Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., needs a serious intervention, a lesson on why the United States of America exists in the first place.

It exists because some folks splashed ashore in the 17th century looking for freedom of expression, religion and assembly. They sought to build a nation where all opinions, philosophies and principles are welcome.

http://www.ijreview.com/2014/01/109373-governor-cuomo-listen-right-lifers-gun-nuts-place-state-new-york/

The New York governor had the cajones to say that “extreme conservatives” have no place in New York.

Here is part of what he said Friday in Albany, N.Y.:

“you have a schism within the Republican Party. … They’re searching to define their soul, that’s what’s going on. … The gridlock in Washington is less about Democrats and Republicans. It’s more about extreme Republicans versus moderate Republicans.

“You’re seeing that play out in New York. … Their problem is not me and the Democrats; their problem is themselves. Who are they? Are they these extreme conservatives who are right-to-life, pro-assault-weapon, anti-gay? Is that who they are?

“Because if that’s who they are and they’re the extreme conservatives, they have no place in the state of New York, because that’s not who New Yorkers are.”

He clearly disagrees with extreme conservatives. Well, so do I. That doesn’t mean they have no place, nor that they do not have just as much right as anyone else to have their voices heard. I’ve always believed it is better to have your adversaries out there in plain sight where you can keep your eye on them. I reckon some of my friends on the far right say the same thing about, oh … me.

Last time I looked, I thought this country represented something called the “marketplace of ideas.” Isn’t that a place where everyone presents their views, tests them before the public and then lets the public decide whether their ideas are worth anyone’s time and attention?

Gov. Cuomo needs to get a grip here. Take a breath and remember that he represents everyone in his state, not just those who voted for him. Indeed, officeholders on both extremes need to understand that concept as well.