WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York

Look Who's Talking

You should know that Senator Jeff Klein, the leader of the Independent Democratic Conference in the New York State Senate has made the following statement – and I quote:  “If you are a real Democrat, a real New York Democrat, then you must defend a woman's inherent right to choose."

Apparently, for Senator Jeff Klein, a “good” Democrat is only one who supports the killing of unborn babies – even through dismembering those creatures even up to 9 months when they are a full living being. (Never mind that there are Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Evangelicals and thousands of other Democrats in New York State who oppose the killing of babies.)

You should know that there is an old saying in Puerto Rico, and maybe here too: “Las palabras se cojen segun quien las dice”, or “Look who’s talking now.”

You should also know that a person like Senator Jeff Klein, who has gone against the will of the people of State of New York who elected 33 Democratic Senators, giving the Democrats the opportunity to be the leaders in the New York State Senate – cannot be talking about how to be a good Democrat!

You should know that a Democrat who has joined with the Republicans and who has taken away the command and mandate given to the Democrats by the voters of New York State to lead the New York State Senate, has no standing to dictate who is a real Democrat, who is a good Democrat, and who is not.

I never heard Senator Jeff Klein criticize or condemn Governor Andrew Cuomo, the leader of New York State Democratic Party, when the Governor publicly supported Republican Senator Steve Saland against Democratic candidate Terry Gipson for the New York State Senate.  I believe that what Governor Cuomo did is an indication of being much less of a Democrat than anyone who opposes the killing of babies.   By the way, the people did not listen to the Governor and Senator Saland was defeated by Gipson.

You should know that the message Senator Klein is sending to all those good, honorable and decent people who oppose abortion in New York State is that they are not good Democrats.

So to all those Catholics like Cardinal Dolan, to all those priests and parishioners, to all those Jews, to all those Muslims, to all those Evangelicals, to all those Pentecostal Ministers, and to every elected official and every Democrat in New York State, Senator Jeff Klein is sending all of us a message:  If you don't support the killing of babies, you are not a good Democrat.

I would like to give my advice to Senator Jeff Klein and to those who think like him: A real Democrat caucuses with Democrats – not with Republicans.

This is Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.