LONG ISLAND

IN AN election year, local politicians, particularly incumbents, tend to throw community block parties in various locations around my way –- South Bronx. There’s music, exciting games for the little kids to play, and lots of good food. Obviously throwing a jam in the hood is an effective political strategy to get people to come out and vote. The odd thing about these parties is that the politicians – the sponsors -- never show up. Never. They just get a few people to scatter a few colorful placards around with their names on it.