When the Feds let Political Machines use smooth transitions of power to avoid accountability
Will the Queens Machine be able to avoid the consequences of a long of corruption, so long as it puts into effect a smooth transition of power to another Congressional lawmaker ? Photo Illustration/Progress New York

Some mob families have succession plans. So does the Queens Machine.

EDITORIAL : Any political transition of power that lends legitimacy to the ways that the Queens Machine has been allowed to corrupt democratic functions will fail to restore the public’s dwindling faith in Government institutions.

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U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY 6) is telegraphing her reported interest in succeeding U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY 14) as chair of the Queens Democratic Party county committe. U.S. House Of Representatives/Official Photograph

Grace Meng reportedly interested in taking helm of Queens Democratic County Committee that is of interest to Federal investigators

Queens Democrats avoided serious consequences from a previous, reported Federal corruption investigation by installing a Congressional lawmaker as a new chair. Will it work, again ?

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LETTER FROM NEW YORK : Is it premature hope to think that the vigor with which Federal prosecutors reached a plea deal with Michael Cohen will translate into greater accountability of politicians in New York City Hall ? New York City Hall : 9 May 2007 (CC BY SA 3.0 by Momos)

As Federal prosecutors bring politically-sensitive cases in an election year, do New York City Hall and City Council find themselves in uncharted waters ?

As the U.S. Attorney’s Office brings political prosecutions in an election year, can voters expect justice when significant Government officials lie to the public ?

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Members of ACT Up have reportedly engaged in discussions with Nike, Inc., over the alleged misappropriation of a form of the advocacy group's most symbolic protest poster. Photo Illustration/Progress New York

Nike consulted ACT UP on donations after the sports wear giant allegedly misappropriated pink triangle synonymous with SILENCE = DEATH poster

Nike has yet to explain its use of an inverted pink triangle on sports wear that appeared to misappropriate or infringe on ACT UP’s pink triangle logo.

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Nike, Inc. is reportedly making a $50,000 donation to ACT UP NY, which will then pass the donation to two nonprofit groups that provide political cover to elected officials. Photo Illustration/Progress New York

ACT UP directs Nike donations to nonprofit groups, which provide political coverage to elected officials

When advocacy groups like ACT UP nominate or pass-through donations to establishment nonprofits, they enmesh political agendas that undermine their own autonomy.

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Rahm Emanuel notoriously used insider access as a way to enforce a centrist control over the idealistic political supporters of then-President Barack Obama (D). 2015-03-23 Rahm Emanuel, Gesticulating CC BY 2.0 Daniel X. O'Neil

Ocasio-Cortez team arranging private meetings with activists : sources

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign team are arranging private meetings with activists as she comes under fire for backtracking on issues, recalling the role of Rahm Emanuel in silencing critics for a former, once-progressive torch-bearer, Barack Obama.

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