunity to do so was squashed before it could occur in earnest.

Now technically, it was duly passed and subject to judicial review, on that we agree, however, the fact remains that the manner it was passed was a maneuver that prevented what most likely would have been very vocal opposition and very likely would have stalled the legislation.

The arguments now being posed concerning it's constitutionality should have been an open floor debate in the first place.

We can banter on this back and forth, however, it is the law, it already has seen aspects of it shot down and no matter what ultimately happens in the courts, should be repealed even if it means splitting New York into two separate states. .

Jan 18, 2014, 6:56pm Permalink
Mark Brudz

Boulder dash, the argument there is, was and always will be an example of crossing the line. No right is a right if it limits the right of another.

Is a total apples and oranges argument, me owning a gun does not infringe on anyone else's right, unless I unnecessarily used that gun to cause one harm in which case I could do the same with a knife, a car or a school bus. To deprive one of liberty or life occurs more by means other than guns than with them, that is a fact.

Jan 18, 2014, 7:04pm Permalink
Jeff Allen

Cuomo's comments were not aimed at politicians, that was part of his lame backtrack after his true feelings accidentally slipped out of mouth. If there is a segment of New York's population he feels have no place here all he needs to do is continue his current policies and that issue will resolve itself.

Jan 18, 2014, 7:56pm Permalink
Jeff Allen

Cuomo's comments were not aimed at politicians, that was part of his lame backtrack after his true feelings accidentally slipped out of mouth. If there is a segment of New York's population he feels have no place here all he needs to do is continue his current policies and that issue will resolve itself.

Jan 18, 2014, 7:56pm Permalink
Jeff Allen

Cuomo's comments were not aimed at politicians, that was part of his lame backtrack after his true feelings accidentally slipped out of mouth. If there is a segment of New York's population he feels have no place here all he needs to do is continue his current policies and that issue will resolve itself.

Jan 18, 2014, 7:57pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

OK, let's accept the walk-back of the Cuomo administration. The governor's comment wasn't aimed at people, every-day citizens, in New York who hold across-the-board conservative views. It was aimed at politicians whom Cuomo deems as extremist. Such politicians should not be a part of New York politics, says the governor.

OK. That's really what he meant, right?

In other words, the people of New York who hold across-the-board conservative views should be denied representation by those they might want to elect. T

Bravo for such a well reasoned position.

Jan 18, 2014, 9:43pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Comparing whatever horse-poo a fool like Paladino once said with a sitting governor trying to disenfranchise a whole segment of the electorate is rather ridiculous.

Jan 18, 2014, 10:28pm Permalink
Scott Ogle

I'm relieved you acknowledge Paladino is a fool. But it's no more ridiculous than accusing the sitting governor of the same -- he's no such power. A governor hasn't
the *power* to disenfranchise anyone.

Jan 18, 2014, 10:39pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

The governor has a very loud voice. It's clearly an attempt to limit and quarantine the debate, to paint those who hold views the governor finds distasteful as out of the norm and unworthy of consideration. There is no defense and no justification in a society that supposedly values the rights of all individuals for a sitting governor to make such statements. And if he does, he should be rightly called to task. To say he is trying to disenfranchise those who hold views he doesn't like isn't inaccurate.

Jan 18, 2014, 10:58pm Permalink
Scott Ogle

Howard, what power or agency can the governor employ to disenfranchise anyone?
If his 'loud voice' makes conservatives faint, does that constitute disenfranchisement ? You have, in fact, called him to task for his hyperbole. Have you in anyway been disenfranchised? Are you expecting to be disenfranchised anytime soon?

"To say he is trying to disenfranchise those who hold views he doesn't like isn't inaccurate."

I think you're being oversensitive.

Jan 18, 2014, 11:30pm Permalink
Brian Graz

Cuomo is NOT talking in hyperbole, he means just what he says. He's been in the business too long... he's trained as a lawyer... and served as NY's top lawyer. Don't be fools... he not only doesn't want extreme conservatives in "his state"... he doesn't want anyone who will publicly disagree with and challenge him. He has become extreme... he has become delusional... he has become tyrannical. He needs to be thrown out.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes ... but when a long train of abuses and usurpations ... evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security.
- Thomas Jefferson

Jan 18, 2014, 11:44pm Permalink
Brian Graz

BTW, IMO Carl Paladino is no fool {if for no other reasons fools don't become multimillionaire entrepreneurs}... he maybe be a little rough around the edge [common man] in his approach, but I for one [of very many] kinda like that.

Carl Paladino for the next NYGOP Chairman!!!

Jan 18, 2014, 11:53pm Permalink
Scott Ogle

'Cuomo is NOT talking in hyperbole, he means just what he says.'

'... he doesn't want anyone who will publicly disagree with and challenge him. He has become extreme... he has become delusional... he has become tyrannical.'

I can't say that's terribly convincing, Brian. Can you give me examples of how the governor has, or is going to carry out the Great Purge of disenfranchisement? (Something real that can be documented, not a conspiratorial delusion on your part?)

Jan 18, 2014, 11:58pm Permalink
Kyle Slocum

Doug: ALL? You may want to stop by the Seneca's remaining bit of North America and talk to them about that over-exaggeration. I'm sure they will be able to unburden you of your guilt for your ancestors killing all of them off. They may take exception to your declaring them all dead, however.

I suspect they will also express a rather negative view of Prince Andrew and his treatment of Native Americans and of our treaties with their Sovereign Nation. Not that that is exactly a bit of evil which is only confined to Prince Andrew's reign. It seems pretty universal to all of our Better's Administrations.

Scott: If I wanted to live in NYC I would move there. We do not wish to be ruled by our downstate Betters up here in fly-over country. "You can't run your own life, I'll be damned if you'll run mine." comes to mind. Why do all the rebellious 1960's and 1970's songs seem to resonate with the right these days? Does the line "I didn't leave the Democrat Party, the Democrat party left me" resonate with anyone? Can I get a hallelujah, any one?

To All: Vote FUAC 2014. It doesn't matter if you like his opponent (The moron with the dead cat on his head or the liberal Westchester County Grandee or even Roger Rabbit. Governor Cuomo pronunciation: "Wajjer Wabbit"), Cuomo must be defeated as a lesson to other all other politicians that taking American's Civil Rights aways results in defeat.

At least six times, so far, Andrew, Prince of New York City, Duchess of Queens, Dauphin of Manhattan, has used "Emergency" powers to ram legislation through the state legislature without the possibility of public comment.

Criminals , like politicians, don't pay attention to LAWS. They do, however take notice of punishments. Cuomo needs to be punished by electoral defeat as a lesson to all the others. It isn't a Democrat/Republican thing: It is an American thing.

Jan 18, 2014, 11:59pm Permalink
Scott Ogle

Kyle:

"If I wanted to live in NYC I would move there."

I don't want to live there either. I love Batavia, Mr Tambourine man. So play a song for me. I don't understand anything else you said, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it!!

Jan 19, 2014, 12:06am Permalink
Brian Graz

Scott at least you'll get your chance to vote for King Cuomo one more time... enjoy yourself. I'll be voting for Trump.

In the meantime you really need to update your profile picture here... if you are so sharp why not show yourself?

Jan 19, 2014, 12:16am Permalink
Scott Ogle

"you'll get your chance to vote for King Cuomo one more time... enjoy yourself."

Thank you, I shall.

"I'll be voting for Trump."

Are you sure you want to be a punchline again, Brian?

"you really need to update your profile picture here... if you are so sharp why not show yourself?"

I'm very sharp, but my visage is hideous.

Jan 19, 2014, 12:28am Permalink
Brian Graz

"The preservation of a free Government requires not merely, that the metes and bounds which separate each department of power be invariably maintained; but more especially that neither of them be suffered to over-leap the great Barrier which defends the rights of the people. The Rulers who are guilty of such an encroachment, exceed the commission from which they derive their authority, and are Tyrants."
- Thomas Paine

Jan 19, 2014, 12:29am Permalink
Scott Ogle

Steady, Brain. I'm sorry, but your profile picture helps you out about as much as your meaningless all-caps response. Didn't mean to upset you so. Can you answer my question?

Jan 19, 2014, 12:52am Permalink
Kyle Slocum

Scott: If you didn't understand Thomas Paine, there isn't much we can do for you. I think my discourse was equally comprehensible, but I wrote it so my opinion is subject to critique.

Sounds like you need to move southeast, though. You "love Batavia" but you want to be ruled by NYC and its corrupticrat pols.

You realize what they think of you, right? Sleeping with your sister, or your dog. Possibly with your goat or your horse. No teeth, no ability to think for yourself. Living in a cabin with a dirt floor. Too stupid to be trusted with decisions about your own life and in need of their enlightened and educated guidance in each and every one of your life choices.

But if that is also what you think of those around you in the real New York State, maybe it will be a fit for you. You can be their token provincial.

Move Downstate, young man. Your future is there.

Best of luck.

Jan 19, 2014, 1:02am Permalink
Julie Morales

“Steady, Brain.”

Great typo! This thread has cracked me up.

Scott, your posts have been extremely entertaining, rational, logical and hilarious; well done!

Jan 19, 2014, 3:12pm Permalink
mike vinci

God gave all men a free will Doug, along with this beautiful planet. Native Americans managed to live in harmony with nature for 1000s of years prior to the invasions of "civilized men" Let's give credit where it is due. We've managed to ruin what the Indians had, plus this planet, all by ourselves. Don't blame our ignorance on God. He gives us the options, we choose for ourselves.

Jan 21, 2014, 2:47am Permalink
Kyle Slocum

Mike,

Disney's Pocahontas is not history. Native Americans suffered all the same human faults that the Europeans did. There was no utopia spoiled by invaders from the evil European continent. There was discrimination and there were atrocities and there were evil acts committed by those with more power than their victims before the Europeans arrived. And the same held true afterward.

The Europeans were no better, nor any worse, than the Native Americans. To believe otherwise is to be both naive and to willfully delude yourself.

Jan 21, 2014, 10:22pm Permalink
Kyle Couchman

LOL Kyle is right... (I always wanted to say that without being self serving)

The Iroquois Confederacy, which began as 5 tribes then expanded to 6 during colonial times. Was formed because those 5 nations nearly exterminated each other in wars among themselves and other nearby native nations. They realized coming together made them stronger and allowed all the confederacy to prosper. Hiawatha demonstrated this to the assembled nations by taking 5 arrows and breaking them separately. Then he bundled them together and asked any brave to break them when bound this way. None could. Our Founding Fathers were impressed with this and emulated parts of this when forming the US Govt.

If you look to history, many many settlements disappeared before the major colonization of the US. Many French, Dutch, German and English and Spanish were slaughtered. Hell they now have artifacts and historical evidence that the Vikings even landed on our shores in New England and made their way inland all the way to what is now Indiana. Cultures come and go.... no culture that has ever been does not have some blood on its hands or atrocities in it's past.

Jan 22, 2014, 12:13am Permalink

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