By Former NYC Councilman
Rev. Ruben Diaz
You should know that finally, after 15 voting sessions, The United States House of Representatives elected a Republican Congressman from the State of California, the Hon. Kevin McCarthy, as the new Speaker of the House, replacing Democrat Congresswoman, also from California Nancy Pelosi.
The Struggle to Elect a new Speaker for the House of Representatives lasted 4 days and took the 435 members of Congress, 15 rounds of voting prior to bringing the voting process to an end. This was due to the adamant opposition to Kevin McCarthy coming from Conservative Republicans known as "The Freedom Caucus."
The Conservative Republican Members from the “Freedom Caucus” got together to demand changes in the House Rules, and positions in Congress, refusing to automatically give their vote in appointing a New Speaker, in this case Congressman Kevin McCarthy.
The actions of "The Freedom Caucus" reminded me of a similar scenario back in 2009, that took place in Albany New York, when a group of four Democrat Senators in New York State, known as "The Four (4) Amigos” united to demand changes in Committee Leaderships, and to establish additional Committees before automatically giving their vote to appoint Senator Malcolm Smith as the President of the New York State Senate.
The members of "The Four Amigos" were, Three Hispanics (Puerto Ricans to be exact) and one Jewish Member, they were State Senators, Pedro Espada Jr., Hiram Monserrate, Karl Kruger, and yours truly, Rev. Rubén Diaz. This was Something never done or experienced in the State of New York.
It is important for you to know that by holding out “The Four Amigos" managed to obtained changes and Committee Leaderships in the Senate that otherwise would never have been achieved. Some of the achievements obtained by "The Four Amigos" are as follows:
1. Senator Pedro Espada Jr. was appointed as the first Hispanic Vice -President of the State Senate.
2. Senator Carl Kruger was appointed Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. One of the most prestigious and powerful positions in the State Legislature.
3. Senator Hiram Monserrate was appointed as Chairman of the Committee for “Consumer Affairs” with a focus on protecting Consumers, from being defrauded by Merchants, Retailers and State Industries.
4. And I, Rev. Rubén Diaz Sr., acquired the Chairmanship for the “Senior Citizens Committee" a much-needed committee to ensure the protection and care of our aging population. Its function was to secure programs and benefits that would improve the quality of life for our State’s Senior Citizens.
5. The "Four Amigos” Pedro Espada Jr., Karl Kruger, Hiram Monserrate and Rev. Rubén Diaz Sr., by holding out on casting their vote, achieved having the first Hispanic appointed as Secretary of State. That person was the honorable Angelo Aponte. This is important because it was not only the first time in history that the NY State Senate appointed the first Hispanic to this prestigious position, but because it’s among one of the most powerful positions in the State of New York.
You should also now, my dear Reader, that these four (4) Senators, demonstrated the audacity to challenge the status quo and go against business as usual in Albany. For their audacity The Four Amigos were attacked, mocked, and condemned by the News Media of Albany, New York. They were called "Opportunists," "Divisionists," "Extortionists," among other diatribes. These attacks may have been because the demands were coming from Hispanics who dared launch a challenge and make demands before blindly casting their votes just to get along. Or because these four members managed to make some changes and get commitments never seen before.
The most interesting thing about the actions of “The Four Amigos" was that apparently their actions set an example for others. This was apparent when they were later copied by another group of 4 Senators called “The Independent Democratic Conference”. This group was led by Senator Jeff Klein. Their members were all White (Caucasians) and its members were Sen. David Valesky, Sen. Diane Savino and Sen. David Carlucci. Following the example of "The Four Amigos" the four members of “The Independent Democratic Conference”, got together to also launch demands.
You should know that they demanded far more than “The Four Amigos” would even consider or dare to demand. "The Independent Democratic Conference" demanded for themselves an Exclusive independent Budget, Increase in Salaries, Large Offices, Additional Personnel and New Office Equipment.
Yet in contrast to the negative treatment and criticism "The Four Amigos," received, the members of “The Independent Democratic Conference” were, Praised, held in high esteem, they were called Geniuses and Respected by all.
Today we see this same scenario repeated on a federal level when another group called "The Freedom Caucus" came together to demand changes and positions in the House of Representatives.
This brings me joy and satisfaction to imagine that “The Four Amigos” seems to have set a precedent back in 2009 when Senators Pedro Espada Jr., Carl Kruger, Hiram Monserrate and Rev. Rubén Diaz Sr., in the New York State Senate. It appears that “The Four Amigos” served as an example for others to emulate, even in Washington D.C. This my friends, like it or not, is Democracy in action.
I am the Rev. Rubén Diaz, and This is What You Should Know.
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