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President Obama reacting to today's news. (Photo: Getty)

Bloomberg to Obama: Offering Condolences ‘Is Not Enough’

Mayor Michael Bloomberg is not satisfied with President Barack Obama’s reaction to the recent shooting at a Connecticut elementary school. Specifically, a tearful Mr. Obama called for “meaningful action” to prevent future tragedies, a vague vow that Mr. Bloomberg, who has emerged as one of the chief gun control advocates nationwide, found wholly unacceptable.

“President Obama rightly sent his heartfelt condolences to the families in Newtown. But the country needs him to send a bill to Congress to fix this problem. Calling for ‘meaningful action’ is not enough,” Mr. Bloomberg said in a statement. “We need immediate action. We have heard all the rhetoric before. What we have not seen is leadership – not from the White House and not from Congress. That must end today. This is a national tragedy and it demands a national response. My deepest sympathies are with the families of all those affected, and my determination to stop this madness is stronger than ever.” Read More

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(Photo: Flickr/azipaybarah)

Brooklyn D.A. Calls for Special Prosecutor for Vito Lopez

Kings County District Attorney Joe Hynes is increasing the pressure on Assemblyman Vito Lopez, the once-powerful outgoing chair of the borough’s Democratic Party, by applying for a special prosecutor to investigate sexual  harassment reports against Mr. Lopez. Mr. Hynes said past support from the local Democratic organization “had the potential to create an appearance of impropriety,” and an independent district attorney  could better carry out the investigation.

Mr. Hynes, once a close political ally of Mr. Lopez’s, released the following statement to explain the move: Read More

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jim owles

Jim Owles Club Calls on Council to Force Paid Sick Days Bill

Council members and advocates of legislation mandating paid sick days have been focused on convincing Council Speaker Christine Quinn to allow a vote on the bill, as the majority of the city’s lawmakers have voiced approval. However, even without Ms. Quinn’s support, there is a way for the City Council to bypass her authority by having the lead sponsor, with the support of seven other council members, file a “Motion to Discharge,” a rare tactic that would force a vote.

It would be bold for the City Council to do this, however, as some members may fear retaliation or may just not want to shake up the status quo. Nevertheless, the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, an influential LGBT organization, is fed up with the stalemate and is calling on the City Council to override Ms. Quinn’s authority. Read More