By HENRY J. STERN

A classic expression of frustration and outrage in American popular culture came in the movie, "Network", in 1976. Peter Finch, playing the part of a television news anchor who is losing his job, explodes while on the air, saying "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take this any more." The cry is picked up by people watching the newscast, who open their windows and shout their indignation out into the street.

That is the way many New Yorkers feel about politics in our state. They also believe that not much can be done about it. There was an expectation of reform with the landslide election of Governor Eliot Spitzer in 2006, but the unfortunate condition of his beautiful mind clouded his ability to make decisions, and sadly rendered him, at least temporarily, unable to deal with people in a courteous and responsible manner, which is part of a basic skill-set required of those who would lead others in a small-d democratic government.

The regression in Albany is made clear by a recent article and editorial, both in this week's Times. here's a bit of the news story:

"Gov. David A. Paterson has raised $3.3 million since taking office, by tapping into a broad array of special-interest groups and casting aside the self-imposed fund-raising limits of his predecessor, Eliot Spitzer, according to reports made public on Tuesday.

"But a close look at Mr. Paterson's reports also suggested a pronounced return to the kind of fund-raising practices that have long raised the ire of government watchdog groups.

"His contributors span the gamut of Albany's special-interest groups, including its most powerful unions and business groups, like the dentists' political action committee, real estate interests and a variety of state and local labor unions. Nearly 50 individuals, business groups and labor unions gave contributions of more than $25,000 each, a sharp contrast to the $10,000 limit Mr. Spitzer voluntarily imposed on himself.

"Some of Mr. Paterson's most generous donors have crucial business before the state."

The editorial we referred to is aptly titled, "Dental Decay In Albany" and concerns the late-session introduction of a legislative zinger and its swift passage by the Assembly. Because the enactment of this bill into law is such a classic example of why our state government is rotten at the core, if not to the core. From the Times edit:

Dental Decay in Albany

"Here's the drill: Roy Lasky, one of Albany's most powerful lobbyists, controls the New York State Dental Association with a salary that can run to $300,000 a year, plus benefits. When some New York City dentists began to question how their dues were being spent, Mr. Lasky called on his friends in the Legislature for help. Lawmakers dutifully passed a bill that allows the state organization run by Mr. Lasky to take control of the city's group, including those who questioned his authority. The state group might also be able to take over the greater New York dental conference that generates millions of dollars in concession fees each year.

"What is perhaps more surprising, Governor Paterson signed Mr. Lasky's bill on July 7. On July 8, Mr. Lasky's dental association donated $25,000 to the Paterson for Governor campaign fund."

It was much easier to pass the bill than to pull a tooth.

What is particularly outrageous about the dental bill is that both professional societies were chartered by the state during the 19th century. If they are having a dispute, the proper place to resolve it is the courts or by open competition for membership.

We have not seen any evidence that legislative intervention was necessary to resolve a conflict between two privately-run, non-governmental organizations.

Should Governor Paterson return the $25,000 check he received from the state dental society the day after he signed the bill?

That is a question for him to decide, perhaps with the assistance of his ethical advisors. Paterson's amassing a $3.3 million war chest in just two months and ignoring the Spitzer limit of $10,000 per individual or group demonstrates the importance of the governorship and its ability to affect the special interests. Paterson's handling of the dental society's prompt expression of their appreciation will give an insight into the qualitative aspects of his fund raising. Does he have any ethical standard for accepting or declining contributions, and if so where?

There are about 210 state legislators, all with staffs including scribes. Won't one of them write an article defending Albany, or explaining why we are mistaken? We would love to publish it. There are said to be two sides to every story, let's hear yours. Do the reformers in Albany have anything to say? Call or e-mail us.

These stories capture the confidence shown by those who live and work by the rule of pay to play. Spitzer is gone, and they are emboldened.

Those of us with different values must understand their current position of weakness, and devise new strategies to overcome, or at least lessen, the power and influence of men whose priority is self-interest.

StarQuest@NYCivic.org