The Political Consequences of Bloomberg’s Actions

As we get closer to the presidential election, websites abound to monitor any potential voter intimidation and voting frauds. While I applaud the attempts at staying alert, the focus on the presidential election ignores the ongoing unraveling of voter’s rights on a regular basis.

The debate over Bloomberg’s request to extend term limits from two to three terms embodies such a process. Aside from the fact that NYC voters have made it clear that we support a two term limitation, the other governing bodies in the city have decided to side with the mayor instead of with the people.   Apparently if done at the right time anyone in a position of power with a mediocre record can bypass the will of citizens and change laws on his own. 

Yesterday Judge Jacqueline Silbermann found that there is no conflict of interest in council members–many of whom are approaching the end of their terms–to vote on extending term limits for themselves and the mayor. Today the bill hits the table of the council which means that it will most likely pass. 

I’m grateful that Brooklyn council members Bill de Blasio and Letitia James have spoken out against his power grab on behalf of citizens like myself who feel incredibly disrespected. The incessant number of ads telling us to vote and the messages we receive on the importance of voting all seem like cruel jokes to lull us into a sense empowerment.  The various branches of government, designed to “check and balance” power are clearly capable of aligning themselves to override the main vehicle citizens have to express their desires: the vote. 

Why do we continue to be surprised at cynicism and apathy and rush so quickly to blame it on the market erosion of social values?  We need not wait for a corporation to drop an ad telling us to watch music videos instead of becoming thoughtful consumers.  The consequence of Bloomberg’s actions–his flip flop on such a major issue and his dismissal of voters’ wishes–is that political involvement even at its basic level is a joke.