By Paul Aronsohn, posted on BlueJersey.com:

For many Bergen Democrats, this week is turning out to be a study in contrasts.

On the federal level, we are excited about a dream realized with the inauguration of the first African American President.  On the county level, however, we are concerned about a hope deferred with another seemingly uncontested election for our Party?s leadership.

On the federal level, we are celebrating a democratic process that gave rise to one of the most robust, most engaging, most accessible elections in American history.  On the county level, however, we are lamenting an undemocratic process that gave rise to cancelled meetings, hastily called conventions, and a questionable firing.

On the federal level, we are ushering in an era of much-needed change.  On the county level, however, we are anticipating another era of status quo.

In other words, for many Bergen Democrats, this week represents the best of times and the worst of times.  We are thrilled about the inauguration of Barack Obama on Tuesday, but we are troubled about the convention of the Bergen County Democratic Organization on Thursday.

[Read more at BlueJersey.com]

Fellow Grassrooter,

The weather forecasts have certainly favored those who are in an unseemly rush to the coronation of Michael Kasparian as BCDO chairman.

At our meeting Tuesday evening (Jan. 13) with District 37 Democratic leaders, the consensus was that Michael Kasparian would win the seat at the Jan. 22 convention without opposition.

After some discussion, during which Paul Eisenman presented the view that it was unthinkable that we fail to produce someone to at least stand for democracy and against the succession-by-anointment of a corruption-ridden administration, we agreed to stage a demonstration to call to public attention this mockery of the democratic process.

On Thursday (Jan.  15th) the BCDO Executive Committee is scheduled to meet, presumably to accept Ferriero’s abandonment of his “leave of absence,” and approve his selection of Jan. 22 as the convention date. One-two-three, done.

Between Tuesday evening and now (about 24 hours later), the weather reports have become increasingly foreboding. The reports are for “biting cold” and a temperature near or below zero. 

At our Steering Committee meeting tonight (Wednesday), we had unanimous agreement not to ask our members to go forward. The weather was a critical part of that decision.

Some of you, however, may feel strongly enough about this outrageous undemocratic behavior to want to protest. State Sen. Loretta Weinberg believes the Committee may invite us in to hear our protests. If they don’t, everyone will be sent home quickly. We appeal to you to use your own best judgment as to how fit you are for this brief exposure. Some of us will be in front of BCDO headquarters at 50 Main Street, Hackensack at 8pm on Thursday, Jan. 15. You decide. 

The Steering Committee decided to endorse BG’s commitment to make sure that Democratic voters in Bergen will have an opportunity to vote for an appropriate candidate in opposition to Kasparian on Jan. 22.

Paul Eisenman for the Steering Committee