Politicians I especially like or dislike these days

THE GOOD:

Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York: The newly elected Governor of New York talks a big game. So far, so good. I'm deeply impressed with his unique approach to implementing a fiscally responsible budget- one that cuts wasteful funding of law enforcement, sanitation and the horrifyingly expensive prison system. In a time of such economic crisis, taking on issues like property tax cuts (which New York pays 66% above the National Average, easily #1 in the nation) for people who are trapped in their homes unable to pay the mortgage and issues like justice system reform is applaudable. The job creating and job securing steadiness of New York's upstate prison system has gone unchallenged for decades. It is costing the taxpayer tremendously, and more importantly- despite the fact that these prisons are pushing programs proven to actually increase recidivism, they violate civil liberties and human rights and are an inexcusable embarrassment to a state that prides itself on social progress. Cuomo has also taken a hardline stance in support of financial regulation, marriage equality, expansions of minority and women owned businesses, investments in 'Green Jobs' and a commitment to pressure out corruption in the disgrace that is Albany. The man has been nothing short of heroic so far and I hope he keeps it up.

John Hickenlooper, Governor of Colorado John has so far has shown a willingness to learn from his predecessor's mistakes- which means better policies on immigration, gun control and drug abuse. One of the top issues facing Colorado politically, especially in recent years has been transparency. Hickenlooper's push to increased government transparency was made recently during a surprise phone call to 850-KOA radio host Todd Shepherd on Sunday, Hickenlooper said he will make his cellphone records available to the public. Man, the day a politician in New York or Illinois does that is the day all is good and well in my book. While his ignorant support of deregulation stands as a important distinction between him and what is ideal, his policies on social issues are very reassuring and his unique sense of humor and fearlessness to be goofy give me the feeling he's got the right intentions and know's how to do what's best while still having a good time.

THE BAD:

Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City: After changing the city's laws to give himself a third term as New York's mayor, the man has yet again refused to adress the city's desperate need for rent control, ignored calls for improvements to the city's homeless shelters, criminalized sleeping outdoors and attempted to violate the rights of artists and merchants with threats to squash the metropolis's long-loved tradition of street salesmanship. While his social policies on issues such as immigration, the environment, abortion and gay rights have largely benefitted the city's residents, the mayor's undeniable inaction and irresponsibility regarding the response to a massive blizzard proved he will always back up an ideology that New York should be a city inviting to the rich above the poor and the elite above the working class, as if this was not already clear by his horrendously anti-union, pro-Guilliani approach of tax cuts for the wealthy and deregulation for Wall Street, not to mention his recently terrifying endorsement of the Tea Party.

Barack Obama, President of The United States: He ran on a pledge to reign in Wall Street and put an end to a culture of wasteful spending. He also ran on a progressive education, immigration and health care platform. Instead, he has implemented horribly weak financial regulation, bailed out the bankers with the peoples money, given tax breaks to the wealthiest when Republicans didn't even mandate for a tax compromise, taken steps towards privatizing social security, implemented radically conservative worse-than-Bush education policies, lied about the future of health care by suggesting mandates move us closer to a public option, forced inhumane immigration policy down our throats and quadrupled the deficit with the largest military budget in history. A weak, defenseless, hypocritical and morally reprehensible presidency defined by dishonesty, corruption and a blatant abandonment of this nation's great citizens.