Sad day for state

This has been an extraordinary, disgusting and appalling week for the New York State Senate.

The senators' unwillingness to govern, even at the behest of the people and their governor, David A. Paterson, reflects shame on them and the institution.

The people of New York understand that the Senate has been mired in a 31-31 deadlock. Republicans think they are in charge and Democrats believe they should lead.

What New Yorkers cannot fathom is the senators' inability to work out a political compromise that allows the people's business to be conducted. Legislators are supposed to be problem solvers, but the senators lack the will to handle the basic political dilemma that confronts them.

In the past, the Senate was always able to come together when it was necessary for the good of the state — whether it was helping Gov. Hugh L. Carey address New York City's fiscal crisis in the 1970s or responding to the terrorist attacks on the city on Sept. 11, 2001.

It would only take 10 senators to form a bloc saying we will support the Senate leader who offers a way to get the people's business accomplished.

But the senators have refused to govern. Both sides are guilty of disrespecting the other with childish antics too numerous to recount — such as disconnecting the microphone when an opponent is about to speak or shouting over one another.

Gov. Paterson's attempt to get the senators to do their jobs has been met with scorn. He can call the members into special session, but he cannot make them work.

Maybe it is best for the senators to go home, even though crucial legislation is stalled affecting local governments, industry and other sectors.

But the legislators' performance has been so abysmal, they will get nothing done without some soul-searching.

Politics is a means to an end, not the end itself.

The end is to serve the people of the state who elected these individuals. The legislative system is not at fault; it is the individuals who have the free will to do good or ill, or do nothing.

Every senator is culpable. There is no strong leader at this time to force them into something they do not want to do. Each has the choice to try to govern, which means talking to one's political opponent and trying to forge a working compromise.

This is a sad day for New York.