11   “Adulation of leaders”     2001          
Printed bumper sticker          3 x 10”     

Like most liberal New Yorkers and like just about everyone in the arts community, I could not stand Rudolph Giuliani.   Hated him.   Changed the channel if he was on, because I couldn’t even bear to hear his voice.   He had been involved in several art-related imbroglios that were heavy-handed and raised first amendment issues.   Ick.

Shortly after the attacks, Giuliani was my man.   He was exactly the leader New York needed at that time and I couldn’t get enough of him.   He handled the crisis with honesty, sensitivity and strength and to this day, he wears that halo, no matter what I think of his politics and political machinations.

During the next mayoral race, the democratic candidate stated at one point that he felt he could have done just as well as Giuliani, dealing with the aftermath of Sept. 11.   Whatever.   Giuliani was spectacular, and why even make such a statement.