He's no Cincinnatus

How is it that extending term limits is even a possibility?

The fact that people are even willing to consider the proposition is a scary thought and a clear statement on the state of democracy in our county.

The mayor is a media mogul. Many of the people do not even think for themselves anymore and many who think that they do derive their opinions from the media. Speak to any educator in the city about the "changes" and achievements made in that area under Bloomberg's administration and you will get a very different story. Think critically and for yourself and you will see a different story.

The mayor stated, "Given the events of recent weeks and given the enormous challenges we face, I don't want to walk away from a city I feel I can help lead through these tough times." Let's be honest, Bloomberg only wants to stay on because he didn't get a nod to participate in the national election. He's no Cincinnatus.

It's interesting to note that this idea started with a one time extension for a third term, only in this instance. Now the proposal appears to be moving to a permanent change in term limits extending the time from 8 to 12 years. More time to consolidate more power. If we have learned nothing else from his time in office, Bloomberg has done just that - consolidate power. The arms of Mayoral control have extended over the city like a giant octopus in a bad horror movie. Maybe if there were some way to make him pledge and then enforce, that once we are out of the "crisis" he steps down, then maybe people should consider this proposition. But then, four years from now, what will the crisis be? He's no Cincinnatus.

Bloomberg also stated that he believes in term limits but whether they should be two or three, his actions state that New Yorkers should decide after he runs again. He has ruled out special elections and a referendum and if the people want him to be mayor, as he believes then let them speak with a vote. He has previously supported the two-term limits, probably because he has no personality and figured he would never have a shot at a third but now that he does, he wants to remove them. It's one thing when the executive wishes to extende their stay and consolidate power. It's expected and looked out for. It becomes a crisis when the legislative is also doing it - and doing it at the same time. Thirty-five of the fifty-one City Council Members are out next year because of the term limits. It would only take twenty-six to pass the legislation to extend. You do the math. They are no Cincinnatus. He's no Cincinnatus.

For those of you who do not know who Cincinnatus is, please allow me to preach for a minute. The long story short is that Cincinnatus, was appointed dictator of Rome in 450 BC during a crisis. During his tenure, he protected the city against an encroaching army. He defeated them and forced them under the rule of the Romans. When his task was done, he gave up his sword and title of dictator and returned to his farm. Such an impression did he make that emulating him two-thousand two-hundred and thirty-three years later, when he could have taken an inherited title as king or dictator George Washington did not. Mike Bloomberg is no Cincinnatus. Neither are the members of the City Council who vote for an extension.