FEBRUARY 18–COUNTY EXECUTIVE JENKINS ON THE DEATH OF JESSE JACKSON

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WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF REVEREND JESSE JACKSON

 

“We mourn Rev. Jesse Jackson, a man who remained steadfast in his belief in building common ground. His call to “Keep Hope Alive” was more than a slogan; it was a moral directive. He demanded dignity and respect for those too often denied both, and he carried a progressive vision that pushed the nation to confront its conscience.

“His life’s work challenged America to be better, braver, and more inclusive, and that legacy will endure for years to come.”

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FEBRUARY 16— WHITE PLAINS FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND AND REPRESS 3 FIRES IN 1 NIGHT

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White Plains Citizens To Be Heard
Jeremiah Frei-Pearson 

I’m so proud of our firefighters for doing incredible work during a difficult night last night. These heroes run towards fire while the rest of us run away. Our City is a much better place because of their bravery.
Please remember to pass on your gratitude whenever you see one of White Plains Professional Fire Fighters – IAFF Local 274

White Plains Professional Fire Fighters – IAFF Local

Arrival conditions last night at 3 Lafayette St, went to a 2nd alarm. Fire started in a basement crawl space and ran up the side of the house and into the interior. Crews deployed hand lines on every floor to get on top of it. An oven fire came in at 4 Martine Ave while companies were operating on Lafayette, bringing a 3rd alarm assignment into the city. Thanks to all of our mutual aid partners for the support and great stop by the brothers of Group 3
John Marconi

Absolutely!
Mayor DelVechio asked me that question after being sworn in.
“Why do you want to run in while everyone else is running out”.
The answer I gave was right at the moment but after more reflection and years of service the real reason became obvious.
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Justin Brasch

Thank you to our White Plains firefighters and all of the others that helped. We appreciate you and your dedication to us. Stay safe!
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Chris Harmon 

Always the best never appreciated when I was on the job
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Lynda Marie

Firemen, EMTs, and Paramedics are underpaid and underappreciated IMO.
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Bill Bertram

Great job by all first responders
👏👏👏
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Wayne Preston McCants

The Fire Department came through AGAIN,thanks to all who responded in like manner.
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mario barth thank you Sticker by INTENZE Advanced Tattoo Ink

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FEBRUARY 15—PRESIDENTS WEEK TOMORROW. GEORGE WASHINGTON WAS THE FIRST AND THE BEST

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WPCNR MILESTONES. Reprinted from the WPCNR ARCHIVES. February 15, 2026:

February 22  Next Sunday is George Washington’s Birthday.

All week this week is President’s Week.

The time when we remember the first leader and why he is the best.

It is instructive to look at our first leader, George Washington, the father of our nation — America — that used to be.

One cannot help be reminded of the snowy winter at Valley Forge, when the bedraggled, poorly equipped rebel army suffered but held together.

They attacked the German troops in Trenton on Christmas Eve, 1776, crossing the Delaware River at night. What kind of man was he that George Washington could inspire his troops against all odds? What kind of men were they who would risk certain death if wounded (no med-evacs in 1776) for an idea: rights and freedom?

Washington was a man of tremendous character. Of principle. Where did he get this character?

He specialized in self-control at an early age. That congressmen, lobbyists, and pundits and yes, Presidents,  means mind-control, reason and responsibility, and humanity.

According to  the book, The American President, Washington, at sixteen, had formed a code of conduct. He had written a book of etiquette with 110 “maxims” to guide his conduct in matters. In this etiquette book he had written:

Every action done in company ought to be done with a sign of respect to those who are not present. Sleep not when others speak; sit not when others stand; speak not when you should hold your peace; walk not when others stop;…Let your countenance be pleasant but in serious matters somewhat grave…Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.

The character sketch provided by the authors of The American President, indicates this personal “rulebook” was a book that Washington wrote over the years and referred to it often, for, they write, for the following reasons:

“for self-control, to avoid temptation, to elude greed, to control his temper. Reputation was everything to him. It had to do with his strength, his size, his courage, his horsemanship, his precise dress, his thorough mind, his manners, his compassion. He protected that reputation at any cost.” 

Earning respect by example. Quelling rebellion with a few words. He sets an example today for those who would take advantage of America’s weakness and seize power by opportunism. Washington inspired by example.

He lived with his troops. He shared hardships with them, and there was so much respect for him that he was able to talk them out of armed rebellion at the end of the American Revolution. Washington had been asked by the army to join them to overthrow the Continental Congress, and make himself King.

Washington had been asked by one of the officers of the rebels to join them, and he wrote them, You could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable. Banish these thoughts from your mind. Hearing that the rebels who were planning insurrection (back in 1783, they knew what insurrection was) against the new country due to paid  withheld by the Continental Congress, Washington rode to Newburgh, New York, (not far from White Plains, NY,USA) on March 15, 1783, to meet with the dissident insurgents. Washington spoke to the rebellious group, saying,

“Gentlemen, as I was among the first who embarked in the cause of our common Country; as I never left your side one moment, but when called from you on public duty; as I have been the constant companion and witness of your Distresses…it can scarcely be supposed …that I am indifferent to your interests. But…this dreadful alternative, of either deserting our Country in the extremest hour of her distress, or turning our Arms against it…has something so shocking in it that humanity revolts from the idea…I spurn it, as every Man who regards liberty…undoubtedly must.”

The would-be rebels fell silent, digesting what he had said. Then Washington withdrew a letter from Congress, but could not read the text, withdrawing some eyeglasses from his tunic, remarking,

“Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.”

The men present were reported to have tears in their eyes at this gesture of Washington’s and abandoned their plot out of respect for their leader.

Washington retired from the military, surprising the entire new country. His action surprised King George III of England, who was astonished that Washington had refused to hold on to his military authority and use it for political or financial gain. The defeated King of England, remarked, “If true, then he is the greatest man in the world.” Washington was.

Seeker of Diverse Views. How to pick a cabinet.

As President, George Washington invented the Presidential Cabinet, whom he referred to as “the first Characters,” persons who possessed the best reputations in fields and areas of the jobs he was filling. Washington said on political appointments: “My political conduct and nominations must be exceedingly circumspect. No slip into partiality will pass unnoticed…”

Washington tolerated the relentless clashes between Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, and Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, but lectured them on the necessity for tolerance and moving beyond partisanship:

“I believe the view of both of you are pure, and well meant. Why then, when some of the best Citizens in the United States, Men…who have no sinister view to promote, are to be found, some on one side, some on the other…should either of you be so tenacious of your opinions as to make no allowances for those of the other? I have great esteem for you both, and ardently wish that some line could be marked out by which both of you could walk.”

The Constitution Should be Protected

When George Washington left office after two terms, he made a farewell address which warned future generations of Americans about foreign entanglements and partisanship in the republic:

“I shall carry to my grave the hope that your Union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the Constitution may be sacredly maintained; and that free government…the ever favorite object of my heart…will be the happy reward of our mutual cares, labors and dangers.”

Washington died in 1800, three years after leaving office in 1797. He was saluted on the floor of congress as being “First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

He was the first and best.

The ultimate role model for any leader, February 22, 2024 is a day that tries Americans’ souls. It is hoped that some of our “leaders” in Westchester, in Albany, in Washington might read the words I have quoted above and take them to heart in future deliberations.

Work a little.

It’s not all about you.

It’s about doing what is best for us all. George Washington’s vision of his country is being challenged by those who know not what they do. Or want to do to voices that disagree with them. But we who remember, and read these words must refocus.

I hear you, Mr. Washington, and we heed, so help us God.

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FEBRUARY 15– PRESIDENTS DAY HOLIDAY TOMORROW

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In observance of Presidents’ Day, all City offices will be closed on Monday, February 16 and there will be no garbage pick-up.

In addition, the Gedney Yard Recycling Facility will be closed.

There will be no paper recycling this week.

Paper recycling will resume on Wednesday, February 25.

If you live on a Monday-Thursday garbage collection route, your trash will be picked up on Tuesday and Thursday.

If you live on a Tuesday-Friday garbage collection route, your trash will be picked up on Wednesday and Friday.

Mixed recycling will be picked up as usual. Once again, there will be no paper pick up this week.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our city clean.

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FEBRUARY 14– COFFEE WITH WHITE PLAINS WEEK 8:30 AM SAT MORNING: WPTV’S WHITE PLAINS WEEK FEB 13 “SNOWBIRD REPORT” FIOS CH 45, WPOPTIMUM CH 76 AND WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

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THE BIG CHILL REPORT

BLACK ICE

 

THE FROZEN TUNDRA 20 INCHES 0F SNOW IN 3 WEEKS

LOWEST TEMP READINGS IN YEARS DOWN TO ZERO…SHELTER IN PLACE SNOWBIRDS

ASSEMBLYMAN CHRIS BURDICK:

JANUARY  ELECTRIC BILL UP 44% IN UPPER WESTCHESTER

POWER COMPANIES BLAME HIGHER USAGE FOR  SOARING  SUPPLY CHARGES

JOHN BAILEY ON  STATE FAILURE TO DETERMINE 

FUTURE  ELECTRIC DEMAND BEFORE RATE APPROVAL

JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

THIS WEEK EVERY WEEK ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK

FOR 25 YEARS

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FEBRUARY 14–HEARD IT IN A LOVE SONG–CAN’T BE WRONG

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HEARD IT IN A LOVE SONG–WHAT’S YOURS?

 

JIMMY AND ROSALYN

Heard it in a love song. What’s Yours?

Valentine’s Day is today

To get in the mood for love,  dispel the myths, fiction notions about love, I have compiled a list of songs written over the years from ragtime to swing to the rock and roll era.

Those who have never been in love yet can use these classics as guidelines to judge whether they have a real love going, and not merely the mock.

Those of you not still in love or who miss it, can play these songs for memories and faith in the future that another one and only  will come along because they miss their one and only.

I may not have remembered your song here.

But, by all means, feel free to write me and suggest other songs I have left out. I include some iconic photos of celebrity couples of the silver screen that showed us what a couple in love look like.

Elvis and Ann-Margret

The best  observers — authorities on what love feels like are the songwriters–poets with melody.

They write the feelings their minds and bodies and yes, their hearts felt, as

“down and down they go like a leaf that’s caught in the tide. That Old Black Magic you weave so well”

 

BY THE WAY DO A SEARCH ON LYRICS IF YOU WANT LISTEN TO THESE SONGS!

 

The first 115  Love Songs of All Time with  signature lines in parentheses:

  1. You Belong to Me

 (Fly the Ocean in a Silver Plane)

  1. You Made Me Love You

(I didn’t Want to Do it)

  1. Happy, Happy Birthday, Baby

(I was your Pretty, You were My Baby)

  1. In the Still of the Night

(I Remember that night in Maaaay, the stars were brightly shining)

  1. Sleepwalk
  2. Blueberry Hill

(I Found My Thrill)

  1. The Great Pretender

(Pretending You’re Still Around)

 

  1. Autumn Leaves

(That’s When I Miss You Most of All when Autumn Leaves Start to Fall)

 

 

 

 

GENE AUTRY THE SINGING COWBOY

  1. Walkin After Midnight (Along the highway hopin’ I’d get a glance at you)
  2. My Heart Stood Still

(Though not a single word was spoken, I could tell you knew
That unfelt clasp of hands told me so well that you knew
I never lived at all until the thrill of that moment When my heart stood still.)

 

  1. You Go to My Head

(With a smile that makes my temperature rise
Like a summer with a thousand Julys You intoxicate my soul with your eyes)

  1. Red River Valley

(They Say You Are Going)

  1. I want to be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart

 (I Want to Rope and Ride Across the Great Divide)

GARY COOPER AND GRACE KELLY

  1. Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darlin’

(Wait Along, Wait Along)

  1. Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes

(Far Over the Sea)

  1. Kiss and Say Goodbye

 (I wanna remember you just like this…)

  1. Begin the Beguine

(It Brings Back a Night of Tropical Splendor)

FRANK SINATRA JILL ST. JOHN

  1. Come Dance With Me

(Come on Cutes, Put on Your Dancing Boots and Dance with Me)

  1. Dancing in the Dark

(We Can Face the Music Together)

  1. Love Is Strange

(Without it you’re in an awful fix. Once you’ve had it you never want to quit)

  1. Under the Boardwalk

(down by the sea on a blanket with my baby that’s where I’ll Be))

  1. One Night With You

(That’s All I want from you. Always Lived in the Twilight.. Never Done no Wrong))

  1. Treat Me Nice

(Don’t Kiss Me Once, Kiss Me Twice)

  1. Night and Day

(You are the one)

  1. I Get a Kick Out of You

 (I Suddenly Turn and See…Your Fabulous Face)

  1. One for My Baby and One More for the Road

(Set em up, Joe)

  1. You’re the Top

(You’re the Coliseum, You’re the Louvre Museum)

  1. Too Close for Comfort

 (Now)

  1. Cheek to Cheek

(Nothing Thrills Me Half as Much as Dancing Cheek to Cheek)

  1. Nothing in Common

(It’s a Phenomenon!)

CARY GRANT AND LARAINE DAY

  1. Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off

(But if we call the whole thing off that will break my heart…)

  1. Same Old Song and Dance

(It didn’t turn out like I planned but if you smile and wave your hand
I’d go out and hire a band, and wait for one more chance
At the same old song and dance)

  1. Something’s Gotta Give

(When an irrepressible smile such as yours
Warms an old implacable heart such as mine
Don’t say no because I insist
Somewhere, somehow
Someone’s gotta be kissed)

BOGIE AND BACALL

  1. What’s New?

(You haven’t changed a bit Lovely as ever, I must admit)

  1. You Took Advantage of Me

(I’m so hot and bothered that I don’t Know my elbow from my ear

I suffer something awful each time you go And much worse when you’re near)

  1. I’ve Got You Under My Skin

(Deep in the Heart of Me)

  1. That Old Feeling

(I felt a thrill when you caught my eye, my heart stood still)

CARY AND GRACE AGAIN

  1. Let the Good Times Roll

(Feel so good now you’re home)

  1. You’ve Got What it Takes

( to set my soul on fire)

  1. You Keep Coming Back Like a Song

(The sweet used-to-be That was once you and me

Keeps coming back like an old melody)

LEE MARVIN

  1. Always

(I’ll be loving you always)

 

THE AVENGERS

  1. My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own

(I’ve Tried forgetting you..)

  1. Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool

(Everybody’s somebody’s plaything)

  1. Donna

(Where can you be?)

  1. The Carnival Is Over

(I will love you til I die)

  1. Just Walkin’ in the Rain

 (All because my heart can’t forget)

  1. She Wears Red Feathers in a Huli Huli Skirt
  2. The Last Dance

(Save me the first dance in your dreams)

STEHANIE ZIMBALIST AND PIERCE BROSNAN

  1. Hey There

(You with the Stars in Your Eyes)

  1. Everybody Loves a Lover

(I’m a Lover, Everybody Loves Me)

 

  1. He’s So Fine

(Sooner or later he’s gonna me mine, I hope it’s not later)

  1. Rock and Roll Waltz

(Trying to Waltz to a Rock and Roll Song)

  1. Hey Little Girl in the High School Sweater

 (Carry your books and hold your arm?)

  1. All of Me

(Why Not Take All of me?)

  1. Racing with the Moon

(Till I Overtake the Moon and You)

  1. So Fine

(My Baby is so Fine, Sends Those Chills Up and Down My Spine)

  1. Chances Are

(Your chances are very Good)

  1. Misty

(Too Much in Love)

  1. Thanks for the Memory

( Of faults that you forgave, rainbows on a wave…Thank you so Much)

ROGER MOORE AND FRIEND

  1. A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody

(A pretty girl is like a melody That haunts you night and day
Just like the strain Of a haunting refrain)

  1. Black Coffee

(Love’s a Hand-Me-Down Brew)

DARREN MCGAVIN AND LEGS

  1. Canadian Sunset

( When I saw you there on that ski trail)

 

DARREN MCGAVIN AND WIFE

 

  1. I Almost Lost My Mind

(When I Lost my Baby)

 

  1. Tennessee Waltz

(I was dancing with my darlin’…)

65.   Laura (The laugh that floats on a summer night)

  1. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered

(Seen a lot I mean I lot But now I’m like sweet seventeen a lot
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered am I)

THE SILK STALKINGS TEAM

  1. Brown Eyed Girl

 (Where did we go?)

  1. You Send Me

(Honest you do)

  1. Oh Julie

(Someday Julie, I’ll Be the Apple of Your Eye)

  1. Slip Away

( I Need You So)

  1. I’ll Be Seeing You

(In  All the Familiar Places)

 

CLARK GABLE AND CLAUDETTE COLBERT “iT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT” CLASSIC JOURNALISM MOVIE

  1. Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

(Without You)

  1. Diana

(Stay with me, Diana)

  1. Love Me Tender

(All my Dreams Fulfilled)

  1. Fine Brown Frame

(Because I’m crazy ’bout, mad about, wild about Your fine brown frame)

  1. Met Him on Sunday

(He didn’t come Monday.I kissed him Wednesday)

  1. I think I’m Into Something Good

(Met a New Girl in the Neighborhood)

  1. Some Enchanted Evening

(You may see a Stranger Across a Crowded Room)

  1. I Could Have Danced All Night

(And still have danced Some More)

  1. On the Street Where You Live

(Oh, the Towering Feeling)

  1. At Last My Love Has Come Along

(You set my soul on fire, and  I’ve Really Had my Fun)

  • I Only Have Eyes for You

83 Just for a Thrill (You’re still the only one Cause you made my heart stand still)

84.  Stardust (Of love’s sweet refrain)

85.Smoke Gets In Your Eyes (When a lovely flame dies)

86. Blues In the Night       (A two-face, a worrisome thing

     Who’ll leave ya to sing the blues in the night)

87. Love Letters In the Sand 

(You laughed when I cried when the tide  would take our Love Letters from the Sand)

88. Born To Be With You     (By your Side)

89. I Can’t Stop Loving You      (I’ve made up my mind to Live in Memory)

90. First Name Initial     (It Makes it Official)

91. When A Man Loves A Woman

(Can’t Keep His Mind on Anything Else)

92. Ci Ci Rider

(The Moon Is Shining Bright, If I Could Just Walk with You

Everything would Be All right)

93. Eddie My Love     (Don’t Make Me Wait Too LongOngOng)

94 .Wonderland By Night

95. In the Mood

96. Moonlight Serenade

97.  Young Blood

(I Can’t Get You off of My Mind)

98. Memories Are made of This

99.Once Upon A Time      (A Girl with Moonlight in Her Eyes Told Me She Loved  Me So, But that Was Once Upon a Time, long long ago)

100. VAYA CON DIOS (My Love, May God Be With you til we meet again)

101—Pinacoladas(I never knew)

102. Magaritaville(Wastin’ away again in Margaritaville, somewhere’s There’s a Woman to Blame)

103. Just One of Those Things(One of those Bells that Now and Then Ring)

104:Rags to Riches (From a Pauper to a King of Your Heart)

105. Fly Me to the Moon(Let me play among the stars

And let me see what spring is like

On Jupiter and Mars

In other words, hold my hand

In other words, baby, kiss me)

106. We’ll Meet Again(Some Sunny Day)

107.Let’s Do It!(Let’s fall in love!)

108. My Old Flame( I can’t even think of his name

But I’ll never be the same

Until I discover what became of my old flame)

 

109. SEARCHIN’(Well, Sherlock Holmes

Sam Spade got nothin’, child, on me

Sergeant Friday, Charlie Chan

And Boston Blackie

Gonna walk right down that street

Like Bulldog Drummond

‘Cause I’ve been searchin’

Ooh, Lord, searchin’, mm child

Searchin’ every which a-way

Yeah, yeah

But I’m like the Northwest Mounties

You know I’ll bring her in some day

(Gonna find her)

110. Puppy Love(This is Not a Puppy Love)

111. YOU ARE MY DESTINY(You share my reverie

You’re more than life to me

That’s what you are)

112. DIANA(Oh, please stay by me, Diana)

113.  KISS(You don’t have to be rich to be my girl

You don’t have to be cool to rule my world

Ain’t no particular sign I’m more compatible with

I just want your extra time and your kiss)

114.SOMEDAY SOON(Goin’ With Him)

115. STILL THE ONE(that I love

The only one I dream of

You’re still the one I kiss good night)

116. DON’T LET THE STARS GET IN YOUR EYES 

(Don’t let the moon steal your heart)

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FEBRUARY 12—UPTICK IN SUPPLY PRICES BLAMED BY NYSEG FOR HIGHER ELECTRIC PRICES: NYSEG

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Dear Friends,

For those of you who reside in the NYSEG service area, we have been asked to share some important information with you. We recently received a communication from NYSEG that said, in part:

“You or your constituents might be experiencing higher than normal bills due to the significant uptick in supply prices that are not in NYSEG’s scope of control. I have attached a bill explainer that I recommend posting to social media or your website to help us get the word out (please see below). We will also be hosting one on one community connection events on February 17th at the Carmel Town Hall and February 24th at the Bedford Town Hall. If customers cannot attend these events, we encourage them to call us at 800-572-1121 or they can visit our walk-in center Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM at our Brewster office located at 35 Milan Road Brewster NY 10509.

Your energy use affects both your supply and delivery charges because your usage is combined with the rates to determine your total costs. While your delivery rate stays the same for longer periods and is set by the PSC, your supply rate varies regularly depending on market demand.

Supply prices have risen over the past year due to increasing consumption of electricity and natural gas. With the colder-than-normal weather we’re experiencing this winter, demand is climbing even higher and pushing supply prices up. If we purchase energy on your behalf (always with no markups!), you may have noticed that supply rates have increased. For example, on January 30, 2026, electricity supply rates were 44% higher than on the same day last year. This means that even if your electricity or natural gas use stayed the same, your total charge is likely higher this year.”
Additionally, here is the information about the upcoming Community Connection events taking place on February 17th in Mahopac and February 24th in Bedford Hills:
Finally, if you need individual attention, please do not hestitate to contact my office at (914) 244-4450 or by emailing me at burdickc@nyassembly.gov. We will provide your information to our NYSEG contact, who will work with customer service to provide assistance.

With thanks,
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FEBRUARY 12–TONIGHT AT 8: “BULL” ALLEN, VOICE OF BASEBALL’S PAST AND FUTURE” ON SPRING TRAINING AND THE STATE OF BASEBALL 2026 ON FIOS CH 45 OPTIMUM 76 AND WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

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GET READY FOR SPRING TRAINING STARTING NEXT WEEK FOR ALL 30 MAJOR LEAGUE TEAMS

WPTV’S “BULL” ALLEN, VOICE OF BASEBALL’S PAST AND FUTURE PREVIEWS THE SEASON 

THE STATE OF BASEBALL IN 2026

THE METS AND THE YANKEES

THE NEW RULES (THE PLAYERS HAVE TURNED THEM TO THEIR ADVANTAGE)

BASEBALL EXPANSION 32 TO 36 TEAMS (HOW HE THINKS THEY WOULD WORK)

THE EXPANSION DRAFT– A LOT OF ISSUES

SALARY CAP ARE THE OWNERS KIDDING?

WHAT WOULD THE PLAYOFFS BE LIKE: BASEBALL 24/7 FOR A MONTH

18 TEAMS MAKING THE PLAYOFFS?

HEAR “BULL” READ THE POEM 

“WHAT IS A BASEBALL GLOVE”

YOU’LL WANT TO GO OUT AND PLAY CATCH IN THE SNOW AFTER YOU HEAR IT!

 

 

 

 

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FEBRUARY 12–TODAY IS ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY — THE GREATEST PRESIDENT OF THEM ALL

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ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND HIS LEGACY TO AMERICAN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

 

Abraham Lincoln 1860. By Matthew Brady

Editor’s Note: Stephen R. Rolandi, a frequent contributor to WPCNR.com and White Plains Week published this article in a r American Society for Public Administration. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization. Republished here with permission of the author. (c) 2021, Stephen R. Rolandi By Stephen R. Rolandi

 If you are like me and historically inclined, you might also mark February 12th as the birthday of our 16th American President, Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865). I have had a long and continuous admiration for our 16th President.
I have travelled to Springfield, Illinois to see Lincoln’s law office and home. Many years ago, my late parents gave me a half dollar coin issued by the United States Mint in 1918 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Illinois’ admission to the Union.
This year marks the 217th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, and I believe it is a fitting time not only to examine his career as the nation’s Chief Executive during the bloodiest war in American history, but also his contributions to public service and impact on American public administration.
Lincoln was not popular in his time; indeed, he was elected in 1860 in a four way race with only 39% of the popular vote. He won re-election in 1864 with the Confederate states that had left the Union in 1861 not participating in that election; and with the support of Union soldiers who voted in overwhelming numbers for him. In addition to preserving the Federal Union during the Civil War, as well as his issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln had many accomplishments:

  • During his administration, the Federal departments of Agriculture and Veterans Affairs were begun, in an effort to assist farmers (the United States in the mid-19th century was to a large extent, an agricultural nation), as well as the nation’s veterans starting to return from the Civil War;
  • Recognizing the importance of education (Lincoln, you recall, had only about one year of formal education, and was largely self-taught and worked as an apprentice before becoming an attorney), the Morrill-Land Grant Act was signed into law to permit the establishment of land grant colleges to teach engineering, military tactics, science and other subjects;
  • Lincoln recognized that the increasing level of government services would require different funding streams, and during his administration, the Revenue Act of 1862 became law which also established the Office of the Commission of Internal Revenue within the Treasury Department—in time this would lead to the establishment of the progressive income tax system in the United States;
  • The first steps towards a national banking system and currency in the United States saw fruition with the passage of the National Banking Act of 1863;
  • He recognized the need to reform the Federal government civil service, and took the first steps in that direction with the 1863 evaluation of the French customs service which recommended competitive examinations. This led ultimately in 1883 with the passage of the Pendleton Act and establishment of the U.S. Civil Service Commission—today known as the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Taken together, along with other policy initiatives, many historians consider Lincoln’s Presidency to be the foundation of the modern administrative state. Indeed, it was Leonard D. White who said that, “Administrative history was primarily the record of war and military government.”

We can also see that many domestic and economic sector accomplishments occurred as an outgrowth of the war effort. Lincoln became a paradigm for future chief executives. Perhaps for me his most important contribution was preserving the principles of constitutional government during a period of one of the gravest crises in American history. Lincoln was cognizant of relating his actions to the spirit and meaning of the Constitution.
There are many, many works about Abraham Lincoln’s life, career and Presidency. More books about some aspect of him continue to be published. Some of my favorite books about the career and Presidency of Abraham Lincoln that I would recommend are the following:

  • Lewis E. Lehrman, “Lincoln at Peoria: The Turning Point” (2008)
  • Daniel Farber, “Lincoln’s Constitution” (2003)
  • Harold Holzer, “Lincoln As I Knew Him” (1999)
  • Ted Widmer, “Lincoln On the Verge: Thirteen Days to Washington” (2020)
  • Doris Kearns Goodwin, “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln” (2005)

If I had to recommend a single book on Lincoln, it would probably be Doris Kearn’s work on Lincoln, how he won the Republican party Presidential nomination against more prominent contenders, and how he led his cabinet—consisting nearly of all the Presidential contenders he faced in 1860—during the Civil War.

I should mention that Kearn’s work reportedly influenced Barack Obama when he assumed the Presidency in 2009. Lincoln’s experience as a war time chief executive gives us many perspectives, not only on the role of the executive in decision-making as well as leadership, but also for his lasting contributions towards the institution of the American Presidency and constitutional government.
He is, in my opinion, more relevant than ever today as we as a nation face the perfect storm of crises—the Covid-19 pandemic, a weakened national economy and a distinct threat to our democratic institutions and the rule of law. Happy Birthday, Mr. President!

Author: Stephen R. Rolandi “retired” in 2015 after serving with the State and City of New York. He holds BA and MPA degrees from New York University, and studied law at Brooklyn Law School. He teaches public finance and management as an Adjunct Professor of Public Administration at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) and Pace University. Professor Rolandi is a Trustee of NECoPA; President-emeritus of ASPA’s New York Metropolitan Chapter and was Senior National Council Representative. He has also served on many other association boards in New York City, Westchester County (New York State) and Washington, DC. You can reach him at: srolandi@jjay.cuny.edu or srolandi@pace.edu or at 914.536.5942.

This entry was posted in Uncategorized by John Bailey.
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FEBRUARY 11–THE FEAR CONTINUES. WHY?

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WPCNR PERSPECTIVES 2026. nEWS & COMMENT By John F. Bailey. February 10, 2026:

 

Reading the findings  discovered in the American Jewish Committee report, State of Antisemitism in America released Monday, is troubling.

 

What is motivating indivuduals to take persons they do not even know,  single them out to haze or attack them, kill them with what only can be described as thrill attacks for the fun of it with as much reason  as fraternity and sorority hazing which recently have killed persons being hazed in this this “movement,” a “fad”,  a crusade, an  inquisition (a religion-led motivated policy aimed at acquiring the wealth of citzens).

 

Whatever motivates these attacks, a President, a politician, self-promoting “influencers,” website-runners today using their platforms with  the aim of raising one religion as superior to another and blame those “non-believers” for the failings of others and incite those to disqualify them as real Americans who must go or be deported, or made to feel unwanted, well it is so anti-American Way, it is a failure of conscience.

 

Whether it is directed at Jewish people, Latinos, immigrants here illegally or otherwise, refugees despised because of their race or origin, it is a hate crime.

 

When will the legal authorities wake up and smell the stench of the people promoting hatred to achieve personal power?

 

Attacks on persons  because of who they are are crimes. They recall the lynchings, the murders of persons of color in the 1960s the 1920s, the Jim Crow era.

 

The attacks on Jewish people are attacks on us all. Ambushes. It takes no talent. Just the element of surprise. They are terrorism itself and should be prosecuted with heavy penalties.

 

This morning the American Jewish Committee report concludes  “the rise of Antisemitism isn having a profound impact on how American Jews live.

 

I would like to amplify and expand that conclusion to remark flat-out that this “rise” has a profound impact on how  ALL AMERICANS live.

 

To quote the American Jewish Committee report:

 

  • More than half (55%) changed their behavior in the past year out of fear of antisemitism, including what to wear, attending events and posting views about Jewish issues online.
  • About one in three (31%) say they were the target of antisemitic incidents. Of those, eight in 10 changed their behavior.
  • Nine in 10 feel less safe as a Jewish person in the U.S. because of antisemitic incidents in the last 12 months as a result of three major attacks on Jews in the past 12 months – the burning of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence, the firebombing of Jews in Boulder, Colo., marching in support of hostages, and the murders of two Israeli Embassy staffers outside an AJC event in Washington, D.C. 
  • Some 73% saw or heard antisemitic content online or on social media or by being personally targeted.
  • More than nine in 10 (93%) believe antisemitism is a serious problem in the U.S., and 86% say it’s increased since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel.

 

The pain and destruction and death to a Jewish person,  is the same pain, destruction and death inflicted on any victim.

The same irrevocable loss and message to the immigrant mother whose child is wrenched away to be deported; the same searing ripped-away-forever-reality pain a family  anywhere in America has forever when when someone  commits a mass shooting at a neighborhood school, or when a spouse shoots their husband or wife  and kills their children, or law enforcement authorities kill a protestor or a someone’s child or wife because they can if “justified.”

Every American of all ages across this nation now lives with this daily possibility in parking lots at big supermarkets, in restaurants, in bars, at sport events, and on highways when irresponsible drivers play NASCAR ace on the Sprain, I-684, the Taconic, and on college campus demonstrations.

We are all nervous, We watch for a person to pull a gun. We scan the interior of a restaurant.

I hate attending a performance on Broadway because the theatres are firetraps especially most of the 40 theatres built decades ago.

Who is responsible for this fear?

The persons mostly in offices who feel the phrase “Our hearts and prayers go out to them for their loss,”   They  just mocks the victims’ sorrows.

This phrase which has become a cliché of the rich and powerful and leaderless actually is saying something completely different.

What does it  really mean when people say that?

It means: “Get over it. You were in the wrong place at the wrong time. It couldn’t be helped. You shouldn’t have been there in the first place. If you had not protested, you would not be dead. We need to move on.

Most of all it means coming from politicians that

“This is too bad, but we are not going to anything to stop it (so get over it)

I would like to hear one politician (wherever the next hate act against Jews, Latinos, African Americans, poor people, homeless people, illegal immigrants, asylum seekers, muslims, Somolis happens do something like this:

Introduce legislation to make a hate crime, an killing, a shooting, a hate speech, resulting in deaths (like January 6)  resulting in injury illegal with an automatic jail sentence without parole in effect throughout the town or city where it was committed.

Please, Free Speech that incites and results in violence is a crime by the person who calls for action against another group or party is not allowed.

This is always defended by those who use the “I didn’t mean anyone to do that. I was just supporting the policy….blah blah”

I have been hearing preposterous apologies from politicos saying this “I didn’t  mean that.”

This shows the rather low intellectual caliber of  those who say things like that.

But you see politicians, when you say a threat, You do mean it. You say what you want to do when you say that.

It also deserves a companion report, from the American Jewish Committee, which they are very qualified to do.

The State of  Acceptance of Equality of People  in America:

I applaud the American Jewish Committee for their  eye-opening report and hope they will expand it to document other groups in the crosshairs of hate in this country and I mean politicians, businesses, Captains of Industry, political groups, activist organizations and what they are saying ripped from the headlines, teir policies  they are quoted on by the dutiful media.

The State of Acceptance of Equality of People in America — A dossier of documentation of what the sowers of hate say, what groups and policies they attack and what they are advocating on their attitudes on equality.

It is long overdue.

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