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Political scientists have a number of terms that identify representational styles for lawmakers in Congress and elsewhere. A “trustee” votes his conscience even if it conflicts with the views of his constituents. In other words, the “trustee” does what he thinks is right and votes accordingly. On the other hand, a “delegate” votes the will of the people, even when it is contrary to his own beliefs. Then there is the “politico” who votes his conscience or the will of the people...depending on the issue.

Along with FLN’s Ed Thomas, I recently had the opportunity in Washington D.C. to sit down and talk with two freshmen members of the U.S. House of Representatives --Congressman Eric Massa who represents New York’s 29th District and Congressman Glenn Thompson who represents Pennsylvania’s 5th District. Massa is a Democrat and Thompson is a Republican. Both are finishing the first year of their two-year terms.

As first-term, first-year Congressmen, I asked each of them on how they approached the job of representing their constituents. Congressman Eric Massa is a trustee. He believes that he has an obligation to do what is right for his district even if he must vote against what is popular with his constituents. A case in point is his recent vote in the House against the Democratic healthcare reform bill.

In contrast to Congressman Massa, Congressman Glenn Thompson believes that he should vote in a way that is consistent with those who elected him to office. This makes Congressman Thompson a “delegate.” Interestingly enough, like Congressman Massa, Congressman Thompson also voted against the healthcare reform plan.

So ladies and gentlemen of New York and Pennsylvania, that’s your Political Science 101 lesson for today. I want to thank you for writing in and I always appreciate your comments. Comment below, or send me an email.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

Please do not use your cell phone to text while driving. This represents irresponsible, dangerous, and unChristianlike behavior that could kill or injure you, your passengers, and other drivers. Being distracted while driving is a formula for mayhem and death on the highways.

That’s why it is so important to have tough laws -- laws with teeth -- to cut down on the distraction that is texting while driving. New York and especially Pennsylvania have a long way to go in this regard. For example, on November 1st a new law went into effect in New York State that outlawed texting while driving.

Unfortunately, the police cannot cite someone for texting while driving unless the driver is initially stopped for something else like speeding or going though a stop sign. In other words, texting while driving is not a primary offense in New York. Furthermore, if stopped for something else and then ticketed and convicted for texting behind the wheel, the maximum fine is a measly $150.

I submit that the ban on texting while driving in New York is a paper tiger -- a joke of a law that invites people to break the law. New York needs to make texting while driving a primary offense, with steep fines, and with major auto insurance consequences.

If New York has a long way to go in the driving while texting department, Pennsylvania’s situation is much worse. It’s hard to believe that there is no statewide ban on texting while driving in the Keystone State.

That’s right. There is no ban on texting while driving in the Keystone State. This is a situation which is dangerous and unacceptable. What a disgrace!

On top of this, there is not even a statewide ban in Pennsylvania on the use of handheld cell phones while driving. Again, what a disgrace! A major responsibility of government is to protect the lives and safety of citizens. The Empire and Keystone States are failing in this regard.

Ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank you for writing in and I always appreciate your comments. Comment below, or send me an email.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

In a recent editorial, the New York Times lowered the boom on the embarrassing state of New York State politics. It said, “The state has become a national embarrassment, a swamp of intrigue and corruption, a $131 billion dollar monster controlled by a crowd of smug officials whose main concern is keeping their soft jobs.”

The editorial went on to say: “The clock is ticking. Unless the Albany crowd pulls off some miracle it will be up to the voters to get them out, all of them.” Well, I want to congratulate the New York Times for its straight talk on the circus that is Albany.

I only wish that the newspaper had also lowered the boom on the circus that is Harrisburg. After all, Pennsylvania’s State Senators and Representatives -- along with Governor Ed Rendell -- threw the Keystone State into chaos and confusion by passing a budget 101 days late.

During this period, the political circus performers in Harrisburg demonstrated a gross indifference to the people of Pennsylvania, a dysfunctional and blind obsession with party politics, a disgraceful fixation with scoring political points, and the kind of political behavior expected of  twelve and thirteen year olds. All of which adds up to political negligence and dereliction of duty of the worst kind.

Indeed, the citizens of Pennsylvania now have 101 reasons to throw the gang in Harrisburg out of office. Unfortunately, the political shenanigans of both those in Albany and Harrisburg are unlikely to lead to the defeat of many incumbents. You see, many voters have forgiving hearts, short memories, and even a high tolerance for politicians behaving badly. Furthermore, many voters who generally despise the rascals in Albany and Harrisburg think that the particular politicians they vote for do a great job.

So, the bottom line: Lots of people are currently fed up with the politicians in Albany and Harrisburg. Unfortunately, this is unlikely to lead to throwing the political rascals out of office.

Ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank you for writing in and I always appreciate your comments. Comment below, or send me an email.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

The politicians in Harrisburg were 101 days late this year in passing their state's budget. In fact, Pennsylvania was the last state in the nation to pass its budget. I say shame on members of the House, shame on members of the Senate, and shame on Governor Ed Rendell.

My goodness. Lawmakers in the Keystone State are trying their hardest to become even more dysfunctional than the politicians who run New York State.

One very disturbing item in Pennsylvania’s 2009-2010 budget is an unfair and outrageous 25 cent jump in the cigarette tax from $1.35 a pack to $1.60 a pack. This increase -- which goes into effect November 1st -- disturbs me because it is just another example of smokers under attack.

A year ago last June, New York State raised taxes on a pack of cigarettes from $1.50 to a whooping $2.75. On top of this, two lawmakers in Albany favor another increase to $3.50 a pack. And just about seven months ago the federal government increased the tax on a pack of cigarettes by 62 cents.

Enough is enough.

I don’t smoke and I think that smoking is an unhealthy, horrible, and addictive habit. I urge the young people who are listening to stay away from cigarettes or what my late father called coffin nails. On the other hand, in a free society adults should have the right to smoke without oppressive and prohibitive taxation from the government.

It was the great Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall who once said that “the power to tax is the power to destroy.” Let’s not destroy -- through excessive taxation -- the right to smoke.

Ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank you for writing in and I always appreciate your comments. Comment below, or send me an email.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

Despite the election of Barack Obama as America’s first black president, America still has serious challenges of racial equality and justice in areas involving education, jobs, housing, and law enforcement. Indeed, even though America has come a long way in the area of race relations, it still has a long way to go.

For example, in the last couple of years there has been a disturbing trend in New York, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere where past and present public officials have used words like racist and racism in gratuitous, irresponsible, and thoughtless ways. It was just about a year ago that Pennsylvania Congressman John Murtha called the people of Western Pennsylvania racists. He later apologized and said that “redneck” would have been a more appropriate term.

More recently, New York Governor David Paterson -- perhaps the most unpopular governor in the Empire State’s history -- opined that he was the victim of racism. Additionally, Governor Paterson and former President Jimmy Carter both argued that criticism directed at President Barack Obama was racist. The president -- refusing to play the race card -- rejected this analysis.

More locally, the only black member of the city school board in Elmira, New York has publicly charged that the other members of the board -- as well as the board itself -- are racist. Despite her dramatic charges, she has not provided any evidence. Ladies and gentlemen of New York and Pennsylvania, throwing around words like racist and racism is outrageous, irresponsible, and just plain wrong.

It reminds me of the late Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy who -- without proof -- falsely accused people of being communists. In doing so, he ruined the careers and reputations of many who he had targeted. Those in public life need to choose their words carefully.

There are serious issues involving race and racism in America. Those who play the race card with incendiary language are a disgrace. They distract from a discussion of the serious issues of the day.

Ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank you for writing in and I always appreciate your comments. Comment below, or send me an email.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

There are huge numbers of welfare recipients in New York and Pennsylvania. Of course, the taxpayers of the Empire and Keystone States are the ones who have to foot the bill for those who cannot make it on their own.

This is an expensive and costly proposition -- especially when both states are dealing with serious fiscal problems.

That said, many of those on public assistance are good people who need a temporary helping hand and who pray that someday they will not have to accept the indignity of government handouts.  Unfortunately, there are also many welfare recipients who should not be getting a dime of the taxpayers’ money because they are good-for-nothings who think that the world owes them a living.

Given this fact, I have a question for you: Why not have a program of random drug testing for welfare recipients? Drug users and abusers should be excluded from all forms of public assistance. Taxpayers should not be supporting druggies who are some of the very people who are likely to cheat and rip-off the welfare system.

Furthermore, druggies on welfare give honest welfare recipients a bad name. Excluding drug users from public assistance would lessen the stigma of being a welfare recipient for those on welfare who are truly deserving and in need. The welfare system is in dire need of more monitoring, oversight, and accountability.

This would be a major step in the right direction...and the sooner the better.

Ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank you for writing in and I always appreciate your comments. Comment below, or send me an email.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

Eliot Spitzer resigned in disgrace as New York’s Governor some eighteen months ago after he was publicly and accurately linked to prostitutes. His involvement with prostitutes shocked millions of New Yorkers because in his previous post as attorney general he had earned the reputation of a self-righteous prosecutor -- the "Sheriff of Wall Street" -- who went after businessmen and those engaged in prostitution.

Well, that was then. Eliot Spitzer now has a new gig as a political science professor at City College, which is part of New York City’s public university system. This semester he is teaching a course entitled “law and public policy.” Given his unique background and qualifications, there are at least five other courses that he could teach or co-teach in the future:

1. "Ethics and Politics"

2. "Hypocrisy and Politics"

3. "From the State House to the Cathouse"

4. A course co-taught with John Edwards entitled: "The Wives of Politicians and How to Share the Bad News."

5. "A course with South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford on the politics of Argentina.

Let me be frank. Eliot Spitzer betrayed the trust of the citizens of New York. He broke the law, cheated on his wife, and was guilty of hypocrisy -- big time. The fact a man who betrayed the public trust is teaching at a public college in New York City is a disgrace. What a horrible role model for impressionable young undergraduates.

I have a question for the parents: Would you want Eliot Spitzer teaching your kids?

Ladies and gentlemen, I want to thank you for writing in and I always appreciate your comments. Comment below, or send me an email.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

I do not like cheating and that’s why I condemn those school officials, teachers, and parents who recently cheated their students by denying them the opportunity to listen to a speech given by President Barack Obama.

In an age where young people are constantly bombarded with the wrong messages and the wrong values from Hollywood, video games, and the music industry, students need to hear the right messages and the right values from responsible adults.

The president’s speech provided just that.

It stressed responsibility, working hard, respecting teachers, finding one’s talents, and making a contribution to America. As President Obama eloquently put it: “At the end of the day…we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities. Unless you show up to those schools...pay attention to those teachers…listen to your parents, grandparents, and other adults…and put in the hard work it takes to succeed.”

In his inspiring and motivational address President Obama shared the right messages and values with the nation’s students at exactly the right time -- the start of the new school year.

Unfortunately, some educators and parents feared that President Obama would use the speech to brainwash their kids and shower them with political propaganda. This fear turned out to be misguided, silly, and ridiculous. Ironically, the only folks who seemed brainwashed were the adults who cheated the youngsters out of an opportunity to listen to positive messages from the President of the United States.

How disappointing and how sad.

On a final note: I invite people to send me their comments. I would like to read more comments from people on the air. Comment below, or send me an email.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

There is a stigma attached to those on welfare or public assistance. That’s because there is a stereotype of welfare recipients as lazy and promiscuous good-for-nothings who use drugs, abuse alcohol, gamble, and think that the world owes them a living. This stereotype -- like most others -- is inaccurate, simplistic, and unfair.

On the other hand, it is sometimes true.

Given this, it is very important that public assistance of any kind be handled in a way that prevents fraud and abuse. Recently, New York State failed to do so in a shocking display of incompetence.

To be specific: With the blessing and approval of Governor David Paterson, New York recently provided thousands of “back to school" grants to families on public assistance. Families received $200 of “back to school money” for each of their kids. $140- million-dollars of public stimulus money funded most of this giveaway, along with some $35-million in private funding.

Well, I submit that Governor Paterson should be ashamed of himself. This program handed millions of dollars over to people with no safeguards, no monitoring, and no accountability. Yes, I'm sure lots of parents spent the money on their kids for back to school clothes and supplies. On the other hand, I'm also sure that some others spent the money on drugs, alcohol, and gambling.

Next time...if there is a next time...a program like this should have strict monitoring and oversight. Perhaps vouchers should be used that would only be good for back to school shopping. Ladies and gentlemen of New York and Pennsylvania, it’s time to say “no” to welfare scamming, fraud, and abuse.

On a final note: I invite people to send me their comments. I would like to read more comments from people on the air. Comment below, or send me an email.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

All too often the politicians we send to Albany, Harrisburg, and Washington are more concerned about following the party line, playing it safe, or blindly following the polling numbers than they are about leadership and doing the right thing.

Witness the lack of leadership, the mayhem, and the gridlock this summer in Harrisburg, in Albany, and in our nation’s capital. Perhaps it’s time for elected leaders to follow their conscience and to be willing to do the right thing -- even when it is unpopular.

Such is the case with a courageous Congressman from the 29th District of Upstate New York.  His name is Eric Massa.  This independent Democrat recently caused lots of controversy in his district when he said that he would vote against the wishes of his constituents on healthcare reform if he thought he was doing the right thing.

Well, I congratulate Congressman Massa for choosing honestly and integrity over expediency. I also want to congratulate Congressman Massa for his leadership. Nothing shows leadership more than the willingness to take an unpopular stand...whether on health care reform or anything else.

Americans are sick and tired of mealy mouthed politicians who blindly follow public opinion, the party line, or playing it safe.  Voters elect public officials to exercise sound judgment, exercise independence, and to make the tough and sometimes unpopular decisions…much in the tradition of Edmund Burke, the 18th century British philosopher and member of Parliament.

Ladies and gentlemen of the Empire and Keystone states, it’s time for our leaders to act like leaders and stop acting like children.

On a final note: I invite people to send me their comments. I would like to read more comments from people on the air. Comment below, or send me an email.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

It's both amazing and disturbing at how the media glamorize behavior that is sinful, anti-Christian, self-destructive, and morally bankrupt. Such is the case with the recent media coverage of the 40th anniversary of the Woodstock Music and Arts Festival, which took place in August of 1969 in the town of Bethel, NY.

The coverage has portrayed Woodstock as a major event or happening in American history, something that defined a generation, and something that amounted to a riveting cultural phenomenon.

Well, I beg to differ with the media.

The thousands of mostly young people who flocked to Woodstock were nothing more -- or less -- than a bunch of confused, mixed-up kids with no moral compass or direction. A bunch of kids who looked for and found a hedonistic mixture of drugs, sex, and rock and roll, with no responsibility, accountability, or strings attached.

Ladies and gentlemen of New York and Pennsylvania, Woodstock represented and represents much of what is wrong with America. Many of those who attended the event ended up living lives filled with alcohol, drugs, and family problems. Woodstock is not something to celebrate or to be proud of. In fact, Woodstock was a cultural abomination, a national disgrace, and a collective obscenity.

It’s comforting to note that most young people in America did not attend Woodstock. They were doing something more productive with their lives.

On a final note: I invite people to send me their comments. I would like to read more comments from people on the air. Comment below, or send me an email.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

I'm very proud of how citizens in both the Empire and Keystone states are pitching in to make a difference in their communities. USA Today recently reported that -- despite the economy -- more and more Americans have been donating their time, energy, and effort to make a difference for the better in their communities in what a federal official calls a "compassion boom."

Indeed, Americans are "giving back" to their communities in many ways: volunteering in hospitals, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, food banks, helping the elderly, working with young people, building houses for the poor, and so on. This increased community activity falls within the proud American tradition of volunteerism and community service, a tradition that dates back to the founding of our great republic. It is especially refreshing to see tens of millions of Americans pitching in to make a difference in tough times.

At the end of the day, citizens can make a huge difference for the better in the communities in which they reside. The politicians and bureaucrats in places like Albany and Harrisburg can only do so much and sometimes that means not very much. Witness the problems in both Albany and Harrisburg since June.

The fact is that everyday Americans working to make their neighborhoods and communities better places to live can do so much more than the politicians and bureaucrats.

On a final note: I invite people to send me their comments. I would like to read more comments from people on the air. Comment below, or send me an email.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

I’ll start by saying I still do not have a clear picture of what all is taking place under this plan. I’ve heard that I will get to keep my insurance if I like it, but if not then what, the government is going to provide equal or better insurance? Will this healthcare reform eliminate the problem of the health insurance industry being run like a business rather than a service? Personally I think the healthcare industry needs some reform, but until I have the clear details I don’t know if this specific plan is the best one.

Next person, the floor is yours. Give us your thoughts on the plan: What are you concerned with? What would you like to know more about?

In my commentaries I have continually been outspoken in my opposition to gay marriage. I’ve opined that gay marriage is morally unacceptable, morally repugnant, and contrary to the Bible and Christian teaching. Furthermore, as a traditionalist, I believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. In my view, the very concept of gay marriage is an oxymoron.

That said, this afternoon I have an e-mail from a listener who disagrees with my views and favors gay marriage. She is a thirteen year old girl named Sierra. She says, "My view on gay marriage is simply that it should be allowed in all states. Gay marriage is when two people of the same sex are in love. It is not as bad or horrible as everyone puts it out to be. Just like blacks and whites should be able to get along without a huge production.

"I have always believed that love is love. When two people are in love...they get married. My best friend is gay and is constantly getting harassed but that isn’t stopping him from knowing and believing in himself."

Well, I want to thank Sierra for writing in and expressing her opinion so well. Although i am opposed to gay marriage, I think it is a shame that her friend has been harassed because he is gay. I think it is unChristian, sinful, and mean-spirited for anyone to harass another person because of their sexual preference.

On a final note: I invite other young people to send me their comments. I would like to read more comments from young people on the air. Comment below, or send me an email.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

However, I am glad this unfortunate scenario occurred because it allows us to stop and take a deep look into the real issue at hand: Do we still judge by the color of skin or rather by the content of character? The color of your skin should not be relevant in today’s day in age- it should not make you more qualified or less qualified for a job, it should not make you more likely or less likely to commit a crime, and it should not make you more likely or less likely to succeed in life. That being said I am not naïve enough or innocent enough to believe skin color is totally irrelevant today. Sadly, it’s not. We still live in a time where racism, prejudicial behavior, and bigotry exist.

To add fuel to the existing fire, the media and public have become crazed with trying to find the “racial undertones” to every comment and situation… sometimes adding tensions in situations aren’t racially charged. I believe racism, bigotry, and prejudice are wrong and hurtful, but I also believe trying to invoke those tags or feelings is wrong. A white policeman arresting a black professor is not always a case of racism and it should not be automatically assumed or believed to be.

I am not here to say if the case of the Professor and the Policeman was racially motivated or not because I don’t know. I can’t read minds and I don’t know hearts. What I do know is that rather than casting judgment and aligning ourselves in one of the victim’s camp, we should use this opportunity to ask the question: Why is skin color still such a big deal? By continually accusing or instigating the issue of racism are we helping racing awareness or rather perpetuating the cycle? How can we truly guard against the effects of racism? Can we take preventative steps through education and mind shift to keep hate crimes from happening? Racism isn’t an issue that will ever be resolved in this lifetime but I still believe it’s something we should and need to work hard to eradicate or at least, diminish. It’s a process starting with a mindset change- one that looks passed the outward appearance and sees a person’s heart and soul, not their skin. It is the call of Christ for all of us to love our brothers and sisters for who they are in His eyes, and in His image. Don’t you agree?

Over the years, African-Americans have been unfairly singled out and profiled by the police in a disturbing number of cases. There is no excuse for police racism and it should never be tolerated. Racist cops should be held accountable. They disgrace their profession, give a bad name to other cops, and make a mockery of what it is to be an officer of the law.

With that said, every interaction between an African-American and a cop is not racially motivated or racist. That was the case with Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. of Harvard University. When Gates -- who is black -- was recently arrested at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts for disorderly conduct.

The arrest came only after he verbally abused Sergeant James Crowley -- who is white -- by calling him a racist, shouting, making disrespectful remarks, and refusing to calm down. If a white man had been in that situation, he also would have been arrested.

It is not unusual for police officers to charge disrespectful, out-of-control citizens -- black or white -- with disorderly conduct. It is interesting to note that Sergeant Crowley -- with eleven years on the Cambridge Police Department -- is a model officer who has trained other police officers on how to avoid racial profiling.

In my view, Professor Gates owes Sergeant Crowley a public apology. So does President Obama for saying -- without knowing all of the facts -- that the Cambridge Police Department acted "stupidly."

Recently, the sergeant, the professor, and the president got together at the White House. I hope when the three of them sat down for a beer, President Obama ate some crow.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

Last Friday, workers in New York and Pennsylvania received a federally mandated minimum wage increase of ten cents an hour. This brought the minimum wage in both the Empire and Keystone States to $7.25 an hour.

The increase is bad news for a couple of reasons.

First, the increase will cut jobs in New York and Pennsylvania. You see, every increase in the minimum wage -- no matter how small -- means that payroll costs go up. That means that many businesses -- especially small businesses -- will be forced to lay off workers.

Ironically, the increase in the minimum wage means that at least some minimum wage workers will be laid off. This is unfortunate, but it is especially unfortunate when both New York and Pennsylvania already have disturbingly high unemployment rates -- with New York at 8.7 percent, and Pennsylvania at 8.2 percent.

The second reason why a higher minimum wage is bad news has to do with the cost of living. The minimum wage increase will inevitably lead to higher prices as added labor costs will sometimes be passed on to consumers. This will hurt all consumers, but especially the poor who can least afford higher prices.

Ladies and gentlemen of New York and Pennsylvania, it sounds counterintuitive...but the best stimulus plan to help the poor would be to significantly reduce the minimum wage. A decrease in the minimum wage would both protect and create jobs and would keep prices for consumers in check.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

On June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson died. Since then, there has been a lot of talk and a lot of news coverage about his life and death.

Fair enough.

To some, Jackson was the King of Pop. To others, he was a deeply flawed human being. Some thought he was a combination of both. That said, when a person dies it is important to respect their passing if not for the person…then for their family.

Therefore, I was deeply shocked when a Congressman Peter King from Long Island unleashed a devastating attack on Jackson before the memorial services had even taken place. The Congressman, who may run as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in 2010, called the deceased entertainer a "low-life," a "pervert," a "pedophile," and a "child molester."

My reaction to King's comments?

Well, on the one hand, there is probably some (or even a lot of truth) to what the Congressman said. After all, it was Jackson who paid millions of dollars in settlements to boys who accused him of sexual misconduct. It was Jackson who admitted to the nation and to the world that he let young boys sleep in his bed.

On the other hand, I think the timing of Congressman King’s comments was disgraceful. Out of respect for Jackson's family, the Congressman should have withheld his remarks until after Jackson's memorial services. That would have been the appropriate, as well as the Christian, thing to do.

Ladies and gentlemen of New York and Pennsylvania, Congressman King showed a bizarre lack of judgment and humanity with his inappropriately timed remarks about Michael Jackson. In my view, Congressman King does not have the class nor the dignity to run for or sit in the U.S. Senate. I invite you to respond with your opinion.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

What did it represent? That famous Moon Walk took our entire nations to new heights; it was an astronomical achievement that spurned our country into an age of scientific exploration. Science became exciting and interesting and a field that needed to be explored. People flocked to the idea of become an astronaut, or engineer and aiding in the Space race. Sadly, in the four decades since then our interest in the heavens (and other hard sciences for that matter) is waning. The Pew Center recently conducted a poll that found our interest in science as a national achievement is plummeting. In 1997, 47 percent of us felt that science was our nation’s greatest achievement…no doubt putting a man on the moon was the greatest. However, new statistics show that number has fallen to 27 percent of our countryman agreeing with the importance of science. We are no longer fascinated by science and the world of opportunities those fields hold. That my friends, is a crying shame.

I am a firm believer that we need to once again engage and intrigue kids in the wonder of science; the vastness and novelty of space. Have you ever thought about how far a light year really is? Or the stars in the sky….are they always there or do new ones appear? Do you know what happens high up in the heavens above what the human eye can see? So much more is taking place in our solar system that we can fathom and witness…….activity that proves time and time again the awesomeness of our Creator. You may think we are wasting billions of dollars by building a space station that floats in the sky or taking shuttle missions to the heavens, but we’re not. We are investing in education, engaging kids in the world around and above them, and inspiring yet another generation to become astronauts and engineers. Today we should take time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished in the last 40 years and the opportunity we have in the next 40 to go beyond our earth’s limits to discover, explore, and learn about the vast universe God has given us.

When Barack Obama was running for the presidency he alienated millions of Americans when he dismissively said that small town folks in states like Pennsylvania are bitter people who cling to religion and guns. His dismissive remarks reflected an arrogance, an ignorance, and a lack of appreciation of small town life in Pennsylvania and New York.

Unlike President Obama, I think that Small-Town America reflects the positive values of Christianity and freedom -- including the right and the freedom to bear arms as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.

The fact that Small-Town America values guns -- especially for hunting and sport -- and religion should be a cause for celebration and not the consternation expressed by President Obama. As one pastor recently told the New York Times: “God and guns were part of the foundation of this country.”

Ladies and gentlemen of New York and Pennsylvania, when Barack Obama said that small town folks in places like the Keystone State are bitter people who cling to religion and guns, he got in wrong. He should have said that folks who live in small towns are extraordinary and that small towns represent the very best of what makes America great and what will continue to make America great -- like Christian values, respect for the Constitution, respect for the Second Amendment, respect for the law, and a dedication to freedom.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

Will she be a good Supreme Court Justice? I have no idea. How do you determine who makes or is a good justice? Upon reviewing her record, listening to testimony from fellow bench-sitters and reading analysts assessment of her cases, it appears that no one in the Realm of the Courts appears too shocked by her nomination. She’s a moderate judge- probably not as conservative as some of us would like but certainly not as liberal a choice as the President could have been. And let’s face it a liberal President is not going to replace the most left-leaning justice on the Nation’s highest court with someone with an “I Love the Bush’s” bumper sticker on their car. But to answer the question, yes I do I think Sonia Sotomayor will be a fine justice if she is confirmed (which I believe is highly likely) to the bench.

Coming from humble beginnings and working one of the toughest Court of Appeals circuits in the nation, I don’t think Ms. Sotomayor believes she’s entitled to this position nor is she using it for her own political gain. She isn’t out to rule with an agenda that’s any different than any of the other 8 justices- they’re all appointed to hear cases and determine rulings based on the letter of law but sometimes how that letter is interpreted is different. Even if each justice brought their own bias into play, they must still factor in the opinions of their colleague so it’s not a runaway show. Maybe that’s why our Founding Fathers set up the judicial system to be ruled by a team of 9 rather than governed by the views of 1.

Just this past Saturday, America celebrated its independence with rousing celebrations and displays of pyrotechnics across the Empire and Keystone States. So today I think it is appropriate and fitting to talk about my hopes for courage and independence in everyday life.

I hope that the elected leaders in Albany and Harrisburg will have the courage and independence to work day in and day out on behalf of the people and not get distracted by power, control, money, and dysfunctional infighting.

To the young people I say have the courage and the independence to stay away from drugs, alcohol, and trouble... because if you’re looking for trouble…you’re going to find it.

I hope that unmarried pregnant women will have the courage and independence to have their babies.

I hope that men and women of faith will have the courage and independence to stand up in the fight for family values and the courage and independence to fight against gay marriage and embryonic stem cell research.

I hope that parents have the courage and the independence to say “no” to their children and discipline them when necessary…not out of anger but out of love.

Finally -- to one and all -- I wish you the courage and independence to use your freedoms as Americans wisely.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

I think the Democrats are to blame for the recent fiasco in the New York State Senate. Now I’ll concede the fact that the Republicans did not act like saints. On the other hand, when the Democrats took control of the State Senate in January, there was an expectation in Albany -- and throughout New York -- that they would walk the walk on reform because they had talked the talk while campaigning for last November’s election.

Indeed, there was hope that the Democrats would reform what had been identified by experts as the most dysfunctional legislature in America.  

Well, reform didn't happen.

The Senate Democrats conducted business in secret, went wild with taxing, went wild with spending, shut the Senate Republicans out of the legislative process and kept them from getting a fair share of money to bring home to their districts. The Democrats demonstrated that they were not about reform but about power, control, and putting the Republicans in their place.

It's no wonder the Republicans revolted and staged a coup on June 8th. To creatively paraphrase the late President John F. Kennedy: When the Democrats in the New York State Senate made reform impossible...they made a Republican revolt inevitable.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

There is an old saying in politics: don’t get mad, don’t get angry, just get even. Take the three time New York gubernatorial candidate and billionaire -- Tom Golisano. He spent millions of dollars to help get a number of reform Democrats elected or re-elected to the New York State Senate last November so the Democrats could take over the chamber and reform the dysfunctional way that politicians have conducted business in Albany for decades.

Well, after the Democrats were elected and took control of the Senate, there was little or no reform. In fact, the three men in a room model of New York governance continued, and the Democratic Majority Leader Malcolm Smith -- who Golisano had helped to get re-elected -- treated Golisano in a cavalier and disrespectful manner.

Instead of getting angry and mad, Golisano worked behind the scenes to get even by wooing two Democrats over to the Republican side to give the Republicans just enough votes to stage a coup and take control of the Senate.

That was two weeks ago. But then -- just last week -- one of the two switched back to the Democratic side. That left the Senate in a total state of chaos, pandemonium, and gridlock with 31 Senators standing with the Republicans and 31 with the Democrats.

If only the Democrats had been nice and had shown respect for Tom Golisano, this whole episode might have been avoided with Golisano not having to get even.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

You take to the streets not because a picket or protests will change the government but because what power and voice you hold must be heard. You take on a corrupt government not because you believe that in one election it will change, but because only through persistent and consistent actions will the truth ever shine. You march for justice because standing safely on the side of the road means injustice has already won. You bring your children to show them that some things in life are worth fighting for and you must never stop fighting for what you believe in.

It’s watching the masses surge in Tehran--amidst oppression and violence – that causes my heart to swell yet at the same time feel a sense of shame. I do not know corruption and oppression like the Iranians or the Burmese or the Soviets do. Yet do I stand up for what’s right even when I have nothing to gain? Do I speak out about injustice when I see it? The lessons from Tehran are simple yet often the most difficult: fighting for truth and justice is a never ending battle. You do it every time, all the time, merely because it’s the right thing to do.

The debate over homosexual marriage continues in the Empire State. The New York State Assembly has said "yes" to gay marriage and in the very unlikely event that the Senate follows suit in the remaining days of this year’s legislative session, Governor David Paterson says that he will sign the bill into law.

Same-sex marriage advocates like Governor Paterson and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg argue that marriage is a civil right and that people should therefore have equal protection under the law to marry anyone they wish.

This reasoning is flawed.

If all citizens had the right to marry anyone they wished, then anything would go -- from same-sex marriage to marriage with multiple partners to perhaps marriage between people and porcupines. Keep in mind that the law always reflects human values -- whether it is the drinking age, the age of consent, gambling, and so on.

The current law in New York -- and for that matter Pennsylvania -- reflects the value that traditional marriage should be between a man and a woman and that's the way it should stay. Anything goes when it comes to marriage would not be a civil right but a moral abomination and a civil wrong.

It's unfortunate that the gay marriage controversy took up the time of so many lawmakers in the soon-to-be ended New York State Legislative Session. The gay marriage issue was clearly a distraction from much more important issues, including taxes, spending, the deficit, the economy and jobs.

- Dr. Coleman also airs commentaries and a public affairs program on WETM 18 Elmira. For more information on these programs, go to wetmtv.com.

Convincing the masses that by adapting a national health care system we won’t be inflicting a socialist state or rescinding our democratic rule of government are the easy part. The hard part is the phase two which tries to answer the question asked by 306 million people: How does this affect me? How does it affect my pocketbook and how does it affect the quality of my care? We hear how about how the French have over half of their income spent on taxes or how a Canadian in need of open heart surgery had to wait three days before being able to get an appointment. We know that we do not want to sacrifice any more of our tightly-budgeted paychecks to taxes nor do we want to compromise the quality of the medical care we receive, so is there a way to have healthcare for everyone without losing any of the above?

The answer is I don’t know. I’m not an economist or a medical expert. I don’t know how you can create a safety net of care for all while expecting doctors to take a pay cut and still perform at the highest levels. I don’t know how you create a system where no child is uninsured or where no family is struggling for years to come under the massive weight of health care debt. I don’t have the answers nor do I think our government does, but I know they must exist. I understand the concern about moving to a nationalized system but I also understand the importance of knowing that if your child, husband, or mother is faced with a medical situation, you never have to worry about how you will pay for it.

Last year in my own family, we got an inside glimpse into our current healthcare system when my brother was in a serious car accident that landed him in ICU and then rehab for about two months. After a week in ICU-while my brother was still in a medically induced coma- the insurance company and hospital informed my parents that they would be stopping payments for various reasons and my parents would have to foot the rest of the bill that was rapidly escalating towards the million dollar mark. In my family’s situation, thankful the issue was able to be resolved and my brother received different coverage but it caused me to dwell on the hundreds of families in our country who don’t have that happy ending. Families who have to foot astronomical bills for care of loved ones and can never financially recover.

I’m not saying the President’s plan is the best plan and I’m not saying the President’s plan is the only plan. What I’m saying is that for a national with the best medical care in the world, I think we can find the plan that provides coverage- and good coverage at that- to everyone without taking too much more of our heard earned money. This plan could be the one devised by the government or it could be one devised by the people and submitted to the government. Since we’re paying for and receiving this plan, what do you want to see?