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A Response To Angry Readers

A response to angry readers and why I blog on the Patch.

 

There have been a lot of angry comments on my blogs inquiring about who I am, “who pays my way”, and why I blog on the Patch. I decided that it would be appropriate to shed light on some of these concerns.

First some background information. I come from a working class family. My father was a blue collar construction worker; my mother sacrificed and dedicated her life to raising me and my younger brother by being a stay at home mom (which I believe is way more than a full time job!). Importantly, my humble and devoted parents taught me the important lesson; to not only live within your means but below them.  Neither of my parents nor relatives are active in any political organizations or committees. I happened upon politics by looking to make my community better.

I went to SUNY Albany on a partial academic scholarship, received a private scholarship, and took out Stafford loans to pay for the rest. I worked in retail throughout college, both in Albany during the school year and back in Rockland when I returned.  I also am first generation college educated.

After an internship at the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and graduating Cum Laude with a double major in English Honors ( I wrote an undergraduate honors thesis) and Women’s Studies, I joined the AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) Program in Westchester County. I earned a small stipend, I think around $9,000 for the year, and was awarded a little under $2,000 to go towards my student loans. During my time in AmeriCorps, I learned how to write grants and received successful funding for numerous programs targeted to help youth and homeless people. After the year ended, I applied for jobs in Rockland and was hired by a local nonprofit. About a year into that job, I joined the Young Democrats, and rose up the ranks. See being involved in politics did not get me a job, my hard work and determination did.

While working full time, I attend graduate school part time at Marist College. This December, I will be graduating with a Masters Degree in Public Administration.  I currently have a 3.973 GPA. Ironically, the only class that I didn’t earn in an “A” in was Politics and Policy which I achieved a grade of “A-”.  Again, I received a small academic scholarship and used savings and loans to pay for the rest. Fortunately, I was eligible to finance my education through interest subsidized Stafford Loans.

And yes, I will be traveling, as a delegate, to the Democratic National Convention but there is no nefarious deal that has afforded me the ability to do so. When I found out a couple months ago that I would be a delegate, I started to budget. I shopped around and found the lowest cost flight available. While in Charlotte, I am staying with other young Democrats to offset the cost of the hotel room. The week that I will be out of work will be taken as vacation time, something I believe most of us have in our jobs. So to answer one reader’s question, I, me Joe, am paying my way.

So why do I blog on the Patch?

As Audre Lorde said, “I have come to believe over and over again that what is most important to me must be spoken, made verbal and shared, even at the risk of having it bruised or misunderstood.”

I know that there are some of you that “misunderstand” “or look to “bruise” my words. That is fine. I know I’m not going to change your minds. What I do know is that there is a silent majority who are more progressive than you think. Since starting my blog, I have received Facebook messages and comments from strangers thanking me for sharing my perspective.  

Second, I am comfortable speaking my truth and I decided to share my opinions with my community in this forum. I stand by and choose my words carefully. And I do have an agenda (as I think most of you do as well). To reacquaint yourselves to my agenda please see a past blog post:

And most importantly, I write for those who are intimidated by the vitriol that comes from the conservative right, those who are forced to be silent, and those who are harmed and oppressed by the (neo) conservative policies and beliefs I oppose.  

So contrary to what conspiracies are out there, I am not wealthy, do not have PhD and am not bought by any political party or person. I am a caring, working class, young professional who is trying to make our world a little better.

Be on the look out for my next post, which I hope to write while I am at the DNC next week. And thanks for reading!

Michael N. Hull August 29, 2012 at 11:23 am
 Joesph:
I too grew up in poverty.  My father worked on a linen loom in Belfast, Ireland.  My grandfather couldn't read or write.  I roamed the streets in one of the catholic/protestant gangs trying to say alive. I was the first person in my family to go to University.  My father never owned a home. I support those who are poor and economically at a disadvantage as do you. I asked you to speak to some of my concerns about behaviors that will prevent young people like you from reaching your dreams.  I will ask you again.  The political process may be corrupted by manipulation of party lines by minor parties who do not run candidates, or appear to have any objective except to get patronage jobs and pull strings of power behind the scenes. http://newcity.patch.com/blog_posts/puppet-on-a-string http://nanuet.patch.com/articles/patronage-alive-and-well-in-clarkstown http://newcity.patch.com/blog_posts/clarkstown-and-africa-friends-and-phone-calls Young people should stand against such practices or we will continue to have a one party system controlled by those who fill smoke-filled rooms. Here is an example of such behavior http://www.rocklandtimes.com/2012/08/09/house-of-horrors/ and when the Journal News writes an editorial like this you know something is wrong.  http://www.lohud.com/article/20120823/OPINION/308230035/Editorial-Clarkstown-puts-political-clout-before-all-else-hiring-Frank-Sparaco Give me your views on the above.
Joseph Coe August 29, 2012 at 11:40 am
First Michael, thank you for being civil here and in the past. Please know that I am considering formulating a blog in the future, after I return from the DNC, on the issue of minor party lines. As you can see, I don't like responding in sound bites, so if I do it will be a full blog. And if that doesn't happen, I'm sure our paths will cross and I will be more than happy to share my opinions with you in person.
DAW August 29, 2012 at 11:58 am
Oh, some posters will just be angry Mc angry pants because that's what gets them going. They are sad. Ignore them.
Mike August 29, 2012 at 12:05 pm
Angry readers? Maybe you should re-read your blogs. The anger, in fact, the hate and inflammatory language has its genesis in your own words. Most commenters are only responding to the vitriol you wrote, but hey it's ( still) a free country.
Mike August 29, 2012 at 12:17 pm
It's kind of ironic that you highlight how hard you worked to get where you are today, when the leader of the Dem Party recently said no one really does anything on their own. I disagree and I applaud the obvious hard work and the success YOU have had- you did it. Also, ironic that the Stafford loans you mention we're actually a Republican idea - named for a Rep US Senator. Also, again your party leader, our POTUS, eliminated the subsidized Stafford loans. So much for helping the poor and those in need. Enjoy the imperial crowning in Charlotte. I wonder if they will have the Greek god-like amphitheater, Columns, and smoke when the Annointed One takes his regal place?
Michael N. Hull August 29, 2012 at 12:25 pm
Joseph:
Instead of writing a blog might I suggest that you and your Young Republican colleague, Michael Peterson, agree to debate/discuss the issue of minor parties as part of the dialog that you invited Peterson to join? If the two of you are willing I am sure I can find an organization to host the event such as the Bardonia Civic Association, the Clarkstown Taxpayers, etc and advertise the debate to the general public and particularly to young people. Who knows if it is highly successful we might make it a quarterly event with a single issue discussed at each event and if we can bring in a lot of young people to listen to the discussions then the future of our democracy will be secure. Why don't you and Peterson talk about this idea and let me know.
Kristen Stavisky August 29, 2012 at 01:09 pm
Bravo, Joe! @Mike leader of which Dem Party? Local, State, DNC?
Jack Moolick August 29, 2012 at 01:16 pm
Joe Coe writes a Blog because he does not want to respond in "sound bites" so others can respond to his Blog in "sound bites"? Please explain that to me.
Coe's failure to respond to perhaps the single most important issue for bringing all levels of government to its knees, the collusion of the 4 political parties to control the election process through political patronage, is very telling. Joe could have used his lengthy Blog to address these real concerns but instead uses the space for an unrequested personal biography and to attack those whose views are different with sound bites like "neo-conservative vitriol". Along the way, claiming that his sole purpose in life is to bring people together. May I suggest to Mr. Coe that taxpayers have a right to be "angry" at the current state of affairs as our County is at the brink of bankruptcy and if current policies continue, our Towns are not far behind, brought there primarily as a result of the issues highlighted by Michael Hull in his Blogs. If you plan to be a factor through your own blogs, you will have to address these issues and not hide behind your own sound bites.
Mike August 29, 2012 at 01:18 pm
@kristen- the real leader of any party is the sitting POTUS. Obama struck down subsidized Stafford loans effective Jan 1 2012. So much for being the education President.
Robert Smith August 29, 2012 at 01:30 pm
Mike if you're discussing the "you didn't build that" comment that was edited and taken out of context, President Obama was simply pointing out that companies use roads and bridges to move their goods and services that were built with taxpayer dollars and that the roads and bridges were not what the companies built. Maybe getting news outside of right wing media outlets would help you get your facts straight. What I find comical is that many of the business owners used in attack ads by Romney either used government roads, government subsidies or government contracts to build their companies and boost their profits. In those instances, they did not in fact build that we the taxpayers did.
Mike Hirsch August 29, 2012 at 01:51 pm
I am a registered Republican but consider myself an Independent. Last time around I voted for Obama and thought that I'd probably vote for him again because I couldn't relate to Romney. Last night I saw Romney's character for the first time. I think he is a shy, humble person who is uncomfortable being the center of attention. I then saw Obama the rock star. He looked very proud and arrogant by contrast. Romney will get my vote this time around. If the public can start to relate to him, I think he's got a chance.
R. Nite August 29, 2012 at 02:43 pm
"I am comfortable speaking my truth and I decided to share my opinions with my community in this forum. I stand by and choose my words carefully. "
I applaud you for being honest, but by using "my truth" you reveal yourself as as truly partisan person you are. I was taught that there is only one truth and that is based on facts. I think you confuse truth with political rhetoric. You have come to belive what the media and politicians feed you as truth is real. Use your own God given intelligence and do due dilligence to uncover the truth.
Watchdog August 29, 2012 at 04:03 pm
Robert....please...nothing was edited or taken out of context....Obama was off the TelePromoter and he said what he said...." .IF YOU OWN A SMALL BUSINESS, YOU DIDN'T BUILD THAT! SOMEBODY ELSE MADE THAT HAPPEN" That is what he believes.
John Gromada August 29, 2012 at 08:14 pm
better to have a president who is more outgoing and socially adept, than the shy one. This is our commander-in-chief, and a person who needs to twist arms to get stuff done. Romney is deer-in-the-headlights- will be run over by the rabid right who just see him as a pushover puppet.
Watchdog August 29, 2012 at 10:17 pm
In effect he said " I'm up, pull the ladder up"
Mike Hirsch August 29, 2012 at 10:22 pm
Don't worry about Mitt. He didn't make a gazillion dollars or save the Salt Lake olympics by being a pussycat.
Pat August 29, 2012 at 10:42 pm
I'm confident that Romney would not bow to the Saudi King or the Chinese Premier.
Mike August 30, 2012 at 11:39 am
Let me try my post again (apparently my first one did not pass the censors although there was no TOS violation). Nothing was taken out of context. Mr. Obama said the words "you did not build it". This is a fact. What is not a fact, but a complete fabrication is the Obama ad that accuses Romney of allowing an employee's wife of Bain to die beacsue he lost a job and had no insurance. Only after many in his own party decried the ad, did Obama distance himself from it. So please stop with this out of context defense. Btw, here is the proof: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/obama-romney-not-responsible-death-woman-political-ad-192444561.html
Richard Kavesh August 30, 2012 at 10:27 pm
Pat, if we are so unfortunate as to have Romney elected, I'm sure his protocol office will brief him in how to conduct himself abroad (i.e. no showing of bottom of feet in Arab lands, bowing to leaders in Japan as sign of respect, etc.). I traveled for international business for about 20 years -- people appreciate it when you deal with them on their terms when you visit them in their country (rather than just assuming that everyone speaks English, for example). Better to have a U.S. President who respects the traditions of our allies than a unilateral cowboy like Bush, who is still held in universal contempt overseas.
Richard Kavesh August 30, 2012 at 10:36 pm
..and another note to all you "American exceptionalists." America is indeed exceptional. So is the country that produced Goya, Picasso, Casals, Segovia, and El Greco (Spain); Monet, Bizet, Moliere, and Napoleon (France); Beethoven, Goethe, Durer, and Max Planck (Germany); Shakespeare, Milton, the Beatles, and Churchill (Great Britain); Michelangelo, Dante, and Garibaldi (Italy), etc. I've been to some 40+ countries; with a few exceptions (Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, etc. they're all exceptional, and all of us can learn from each other without having to thump our chest and yell "America is exceptional. No one else is." Condi Rice knows better than to criticize Obama for not making a big enough deal out of American excpetionalism.
Laurel Salmon August 31, 2012 at 02:11 pm
Thank you for sharing your truth. You speak for many people and I am proud that will be representing us at the DNC Convention.
Laurel Salmon August 31, 2012 at 02:22 pm
What is so inflammatory about pointing out that everyone does not start out on an equal playing field? What if what is true for you is not true for Joe or for many other Americans? Why does there have to only be one truth? Have you ever just considered for moment that maybe some of us are experiencing the world a different way just because we were born a particular gender or color or religion or sexual orientation? Perhaps it isn't that we believe what the media or politicians tell us, maybe it is just that there are finally people in politics and the media who are finally saying what many of us know to be true because of our own life experiences. It doesn't have to automatically become a partisan idea unless other people, in this case an entire political party deny it. That is what makes it partisan.
Watchdog August 31, 2012 at 02:32 pm
I never heard " ...no one else is". Can you expand on that?
Mike August 31, 2012 at 03:24 pm
@laurel- "why does there only have to be one truth". Wow. Maybe we should just say there is no truth and anything and everything goes. Your philsophy appears to be that there is no good or bad, only do what is right for you. Dont you see the danger in this philsophy? There are ultimate truths, there is good and bad. The fact that you take a moral relative approach does not change this fact. In fact, the moral relatvism of today actaully makes the world a much more dangeous place.
Laurel Salmon August 31, 2012 at 07:06 pm
@Mike I assumed that this was implied by the context of the comment but I will explain it further. When someone is describing "their truth" they are talking about their personal experience in life. My "philosophy" is that different people have different experiences that impact how they see the world. They can all be valid (hence different "truths") because unless you have actually walked in another person's skin, you do not know how the world treats them. What I believe is making this world more dangerous is the idea that as soon as people begin to voice that they feel marginalized, they are told that their experience is invalid. My philosophy is that I am not in a position to tell someone that I am such an expert on their life experience that I know better than them whether or not they were treated fairly,
Robert Smith September 1, 2012 at 12:57 am
Wrong again Mike. Here is the full context of that speech "If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life. Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges.
"If you've got a business -- you didn't build that," he continued. "Somebody else made that happen. The Internet didn't get invented on its own. Government research created the Internet so that all the companies could make money off the internet. The point is, is that when we succeed, we succeed because of our individual initiative, but also because we do things together. There are some things, just like fighting fires, we don't do on our own." Clearly when he said if you have a business you didn't build that he was talking about the roads and bridges he had just mentioned in the previous sentence and the internet which he mentioned in the following sentence. You most likely never saw the full context and I don't blame you because no media outlet accurately reported it, but here it is for you in black and white
Mike September 1, 2012 at 11:46 pm
Can you ask Mr. Obama if he will stick to his words that he said to Matt Lauer back in Feb 2009. He said if he did not improve the economy within his first term, then he should only be a one term POTUS. Well, the economy is actually worse today than 4 years ago. So since you will be at DNC next week, please have Lowey or Gilebrand or one of your other Dem politicians friends ask the POTUS does he still stand by his wn words?
Watchdog September 2, 2012 at 02:48 am
SEE "2016 Obamas America" in theaters now....m ake up your own mind.

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Paul Williams June 16, 2013 at 08:33 am
He also wanted to know the most effective method of spying on the other kids so he could get electedRead More Class President.
Green Farmer June 13, 2013 at 01:39 pm
Why not cut out the middle man and just send the money directly to the religious schools.
Paul Williams June 16, 2013 at 08:27 am
If they reported all their income........if every other home was not owned by a "RABBI"Read More and tax free.....if they returned all the books and learning materials they "borrowed" .......ETC ETC.....Get real Weeder.
Green Farmer June 13, 2013 at 01:42 pm
It will never happen.
M. Leybra June 16, 2013 at 07:25 pm
Shouldn't be happening in the first place & "requiring" another law to stop rippingRead More off Joe Blow taxpayer for county government elite, disgusting.
Champs pose for a picture (photo by Craig Fetterman)
Kevin Zawacki (Editor) June 12, 2013 at 11:03 am
Congratulations to the Cubs!
Scott F. June 12, 2013 at 11:35 am
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Lisa Buchman (Editor) June 13, 2013 at 11:20 am
Fantastic! Just posted the photo on New City Facebook too!
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John Taggart June 13, 2013 at 08:08 am
An issues conference will be a wast of time and money. So many ' issues ' have been pulled out ofRead More thin air. The people who organized against the plant will just keep saying the same thing. No amount of info will be enough, no answer will be accepted. The issues conference will be a circus of endless questions, ideas, and demands. Haverstraw bay reclassified as drinking water will better protect it, provide an endless supply of water and finally help end the stereotype of the Hudson being polluted Recommend
mike sullivan June 11, 2013 at 08:14 pm
get a life
Tom Nimick June 11, 2013 at 09:12 pm
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galledeb June 10, 2013 at 10:45 am
How can I get more information? When and where are auditions?
Maddie June 10, 2013 at 04:25 pm
You can contact Pastor Robin at rdemaggio@ramapocentral.org
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What are the dates of this camp?
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Kevin Zawacki (Editor) June 9, 2013 at 09:32 pm
Thanks for sharing, Grace! Your thoughts on their noise?
Grace Anthony Zemsky June 10, 2013 at 09:00 am
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Linda June 8, 2013 at 10:39 am
I missed this! Is there still a way to get a signed copy? Maybe he will do another signing?
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