I know the following about him. I visit New York every year, once a year - the city did a 180 degree turn under his stewardship. Crime, taxes, virtually every indicator of the city's standard of living improved beyond recognition as to what came before.
Second, I know that he was possibly the only politician in America to treat both Arafat and the United Nations with the contempt they deserved - throwing Arafat out of a building, and demanding the UN obey the law (albeit parking violations) marks him out as different.
Third, I know that he was aggressive in pursuing organised crime.
Fourth, I know that he has an international gravitas, which no other candidate - either Republican or Democrat - has at the moment. He can step into the White House with a certain amout of respect already.
I don't like his positions on social issues - however, this is the time for social conservatives to say, "If you win the nomination, we will support you with certain caveats - namely, appoint the correct judges, leave the 2nd amendment alone, use the VP slot to promote one of our own, so that in 8 years, we'll have a good candidate for President".
The Republicans have a weak bench, a VP that is not running again, and have problems in the West, which is vital to winning the Presidency. Giuliani is the best tactical choice out of the lot. People can scream, yell, get upset all they like, this is how it is.
Ivan
A New York State government agency is forcing a group of business owners to leave their property by condemning it. That clears the way for a new skyscraper to go up - an office building that will house the New York Times.
Critics complain city taxpayers will foot part of the bill.
In a deal struck by the Empire State Development Corporation . . .
According to court records, the state and city signed a deal with the Times and Forest City Ratner Companies, which included a 99-year lease totaling $85.6 million-well below market value, according to experts. The deal also includes $26 million in tax cuts for the Times.
In addition, if a court sets the condemnation price higher than $85.6 million, the developers would have to come up with the extra money. However, the Times and Forest City will be able to deduct the extra cost, meaning taxpayers will cover all costs above $85.6 million.
Forest City Ratner Companies is headed by Bruce Ratner, a well-known fundraiser for both former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former President Bill Clinton.
It was Ratner who earlier this year spearheaded a campaign to produce a "politically correct" statue, replacing two of the three white firefighters captured in a world-famous photo of the flag raising at Ground Zero with a more diverse grouping. The move outraged both firefighters and the public and was later scrapped.
There seems to be a organized tag team of posters for Rudy, so much so, I think they need there own forum.