“The Advocates”

 With

Richard J. Garfunkel

 WVOX – AM Radio 1460- 12 Noon Wednesday

March 25, 2009

All archived Shows at:

http://advocates-wvox.com

Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at 12:00 Noon, I am hosting “The Advocates” on WVOX- 1460 AM, or you can listen to the program’s live streaming at www.wvox.com.  One can call the show at 914-636-0110 to reach us on the radio.  Our special guest is Mr. Michael Shapiro, a long-time Scarsdale resident and noted criminal defense lawyer. Mr. Shapiro, who was raised in the Bronx, was educated at the City College of New York, where he received a Bachelor of Arts cum laude, and later earned his JD from New York University. He is currently a faculty member of the Cardozo Law School’s Intensive Advocacy Program and has been a frequent guest panelist at the Harvard Law School. Michael started his legal career as a prosecutor, serving as a special assistant attorney general in the then newly established NY State Office of the Special Prosecutor for Nursing Homes, Health and Social Services. He is now a partner with the prestigious Wall Street, New York law firm, Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, which was established in 1854. As a testament to his career, and reflective of his interested in individual liberty, he was elected to New York’s most exclusive criminal defense group, the NY Council of Defense Lawyers, an elite organization that promotes the protection of individual rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution through education and advocacy. Mr. Shapiro previously appeared on The Advocates on October 4 and 11, 2007 discussing faith-based initiatives and the “Establishment Clause.” He also appeared on May 28, 2008 discussing, “Is conservatism a lost cause.”

Today’ program will focus on “Bernard Madoff, the Violation of Trust and Legal Redress.” Mr. Shapiro, and his law firm represent a number of Madoff’s victims and he will talk about what we can do to prevent future Madoff scams and what victims can do.

Meanwhile, the mission of The Advocates is to bring to the public differing views on current “public policy “issues. “Public policy,” therefore, is what we as a nation legally and traditionally follow. Over the years, the “public policy” of the United States has changed or has been modified greatly. As an example, “free public education” is the public policy of the United States. Also, over time great struggles have ensued over the control of the direction of “public policy” For example: free trade vs. protectionism, slavery vs. emancipation, state’s rights vs. Federalism, and an all-volunteer armed forces or the “draft.”

One can find my essays on FDR and other subjects at https://www.richardjgarfunkel.com and one can also see all of the archived shows at: http://advocates-wvox.com.

Letter to the Editor- Journal News

March 24, 2009

Recently there was a letter to the editor written by Peter Polstein. He basically accused the Obama administration of treasonous activity with his ludicrous claim that we were moving towards becoming a Marxist nation. His understanding of history seems to be incredibly flawed. He accuses the Obama Administration of putting us in “dire financial circumstances.” His accusations seem to border on mental instability, as he worries about “political correctness,” as if that were a threat to all of our well-being. He has declared that the Obama administration is a bunch of “left-wing” elitists who are violating the Constitution daily. After 68 days in office he has already declared that the cabinet is a group of “incompetent or left elitists.” But that isn’t all, he wants immediate term limits for the Congress, excuses AIG for being at the heart of many of our economic problems, and conveniently forgets the last administration, whose foreign adventurism, lack of regulation and oversight, deficit spending, historical incompetence, and give-away tax programs led us into this economic morass. At the end of his mindless diatribe, he sites the armed forces and our sacrifices on the battlefield. To quote Samuel Johnson, who said in 1775, “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.” Haven’t we had enough of these baseless accusations from these arm chair generals and so-called “experts” on the US Constitution? Every time there is an economic disaster created by Wall Street and their GOP acolytes, the voters decide that it is time for a change. Well, 2008 was not much different then 1912, 1932, 1960 and 1992. Hopefully the tide has changed because of the aggressive actions by the Obama Administration. The public wanted action and President Obama is delivering it!

Richard J. Garfunkel

Country moving toward socialism

In the short time that this administration has been in power, the promise of change has been immediate and its pre-election promises have been levied out with little or no concern for the overall populace. The Cabinet is made up of either incompetent or elite left individuals. The smoke-and-mirror daily entreatments do not mask the true intent of moving this country toward a hard left socialist, if not Marxist, government. They speak of the former administration's lack of constitutional verve, yet, they have taken positions so contrary to the Constitution that it is becoming the subject of scrutiny. If there was ever a reason to place term limits on those in the House and Senate to eight years, this administration has generously provided the ultimate reason for a constitutional amendment.

It is easy to politicize a scapegoat such as AIG. Their continued rhetoric, pointing fingers, and congressional and senatorial hearings are simply distractions, while they place our country in dire financial circumstances. I am sick and tired of political correctness and a government that pledges only they can provide what is needed for the people.

For those of us who have served this country with honor, and for the millions who paid the ultimate sacrifice since our founding, it is time to take our country back to those principles in which the Constitution was born. This country will not be a model for European socialism; let this administration understand full well the intent.

Peter Polstein

“The Advocates”

 With

Richard J. Garfunkel

 WVOX – AM Radio 1460- 12 Noon Wednesday

March 18, 2009

All archived shows at:

http://advocates-wvox.com

On Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at 12:00 Noon, I will be hosting my show “The Advocates” on WVOX- 1460 AM, and you can also listen to the program’s live streaming at www.wvox.com. One can call the show at 914-636-0110 to reach us on the radio. Our guests today are three educators; Dr. Ronald Valenti , Dr. Jennifer Schulman and Ms. Rose Uzzo. Our topic today is a dual one, the importance of higher educational, especially PhD programs for improving our school leadership and a discussion on the sustainability of our public school system in recessionary America. In other words, can the current funding system in New York State continue to provide strong educational opportunities for today’s young people?

Dr. Ronald Valenti is currently a full-time administrator at the College of New Rochelle, and directs the Saint John Fisher College’s Executive Leadership Ed.D program at the College of New Rochelle. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor, teaching courses in the SJFC Doctoral Program. Dr. Valenti earned his doctorate in secondary education and administration from New York University where he received the Founder’s Award for the highest academic achievement. He also was the recipient of the 2005 Distinguished Service Award from the NY State Council of School Superintendents, and the 2001 Excellence in Educational Leadership Award. He was selected in 1986 as one of the 100 outstanding school managers in North America.  Prior to coming to the College of New Rochelle he dad served as a Superintendent of Schools for 28 years throughout NY’s downstate region.  He is also a former President of the lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents.

Dr. Jennifer Schulman is presently the principal at the Robert C. Dodson School in Yonkers, NY. She is a graduate of Mercy College with a BA degree, the College of New Rochelle with a MS degree, and Fordham University with a Professional Diploma in Administration and an Ed.D. She has been an educator who has served the Yonkers School District for 36 years.

Dr. Schulman has been a consultant for the National Urban Alliance and has facilitated workshops at National Leadership Conferences, at Queens College and St. Johns’ University.  Dr. Schulman has served as a principal at many levels in the Yonkers School District for over 19 years.

Rosemary Uzzo, a member of “Who’s Who in Education,” has a BA and an MA from Fordham University. She was a member of the Yonkers Board of Education from 1961 through 1996. During that period of time she served as the Director of Information Services, for the Yonkers Board of Education, served as an Assistant Principal, a curriculum Coordinator, and a curriculum writer. She is still active as an Instructor for Adult Education through BOCES, been the director of the Jewels Learning Center at the Yonkers YMCA. Ms. Uzzo has been an instructor at Mercy College, and an adjunct professor at Fordham University. She is the author of “Exploring New York,” and activity text for fourth grade students in New York State. She has served on numerous Boards and Councils, which include Mayor’s Community Relations Board, Westchester Council on crime and Delinquency, National Council of Christians and Jews, Bronxville Women’s League, the Italian-American/African-American Dialogue Group, American Association of University Women, among a number of others. 

Meanwhile, the mission of the “Advocates” is to bring to the public differing views on current “public policy “issues. “Public policy,” therefore, is what we as a nation legally and traditionally follow. Over the years, the “public policy” of the United States has changed or has been modified greatly. As an example, “free public education” is the public policy of the United States.

My essays on FDR and other subjects at can be accessed at https://www.richardjgarfunkel.com. One can also listen to all of the archived shows at: http://advocates-wvox.com.  Next week I will be hosting Mr. Michael Shapiro, the distinguished trial attorney, who is a partner of the law firm of Carter, Ledyard of NYC, NY. Mr. Shapiro, and his firm, is representing a number of Bernard Madoff’s financial victims.

“The Advocates”

 With

Richard J. Garfunkel

 WVOX – AM Radio 1460- 12 Noon Wednesday

March 11, 2009

All archived shows at:

http://advocates-wvox.com

On Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at 12:00 Noon, I will be hosting my show “The Advocates” on WVOX- 1460 AM, and you can also listen to the program’s live streaming at www.wvox.com. One can call the show at 914-636-0110 to reach us on the radio. Our guest is Cal Ramsey and Alan Rosenberg will join me as a guest panelist. Our topic is “Basketball and its impact on inner city youth.”

Mr. Cal Ramsey has been part of the NYC athletic landscape for over fifty years. Since his graduation from NYU in 1959, where he starred in basketball as an All-American, he still holds many team records and was a member of NYU’s Scholastic Honor Society. Because of his excellent career on the hard courts, he has been enshrined in a number of regional sport’s hall of fames. He is even a member of the famed Friar’s Club. After two seasons in the NBA with both the old St. Louis Hawks and the NY Knicks, his basketball career was cut short by a knee injury. He then began work in the NY Public Schools. He has devoted his life to working with the youth of NYC with regards to an emphasis on education and staying-in-school.  Mr. Ramsey has had a three decade career in broadcasting and public relations with the NY Knicks, and has also devoted his considerable energies to NYU’s alumni affairs department.    

Also today we have Alan D. Rosenberg, who will serve as our guest panelist. Alan, who is a native Mount Vernon, graduated from AB Davis/MVHS and New York University. He is a long-time CPA, who has offices in both New York City and Scarsdale and is an avid sports fan and memorabilia collector.  Alan also played basketball for NYU, and has been heavily active in NYU alumni affairs.

Meanwhile, the mission of the “Advocates” is to bring to the public differing views on current “public policy “issues. “Public policy,” therefore, is what we as a nation legally and traditionally follow. Over the years, the “public policy” of the United States has changed or has been modified greatly. As an example, “free public education” is the public policy of the United States.

My essays on FDR and other subjects at can be accessed at https://www.richardjgarfunkel.com. One can also listen to all of the archived shows at: http://advocates-wvox.com.

Next week I will be hosting Dr. Ronald Valenti, Dr. Jennifer Schulman and Ms. Rose Uzzo, and we will be talking about higher education regarding doctoral programs and how they impact on education and its future.

“The Advocates”

 With

Richard J. Garfunkel

 WVOX – AM Radio 1460- 12 Noon Wednesday

March 4, 2009

All archived shows at:

http://advocates-wvox.com

On Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at 12:00 Noon, I will be hosting my show “The Advocates” on WVOX- 1460 AM, and you can also listen to the program’s live streaming at www.wvox.com. One can call the show at 914-636-0110 to reach us on the radio. Our guest is Special Agent Maryann Goldman of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and we will talk about InfraGard and its critical importance to national security. Joining me on our panel will be Mr. Tony Russo, the President of the InfraGard Hudson Valley Membership Alliance Inc, who is the also the President of Aries Wine and Spirits, which is located at 128 West Post Road in White Plains, NY, and White Plains City Councilman Glen Hockley.

 InfraGard is a United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Public-private partnership that began in the Cleveland, Ohio, Field Office in 1996. It was a local effort to gain support from the information technology industry and academia for the FBI's investigative efforts in the cyber arena.

Ms. Maryann Goldman has been a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation since 1991.  During her 17+ years with the FBI, SA Goldman has coordinated and participated in numerous criminal and National Security investigations while working out of the FBI's flagship office in New York.  Arriving at the New York Field Office in 1991, SA Goldman worked on background investigations of Federal Employees and Presidential Appointees until being assigned to the Organized Crime Unit in 1993.  From 1993 until 1997, SA Goldman investigated members and associates of the Colombo Organized Crime Family operating out of New York, Long Island, and New Jersey.

In 1997, SA Goldman transferred to the National Security Division as the lead Under Cover Agent. The intelligence gathered by SA Goldman pursuant to this operation assisted numerous US operations nationally and overseas.  SA Goldman received an award from the National Security Agency for her contributions to National Security.  In 2000, SA Goldman returned to the Criminal Division, and continued her investigation of Organized Crime Matters out of the FBI's White Plains Resident Agency.  From 2000 through 2008, SA Goldman was the lead Case Agent on investigations of Organized Crime members.  Also during this time, SA Goldman initiated and led an unprecedented international investigation of Organized Crime's participation in international money laundering and exploitation of the US banking and financial systems.  As a result of these investigations, SA Goldman arrested and indicted numerous members and associates of Organized Crime and their co-conspirators in the financial sector in the US and overseas. For this investigation, SA Goldman was nominated for the Attorney General's Award, and received a number of awards from local law enforcement agencies for partnerships created with their departments.   In October of 2008, SA Goldman transferred to the Intelligence Division to serve as one of two InfraGard Coordinators in the New York Office

Meanwhile, the mission of the “Advocates” is to bring to the public differing views on current “public policy “issues. “Public policy,” therefore, is what we as a nation legally and traditionally follow. Over the years, the “public policy” of the United States has changed or has been modified greatly. As an example, “free public education” is the public policy of the United States.

My essays on FDR and other subjects at can be accessed at https://www.richardjgarfunkel.com. One can also listen to all of the archived shows at: http://advocates-wvox.com.

Next week I will be hosting Mr. Cal Ramsey, the long-time basketball commentator for the NY Knicks team, and Mr. Alan Rosenberg, CPA, a basketball and collecting aficionado. Our subject will be big-time sports, its affect on inner city youngsters, and Cal Ramsey’s experiences playing and broadcasting the game.