Monday, December 13, 2004
New York State To Seek Control Of Palestinian Authority
--Bill Envisions Tolls On West Bank Crossings and Tunnels from Gaza to Egypt
--Governor Sees Many Appointments For Supporters
"Between our Transit, Dormitory, Power and Port Authorities, and many others, we simply overlooked the Palestinian Authority until the brouhaha over Arafat dying," one highly placed legislator said. "We feel we can offer a way to finance the 'road map to peace', and to further its chances of success. For example, moderate Palestinians and Israelis could be issued EZ Passes for use at selected checkpoints and tunnels. Plus, it could be good for New York--we could float a bond issue and use excess revenue to finance New York's school system, or the upstate dairy industry, or simply our legislators' 'members' items'."
The Governor's office has confirmed it's already received resumes from dozens of local G.O.P. supporters for positions at the new Palestinian Authority, which is to be headquartered in White Plains.
"We're not that concerned about gaining the cooperation of Palestinian or Israeli hardliners," the legislator added. "First, we'll show them, based on our experience with New Jersey, how a two-state system can work, despite the occasional blow-up. Second, there'll be lots of jobs for everyone--construction, toll collection, you name it. Third, any recalcitrants, on either side, will find their homes right in the middle of the planned eight-lane, Amman-to-Tel Aviv, 'Giuliani Trans-Jordan Expressway'".
--Governor Sees Many Appointments For Supporters
"Between our Transit, Dormitory, Power and Port Authorities, and many others, we simply overlooked the Palestinian Authority until the brouhaha over Arafat dying," one highly placed legislator said. "We feel we can offer a way to finance the 'road map to peace', and to further its chances of success. For example, moderate Palestinians and Israelis could be issued EZ Passes for use at selected checkpoints and tunnels. Plus, it could be good for New York--we could float a bond issue and use excess revenue to finance New York's school system, or the upstate dairy industry, or simply our legislators' 'members' items'."
The Governor's office has confirmed it's already received resumes from dozens of local G.O.P. supporters for positions at the new Palestinian Authority, which is to be headquartered in White Plains.
"We're not that concerned about gaining the cooperation of Palestinian or Israeli hardliners," the legislator added. "First, we'll show them, based on our experience with New Jersey, how a two-state system can work, despite the occasional blow-up. Second, there'll be lots of jobs for everyone--construction, toll collection, you name it. Third, any recalcitrants, on either side, will find their homes right in the middle of the planned eight-lane, Amman-to-Tel Aviv, 'Giuliani Trans-Jordan Expressway'".
