New York State’s still- hanging-on-as-Governor Andrew Cuomo is still fighting reality, still claiming he has consistently told the truth during COVID pandemic, still blames health care staff for bringing the deadly virus into nursing homes, and still maintains he never touched anyone inappropriately.
The arrogant egomaniac that he is, Cuomo is still trying to sell his self- serving book, but it’s time for New York to turn the page.
By resignation or by impeachment … either way, Cuomo must go.
On Tuesday, New York State Attorney General Letitia James released the findings of the non-partisan, independent report her office oversaw into allegations that Governor Cuomo harassed women.
“The independent investigation has concluded that Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and in doing so violated federal and state law,” said AG James at a stunning press conference.
The Attorney General artfully deflected questions from the press regarding “next steps,” i.e. possible criminal referrals or prosecutions based on those violations of federal and state laws.
Her office did its job, she stated, “The investigation is concluded.” The results of the investigation are now a matter of public record. The complainants, and other authorities, James said, can pursue actions as they deem fit. And she specifically mentioned the New York State Assembly (where impeachment proceedings are ongoing.)
The Executive Summary which headlines the report is devastatingly clear:
“We, the investigators appointed to conduct an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, conclude that the Governor engaged in conduct constituting sexual harassment under federal and New York State law.”
During the press conference the attorneys confirmed to a media question that they found all eleven complaining women credible, although suggesting that the corroborating testimony and evidence was of varying strength for the respective complaints. Even in the summary, expansion of the details began.
“Specifically, we find that the Governor sexually harassed a number of current and former New York State employees by, among other things, engaging in unwelcome and nonconsensual touching, as well as making numerous offensive comments of a suggestive and sexual nature that created a hostile work environment for women,” the summary continued. “Our investigation revealed that the Governor’s sexually harassing behavior was not limited to members of his own staff, but extended to other State employees, including a State Trooper on his protective detail and members of the public.”
“We also conclude that the Executive Chamber’s culture—one filled with fear and intimidation, while at the same time normalizing the Governor’s frequent flirtations and gender[1]based comments—contributed to the conditions that allowed the sexual harassment to occur and persist. That culture also influenced the improper and inadequate ways in which the Executive Chamber has responded to allegations of harassment.
The Governor responded. And issued an apology of sorts, basically claiming his motives were pure, his actions and gestures learned from his parents, his regret was bringing personal family experiences regarding harassment into the office.
But he still cannot help himself.
Politics and bias are interwoven into every aspect of this situation, the Governor whined.
So he’s the supposed victim of politics? Nonsense. And sorry, not sorry, as the current lingo goes — Cuomo must go.
That is the message. This is The Messenger.
