[August 5, 2021] Following the saga of NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo with his sexual harassment scandal and his political party attacking him reminds me of watching a building on fire. It’s fascinating to watch but destructive at the same time. Today, I’ll offer a counterpoint to why Gov. Cuomo should not resign.
As I mentioned earlier, NY’s AG Letitia James released her report of “investigations” on Gov. Cuomo’s sexual harassment.1 The conclusion, which seemed to be ordained, was that Cuomo was guilty of harassing several women.
What I missed yesterday and offer today as a counterpoint was that Cuomo was not given due process. He was not offered the opportunity to refute this investigation. He was not interviewed. He did not get to face his accusers. And, his “guilty” verdict was handed down without the most basic introduction of the right of the accused to present a defense.
I am an opponent of leaders using investigations as a weapon. Certainly, investigations are helpful to ferret out the truth when other avenues are closed. But they are also used as tools to punish leaders unethically and to harass them. When such a leader tool is used as a weapon, everyone loses.2
The perpetrators of such misuse of investigations are rarely punished. In any organization, there will be unscrupulous people who attempt to gain money, fame, promotion, or power through a corruption of the rules of fairness. In such places, there are clear-cut rules on how to properly and morally use investigations, yet there is often little said when used for unethical purposes.
Is this the case? Was the investigation used to punish and harass? Given the political nature of the investigation, the only reasonable conclusion a person could answer would be, “yes,” it was designed to punish and harass. AG James is a political opponent of Cuomo.
If Gov. Cuomo were removed for any of his behavior, it would be for his nursing-home performance and related coverup. His sexual transgressions pale in comparison. Many people died due to Cuomo forcing COVID infected patients into these homes among the most vulnerable, the elderly.
Gov. Cuomo has acted out his part as a foil for the Democratic Party. It’s over. Just go.3
In my opinion, Cuomo should not step down. He should be prosecuted for his crimes against the elderly.
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… and then there is NY City. What another loser there. Their Mayor D Blasio is a nut. Is there something in the drinking water that makes bagels taste great and their politicians corrupt?
New Yorkers aren’t buying it. They are the only ones that care. I sure don’t.
Sorry, Gov. You are a rat caught in a trap. There’s just no way out. You brought this on yourself. Now it’s time to step down.
And remember: He’s still under investigation for covering up COVID nursing-home deaths and using state resources to write his $5 million book touting his “leadership.” General Satterfield, you are great for highlighting NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Everyone has deserted him. There’s just no way for him to hang on, no matter how deluded he is in thinking he can, following the release of Attorney General Tish James’ devastating report on his sexual misconduct.
Due process, who would have thought. Huh? Ghee, I didn’t realize the US actually believed any more in such “archaic” processes.
Ya think? 👍👍👍👍👍
Nothing like a mob (US Democrat Party) to come after you with their pitchforks and axes. Don’t be too surprised Cuomo. Thanks Gen. Satterfield for the analysis.
Another great article by Gen. Satterfield. Thanks all.
Altho I love this website, I don’t really care much for Gov Cuomo (sexual harasser in chief) for the state of New York. They deserve him. He is the face of the Democratic Party. So be it. He won an Emmy (remember?). He won a $5M book deal on leadership (remember?). He got what he wanted and this is just a little road bump to greater things for Cuomo.
Yes, love the “road bump” analogy. I agree. Regardless of the outcome here, he will be back. Just watch. With his brother as part of the news media, it won’t take long for them to fall in line.