![Graffiti on 1st Avenue, East Village [source: Jeff Hawsor, Wikimedia Commons]](https://politicsny-com-develop.go-vip.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/1600px-NYC_graffiti_on_1_Ave_East_Village-e1597256737191.jpg?quality=51&w=384)
About the Author
Michael Rock
Michael Rock is a New York-based blogger and journalist. In addition to his personal blog, The Disaffected American, his work has been published on WhoWhatWhy, Forward, News Cult, The Times of Israel, and HistoryBuff.
![(Left) State Senator Liz Krueger [Photo credit: NY Senate] (Right) Mike Zumbluskas [Photo credit: James Behr]](https://politicsny-com-develop.go-vip.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2000_5eefb4e103e7e.jpg?quality=51&w=384)
![Lauren Ashcraft [photo provided by Lauren Tassone]](https://politicsny-com-develop.go-vip.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Image-e1587657132354.jpeg?quality=51&w=384)
