Governor David A. Paterson

50 years ago, riots in Harlem and Bed-Stuy spread throughout the country. Listeners join former New York Governor David Paterson and historian Peniel Joseph to discuss the riots and their legacy.

There were more developments this week in the bribery and corruption probe that brought down State Senator Malcolm Smith and City Councilman Dan Halloran. And this most recent scandal is just the latest in a line of arrests, resignations, and revelations about New York politicians. Former Governor David Paterson discusses the culture of corruption in New York, and efforts to change it.

The 9^th anniversary of the September 11 attacks is coming up next month – and Ground Zero is once again a center of religious controversy. The current flashpoint is a planned $100 million Islamic cultural center and mosque, scheduled to be built by private investors two blocks from the World Trade Center site. Last week, President Obama weighed in, saying Muslims have the right to build the religious center; many Republicans have sharply criticized the plans.

Amidst the controversy New York’s Governor David Paterson, has said moving the proposed 'Park 51 Center' to a location away from Ground Zero would be “magic moment” for him.

Read a full transcript.

New York Governor David Paterson talks about the lack of a state budget and whether a shutdown of the state government is a real possibility.

New York State has submitted the budget on time only six times since 1975, and this year is no exception. Governor David Paterson discusses the fiscal crisis; a new report from the state comptroller that indicates the budget problems may be much worse than officially reported; and other pressing matters.

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