Returning to the Fray

There has been a lot said about the "primal scream" evoked by so many blogs (I'm still not getting used to this name) across the United States baring perhaps too much of everything but New York's body politic had its healthy share of "news" this past year on a laundry list of web logs.

The bottom line continues to be that print news outlets are losing more of the media pie at ten percent a clip each quarter.  Less people are reading newspapers.  Less people are TIVO'ing out their personal time for the talking heads on television.  It's a wonder America didn't mistakenly elect a maniac this past election cycle -- and we might yet fall into that trap.

But in New York, blogs had bite.  The news blogging was exceptional, even when it bit a wordsmith like myself in the ass, and there is a lot more love dished out with that viotrol.  I only wish Albany was closer and less corrupt.  I missed most of the fun over the past twelve years.  I have been nested safely in local politics and probably get to walk away with my soul intact.  Like many other well-meaning political sorts in the news media and the political parties, a lot of us didn't cash in and many of us will be around for future battles.

Remember that if you're still standing, if you still have your moral compass intact, if you haven't lost your mind and checked into the Hotel California, you will undoubtedly live to fight another day.

For the many readers of this blog who wish it to continue, it shall return but I cannot yet predict if I will be back.

It's not the end of something.  It's a start.

Those who dived into the verbal rapport of online discourse, you know it meant something this past year.  I had my fun penning Stand Tall New York with Assemblyman Patrick Manning and many others who helped behind the scenes.  News Copy grew out of that effort, very much a lone effort on my part, but attention should be paid to the tall one for seeding this venture.

To Pastor Iovine, who carried News Copy as far as he could, this adventure continues for those we might someday see on the other side.  A special thanks to Rob Ryan, who singlehandedly did more for modern journalism in New York with his own personal seeding of stories than any other news outlet or campaign.  My favorite moment of the year came in Long Island at the State Republican Convention when a handful of reporters playfully confessed to missing Rob Ryan (sigh... "No Rob Ryan").

My mom repeated today that the candidacy of John Spencer brought forth one constant and indelible image; the happiness of his family and his children.  For those of us who understand John, we appreciate a lot of what transpired this past summer and it was an honor to hold onto the helm of his campaign's blog.  No number or percentage told the story better than the enthusiasm of his son Patrick at the State GOP convention.

Today, Vincent Natrella was buried.  He was a political leader who pulled no punches -- even with his friends.  He demanded better from those closest to him, a level of excellence and dedication to what was right that was as much old school politics as his keen understanding that the enemies were always at the gate.

And he was fun to hang out with, to listen to and to have on your side of a political fight.

It seems that most of the political races I have been involved with over the past twenty years had the former Westchester County Conservative Party leader close at hand in one capacity or another.  I'll miss him but his spirit will forever be by our side.  Not a day passes when I don't remember his distinct voice, a "rough and tumble" style that exemplified a passion for democracy.  Natrella cared.

If we stop caring, this country is finished.  The enemies are are still at the gate, if not over the moat (understatement), and most of us better be prepared for a bar room brawl in coming elections.  Vinny would have approved.

Finally, methinks the ashes of 2006 will bring forth tremendous opportunity for reformers.

I'll see you all on the other side, whatever happens.

Comments

[Rev. Iovine]

Bob:

Regardless of what your detractors will say, you have stood tall to fight for conservative principles throughout the New York body politic. As Republicans look to rebound, the consensus says that it will be conservatives and their leadership who will bring about a "Reagan revival" within the GOP. And yes, this includes New York State.

I know you will always keep up the fight because it is not in your nature to give up. Stand firm to the conservatism that embodies those young Reaganites who help truly reform Congress in the middle 1990s. It will be those beliefs that will truly change America for the better.

Give me a call sometime. God's blessings to you. And thanks for the kind words.

Rev. Anthony Iovine

[CLICK HERE]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAojIFQczLA

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