The Ballet of Purgatory [View All]

"One has to speak out and stand up for one's convictions. Inaction at a time of conflagration is inexcusable." -- Gandhi

There are times when, in such a large and multi-layered bureaucracy as our nation is today, an individual can feel frustrated by the numerous roadblocks that get in the way of communicating with our elected representatives. While there definitely are those few politicians -- or aides to politicians -- who are sincere in their desire to hear from members of the community, there are far more who have been reduced to cogs in the system, intent upon discouraging communications with the public.

Yesterday, for example, I called to speak with an individual within the Governor's Office in Albany, NY. I made clear to the person on the other end of the line that I was not calling to simply voice an opinion. That said, I was switched to a state agency distinct from the G.O. I again explained my purpose; I was again switched, back to the G.O. So I explained my purpose, only to be switched to yet another agency. Though I had not been connected to the individual that I hoped to speak to, I did find myself on the line with a high-ranking state official.

I started by identifying the topic of concer: hydro-fracking. I then took a couple of moments to state what, for lack of better terms, might be called my credentials. Next, I detailed my plans for a hunger strike in Albany, with the goal of a personal meeting with Governor Andrew Cuomo, to discuss some specific concerns regarding a proposed 180-day extension for comments/ study/ consideration of the stat's most recent report.

The individual that I was speaking with took me seriously. He said that in over twenty years on his job, he had never had a call quite like mine. More, he assured me that he had literally just gotten out of a high-level meeting where the growing tensions were discussed.

I dare say that, in well over 40 years of dealing with various government officials, over 90% have been outright liars. In fact, I am being kind. Such jobs require the ability to lie outright, without conscience. The better the liar, the higher the pay scale.

In my years of employment in human services, including but not limited to forensic work, I have become pretty capable of identifying honest people from liars. I apply those skills to my work in community organizing and as a grass roots activist. I knew yesterday that I was talking to an honest man. More, one who was opposed to the organized efforts to bury information on the extreme dangers posed by hydro-fracking, and the on-going efforts to abord meaningful dialogue on the topic.

He explained that, even in his position, he has difficulty in "getting Andrew's ear" as far as this subject goes. While he assured me that he will do his best, he asked me to get this information to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Robert, of course, is not only Andrew's former brother-in-law (Andrew was married to Kerry Kennedy), but is on the state's "advisory board" for fracking. And it is safe to say that Robert is part of the Governor's private effort to organize for Cuomo's presidential run in 2016.

I've tried calling Robert today. Some numbers have been altered since I had better access, before our disagreement on he issue of fracking. But I was able to get through, eventually, to an office answering machine.

Once again, I am in need of the assistance of my friends on the Democratic Underground. If you could take a moment to e-mail Robert's top assistant, Mary Beth Postman, to ask her to tell Robert to please take the action that I've requested -- that he tell Andrew that I am preparing toengage in a huner strike outside of his office -- and that it might be best if we engage in a private chat, rather than this getting the media attention that it definitely will if Andrew attempts to ignore me.

Mary beth's e-mail is: mpostman@law.pace.edu

Also, if possible, can you comment on this thread to both let me know, and to keep it visible for other DU community members.

I thank you in advance for any and all support on this. It means a great deal to me as an individual, and as a DU community member. More importantly, it helps in the larger effort to protect our environment. New York State is now the focus of much of the nation in regard to hydro-fracking. This forum and its members can serve an important role in this struggle.

Peace,
Pat